Pompeii vs Herculaneum: Which Ancient City Should You Visit?

Are you planning a trip to Italy and can’t decide between Pompeii or Herculaneum? Trust us, you’re not alone! 

These two ancient cities, frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius’s eruption in 79 AD, are must-see destinations.

But which one should you explore? 

We visited both Pompeii and Herculaneum, and can help you choose the best option for you.

Pompeii Vs Herculaneum At A Glance

FEATURE	POMPEII	HERCULANEUM
Size	massive (plan for 3 to 8 hours)	compact (plan for 2-3 hours)
Atmosphere	iconic, very crowded	more intimate
Preservation	impressive size, mostly ground level	frescoes, burnt wooden remains, more buildings to enter
Famous For	plaster casts, amphitheater, size	intact houses, mosaics, skeletons
Best For	bucket-list seekers, history geeks	shorter on time, detail lovers
Our Favorite	Pompeii is interesting, but >>	Herculaneum is better

Best Way to Get There

Both are super easy to reach by train from Naples or Sorrento. (And yes, I’ve got a whole article on how exactly to do this—don’t miss my step-by-step tips for visiting Pompeii for first-timers.)

Do you think about driving in Italy?

You can add these attractions to your road trip itinerary. There are parking spots close by.

Must-See Attractions Pompeii versus Herculaneum

Pompeii: Don’t miss the Forum, the plaster casts, and the Villa of Mysteries with beautiful frescoes.  

Herculaneum: Check out the House of the Deer, ancient shops, the skeletons, and a cave.

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Pompeii, the legendary city

Walking through Pompeii is like stepping onto a movie set, except it’s real and it’s ancient! This place is HUGE.

Think endless streets, temples, brothels, and a vibe that’s both eerie and awe-inspiring.

The plaster casts of Vesuvius’s victims will give you chills.

⭐ Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The uneven cobblestone streets are a challenge.

Pompeii is vast, and the summer sun is no joke.

For all my favorite tips and a full breakdown of how to make the most of your first visit, read about the essential tips on how to visit Pompeii.

TICKETS FOR POMPEII

Herculaneum, smaller, but better preserved

Now, if you want to have fewer crowds, Herculaneum is your place.

It’s smaller, a bit quieter, and the preservation is amazing.

We’re talking colorful frescoes, burnt wooden door frames, and ancient scrolls.

⭐ Pro Tip: Visit in the morning for a peaceful wander and cooler temperatures.

TICKETS FOR HERCULANEUM

Can You Visit Both Pompeii and Herculaneum In One Day?

Yes, they’re only about 30 minutes apart by train.

With good planning, you can see them both in a day. 

If you want the ultimate DIY adventure, read about our experience about how to see Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day, including exactly how to travel between the sites, where to buy tickets, and hidden gems you don’t want to miss.

My top tip?

Start with Herculaneum in the morning, then head to Pompeii in the afternoon for a full day of these ancient wonders.

And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can even add Mount Vesuvius to your itinerary.

But believe us, that’s a LOT for one day. 

If this sounds interesting, we recommend you book a guided tour. Everything is pre-booked and scheduled in a way so that you get the most out of the visit.

For the best way to visit the volcano (and why it’s worth it), read the article on how to visit Mount Vesuvius for all the insider info, including a video with a peek inside the volcano.

⭐ Our Tip: If you love ancient history, visiting both is the ultimate adventure. 

Each city tells a different story, and together they give you the best overview and deeper understanding of Roman life.

Final Thoughts About Visiting Pompeii Or Herculaneum

Still torn? Here’s my take:  

I personally prefer Herculaneum. So did my partner.

It’s less crowded, smaller, and the preservation is a lot better.

You also get a real sense of daily Roman life. 

But Pompeii is famous for a reason, and if you’re ticking off bucket-list sites, it’s a must-see.

If you have the time, I 100% recommend visiting both. You won’t regret it.

No matter who I talked to, everyone seemed to enjoy Herculaneum more.

For more tips on train travel, hidden gems in Naples, and detailed itineraries for all these sites, don’t forget to check out my other guides linked throughout this article!

Have you visited Pompeii or Herculaneum?

Share your stories in the comments, we’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to check out our other guides for more inspiration.

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You might also enjoy:
Ultimate Guide On How To Visit Mount Vesuvius
Essential Tips For Visiting Pompeii For First-Time Visitors
How To See Pompeii And Herculaneum In One Day
Naples Travel Guide
One Day In Naples Itinerary
Should You Visit Naples Underground? Our Tour Experience
The Best Cities In Southern Italy
Southern Italy Road Trip Route (including Pompeii)

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO NAPLES

✈️ Compare and book flights to Naples airport with Expedia
🚅 Book train tickets to Naples with RailEurope
🚗 Rent a car with DiscoverCars

🏨 Book your Naples hotel with Booking or Expedia
🎒 Find budget hotels and hostels in Naples at Hostelworld

📱Get a SIM card for Italy at DrimSim to avoid high roaming fees
📈 Get Travel Insurance for Italy 

🗺 Buy a Naples City Card for public transportation and access to the main attractions
🎟 Find tours and activities for Naples at GetYourGuide or Viator

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