You can see parts of the Pompeii Archaeological Park without paying on the first Sunday of every month as part of the Italian Ministry of Culture's "Sunday at the Museum" initiative. This program offers free admission to all visitors on that day, though it can result in very large crowds and long queues. Beyond this specific day, admission is generally required for everyone over 18. However, there are numerous concessions in 2026: EU citizens aged 18 to 25 pay a significantly reduced rate of only €2.00, and those under 18 (regardless of nationality) enter for free. For travelers who just want a "glimpse" without entering the secure zone, you can see portions of the ancient walls and some structures from the public roads surrounding the site, but the true highlights—such as the Forum, the frescoes, and the amphitheater—are behind the paywall. It is also worth noting that nearby smaller sites like the "Suburban Villas" sometimes offer different promotional entry periods, but for the main Pompeii experience, planning around the first Sunday is the only way to avoid the standard €18–€22 entry fee.