The Ultimate Guide to Pompeii Updated for 2025
When I was a child, I always wanted to be an Archeologist. I love history and still do, and the idea of discovering temples and tombs hidden in jungles excites me. Even as a 13-year-old, I would read Greek and Roman histories and discuss them with my history teacher. From the beginning, I was an avid history buff. Being a history buff, I’ve always wanted to visit Pompeii. The city was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius back in 79 CE. When the volcano erupted in 79 CE, the falling ash was so rapid that it preserved Pompeii exactly as it had been, burying it under 4-6 meters of ash. The city is frozen in time.
The first settlements date back to the 8th Century BCE. However, most people still know Pompeii today as the Roman town that it was when it died. Pompeii was a wealthy city over time because of its rich agricultural land and location along important trade routes. It had a population over 20,000. The city was a cultural center for the region, boasting a large amphitheater and forum, as well as public baths, temples and an extensive system of aqueducts that provided clean water. Vesuvius erupted and buried many of these buildings including large private villas located in the countryside. The eruption lasted two days. Its first phase, which consisted of falling pumice and ash, lasted for over 18 hours. The 1,150 bodies found are significant but only represent a small fraction of the total population. The majority of the population had an opportunity to flee during this first eruptive stage, but the total number of casualties is unknown. While the eruption was a tragedy, the falling ash preserved the buildings, frescoes, streets, pots and bodies. Pompeii was eventually lost to time, despite some looting that occurred after the eruption. It wasn’t until Herculaneum, a nearby town that was buried by the Vesuvius explosion, was discovered in 1810 that the interest in the area was revived. Pompeii was first excavated in 1748. Archaeological work continues to this day. Who knows what will be discovered in the future? There’s still a large portion of the site left to be excavated. This is the best. Even though the site has suffered from a lack in maintenance, it was still a great place to spend a day. I can only hope that the Italian Government will do something to prevent this site from further deteriorating. Pompeii is located near Naples, Italy. It takes one full day to explore. You can spend an extra half-day if you want to explore every building. It’s huge, covering over 160 acres. You could easily spend more time there. Here’s what you need to do to make the most out of your trip to Pompeii.
The Top 12 Attractions of Pompeii
1. The Brothel
The ancient brothel (lupanar) is a tiny home with stone beds, scenes of acts that customers could pay for. It is essentially ancient porn. However, it’s unclear whether the frescoes were for decoration or if they served a purpose.
Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most visited houses in all of Pompeii (it was probably just as popular before the eruption — no pun intended — too). This is the largest pleasure house found in Pompeii so far, and historians believe it to be the city’s primary brothel. After all, the Romans did enjoy their…rest and relaxation.
2. The Forum Baths
Located close to the forum, (the main public area), these baths have been preserved in a remarkable way. The walls of the baths are still intact, and you can see the heating system that was used when the baths were in use. The forum baths in Pompeii are among the smallest bath ruins, but they are also the most beautiful. Separate areas and entrances were provided for men, as well as separate baths. There were not only hot baths, but also cold and tepid ones.
3. The Villa of the Mysteries
Located outside the main area, the frescoes here are amazingly well preserved in their full vibrant color. The frescoes are some of the finest examples of 1st century Roman painting. The villa was excavated in 1909, long after the rest the city. It’s also a little bit of a hike, so you can have the place to yourself. The Forum
The forum is the most crowded spot in Pompeii. It’s located near the main entrance. The Forum was the center of Pompeii’s life, its cultural and civic nerve. It was the heart and main square of the city, where all important religious and commercial events took place. You can get a real sense of Pompeii’s life by wandering around this area. The Stabian Baths
This is another well-preserved, oldest bath in Pompeii. You can also see some preserved bodies here, which is unsettling (though you’ll get used to it the more you wander around the ruins). The baths also included a workout and gym area (for both wrestling and swimming) as well as a large pool, almost Olympic in size. House of the Small Fountain
A large house with beautiful frescoes and a mosaic fountain. The house had a central atrium with almost all the rooms leading to it. It was clearly owned by a wealthy person. The statue in the courtyard in front of this house gives it its name. It is the largest in Pompeii. It was built in the 2nd Century BCE and has a large courtyard at the back. You can find a mosaic depicting a battle scene. Garden of the Fugitives
Located in the back of Pompeii, this old vineyard has preserved casts of people who didn’t make it out of the city alive. The garden contains 13 frozen bodies, frozen into a horrific tableau of the final moments in Pompeii. It is both fascinating and unsettling.
9. House of Venus in Shell
Another house located away from the crowds has a colorful fresco dedicated to the goddess Venus. The house was under renovation during Vesuvius’ eruption and also was damaged by the bombings of World War II. It was restored in 1950s. The Amphitheater
This huge amphitheater is where the citizens of Pompeii held the ancient games that entertained them. You’ll find it quiet and peaceful, especially in the mornings or evenings. Built in 70 BCE it was the first stone amphitheater. It is the oldest Roman amphitheater still in existence.
11. Great Palestra
Right next to the amphitheater, the “great palace” was an exercise park and place for youth groups. The pool was also used for swimming. It was used as a place to play sports and have games. It’s a good place to get away from the crowds, as there are not many tourists who make it.
12. House of Sallustio
This is one of the oldest houses in Pompeii, with sections dating to the 4th century BCE. A large house in a prime location, it was likely a residence of the elite. The upper floors may have even been used as an inn at some point in its history.
There’s a small garden and covered porch in the back, a fresco of the goddess Diana, a bakery, and even a little food shop in the front. Here are 10 things you should know before visiting Pompeii. Be aware of closings. There were a few places that you should have been able to enter closed. One of the places I went to was closed while I was there. You should check the times when you arrive as online information may not be accurate.
2. Move from the temples at the back to the front. Most people stay in the middle of Pompeii. You can explore the main area after the crowds disperse by late afternoon. The audio guide is a waste. You can get enough information from the free book. The audio guide does not explain much more. Time is limited? Take a guided tour
– I listened while walking to several guided tours and was impressed by their knowledge. I also like the ability to ask questions and get more information. If you don’t do a private tour, the guided tours will only take you to some of the most important sights. Bring plenty of water. Bring plenty of water, and sunscreen to prevent getting burned. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat.
6. Bring snacks. There are some cafes and snackbars here, but you may not find them for quite a while if you explore the ruins. It’s best to bring some food with you for the day’s explorations.
7. It is easiest to travel by train. You should go to Pompei Scavi-Villa Dei Misteri Station as the main Pompeii Station only leads to the modern city. Beware of scams and pickpockets. Scams can include selling fake or overpriced train and bus tickets, or claiming that an entrance is closed. Watch out for pickpockets near the train station and entrances. Bring a small purse or daybag instead of a large backpack. Select your tour carefully
– If you are going to take a tour, make sure it is an official one from the inside of the gate. Many tours are offered outside the gate but are larger and less enjoyable (although they are cheaper). Take Walks is the best option. They always teach me a lot on their tours.
11. Wear sturdy shoes. The ruins can be quite large and you will need to walk for a long time. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes (no flip flops).
12. Purchase tickets online to avoid the queues. Pompeii is a popular tourist destination, so expect long lines at the opening. How to Get to Pompeii:
The best way to reach Pompeii is by train if you are coming from Naples. Take the Sorrento Circumvesuviana from Naples to Pompeii. It takes 40 minutes to get here and costs about 3.50 EUR. There is no free parking lot for the site, but there are many paid municipal and private parking lots nearby. Note that there is no free parking lot for the site, though there are many paid municipal and private parking lots nearby.
Starting in 2025, the site has put restrictions on daily visitors to help preserve the site:
From 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, a maximum of 15,000 admissions (subdivided into 12,000 for Pompeii express and 3,000 for Pompei +)
From 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm, a maximum of 5,000 admissions? From 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm, a maximum of 5,000 admissions? The site is open 9am-5pm from November 1-March 31 (last entry 3:30pm). For updated hours, check pompeiisites.org.
FAQ on Visiting Pompeii
How long do you need in Pompeii?
You’ll want to spend a full day here if you want to see everything. For updated hours, check pompeiisites.org.
FAQ on Visiting Pompeii
How long do you need in Pompeii?
You’ll want to spend a full day here if you want to see everything. You must pay to enter Pompeii. Tickets are 18 EUR per person for the basic ticket (this gets you the main sites) and 22 EUR for the comprehensive, all access ticket.
Should I book a guided tour?
If you don’t have a guidebook or if you want a deeper, more insightful visit then getting a guide is a good idea. You’ll benefit from a guide if there is little signage. You can book a tour guide at the entrance (you will see many hanging there) or you can go with a reputable firm like Take Walks. Tickets are 59 EUR for the three-hour tour and 189 EUR for the full-day tour (including tickets that let you skip the line). Tickets are 59 EUR for the three-hour tour and 189 EUR for the full-day tour (including tickets that let you skip the line).
Do you need to book tickets in advance for Pompeii?
Tickets can be bought online in advance, which includes access to Pompeii, Oplontis, and Boscoreale. You must book in advance if you are visiting Pompeii on a public holiday or a weekend. It can get busy! Visit in May or October to avoid crowds, and enjoy cooler temperatures. If you plan to visit during the summer months, make sure to bring sunscreen because the site is highly exposed to the sun.
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In the day I spent there, I only scratched the top of Pompeii. One day I would love to visit all of the buildings that I missed. Then again, I am a history nerd and could spend hours upon hours among the ruins. One day is enough for those who don’t love history as much as I do. You can enjoy a beautiful and eerie feeling when you walk among the ruins. Plan your trip to Europe with ease.
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