Opening days and hours
Opening Days and Hours
- Open: from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00.
- Last admission: 3:30 p.m.
Closing days
The archaeological site is closed on the following dates:
- 1st January
- 1st May
- 25th December
You are allowed to visit on all other days of the year, including weekends and public holidays.
When is the best time to visit Pompeii?
The best time to explore the excavations is early morning. Not only will you encounter fewer visitors, but you will also be able to make the most of your day by exploring the ruins in milder temperatures.
Another advantage is that you can avoid the entrance queues by buying your ticket online. This allows for faster access and more time to explore.
Lunchtime, on the other hand, is not recommended as it tends to be hotter and the crowds increase.
How long does it take to visit the park?
The excavations of Pompeii cover a vast area and there are many points of interest. You would need at least two full days to see everything.
Even those with limited time can still see the most famous areas, such as the Forum, the Lupanar, the House of the Faun and the Great Theatre, in about four hours. However, this itinerary can be challenging, particularly in summer, due to the hot sun and open-air paths.
A better option is to spend a whole day here, combining sightseeing with relaxing breaks in designated areas or at the on-site bar.
Where to eat and how to organize your lunch break
If you want to spend the whole day in the archaeological park, it is also a good idea to plan your lunch break in advance. There are designated picnic areas at the excavations, marked on the official maps.
- It is possible to bring a packed lunch, provided it is carried in small rucksacks, as bulky bags are not allowed.
- There is also a bar/restaurant on the site, ideal for those who prefer a light meal or a break without having to organize anything in advance.
Please note that food is not permitted outside the designated picnic areas, as this helps keep the site clean and ensures compliance with conservation regulations for the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Pompeii archaeological site opens every day at 9:00 a.m. Visiting early in the morning allows you to explore the ruins in a quieter atmosphere and enjoy cooler temperatures, especially during the summer months.
The site closes at 5:00 p.m., with the last admission an hour and a half earlier. To avoid wasting valuable time during your visit, it is advisable to arrive early.
The site is only closed on 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. It is open during the rest of the year.
Early morning is best, as there are fewer people around and the weather is milder, particularly in summer.
A thorough visit would take two days, whereas seeing the main sights takes about four hours. This may seem more challenging in summer due to the heat.
Yes, as long as it is carried in small backpacks. However, you can only eat in the designated picnic areas.
Yes, there is a bar/restaurant inside the excavations, where you can buy drinks and light snacks.
The site is usually at its busiest in the middle of the morning and at lunchtime. Arriving early or in the early afternoon may help you avoid queues and large groups.
It depends on the experience you want to have. A guide can help you delve deeper into the history and gain a better understanding of the surroundings. However, an independent visit offers more freedom in terms of timing and routes.
Yes, they change according to the season. From April to October, when the days are longer, the excavations stay open until 7 p.m. instead of 5 p.m.
