Pompeii (UNESCO) — Attraction in Pompei

This was definitely one of the highlights for me of the week-long trip to Italy, this year middle of September. It is not because my memories of the place are so bright, but because Pompei carves into your mind no matter if you want it or not. It is not a place that will leave anyone neutral about it. I would recommend getting a map of the archeological site - we were able to make a picture of the area thanks to a very nice couple, who told us that they got the map from the train station. Try to find it online or at the station in advance. I didn’t book any tickets with my friends in advance and honestly I don’t think you would need them in advance: there were no queues and tour guides are everywhere and quite loud, so no matter if you want or not you would hear what they would be telling their groups and learn a thing or two. When we arrived the weather changed from sunny to really cloudy-dark in a matter of 10-15 minutes and we got to experience a very atmospheric Pompei, in a very cool yet scary way. If you would see the pictures and videos you may get be able to get a glimpse of it. The weather then changed to even darker and we experienced the heaviest rain possible in Europe, which lasted for at least 1,5 hours and gave the place such a scary and mysterious feeling, that despite many people around, you had a very uneasy feeling, as if you would see a ghost any minute now. As to the facts - it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it definitely deserves to be called one. You don’t really save money by buying a group card, but still worth every penny. I was stunned at how well preserved the architecture is, you can even see the colors of the mosaic and paintings, and they are almost 2000 years old! There is a coffee shop with tasty pastries and sandwiches, as well as refreshing and hot beverages. Prices were fine. There even are “mummified” bodies covered in ash that are available for public to see. I had very conflicting feelings about them being a part of the exposition. For me the creepiest part, surprisingly, was the fact that some parents took their kids who just learned to walk, and showed them the bodies behind the glass. Some of the bodies were also children, or an adult covering their face in horror… you get the picture. Another thing that creeped me out and something I can’t quite comprehend- that some people took selfies in front of the bodies, while smiling and showing at the bodies. So, all in all really worth a visit but please be more considerate and do not take your children there is you consider seeing the bodies, and maybe reconsider taking a smiling selfie in front of a body of a person who died in...

If you need some information, read through and get ready!

From Naples - Garibaldi train station, go downstairs and buy the ticket from the ticket office not from any middle man. It was €3.30 per person, one way. The train was really busy and you may not find a seat. The journey is around 35-40 mins.

Be aware of the tourist trap music playing people jumping to the train. Don’t film them cause they will come and ask for tip.

Don’t buy your ticket directly from the train station “Pompeii Ticket Info” as they are not official sellers. They add €2 extra for a ticket. Instead walk to the right, to the gate and buy from the official ticket office. On Monday in April, it has only taken 10 mins.

I do not suggest buying Pompeii Plus (€22) if you are not really really into Villas. The Villa part was disappointing as there only 2 Villas where you won’t see much different things. I would suggest buying Pompeii Express (€18).

There are maps, audio tours, guided tours and several options but I think it is impossible to follow the whole place with any specific style. It will almost take 3-4 hours if you enjoy the history.

There are fountains inside Pompeii streets and people are drinking. I would say it was tasting nice. Definitely have your water bottle and snacks with you before going there. There is a restaurant inside but expensive and huge waiting.

Definitely see the exhibition, it’s part of it so you don’t pay extra. Don’t miss it.

Have relax shoes and clothes as walking is not easy. The roads are ancient which you may expect it is not easy.

Finally, enjoy the time and gather once in a...

The site is amazing and well kept, the map you get from the info next to the ticket office is great, make sure to get the qr-code guide there too for information about everything you see. We went by ourselves but the guided tour seemed great, so definetly think about taking one.

We went on monday right after 10am but got in without waiting too much in lines. The ticket offices were confusing, there is one right at the Pompei Scavi station and people were lining up there but apparently they only sold guided tours? We were told by an employer to wait in that line when we said we just wanted tickets to pompei site and nothing extra. Once we got to the window, it wasn't possible to buy the discounted price ticket there, and they said this office was only for tours. Would have been nice to know 20 minutes before since we had asked too. The actual ticket office was about 100 meters forward and to the left. Lines moved pretty fast but they only let a certain amount of people to buy tickets at once (which is good) so we waited in the security line for maybe 10-15 minutes. (There is a different line for people who have already bought tickets and that was a walk-through, so i definitely recommend. However the discounted under 25yo ticket can only be bought on site.)

Extra tip: definitely bring your own snacks and water with you! the cafes are not great, super long lines and pricy, and its gonna...