The visit is a walk on uncovered stone. There is no coat check at the gate, and a large bag is not allowed inside. Pack for sun, uneven paving, and a few hours on your feet.
Shoes and a small bag
The streets are lava stone, with raised stepping stones at the crossings. Wear closed shoes with a tread. The park does not allow bags, backpacks, or cases larger than 30×30×15 cm. Leave the suitcase at the hotel. Paid luggage storage is at the Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro entrances.
Sun, rain, and a layer
- A hat, sunscreen, and water from late spring through early autumn. Shade is scarce at midday.
- A light sweater for a winter morning, and a rain shell from October through March.
- Sunglasses. The stone throws the light back at you.
Summer can start mild at 9:00 and feel harsh by noon. Carry the layer. You will not want a coat once you are in the forum.
The document that matches the ticket
The ticket is personal. The gate checks the name against a passport or other photo ID. Spell every name the way it is printed. Visitors under 18 are free at the gate and still need a name and an ID. The child price on this form is the booking for that named ticket.
What the ticket leaves out
This form sells the city ticket only. It does not include a guide, the suburban villas, or the train from Naples. The park rents its own audio guide at Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra, and the amphitheatre entrance. Only those official audio guides are allowed inside the site.
More to read
When to visit Pompeii
Pompeii is open almost every day. The useful split is heat, rain, and the season’s last entry, not a month when the gate locks.
Pompeii weather
Pompeii weather is bay weather: hot and open to the sun in summer, mild and wetter from autumn into early spring.