Pompeii - See the Most Significant Sites and Lesser-Known Gems on Your Own

There’s no doubt Pompeii is a must-see for anyone visiting southern Italy’s Campania region. The ancient city—buried under 79 AD volcanic ash that preserved it—is a fascinating glimpse into how people lived. With the help of an expert guide, you’ll walk around Pompeii’s significant sites and less-visited gems and get an idea of how sites visitors can explore, pompei Pompeians went about their day. Whether you’re an avid historian or not, the site will captivate you.

The best time to visit Pompeii is during the spring or autumn when temperatures are warm but not oppressively hot. The summer schedule at Pompeii lasts until October, when you’ll find the site open from 9am to 7pm (last admission is two hours before closing). In winter, the archeological park follows a more limited schedule.

While you can tour Pompeii without a guide, it’s definitely recommended that you do so to make the most of your visit. The various buildings and highlights are poorly marked and described, so without a guide you’ll likely miss out on a lot of the history and details that are contained within. You’ll be offered tours as you enter the ruins at Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra, but be sure to look for official guides who wear a badge and have a Pompeii for All pass.

The Pompeii for All initiative aims to ensure the archaeological site is accessible to everyone, including those with mobility and visual impairments. As a result, the site has ramps and wide crossings. It also has three baby-changing facilities in locations across the site for parents to use (although it is advised that you bring your own nappy). It also offers guided tours for those with hearing and vision impairments.

You’ll find a ticket office inside the Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra entrances. If you want to avoid the long ticket queues, buy your tickets online in advance here. Alternatively, you can do it at the ticket office at the Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri train station.

Once inside Pompeii, you’ll be given a map and a booklet with detailed information about the highlighted areas of the ruins. You can also download the Pompeii app for free to receive a guided tour that’s easy to follow and works offline.

While there are a few cafes, ice cream/drinks stands and souvenir shops inside Pompeii, it’s a good idea to take some snacks and water with you. The site is huge and the cafeteria can have long queues at peak times.

Alternatively, there’s a snack bar just outside the Forum near the exit door of the port. It also sells a range of drinks, sandwiches and other foods. Another option is to take a picnic to Pompeii—which you’ll need to do if you’re planning on spending all day at the ruins.