Pompeii vs Herculaneum: Which Ancient Roman Site Should You Visit?
Pompeii vs Herculaneum: Which Ancient Roman Site Should You Visit?. Discover practical tips for your visit. visitor guide, tickets, history of Pompeii
Choosing between Pompeii and Herculaneum? Both these remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites offer unique glimpses into ancient Roman life, preserved by the same catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which site (or both!) best suits your interests and schedule.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | Pompeii | Herculaneum | | ------------------ | ----------- | ------------ | | Size | 44 hectares | 4.5 hectares | | Visiting Time | 4-6 hours | 2-3 hours | | Preservation | Good | Excellent | | Crowd Levels | Very busy | Less crowded | | Basic Ticket Price | €18 | €13 |
Key Differences at a Glance
Pompeii Highlights
- Massive scale with complete city layout
- Extensive public buildings and forums
- Famous plaster casts of victims
- Larger selection of restaurants and facilities
- More guided tour options
Herculaneum Highlights
- Better preserved buildings and artifacts
- Original wooden structures survive
- More intimate experience
- Less crowded
- Covered walkways for rain protection
Detailed Site Comparison
Size and Scope
Pompeii:
- Vast ancient city (170 acres)
- Over 50 hectares excavated
- Takes minimum 4-6 hours to explore
- Book skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide
Herculaneum:
- Compact site (4.5 hectares)
- Can be explored in 2-3 hours
- Easier to navigate
- Reserve entrance tickets through Viator
Preservation Quality
Pompeii:
- Open-air preservation
- Famous plaster casts
- Extensive frescoes
- Well-preserved street layout
Herculaneum:
- Superior preservation
- Two-story buildings intact
- Original wooden features
- Carbonized furniture and objects
Visitor Experience
Pompeii:
- More tourist facilities
- Multiple entrances
- Various dining options
- Large gift shops
- Guided tours available
Herculaneum:
- Single entrance
- Limited facilities
- Less crowded
- More intimate atmosphere
- Expert-led tours recommended
Which Site Should You Choose?
Choose Pompeii If:
- You have a full day to explore
- Want to see the complete Roman city layout
- Interested in public buildings and forums
- Looking for extensive guided tour options
- Want to see the famous plaster casts
Choose Herculaneum If:
- Limited time available (half-day visit)
- Interested in better-preserved details
- Prefer fewer crowds
- Want to see original Roman woodwork
- Looking for more intimate experience
Visit Both Sites: Recommended Itineraries
One-Day Combined Visit
- Start early at Pompeii (opens 9:00 AM)
- Focus on main attractions (3-4 hours)
- Take train to Herculaneum (15 minutes)
- Explore Herculaneum (2-3 hours)
Book combined site tickets here
Two-Day Split Visit
Day 1: Pompeii
- Full day at Pompeii
- Guided tour recommended
- Evening in modern Pompeii
Day 2: Herculaneum
- Morning at Herculaneum
- Expert guide optional
- Afternoon in Naples
Practical Information
Getting There
Pompeii:
- Circumvesuviana train from Naples (35 mins)
- Station: Pompeii Scavi - Villa dei Misteri
- Private transfers available
Herculaneum:
- Circumvesuviana train from Naples (20 mins)
- Station: Ercolano Scavi
- Book convenient transfers
Best Time to Visit
Pompeii:
- Early morning or late afternoon
- Avoid midday in summer
- Less crowded in shoulder season
Herculaneum:
- Any time of day
- More covered areas for rain/sun
- Consistent crowd levels
Accommodation Options
Near Pompeii:
- Hotel Forum Pompeii
- Costa Hotel
- Various B&Bs
Near Herculaneum:
Check all accommodation options on Booking.com
Expert Tips for Both Sites
-
Timing Your Visit
- Book early morning tickets
- Allow enough time between sites
- Consider weather forecast
-
- Professional guides available
- Audio guides recommended
- Walking tours popular
-
Essential Items
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Sun protection
- Camera
Making the Most of Your Visit
Photography Tips
- Early morning light best for Pompeii
- Afternoon light suits Herculaneum
- Tripods allowed with permission
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer: Very hot, busy
- Spring/Fall: Ideal conditions
- Winter: Quieter, possible rain
Final Verdict
Visit Pompeii if you can only choose one site and:
- Have at least 4 hours
- Want the complete Roman city experience
- Don't mind crowds
Choose Herculaneum if:
- Time is limited
- Prefer detailed preservation
- Want fewer crowds
Best Option: Visit Both!
- Different experiences
- Complementary sites
- Fuller understanding of Roman life
Book your tickets now through our trusted partners
Planning your visit? Don't miss our related guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
Pompeii or Herculaneum — which should I choose?
Pompeii is larger with more areas to explore; Herculaneum preserves upper floors and vivid interiors. If you have one day, choose Pompeii; if you love frescoes and compact visits, Herculaneum shines. See top attractions.