Visiting Pompeii: What to See and How to Plan Your Visit?

Visiting Pompeii is one of those experiences you should have at least once in your lifetime. It’s not like we come here every other day, and it would be a real shame to leave feeling like we chose the wrong ticket or missed out on the most beautiful spots.

If you’re planning a visit to Pompeii, you’re surely eager to explore the site, but you probably also have a lot of questions.

• How much time is required?
• Should we hire a guide?
• What are the must-see places?
• And most importantly, how can you plan this day without wasting time trying to find your way around?

Before our visit, while we were staying in Naples, we were asking ourselves exactly the same questions you are. Since we were traveling with a young child, we wanted to avoid long lines, move at our own pace, and make the most of the day without wearing ourselves out unnecessarily.

Once we arrived, we really realized just how vast the archaeological site of Pompeii is. It’s not a monument you visit by simply following a set path. It’s a real city, with streets, houses, thermal baths, temples, and several entrances. In 2 or 3 hours, you’ll inevitably have to make some choices. To see the main must-see sites without rushing, you should plan on 4 to 6 hours—or even a whole day.

In this guide, we’ll help you plan your visit step by step. We’ll explain which ticket to choose, how to get to Pompeii, what time to arrive to avoid the crowds and the heat, how long to stay, and why we strongly recommend hiring a guide. You’ll also find our detailed itinerary, the must-see sites, common mistakes to avoid, and all our practical tips for eating, filling your water bottle, and choosing the right shoes.

Our goal is simple: when you arrive in Pompeii, you’ll know exactly where to go, what to visit, and in what order. That way, you can enjoy this unique place without worrying that you’ll miss anything important.

Planning Your Visit to Pompeii

Everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Opening hours

• March 16 through October 14: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., last admission at 5:30 p.m.
• October 15 through March 15: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., last admission at 3:30 p.m.
• Closed: December 25 and January 1, unless otherwise announced.
• Some buildings may close early, open at different times, or be temporarily closed. Check which buildings are open on the morning of your visit.

Best time to visit and crowd levels

• For pleasant weather: choose March, April, late September, and October. May is mild but often already very crowded.
• In the summer: the heat, the sun, and the lack of shade can quickly wear you out. If you’re visiting in July or August, arrive at 9 a.m. and save the open-air areas for the beginning of the day.
• To avoid the crowds: be at the ticket booth as soon as it opens. Tour buses and cruise ship groups start showing up in large numbers around 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Forum, the Lupanar, and the grand houses.
• Alternative: There is sometimes a slight lull around lunchtime, though this isn’t guaranteed. For a short visit during peak season, the late afternoon may also be quieter, but it isn’t suitable for a 4- to 6-hour tour, and some attractions close before the park does.

Check which buildings are open that very morning. Be especially mindful of the first free Sunday and spring weekends.

How long will it take?

• 2 hours: a quick tour of the most famous landmarks. You’ll need to keep a steady pace and skip the more remote villas.
• 3 hours: an expanded tour that can include the Villa dei Misteri with the Plus ticket, provided you follow a specific order and remain selective.
• 4 to 6 hours: the ideal amount of time to enjoy the site, take breaks, and see the main neighborhoods without rushing.
• More than 6 hours: You can explore all the places on our list, visit the Villa des Mystères, and account for any closures or route changes.

On our first visit, we’d had enough after about 5 hours. Pompeii requires a lot of walking and your full attention. If your time is limited, start right away with one of our three itineraries.

Map, Entrances, and Stations

• Porta Marina: the closest entrance to the Circumvesuviana Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri station. It leads quickly to the Forum, but tends to be very crowded with visitors.
• Piazza Esedra: also close to Pompeii Archaeological Site—Villa dei Misteri. It’s a convenient starting point for visiting the Antiquarium.
• Piazza Anfiteatro: a great place to start your tour on the eastern side of the site, and often quieter at 9 a.m. It’s also the entrance to the “Pompeii for Everyone” accessible tour.
• Pompei Station: Trenitalia trains stop in the city center, near Piazza Anfiteatro. Allow about 15 minutes for the walk, depending on your route.
• Take a photo of the map on display, pick up a paper copy if one is available, and note the regio andinsula numbers. Before you arrive, be sure to save our route and the official map offline so you can use them on your own. Our map below complements these reference points.

A direct round-trip shuttle from Naples is another option if you don’t want to take the train.

Our interactive map of monuments and places to see in Pompeii

This map lets you view the 30 landmarks in our selection. Click on a number to zoom in and see our overview of the site, then use the “More Information” button to go directly to its detailed description.

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The Top 30 Must-See Places

Pompeii is more than just the Forum and a few houses. The following list is organized by the park’s main areas and includes 30 sites that provide insight into the city as a whole: entertainment, religion, political life, shops, thermal baths, residences, and villas.

Not all houses are open every day. Some can only be seen from the street, while others open a little after 9 a.m. or close before the park does. So be sure to have two or three alternatives and adjust your order based on the map provided at the entrance.

East of Pompeii, around Piazza Anfiteatro

1. Amphitheater ❤️❤️

Built around 70 B.C., it is one of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters. It could seat about 20,000 spectators who came to watch gladiator battles. Its size impresses us right from the start of the tour. Pink Floyd also filmed their famous concert without an audience there in 1971.

2. Grande Palestre ❤️

This vast courtyard, surrounded by colonnades, was used for the physical education of young Pompeians. A permanent exhibition there features casts and organic remains. The preserved bread, chestnuts, figs, and other food items provide a very vivid picture of daily life. It is here that we truly begin to grasp the city’s scale.

3. House of Venus in the Shell

The garden is dominated by a large fresco depicting Venus riding on a seashell, surrounded by a setting that visually expands the space. This house is the perfect place to appreciate the importance of painted gardens in Pompeian residences. The interior has specific visiting hours, so be sure to check the opening times before heading to Regio II.

4. The House of Octavius Quartio

Also known as the House of Loreius Tiburtinus, it stands out for its long water channels, gardens, and summer triclinium. The owners had created a spectacular setting where architecture, frescoes, and vegetation complemented one another. Set aside a few minutes to explore the entire layout rather than just looking at the first few rooms.

5. Garden of the Fugitives

This former cultivated area features casts of thirteen victims who were caught off guard while fleeing. The group serves as a stark reminder that the city is not merely an archaeological setting. We don’t linger there long, as the scene is so gripping, but this section adds an essential human dimension to the visit.

6. Insula of the Chaste Lovers, or House of the Chaste Lovers

This large block combines residences, workspaces, and a bakery. It owes its name to a mural depicting two guests sharing a discreet kiss. The area was closed during our visit, and its access arrangements have changed significantly as a result of the excavations. It currently opens later than many of the other houses, which is something to keep in mind when planning a morning tour.

7. House of Lovers ❤️❤️❤️

This house is remarkable for its upper floor, which is still largely intact—a rarity in Pompeii. It illustrates better than many others that ancient dwellings were not limited to the ground floor. If it is closed on the day of your visit, Herculaneum offers the opportunity to see several very well-preserved two-story houses.

8. Maison du Ménandre ❤️❤️❤️

One of the largest and most elegant residences in Pompeii features an atrium, a peristyle, frescoes, service areas, and a small bath complex. Its name comes from a play by the Greek playwright Menander. Notice the differences between the reception rooms and the domestic areas, as well as the remains of the bathroom at the back of the house.

Via dell’Abbondanza and the Theater District

9. Stephanus’s *Fullonica*

This house, which has been converted into a laundry, offers insight into an essential trade in Pompeii. The former impluvium was used for washing fabrics, while basins were installed in the back and the terrace could be used for drying. The site clearly illustrates how residential and economic activities could be intertwined.

10. Vetutius Placidus’ Thermopolium ❤️❤️

Thermopolia were the city’s fast-food stands. Here, large jars—called dolia—are built into the counter, and a painted lararium symbolically protects the business. This thermopolium is currently visible from the street, but it remains one of the best places to imagine the locals eating and drinking throughout the day.

11. Stabiae Thermal Baths

One of the oldest known Roman baths, this complex retains the classic sequence of rooms: the changing room, the cold room, the warm room, and the hot room. The underfloor and wall heating systems demonstrate the technical sophistication of the Romans. The men’s and women’s sections were separate, and the spacious courtyard also included a swimming pool.

12. Brothel ❤️❤️

The most famous of the brothels identified in Pompeii is tucked away in a narrow alley. Small brick-walled rooms and erotic frescoes have been preserved. During our first visit, we heard a guide describe these images as a way to overcome language barriers. This interpretation remains a matter of debate. The site is small and quickly becomes crowded with tour groups.

Back then, we would sometimes pick up bits of information by listening in on the groups. Our second guided tour confirmed just how much an archaeologist can change the way we interpret the city. Take a look, too, at the deep wheel ruts in the nearby streets: they show just how heavy traffic was in ancient times.

13. Temple of Isis

This sanctuary dedicated to the Egyptian goddess was discovered with much of its decoration and furnishings intact. Rebuilt after the earthquake of 62 or 63, it bears witness to the spread of foreign religions throughout the Roman Empire. Its modest size contrasts with the richness of its history and the influence it had on the European imagination after its discovery.

14. Grand Théâtre ❤️❤️❤️

Built against the natural slope, the Grand Théâtre could seat approximately 5,000 spectators. The architecture makes use of the terrain to support the tiers of seating and direct the audience toward the stage. Some seating markings remain visible nearly two millennia later. Access to the interior may vary depending on construction work and events.

It’s often around this area that we start to come across more groups. Arriving right when it opens really makes the start of the hike more enjoyable.

15. Petit Théâtre, or Odéon ❤️

More intimate than the Grand Théâtre, the Odéon was designed for music, mime, and recitations. Its roof likely improved the acoustics, and its tiered seating brings the audience closer to the stage. While access to the interior varies and it may only be visible from the outside, the pair of theaters remains essential.

16. Quadriportico of the Theaters, or Gladiator Barracks

This large courtyard, surrounded by columns, originally served as the theater’s foyer. After the earthquake, it is said to have been converted to house gladiators. Rooms still open onto the portico. The passageway provides a seamless connection between the world of civic performances and that of the gladiatorial combats held in the amphitheater.

17. Triangular Forum

Perched on a spur overlooking the plain, this forum—which predates the Grand Civic Forum—features a Doric temple, porticoes, and unobstructed views. It offers insight into the city’s gradual development and its Greek influences. It also offers a pleasant respite between the theaters and the historic center.

Forum, Temples, and Mansions of the West

18. Antiquarium

The site’s museum puts the ruins into context with artifacts, casts, and a presentation on the history of Pompeii. We recommend visiting it first if you enter through Piazza Esedra, or last if you exit through Porta Marina. If you’re on a quick tour, stick to the main galleries to save time for exploring the city.

19. Shrine of Venus

Venus was the patron goddess of Pompeii. Her sanctuary is located on a terrace near Porta Marina, with an unobstructed view of the valley and the gulf. The temple was still under construction at the time of the eruption, which explains its unfinished appearance. The site helps illustrate the connection between religion, civic identity, and the landscape.

20. Basilica

The basilica is not a church: it was a vast building dedicated to business, gatherings, and justice. Its columns form three naves, and the court gallery dominated the space. The remains of marble-like decorations and graffiti allow us to imagine a very lively building on the edge of the Forum.

21. Forum ❤️❤️

This square, measuring approximately 142 by 38 meters, was the political, economic, and religious heart of the city. It is home to the main civic buildings and offers a striking view of Mount Vesuvius behind the Temple of Jupiter. The floor was once paved with marble. Even when very crowded, the Forum remains one of our favorite views.

22. Sanctuary of Apollo

The Sanctuary of Apollo is one of the city’s oldest religious sites. A colonnade surrounds the temple, and replicas of the statues of Apollo and Diana evoke the ancient setting. From the portico, the columns frame stunning views of the Forum and Mount Vesuvius.

23. Temple of Jupiter

Located along the northern axis of the Forum, the temple’s tall base serves as a landmark across the entire square. The sanctuary was dedicated to Jupiter, and later to the Capitoline Triad, including Juno and Minerva. Mount Vesuvius looms just behind it, a view that has become one of the most famous images of Pompeii.

24. Macellum

The food market bordered the Forum. The shops were arranged around a central courtyard where fish and other foodstuffs were sold, among other things. Paintings and religious niches serve as a reminder that commerce and worship were closely linked. It’s a brief but very revealing glimpse into everyday economic life.

25. Eumachia Building

This large portico was funded by Eumachia, a priestess of Venus and a prominent figure in the city. Its exact function remains a matter of debate, but it is often associated with textile workers. The marble gateway, the long courtyard, and the dedicatory inscription demonstrate how a wealthy woman could assert her status in public life.

26. Forum Baths

Although more compact than the Stabiae Baths, they still feature magnificent vaults, benches, and particularly well-preserved stucco decorations. The path through the cold, warm, and hot rooms is contained within a compact space. It’s one of the best sites for understanding Roman baths if you’re short on time.

27. House of the Tragic Poet

This house is known for the “Cave Canem”(“Beware of the Dog”) mosaic located near the entrance. Several original decorative elements have been transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Naples. Nevertheless, the house remains an excellent introduction to the layout of a domus and the ways in which its owners showcased their culture.

28. House of the Faun

With nearly 3,000 m², it is one of the largest houses in Pompeii. The small statue of the dancing faun gives the site its name, while the famous Alexander Mosaic—now in the Archaeological Museum of Naples—once adorned a reception hall. Two atria and vast peristyles reveal the wealth of its owners.

29. House of the Vettii

This restored house is one of the most spectacular on the site. It belonged to two former freed slaves who had become wealthy, and its highly elaborate decor showcases their success. The painted Priapus at the entrance, the mythological frescoes, and the colonnaded garden are well worth taking the time to explore. We rank it among the top priorities for a first visit.

Outside the walls of the ancient city

30. Villa of the Mysteries

Located beyond Porta Ercolano, this large villa combines residential spaces with agricultural activities. It is famous for a series of life-size red frescoes, often associated with Dionysian rites, although their interpretation remains a matter of debate. The detour requires time and either a Pompeii Plus ticket, a 3-day ticket, or the supplement sold by card at Porta Ercolano.

Three itineraries for visiting Pompeii in 2 hours, 3 hours, or 6 hours

These itineraries list the locations to visit in order. For each of the 2-, 3-, and 6-hour itineraries, our interactive map details the streets to take between each stop. The routes are for guidance only, as a street or building closure may require a detour. So be sure to have one or two alternative options in mind.

Visiting Pompeii in 2 Hours: The Express Tour

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We recommend entering through Porta Marina Superiore, directly across from the Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri train station, and then ending your walk at Piazza Esedra.

After passing through the entrance checkpoint, follow Via Marina towardthe Antiquarium and the Shrine of Venus, then head back up toward the Basilica and the Forum. Take a short detour to the Sanctuary of Apollo, cross the square to the Temple of Jupiter, and continue north to the House of the Faun and the Vettii House.

Then head back down Via delle Terme toward the Forum Baths, and continue on to Via degli Augustali and Vicolo del Lupanare. After the Lupanar, follow Via dei Teatri to the Grand Theater and the Small Theater. You can then exit via Piazza Esedra without having to return to your starting point.

If a house is closed, do not cross the site to replace it. Instead, add the Macellum, the Eumachia Building, or the Basilica, depending on your location.

Visiting Pompeii in 3 Hours: The Must-Sees and the Villa of the Mysteries

We recommend entering through Porta Marina Superiore, across from the Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri train station.

Start withthe Antiquarium and the Shrine of Venus, then cross through the Basilica and the Forum to visit the Shrinesof Apollo and Jupiter, the Macellum, andthe Edifice of Eumachia. Then head up toward the Forum Baths and the Houses of the Tragic Poet, the Faun, and the Vettii, then follow Via di Mercurio, Via Consolare, and Via delle Tombe to the Villa of the Mysteries.

Head back along the same route, turn toward the Lupanar and the Stabiae Baths, then finish with the Triangular Forum, the theaters, the Quadriportico, and the Temple of Isis before exiting onto Piazza Esedra.

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Three hours go by very quickly. If you want to take your time exploring the Villa of the Mysteries and the grand houses, exclude the Eumachia Building, the Triangular Forum, and the Quadriportico. Don’t try to include the amphitheater—it’s at the other end of the city.

Visiting Pompeii in 6 Hours: A Complete Itinerary for 30 Sites

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To complete this tour in 6 hours, we recommend entering as soon as the site opens through Porta Marina Superiore, directly across from the Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri train station. Once you’ve passed through security, follow Via Marina and start withthe Antiquarium. Next, head to the Sanctuary of Venus, then walk up toward the Basilica, which opens directly onto the Forum. Take a short detour to the Sanctuary of Apollo before crossing the square to the Temple of Jupiter.

From the Temple of Jupiter, head to the Macellum, located right next door, then walk south along the Forum tothe Edifice of Eumachia. Then head back northwest to visit the Forum Baths. Continue along Via delle Terme to the House of the Tragic Poet, then head up toward the House of the Faun and the House of the Vettii. These three houses are close together, but their opening hours may vary.

After the House of the Vettii, take Vicolo di Mercurio to reach Via Consolare. Pass through Porta Ercolano, then follow Via delle Tombe and the path leading to the Villa of the Mysteries. This is the longest detour on the itinerary. After your visit, return the same way to Via Consolare, then follow Via delle Terme and cross the city center toward the Lupanar. Continue along Vicolo del Lupanare to reach the Stabiae Baths.

From the thermal baths, head down toward Via dei Teatri and enter the Triangular Forum. Continue toward the Great Theater, then walk down into the Quadriportico of the Theaters. Next , head back toward the Small Theater, or Odeon, before finishing this section at the Temple of Isis. These monuments are very close together, and you can visit them one after another with very little walking.

Return to Via Stabiana, walk up to Via dell’Abbondanza, and head east. First, stop at Stephanus’s Fullonica, then continue on to the House of Menander and the House of the Lovers. Continue along Via di Castricio tothe Insula of the Chaste Lovers, then head back up toward the Thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus, located along Via dell’Abbondanza.

For the last part of the route, take Via di Castricio, then Vicolo della Nave Europa and Vicolo dei Fuggiaschi to reach the Garden of the Fugitives. Then head back toward Via dell’Abbondanza to explore the House of Octavius Quartio, followed by the House of Venus in the Shell. Continue east to the Great Palestra and finish atthe Amphitheater. The Piazza Anfiteatro exit is right next to it, which saves you from having to walk back across the entire site at the end of your visit.

If you’re arriving by car and need to return to the same parking lot, take this route in the opposite direction or allow about 20 to 30 minutes to walk around the park at the end. If your visit lasts more than 6 hours, you can take it slower, include the cemeteries, and more easily adjust to changes in opening hours.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Shoes, sunshine, and the field

The cobblestones are uneven, the sidewalks are high, and the distances are long. A day in Pompeii requires real physical effort.

• hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers;
• a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen;
• a light layer to protect against the wind or a rain shower outside of summer;
• a portable charger if your itinerary and tickets are on your phone;
• one small bag; luggage larger than 30 × 30 × 15 cm is prohibited.

Water fountains, meals, and breaks

Bring a water bottle: There are many drinking fountains along the ancient streets. They are marked on the site map, but a fountain may be temporarily out of service.

• For food: the self-service area and food counters at the Casina dell’Aquila are the main dining options inside the park.
• For a picnic: Prepare your meal before entering and eat only in designated areas. Eating among the ruins is prohibited.
• To catch your breath: Take advantage of shaded areas whenever you find them. They’re rare in the most exposed areas.

Restrooms and Services

• Restrooms are located near the three entrances: the Casina dell’Aquila, the Antiquarium, the Quadriportico, and the Villa of the Mysteries.
• Paid luggage storage facilities are located at Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro.
• Authorized audio guides are available at all three entrances upon presentation of a valid ID.
• There is a first-aid station near Vicolo degli Augustali.
• Retail locations and services are subject to change: please check the notices posted at the entrance.

With children or limited mobility

We visited Pompeii with a toddler. A lightweight stroller can be helpful on the paved sections, but the cobblestones, steps, and sidewalks make some parts of the route difficult. A baby carrier is still useful for the less accessible houses.

• The “Pompeii for Everyone” tour begins at Piazza Anfiteatro and follows an accessible route to several major monuments.
• There are baby-changing stations on Via dell’Abbondanza, Via di Nola, and near the intersection of Via Stabiana and Via della Fortuna.
• Don’t feel like you have to follow the exact same order as other visitors. The best route is one that’s manageable for the whole family.

Rules You Need to Know

• Please keep your ticket (which is issued in your name) and a form of identification with you until you exit.
• The ticket does not allow you to leave and then return to the same site.
• Personal photos are allowed, but professional equipment, tripods, and drones require authorization.
• Small dogs that meet the official size requirements are allowed under certain conditions. Guide dogs are still permitted.
• Please respect the barriers and traffic flow, even if a detour seems faster.

Please review the official visitor guidelines before you leave.

Where to eat in Pompeii, both on the site and nearby?

Inside the ruins, the Casina dell’Aquila houses the main cafeteria as well as stands selling drinks and local products. It’s convenient, but it can get very crowded at lunchtime.

If you don’t want to eat at a restaurant, buy your meal before you enter. Bring a compact picnic, a water bottle, and a bag for your trash. You must eat in designated areas—not in people’s homes or near monuments.

Our business address: Todisco

Todisco is just a stone’s throw from the ruins. We followed the advice in the Guide du Routard, backed up by positive online reviews, and we weren’t disappointed.

We enjoyed delicious gnocchi and excellent vegetarian lasagna at a reasonable price on the pleasant terrace. We even picked up some takeout for the evening. It’s a place we’re happy to recommend.

Where can I stay near Pompeii?

Pompeii is one of the most surprising places we’ve explored. It’s a tiring day, but walking through this city and gaining a little more insight into everyday life in Rome remains an unforgettable experience.

We hope this guide will help you plan your visit. Let us know in the comments when you’re leaving, or ask us any questions you may have—we’ll be happy to answer them. If you found this article helpful, you can also rate it 5 stars below.