What are Herculaneum opening hours?

Herculaneum is open in all days of the year barring January 1 and December 25.

Yes. From March 16 to October 14, the timings are from 8:30am to 7:30pm, with last entry at 5pm. From October 15 to March 15, you can visit between 8:30am and 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.

The recommended duration for a visit to Herculaneum depends on your interests and availability. Families with children, for instance, generally finish their tour in under 2 hours. If you're a history buff, you might want to stay longer. In general, plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the main highlights.

Herculaneum is often less crowded during weekdays especially right after the ruins open. Aim to arrive before 11am for a peaceful visit. To enjoy a more peaceful and hassle-free visit, it is recommended to plan visit Herculaneum Ruins on a weekday morning during the off season (November to March).

Arriving by the appointed time is usually enough if you've booked skip-the-line tickets. If you've booked regular entry tickets, then arriving as soon as the counter open i.e. 8:30am might give you a head start vis-a-vis other tourists seeking regular entry.

Unfortunately, in this case, you will not be permitted inside the ruins. You can however, purchase a new ticket to enter.

Herculaneum is a fairly popular destination in Naples and public holidays draw a lot of crowds. If you want to avoid the rush, it is better to avoid visiting the ruins on public holidays and weekends. However, if you must go, consider visiting immediately after the archeological park opens or 2 hours before closing time.

Definitely visit the House of Neptune and Amphitrite. Make a pitstop at the House of the Deer and Samnite House, and visit the Central Baths. Before you leave, go down to the boathouses to see the skeletons of people who were trying to escape the eruption of 79 AD.