Opening hours
Opening Days and Hours
- Opening hours: from 9:00 to 5:00.
- Last entry: 3:30 PM.
Closing days
The archaeological site is closed on the following dates:
- 1 January
- 1 May
- 25 December
On all other days of the year, including weekends and public holidays, the site remains open.
What’s the best time of day to visit Pompeii?
The ideal moment to enter the Archaeological Park is early in the morning. Not only will you find fewer visitors, but you can also make the most of the day and walk among the ruins in milder temperatures.
Another advantage is the option to skip the lines at the entrance by buying your ticket online. This allows faster access and gives you more time to explore.
Avoid visiting around lunchtime, when the crowds tend to increase and the heat can become more intense.
How long does a visit to the site take?
The Pompeii Archaeological Park covers a vast area filled with remarkable points of interest. To see it thoroughly, you would ideally need at least two full days.
If you have limited time, you can still explore the most iconic areas — such as the Forum, the Lupanar, the House of the Faun, and the Large Theatre — in about four hours. However, especially in summer, this can be a demanding itinerary due to the sun and the open-air paths.
A good option is to dedicate a full day, alternating between sightseeing and relaxing breaks in the designated rest areas or at the on-site café.
Where to eat and how to plan your lunch break
If you plan to spend the whole day inside the archaeological park, it’s useful to plan your lunch break as well. The site offers dedicated picnic areas, marked on the official maps.
- You may bring a packed lunch as long as it’s stored in small backpacks, since large bags are not allowed.
- There is also an on-site bar/restaurant, perfect for those who prefer a light meal or a break without having to plan ahead.
Remember that food can only be consumed in the picnic areas: this helps keep the site clean and respects conservation rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
The site opens at 9:00 every day. Arriving early lets you enjoy the ruins more peacefully and in cooler temperatures.
Closing time is at 5:00, and the last entry is one hour and a half earlier. It’s best to arrive with some time to spare to avoid losing precious visiting time.
The site is closed only on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. It remains open throughout the rest of the year.
The best moment is early morning, when there are fewer people and the weather is milder, especially in summer.
A full visit would ideally take two days, while the main highlights can be seen in about 4 hours. In summer it can feel more demanding due to the heat.
Yes, you can bring your own food as long as it’s kept in small backpacks. Eating is only allowed in the designated picnic areas.
Yes, there is a bar/restaurant inside the site where you can buy drinks and light meals.
The site is usually busier in mid-morning and around lunchtime. Arriving early or in the early afternoon helps you avoid queues and large groups.
It depends on the experience you prefer. A guide helps you appreciate the history and understand the spaces more deeply. Visiting on your own gives you greater freedom in timing and routes.
Yes, opening hours vary by season. From April to October, when the days are longer, the site stays open until 7pm instead of 5pm.
