Essential Pompeii Sightseeing Tips: Explore Like a Pro
Introduction to Pompeii: A Must-Visit Destination
Do you intend to go to Pompeii, Italy? I’m going to advise you on twelve things to stay away from today if you want to have an even more incredible Pompeii vacation. These essential Pompeii sightseeing tips will ensure you have the best experience.
Why I Love Visiting Pompeii
You know I adore visiting Pompeii? It’s such a fantastic location that if you want to have an outstanding visit, I’ve listed 12 things you shouldn’t do in Pompeii. Apart from that, I will also provide you with some advice on how to organize your vacation: what to wear, how to get there, when to go, and, of course, what to do once you get there. Visit my other posts on this website if you would like further information about traveling to Italy in general. Following these essential Pompeii sightseeing tips will make your visit even more enjoyable.
Welcome to Pompeii: Sightseeing Tips from Santiago
Salutations to all! Today, Santiago here will outline the things you shouldn’t do when in Pompeii. These essential Pompeii sightseeing tips will help you avoid common mistakes and make the most of your trip.
Don’t Rush Your Visit to Pompeii
My first don’t of Pompeii is to not rush there. Naturally, there is a lot to see in Pompeii because it is a large site. I thus heartily advise you to take your time, seize the chance to investigate, and fully experience life as it was in antiquity. Indeed, there are residents. One of the key essential Pompeii sightseeing tips is to allocate enough time for your visit.
Transportation Tips: Getting to Pompeii
For transportation, a taxi will take you from Naples to Pompeii and back for a flat fee. Taking the taxi would be very easy and convenient to go to Pompeii. However, with this particular fare, you will only have two hours to visit Pompeii, and in my opinion, this is not enough time. It seems like a good idea, but there’s not enough time to spend at the site.
Other options are to take the train from Naples to Pompeii or to bargain fairly with a taxi driver before getting in the vehicle. Taking the train from Naples to Pompeii is simple: go to P Napoli port and Nana train station, board the train headed for Sento, and disembark at the Pompeii Scab train station. The train leaves Naples every 36 minutes, and the journey to Pompeii takes 32 minutes. Each person will pay €2.60. You can purchase the ticket at the train station, but remember to validate it before boarding. The ticket counter staff will be pleased to assist you if you’re unclear on how to do it.
Although some of the trains are somewhat old and a little dilapidated, they are entirely safe, so don’t be alarmed by their appearance—they are actually better than they seem. While you’re on the train, you can use the time to take a nap.
Essential Pompeii Tips: Skip the Line and Hire a Guide
My second Pompeii don’t is to never leave without your tickets. Being one of the most well-known archeological sites in the world, Pompeii requires the advance purchase of admission tickets to avoid standing in line. Better still, purchase the skip-the-line tickets in advance to bypass the crowded ticket office. On my most recent visit, there was a huge line, and it was forty degrees outside, so waiting in the sweltering sun would not be enjoyable.
The Best Time to Visit Pompeii
Going on to my next don’t of Pompeii, don’t visit in the summer. As I mentioned previously, there is hardly any shade, and the summertime temperatures could be unbearable. Reaching 40 Celsius, or 104 Fahrenheit for my American friends, is not unusual. Consequently, visiting Pompeii during those two months is not exactly the best option. If you can only visit in the summer, stay away from Pompeii during the day.
Try visiting first thing in the morning when the weather is a little milder. This takes us to my next don’t of Pompeii, which is to remember to pack water, sunscreen, and a hat. Pompeii has very little shade, so don’t forget to wear a hat to protect your head from sunstroke. Bring some water, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Dehydration-related issues are not uncommon in Pompeii; you can get water at the coffee shop on the site. The same coffee shop also sells sandwiches and snacks. However, these coffee shops can get busy at lunchtime, so steer clear of them. The restrooms are located in the coffee shops, around the edges.
Wear Comfortable Shoes and Pack Light
Don’t wear flip-flops in Pompeii. You will be getting your 10,000 steps in Pompeii because walking is the only way to get around. Flip-flops should therefore be avoided; instead, wear highly comfortable sneakers. Avoid high-heeled shoes because you’ll be walking on pretty uneven ground and gravel roadways. Take care and observe where you go. If you have mobility problems or are in a wheelchair, know that there is a Pure for All schedule made especially to be wheelchair-accessible.
Also, don’t pack big luggage. You will have to stroll a lot in Pompeii, so big luggage is not something you want to bring with you.
Observing the Site
Furthermore, you shouldn’t wear a rucksack on your back when visiting Pompeii because you may get quite hot and perspire a lot. Every site entry has a rear deposit where you can leave your luggage. Don’t litter in Pompeii. There are recycling bins and trash cans all throughout the site. If you smoke, you must visit the designated smoking areas. The archeological site has a number of toilets where you can smoke if you so like.
Steal Nothing, Please
While I’m talking about trash, don’t steal souvenirs from Pompeii because some things there could seem worthless and like trash. It’s time for my next don’t of Pompeii, which is to absolutely not skip her galenium. Don’t remove anything from the site; doing so will get you fines or worse. It is very unlawful. Instead, snap a picture, or visit the on-site gift shop if you’d like to purchase something. Though Pompeii is maybe the most famous archeological site in the world, there is another one a few kilometers away that is maybe even more interesting and less busy.
Discover Companion Sites and Control Your Time
Axiom was the other Roman city destroyed in 79 AD by the same explosion that also devastated Pompeii. The inhabitants tried to escape the eruption and took sanctuary in some ancient warehouses in their cenium. That is unfortunate, for sure. It is thrilling inside, yet depressing. There are hundreds of skeletons visible of the people who were trying to escape the disaster and became trapped. Indeed, several of the houses near Colonia have some wonderful Roman frescos. These are far more interesting than the Pompeii ones because of their superior conservation.
To truly grasp the Roman way of life 2,000 years ago, do try to see both sites. They had a pretty comfortable life. It is quite possible to see both sites on both days because they are relatively close to one another. My next Pompeii don’t is to refrain from trying to do everything in a single day. Many tours combine Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast in one day. These are not very pleasant vacations. I did take one of such tours, in fact. You remember, a few years ago. You are exhausted and unconcerned about anything by the end of the day.
There won’t be much time for Pompeii; most of your day will be spent in a car or bus. I think it would be far better to do two or three separate tours. This way, you will much more appreciate Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and all these other locations. Not to mention, don’t skip Naples—it’s on my list of things to do in Pompeii. Naples will most likely be your base camp if you visit Pompeii. It would be a pity if you didn’t spend at least one day seeing and touring Naples. The City Center of this fantastic city is breathtaking. Furthermore, Naples serves some of the finest cuisine in Italy; you won’t be let down if you can spend a day there. Should you visit Naples and have a good time, do share your thoughts in the comments.
That’s what I’ve got for you folks today. Hope you had fun and learned something as always.
