Entry Ticket, Optional Audio Guide

Entry Ticket, Optional Audio Guide, rated 4.2 across 913 traveller reviews.

Overview

This ticket gets you straight into the Herculaneum archaeological site, the Roman town buried under ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Unlike its famous neighbour Pompeii, much of Herculaneum stayed remarkably intact, and the listing points to roofs, beds, doors, food remains and around 300 skeletons as evidence of how much survived.

There are two ticket options. One comes with a digital audio guide app you download to your own phone, working in English, French, Italian or Spanish, with instructions sent after booking. The other option swaps the app for a physical audio guide device. Either way, you redeem your mobile voucher at the online ticket desk when you arrive, then walk in through the gates.

The experience suits independent travellers who like to wander rather than follow a group. Reviewers repeatedly praise the level of preservation, and one reviewer highlighted how few people they encountered, which made the site easy to manage alone.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at HerculaneumMake your own way to the archaeological site; no transport or pickup is included.
2. Redeem your voucherShow your mobile voucher at the online ticket desk on site to receive your entry tickets.
3. Collect your audio guideUse the digital audio guide app on your phone, or pick up the physical audio guide device if you selected that option.
4. Explore the ancient townWalk the cobbled streets and see intact buildings, well-preserved frescoes, shops, the public gymnasium and the swimming baths at your own pace.
5. Finish your visitLeave the site by the stated closing time for the season. The on-site museum and shop are also worth a look, as reviewers mentioned.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape how much you get out of this visit, from summer heat to how the audio guide actually performs on the ground.

• Heat and shade. One reviewer visited in mid July and described it as extremely hot. There is shade to retreat into and a free water fountain near the food area, so plan accordingly if you are travelling in summer.
• Comfortable shoes. The listing recommends dressing appropriately and wearing comfortable shoes. You will be walking ancient cobbled streets across an exposed site, so sturdy footwear matters.
• Audio guide choice. The app option runs in English, French, Italian and Spanish. Reviewers are split on it: one found it useful and easy, while another called it disjointed and said they would prefer the official audio guide next time.
• Crowds and pace. One reviewer highlighted how few people were at the site, which made wandering easy.
• How long to stay. One reviewer spent a couple of hours and said you could easily spend more or less. How long you need depends on how deeply you want to explore the buildings and frescoes.
• Getting there. One reviewer ran short on time because of train connections. Since transport is not part of the ticket, plan your onward travel around the site's opening hours and last admission times.

Common issues. The main complaint concerns the audio guide: one reviewer found it disjointed and would use the official audio guide instead, and the platform's own review summary notes it does not always align with on-site numbers or offer a clear route. Also note that a guided tour is not included, and transport to the site is your own responsibility. Booking is straightforward, though, and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance carries a full refund.

Common Questions