Things to do in Ercolano

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Top 10 attractions in Ercolano

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No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Italy

Pompeii Archaeological Park

9

4.6/5

484 reviews

The Pompeii Archaeological Park is located on the shores of the Bay of Naples in southern Italy, with Mount Vesuvius as its backdrop. In 79 CE, the sudden eruption of the volcano buried the entire town under ash and pumice, inadvertently preserving its streets, houses, shops, and frescoes—freezing the daily life of an ancient Roman town at the moment of disaster. Beyond the ruins, the site also features poignant casts of victims: cavities left by decomposed bodies in hardened ash were filled with plaster by archaeologists, recreating their final moments, with a group of such casts displayed in the Garden of the Fugitives. The tour typically begins at the Porta Marina in the west, where the Temple of Venus, the patron goddess of Pompeii, stands on a high platform to the right of the entrance. Along the main street, visitors can see the rectangular Basilica with its recognizable column remnants and frescoes, followed by the ancient Temple of Apollo nearby. Further ahead lies the central forum, where the columns of the Temple of Jupiter frame the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius in the distance—a classic photo spot. The stone-paved streets outside the forum still bear deep ruts from ancient cart wheels. To the south are the Large Theatre and the covered Odeon, the latter once used for musical performances, with the Temple of Isis reflecting Egyptian influence nearby. Heading north to an intersection, the Stabian Baths offer a glimpse into ancient Romans' passion for bathing. Further east, the House of the Venus in the Shell features a small garden surrounded by a colonnade, with the famous fresco of Venus reclining in a shell still adorning the garden wall. At the southeastern end of the town stands the Amphitheatre, built around 2,000 years ago and capable of seating 20,000 spectators—one of the earliest surviving stone Roman amphitheatres, offering panoramic views from the upper seats. The House of the Faun in the northwest occupies almost an entire block; its excavated Alexander Mosaic is now housed in Naples' National Archaeological Museum. Nearby, the House of the Tragic Poet displays the famous "Beware of the Dog" mosaic at its entrance, with interior frescoes depicting mythological and theatrical scenes. The vast site offers limited shade, so allocate at least half a day for exploration, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Those interested in seeing the original Alexander Mosaic and other artifacts can pair their visit with the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Pompei · 13.4km from Ercolano

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No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Naples metropolitan area

Naples National Archaeological Museum

7.5

4.6/5

113 reviews

The Naples National Archaeological Museum houses a vast collection of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, such as the world's largest single-piece ancient Greek sculpture, the Farnese bull, and the standard version of the statue of Heracles. Its collection of ancient Roman artifacts is unparalleled in Europe. It houses numerous treasures from the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, including exquisite mosaic frescoes and murals, vividly showcasing the daily life of ancient Romans. It serves as a window into the history and culture of Pompeii.

Naples · 9.7km from Ercolano

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No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Naples metropolitan area

Sansevero Chapel Museum

6.9

4.6/5

42 reviews

This museum is located in the old town. It was originally the Cappella Sansevero church. Today, this church is no longer used for religious purposes and has been transformed into this museum. The museum houses the artworks of some famous Italian artists in the 18th century, the most famous of which are sculptures. The layer of gauze in the sculpture is as thin as the wings of a cicada, and it is unbelievable that you can clearly see the face, the thin bones and the blood vessels on the hands and feet! It is said that experts still have not been able to figure out how the artists of the time achieved this level of realism.

Naples · 9.1km from Ercolano

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No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Ottaviano

Mount Vesuvius

6.8

4.5/5

99 reviews

Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano on the Apennine Peninsula. It was formed by the collision of the Eurasian plate and the African plate. It once destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii when it erupted in 79 AD and is currently dormant. This volcano has erupted many times, so it is also one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. You can climb Vesuvius on foot, follow the slope of the volcanic rock to the crater, and in about 20-30 minutes you can go up to the top to see the crater. Because of the high altitude and the high wind speed of the mountain pass, you need to hold the railing when you reach the top. There is a special bus from Pompeii to Mount Vesuvius. The journey takes about an hour. There is a ticket office to Mount Vesuvius at the entrance of Pompeii Railway Station, and the departure point is also at the entrance of the railway station. There are not many buses, and there is usually a train on time. After the car passed through the Vesuvius National Forest Park, it stopped halfway up the mountain and had to change to a car specially used for climbing, and then changed to walking, and climbed along the handrail to the crater.

Ottaviano · 7km from Ercolano

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No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Naples metropolitan area

Royal Palace of Naples

5.8

4.2/5

79 reviews

Royal Palace of Naples faces the open Piazza del Plebiscito and is one of the landmarks of the historic center of Naples. It was originally used as the Spanish Viceroy's Palace, became the royal palace of the Bourbon dynasty after the 18th century, and was long the center of power for the Kingdom of Naples. The current facade, after extensive renovations in the 19th century, presents a neoclassical style. A row of niches on the ground floor contains eight marble statues of kings, ranging from the monarchs of the Norman dynasty to the king who unified Italy, presenting a timeline of the city's centuries of dynastic changes. The west side of the palace is open to the public as a museum. Along the visitor route, you can enter royal living spaces such as the ceremonial suites and the Throne Room. The interior is furnished with 18th- to 19th-century furniture, porcelain, tapestries, and paintings, including works from the Neapolitan School. The small and exquisite Court Theater is still in use today, and the royal chapel is also on the route. In the entrance courtyard, a wide, double-flight staircase rises to greet you. The rear of the palace also conceals a hanging garden, with a long, green terrace suspended between the floors. The east wing of the palace houses the Vittorio Emanuele III National Library. The collection includes ancient texts from the Farnese family, as well as nearly 2,000 papyrus scrolls unearthed in Herculaneum—they were carbonized by high temperatures and buried underground during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, making them one of the few surviving examples of ancient books. The library also preserves a fragment of a 5th-century Coptic Bible manuscript.

Naples · 8.9km from Ercolano

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No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Naples metropolitan area

Castel Nuovo

5.2

4.4/5

108 reviews

Castel Nuovo is located on one side of thePiazza del Municipio in Naples, right next to the port, and is one of the city's landmarks. It was commissioned by Charles I of Anjou, the founder of the Kingdom of Naples. The name "Castel Nuovo" was given in contrast to the earlierCastel Capuanoand Ovo Castle in the city. After the Aragonese dynasty took control in the 15th century, it was rebuilt into its current layout by the Majorcan architect Guillem Sagrera: an irregular trapezoidal structure guarded by five cylindrical towers and surrounded by a moat. For centuries thereafter, it served as the royal palace for the kings of Anjou, Aragon, and Spain. The white marble triumphal arch at the main entrance was built to commemorate the triumphant entry of King Alfonso V of Aragon into the city. It is carved with scenes of the king entering the city in a triumphal chariot and the coat of arms of the Aragonese royal family, and is considered an important symbol of the introduction of Renaissance architecture to southern Italy. The main hall of the castle, the Hall of the Barons, was originally the Throne Room. Multiple ribbed arches intertwine on the octagonal dome to form a star pattern, with an opening in the center to let in light. The hall's name comes from the story of Ferdinand I, who used a wedding banquet as a pretext to lure and capture rebellious barons here. Until 2006, it was still used as the meeting place for the Naples City Council. Visits usually begin at the Palatine Chapel on the ground floor, where traces of frescoes painted by Giotto still remain. In the adjacent Hall of Arms, you can see excavated ancient Roman remains beneath the castle through a glass floor. The Civic Museum on the floor above displays religious paintings from the 15th to 18th centuries, including works by Neapolitan Baroque painters such as Luca Giordano. The second floor exhibits paintings from the 18th century onwards, organized by themes such as history, landscapes, portraits, and city views of Naples. From the side facing the sea, you can see the bay.

Naples · 8.7km from Ercolano

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No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Naples metropolitan area

Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta

5

4.3/5

36 reviews

The Cathedral of Naples is an important church in Naples, the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Naples, dedicated to the city's patron saint, Saint Janaro. The church preserves the blood of the saint, and the "miracle of St. Janallo" happens every May and September, when the clotted and dried blood of St. Janallo turns into a liquid again. The Bishop's Cathedral of Naples was built in 1272 by the order of Charles I of the Count of Anjou. The nave of the church is very spacious, and the top is decorated with ornate inlays. The 1456 earthquake damaged the church and it has been rebuilt numerous times into its current neo-Gothic appearance. In addition to the church, there is also a small garden and a small underground museum to visit.

Naples · 9km from Ercolano

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Sorrento

7.2

4.7/5

91 reviews

Sorrento is located near the Bay of Naples, with the entire town built atop seaside cliffs. The famous Italian song "Come Back to Sorrento" sings of this very town. The song has been sung for a century and has become a unique cultural symbol of Sorrento. The 16th-century poet Tasso was also born here, and the town square is named after him. The town is surrounded by lemon groves and olive trees, and Limoncello, a lemon liqueur made from local lemons, is a signature specialty of Sorrento. Piazza Torquato Tasso is the central starting point for sightseeing. Next to the square is the Valley of the Mills, a deep gorge embedded in the heart of the city, where abandoned old mills remain at the bottom, overgrown with vegetation. The Cloister of San Francesco was built in the 14th century, with arches and columns arranged in an interlaced pattern along the cloister. Museo Correale houses medieval sculptures, paintings, and local decorative arts, while the Museum of Wood Inlay is dedicated to showcasing the wood inlay craftsmanship that has continued in Sorrento for hundreds of years. Looking out from the edge of the cliffs, you can see the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius and Capri. The streets and alleys of the old town are winding, and the Marina Grande fishing village on the coast retains a rustic atmosphere, with colorful houses arranged along the harbor.

Sorrento · 20.3km from Ercolano

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No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Naples

Catacombs of Saint Gaudiosus

5

4.5/5

17 reviews

Built in the 2nd century, the Catacombs of San Genero is one of the larger catacombs underground in Naples. Unlike traditional Romanesque tombs, in addition to tombs, there are corridors and a spacious vestibule supported by columns and arches. It is also decorated with early Christian frescoes and mosaics, many of which are now dilapidated. Legend has it that San Genero was buried here at first, and a large number of tourists come to visit every year. There will be guided tours every weekend. Participating in this tour can better understand the history of the tomb and the remains of various works of art inside. It is recommended to register in advance.

Naples · 10.2km from Ercolano

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No. 15 of Night Attractions in Italy

Positano

7.6

Positano is a cliffside town on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. The entire town faces the sea, built into the mountainside, with colorful houses cascading from the cliff top down to the seaside. This "vertical" town layout is its distinctive feature. There are few roads in the town; instead, there are winding stone steps and narrow alleys, dotted with handicraft shops, galleries, and lemon-themed boutiques along the way. The town's landmark is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, whose iconic colorful dome often appears in classic images of Positano. The terrace in front of the church offers a panoramic view of the pier and the Mediterranean Sea. Walking down from the church to the seaside, you will find the main beach, Positano Spiaggia. This crescent-shaped beach connects the colorful buildings on the cliff with the blue sea. Alternatively, you can follow the coastal path to the slightly more distant Fornillo Beach, which is quieter.

Positano · 22.8km from Ercolano

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Experiences you can't miss in Ercolano

Featured Day tours in Ercolano

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Vesuvius and Pompeii Transfer with Vesuvius Park Entrance

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 8 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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FromTRY 2,776.95

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Pompeii, Herculaneum & Vesuvius Tour with Pompeii Guide

Duration: 8.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

FromTRY 6,664.67

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Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius: Skip The Line Ticket + Roundtrip from Naples

Duration: 6 hrs

Free cancellation

FromTRY 5,331.74

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Mount Vesuvius: Fast Track Ticket + Roundtrip Transport from Pompeii

Duration: 3 hrs

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FromTRY 2,166.02

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Mount Vesuvius: Fast Track Ticket + Roundtrip from Pompei

Duration: 3 hrs

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FromTRY 2,166.02

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Pompeii & Herculaneum Tour from Naples, Sorrento or Rome

4.8/5

· 533 reviews

Duration: 7–11 hrs

Free cancellation

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97% of travelers recommend

FromTRY 5,476.14

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Mount Vesuvius: Skip The Line Ticket + Roundtrip from Naples

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 3 hrs

Free cancellation

FromTRY 2,499.25

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Herculaneum Small Group Tour With an Archaeologist

5.0/5

· 8 reviews

Duration: 120 mins

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FromTRY 555.39

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Featured Water activities in Ercolano

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Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Tour from Sorrento or Positano

Duration: 8 hrs

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FromTRY 5,498.35

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Ischia: Island Boat Tour with Neapolitan Lunch & Snorkeling

4.9/5

· 48 reviews

Duration: 6 hrs

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48 consecutive positive reviews

FromTRY 4,443.11

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From Salerno: Sunset Boat Tour with Snorkeling

4.7/5

· 6 reviews

Duration: 2.5 hrs

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FromTRY 6,109.28

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Kayak Tour in Ischia with Local Guide

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 3 hrs

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FromTRY 4,387.58

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Parco Archeologico di Baia: diving tours, snorkeling, try scuba.

4.7/5

· 6 reviews

Duration: 2–3 hrs

Free cancellation

FromTRY 2,332.64

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Naples: Wild Posillipo Kayaking Tour

5.0/5

· 13 reviews

Duration: 2 hrs

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FromTRY 1,943.87

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Baia: Snorkeling Experience with Roman Ruins

4.9/5

· 42 reviews

Duration: 3–4 hrs

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42 consecutive positive reviews

FromTRY 1,943.87

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Napoli: Dive or Discover Scuba Diving in the Park of Baia

5.0/5

· 13 reviews

Duration: 3–4 hrs

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FromTRY 2,499.25

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Featured Outdoor & sports in Ercolano

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Italy Sorrento + Positano + Amalfi Day Tour|Comfortable minivan|Optional lunch included

4.8/5

· 13 reviews· 178 booked

Duration: 5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

392 travellers saved

FromTRY 5,245.35

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Amalfi Coast + Positano 1-day tour with English guide

5.0/5

· 1 review· 32 booked

Duration: 11.2 hrs

English

122 travellers saved

FromTRY 6,415.10

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Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi: Private Tour of Coastal Gems from Naples

Duration: 8.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

FromTRY 23,881.72

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1-day small group tour from Rome to Pompeii ruins and Sorrento coast

Duration: 9 hrs

English

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7% off

FromTRY 12,861.13TRY 13,829.18

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Naples: Private Boat Tour With Swim Stop And Scenic Views

4.9/5

· 7 reviews

Duration: 1.5 hrs

English

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FromTRY 4,387.58

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Italy Salerno 1-day tour · Explore Amalfi (including cruise experience) · Rome round-trip

Duration: 4 hrs

English

FromTRY 6,777.36

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Italy Amalfi Coast tour: Salerno + Sorrento 1-day tour · Departing from Naples

Duration: 8.1 hrs

English

FromTRY 6,400.00

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Departure from Rome | Pompeii + Mount Vesuvius 1-day tour with Neapolitan pizza lunch

Duration: 5 hrs

English

FromTRY 6,339.63

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Featured City sightseeing in Ercolano

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Herculaneum Audio Tour: Sealed by Vesuvius

Duration: 1.5 hrs

English

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20% off

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FromTRY 288.36TRY 360.45

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Herculaneum Walking Tour: Premium Small Group Experience

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 2 hrs

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FromTRY 2,499.25

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Herculaneum: Half-Day Guided Trip from Naples

Duration: 3 hrs

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FromTRY 5,831.59

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3 Hours Walking Tour: Best of Naples & Veiled Christ

4.8/5

· 82 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

English

Free cancellation

70 consecutive positive reviews

FromTRY 2,499.25

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Group Tour from Naples/Salerno to Sorrento, Positano & Amalfi

Duration: 9 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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FromTRY 4,998.50

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Pompeii at Your Own Pace, Sorrento & Scenic Positano Viewpoint

Duration: 8.3 hrs

English

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FromTRY 4,998.50

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From Naples: Pompeii Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

4.8/5

· 25 reviews

Duration: 3.5 hrs

English

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21 consecutive positive reviews

FromTRY 4,387.58

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Panoramic Strada Matrone E-Bike Route with Optional Crater Visit

Duration: 3 hrs

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FromTRY 2,776.95

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Ercolano Today's weatherPartly clear 15-19℃

Ercolano weather for the next 2 days11/16: 14-18℃, 11/17: 16-20℃

Free things to do in Ercolano

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What travellers say about Ercolano

Ekaterina Kolesnikova9 November 2026

5.0

Reasons to Recommend: the most iconic place near Naples Tips:you can get there by a local train on Circumvesuviana line. The tickets are bought at the station 🚉 The ticket to the archeological park cost 20 Euros and the passport must be presented

Pompeii Archaeological Park

xugalen7 October 2026

5.0

If you've already visited Pompeii, then this is the "soulful puzzle" that will allow you to truly understand Pompeii. Pompeii provides the awe-inspiring framework, but the details treasured in this museum are what truly fill in the flesh and blood of that history. From frescoes to sculptures to everyday objects, every exhibit helps you recreate the authentic life of 2000 years ago, creating a sense of dialogue across time.

Naples National Archaeological Museum

david8212214 February 2025

5.0

Don't be scared by the surrounding environment, it is still very safe and definitely worth a visit. It is simply amazing. But please note that photography is not allowed inside. The pictures I posted below are all collected from the Internet.

Sansevero Chapel Museum

WanderinAussie3 July 2022

5.0

We visited Mount Vesuvius as part of a full day that included Pompeii and it was absolutely wonderful.As we ascended the mountain we stopped mid way for the best pizza I have ever tasted. The little restaurant (which I am ashamed to say I don't remember the name of) unfortunately had a power outage shortly before we arrived. That did not stop them from welcoming us warmly and providing wonderful wood fired pizza for our lunch.From there it was on the Mount Vesuvius herself. There was poor visibility but luckily the rain had passed and we were able to hike to the rim of the crater. Unable to see in to the rim itself because of the low lying fog did not dampen the wonder of being at the top. If anything it added to the magic. Truly an experience of a lifetime.

Mount Vesuvius

suifeng201927 May 2020

4.0

Standing in front of a window of the palace, you can see the majestic Mount Vesuvius in the distance and the beautiful Bay of Naples nearby. It is like the princes and nobles of the past could enjoy the beautiful scenery without leaving their homes.

Royal Palace of Naples

沈福成29 February 2020

4.0

After checking in at the Renaissance Naples Hotel, we walked to the new castle for a visit because the room was not available until 3pm. It took about 5 minutes to walk. There was a fee for admission and there was also a guide machine. There was a small church that was now hosting an art exhibition and there were many art works.

Castel Nuovo

小思文16 December 2019

4.0

The Cathedral of Naples is also a very unique building. The cathedral itself is full of many legendary features. The cathedral also has some very interesting facilities, and the bishop carries out some activities here.

Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta

Rosanna_19 July 2023

5.0

Great amazing time in Sorrento! definitely suggest to watch for the sunset by the Villa!

Sorrento

M26***3719 April 2026

5.0

Very good experience

Catacombs of Saint Gaudiosus

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Trip Moments in Ercolano

An Unforgettable Culinary Experience at Anima

“My experience at the Anima restaurant was absolutely incredible, far exceeding my expectations.”

@_TI***8p · 4 days ago

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Popular cities near Ercolano

Bari

Rome

Positano

Amalfi

Capri Island

Matera

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Ercolano?

Don't miss these attractions in Ercolano: Pompeii Archaeological Park, Naples National Archaeological Museum, and Sansevero Chapel Museum. If you like Day tours, try Vesuvius and Pompeii Transfer with Vesuvius Park Entrance. If you enjoy Water activities, try Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Tour from Sorrento or Positano.

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Ercolano?

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Vesuvius and Pompeii Transfer with Vesuvius Park Entrance, Pompeii, Herculaneum & Vesuvius Tour with Pompeii Guide, and Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius: Skip The Line Ticket + Roundtrip from Naples. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Ercolano?

As of 15 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Ercolano is around TRY 555.39 – TRY 6,664.67. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

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Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

How can I get discounted prices?

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.

Things to do in Ercolano

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Ercolano

Pompeii Archaeological Park

Naples National Archaeological Museum

Sansevero Chapel Museum

Mount Vesuvius

Royal Palace of Naples

Castel Nuovo

Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta

Sorrento

Catacombs of Saint Gaudiosus

Positano

Experiences you can't miss in Ercolano

Featured Day tours in Ercolano

Featured Water activities in Ercolano

Featured Outdoor & sports in Ercolano

Featured City sightseeing in Ercolano

Free things to do in Ercolano

Sorrento

Piazza del Plebiscito

Via Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli

Galleria Umberto I

Church of the New Jesus

Capri

Amalfi Coast

Piazza Dante

San Francesco di Paola

Chiesa di Sant'Anna dei Lombardi

What travellers say about Ercolano

Pompeii Archaeological Park

Naples National Archaeological Museum

Sansevero Chapel Museum

Mount Vesuvius

Royal Palace of Naples

Castel Nuovo

Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta

Sorrento

Catacombs of Saint Gaudiosus

Trip Moments in Ercolano

An Unforgettable Culinary Experience at Anima

Popular cities near Ercolano

Bari

Rome

Positano

Amalfi

Capri Island

Matera

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Ercolano?

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Ercolano?

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Ercolano?

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Can I change or cancel my booking?

How can I get discounted prices?