In 2026, the Pompeii Archaeological Park continues to participate in the Italian Ministry of Culture’s "Domenica al Museo" (Sunday at the Museum) initiative. This means that admission is free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month. While this is a fantastic way to save the €22 entry fee, these days are notoriously crowded, with visitor numbers often capped at 15,000 to 20,000 for the day to prevent damage to the ruins. In addition to the first Sunday, the Italian government occasionally designates other specific "National Culture" days for free entry, such as April 25th (Liberation Day), June 2nd (Republic Day), or November 4th (National Unity Day), though these can change annually. For those who don't qualify for these free days, remember that EU citizens under 18 always get in for free, and those aged 18–25 pay a heavily reduced rate of just €2. If you do go on a free Sunday, arrive at the "Porta Marina" gate at least 30 minutes before the 9:00 AM opening time to ensure you get a ticket before the daily capacity is reached.