You have to see the archeological dig site in Pompeii whether you are into ancient history or not.
It is a fascinating visit as it is one of the best-preserved archeological sites in the world.
Getting to Pompeii from Naples is easy enough, but there are some pitfalls to avoid. In this guide, we will share our experience on how to visit Pompeii.
Discover how to visit the ruins of Pompeii
The ruins of Pompeii are the leftovers of a Roman city buried 2100 years ago by the eruption of Vesuvius. There are lots to see and learn as you walk through the city’s large amphitheater, bathhouses, gardens, and plazas. The site is so well preserved due to it being buried under meters of ash for centuries. Exploring the ruins of Pompeii is a fulfilling experience. It does not take much imagination to see the city as it once was, bustling with life and commerce.
Note: Make sure to also visit the Forum, the Amphitheater, the House of the Faun, and the Villa of the Mysteries. If you have time check out the casts of the bodies of the citizens of Pompeii. These bodies were buried beneath lava and ash and preserved in the same position they were in at the time of their deaths.
Note: Be respectful of the site and its history. Do not touch the ancient walls or artifacts, as oils from your skin can cause damage.
How to Visit Pompeii
Head for Pompeii early in the morning to avoid peak-hour crowds. So after a cappuccino and a brioche (Italian croissant) head straight for Napoli central station. The easiest way to reach Pompeii is the Circumvesuviana train that runs from Naples.
The best way to get to Pompeii is to take a train from Piazza Garibaldi in Naples and get off at Pompeii Scavi – Villa Dei Miseri. These Circumvesuviana trains run regularly from Naples to Pompeii and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
Note: When you reach Pompeii do not buy tickets at the first ticket shop you see! This is because these are not official ticket shops and they charge a higher price. Instead, walk to the entrance of the archeological site and buy the tickets there!
What You Should Bring to Pompeii
- Make sure you wear appropriate walking shoes since there’s a lot of uneven terrain.
- There aren’t many facilities inside the remains, so bring lots of water, especially in the summer.
- To protect yourself from the sun, think about packing sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
Tip: Download a free guide online and you can read about the various districts and their functions as you walk through Pompeii at your own pace.
Where to Stay in Pompeii
I visited Pompeii on a day trip from Naples. I chose Naples as my home base to explore the Amalfi Coast, but you can also stay overnight in other coastal towns, such as Positano, Sorrento, or Amalfi. There are lots of affordable options for accommodation, especially during the off-season! When searching for a place to stay, I usually start with Airbnb since there is always something within budget to suit everyone’s needs.
Did You Know
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Where to Eat
After a day in Pompeii, you can head back to Naples. Go to the famous street, Spaccanapoli, which splits the old town of Napoli down the middle. This street is a tight cobblestone road packed with bars, restaurants, and locals. Spaccanapoli is a road that has the Neapolitan atmosphere through and through. So as you walk past churches and museums, while street vendors advertise their wares and the smell of pizza wafts into your nose enjoy the culture and chaos in the street, that’s very Napoli.
On this road, you will find Sorbillo, considered by many the best pizzeria in Italy. Make sure to go early as it’s not possible to reserve a table. The pizzeria is in a small and visually unremarkable building, you can’t tell it’s the best-rated Neapolitan-style pizzeria in the world from the outside. The prices are very reasonable at 7 euros for a pizza Margherita, so don’t miss out!
