Back to ExplorePlan a trip
Pompeii, Italy

Destination Guide

Pompeii

Italy

Best things to do in Pompeii

15 curated attractions in Pompeii, Italy. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

20°C/68°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Pompeii

Pompeii is the archaeological site of an ancient Roman city that was preserved under volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The extraordinary preservation means you can walk through the streets of a city, complete with homes, shops, and even a brothel. The Forum of Pompeii served as the heart of civic life, while the House of the Vettii and the House of the Faun showcase elaborate frescoes and mosaics that reveal daily life and the artistic tastes of the era. While many visitors come for the history, the experience is often underscored by a certain eeriness, especially when you reach the Garden of the Fugitives, where casts of victims remain as a haunting reminder of the disaster. The archaeology park is expansive enough to draw several hours of exploration, making it a unique interplay of history and human tragedy.

Who it's for

History buffs and anyone interested in ancient Rome will find much to enjoy here. However, those seeking a lively city atmosphere or nightlife may be disappointed, as it largely caters to tourists and the crowds can be overwhelming during peak seasons. If you're after a café culture or shopping, you might want to look elsewhere.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The archaeological site is walkable and should take a few hours to explore thoroughly
  • Public transport is reliable, with regular buses connecting to nearby towns like Sorrento and Naples
  • The closest train station is Pompeii Scavi, a short walk from the entrance
  • Expect to do a lot of walking on uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes are a must
House of the Tragic Poet

House of the Tragic Poet

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Temple of Isis

Temple of Isis

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Pompeii

Pompeii

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Lupanar (Brothel)

Lupanar (Brothel)

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
House of the Faun

House of the Faun

Historic houses & mansions
Temple of Apollo

Temple of Apollo

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
House of the Vettii

House of the Vettii

Historic houses & mansions
Forum of Pompeii

Forum of Pompeii

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Stabian Baths

Stabian Baths

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Pompeii Archaeological Park

Pompeii Archaeological Park

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Amphitheatre of Pompeii

Amphitheatre of Pompeii

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Villa of the Mysteries

Villa of the Mysteries

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Garden of the Fugitives

Garden of the Fugitives

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
House of the Small Fountain

House of the Small Fountain

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
House of the Surgeon

House of the Surgeon

Historic houses & mansions

Travel Tools

Check visa for ItalyEstimate costs for PompeiiCompare Pompeii with another cityPacking list for Pompeii

AI Travel Planner

Planning a trip to Pompeii?

Get a personalized itinerary built around your travel personality — with optimized routes, hidden gems, and insider tips.

Take the quiz — it's free →