FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Pompeii

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Opening hours and visitor information for Pompeii >>

Small pets are allowed, provided they are kept on a leash (admission is permitted for animals up to 10 kg and a maximum height of 40 cm). Permitted animals must be carried inside buildings and owners are required to collect and properly dispose of their pets’ waste.

Large animals are not permitted, except for guide dogs assisting visitors with disabilities. Visitors accompanied by guide dogs must present appropriate certification.

Please note that stray dogs may occasionally be present within the Archaeological Park. Visitors are advised to keep a safe distance and exercise caution.

No. Visitors under 18 years of age are entitled to free admission to the sites of the Pompeii Archaeological Park.

You can book a guided tour of the Pompeii Archaeological Park here >>

Yes. The Archaeological Park features an accessible route called “Pompeii for All,” the largest facilitated archaeological itinerary in Italy.

The route is designed for visitors with mobility impairments. It extends for more than 3.5 km, from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance to the Sanctuary of Venus, along the main streets of the ancient city, with access to many of the most significant buildings and houses.

The route is suitable for visitors with mobility difficulties, parents with strollers, and anyone who prefers a more comfortable itinerary.

More information here >>

Yes. Outside the Pompeii Archaeological Park there are numerous paid municipal parking areas and several private parking facilities.

You can book parking and an entrance ticket online here >>

Yes. Paid luggage storage services are available at the Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro entrances. To protect the frescoes and archaeological environments and to ensure visitor safety, bags, backpacks, luggage, and cases larger than 30 × 30 × 15 cm are not permitted inside the Pompeii excavations, Oplontis, Stabia, and the Antiquarium of Boscoreale.

Visitors may bring water and snacks. Full meals and picnics among the ruins are not permitted. A refreshment area (bar/café) is available inside the site. Waste must be disposed of in the designated bins.

The administration does not authorize the use of its spaces for private lunches or dinners, except for institutional events.

Yes. Restrooms are available at various points throughout the Archaeological Park: Piazza Anfiteatro, Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra, the Quadriportico (theatre area), Casina dell’Aquila, and the Antiquarium.

Yes. You can hire licensed guides of the Campania Region at the entrance to the Archaeological Park. Both private guides and pre-arranged group tours are available.

You can book your guided tour here >>

No. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the archaeological site. Designated smoking areas are available near the Casina dell’Aquila and the restrooms.

Yes. There are several options for booking a visit to the Pompeii excavations online: admission only, admission with a guided tour, admission with an audio guide, and more.

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Tour guide fees in Pompeii vary depending on several factors, including tour duration, number of participants, and the type of service requested. In general, a two-hour private tour can cost between €90 and €180, while a full-day tour can reach €250 or more. Costs may increase for larger groups or for specialized services such as food-and-wine tours or tours requiring transportation.

Yes. It can be purchased inside the site at the Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra, and Porta Anfiteatro entrances.

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Comfortable clothing, shoes with suitable soles for uneven surfaces, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a light backpack, and a refillable water bottle are recommended. In summer, visiting during the cooler hours of the day is advisable. In winter, a waterproof jacket and warm clothing are useful.

Read also: “Useful Tips for Visiting Pompeii” >>

The ideal periods are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when temperatures are mild and crowds are more manageable. Summer can be very hot and crowded, while winter offers a quieter experience but with more variable weather conditions.

Book a guided tour of the Pompeii Archaeological Park here >>

Pompeii follows seasonal opening hours:

Summer (April 1 – October 31)

• Opening: 9:00 AM

• Closing: 7:00 PM

• Last admission: 5:30 PM

Winter (November 1 – March 31)

• Opening: 9:00 AM

• Closing: 5:00 PM

• Last admission: 3:30 PM

The park is closed on December 25 and January 1.

Further information here >>

The park is located in the municipality of Pompeii, in the province of Naples, Campania region. It can be reached easily:

1. By train:

   via the Circumvesuviana Naples–Sorrento line (Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri stop) or Trenitalia trains (Pompei stop).

2. By car:

   via the A3 Naples–Salerno motorway (Pompei Ovest or Pompei Est exits). Paid parking areas are available near the entrances.

3. By bus:

   with regional services from Naples, Sorrento, Salerno, and other locations in Campania.

Read also: How to Reach Pompeii >>

Advance booking is not mandatory, as tickets can also be purchased on site. However, booking is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during the high season. The online ticket office allows you to select an entry time slot and avoid long waiting times.

Tickets are available on this website >>

The site has several entrances: Porta Marina (Upper and Lower), Piazza Esedra, and Piazza Anfiteatro. Each entrance provides access to different areas of the ancient city. Porta Marina is the closest to the Circumvesuviana (EAV) train station, while Piazza Anfiteatro is adjacent to the modern center of Pompeii.

The main attractions include:

1. The Forum, the civic and religious center.

2. The Amphitheatre, one of the oldest in the Roman world.

3. The Large Theatre and the Odeion (Small Theatre).

4. The House of the Faun and the House of the Vettii, famous for their mosaics and frescoes.

5. The Lupanar, known for its erotic paintings.

6. The Garden of the Fugitives, with casts of the victims.

7. The Forum Baths and the Stabian Baths.

8. The Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Jupiter.

9. The Thermopolium of Regio V.

10. The Villa of the Mysteries, located just outside the ancient walls.

Read also: Visiting Pompeii: A Complete Guide to Planning Your Experience >>

Yes, the visit is suitable for children when accompanied by an adult. Some areas of the site can be difficult to navigate with a stroller, so a baby carrier backpack is recommended. Educational routes and learning materials are available.

Read also: Useful Tips for Visiting Pompeii >>

Yes. The “Pompeii for All” route provides easier access for visitors with reduced mobility, wheelchairs, and strollers. The route covers more than 3 kilometers of paved pathways and passes through the main areas of the ancient city. Accessible restrooms and resting areas are available.

More information here >>

Ways to visit Pompeii include:

1. Self-guided visit with a map or printed guide (a paper map is provided at the entrance).

2. Multilingual audio guide (available for rental on site or online through this website).

3. Guided tour with an authorized guide (private or group).

4. Thematic itineraries focusing on religion, architecture, daily life, food, art, and eroticism.

You can book your tickets here >>