Travel Guide of Pompeii in Italy by Influencers and Travelers
Pompeii was an ancient city located in what is now the comune of Pompei near Naples in the Campania region of Italy. Pompeii, along with Herculaneum and many villas in the surrounding area, was buried under 4 to 6 m of volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
Download the Travel Map of Italy on Google Maps here
The Best Things to Do and Visit in Pompeii
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Mount Vesuvius
9 km away
Mount Vesuvius is a somma-stratovolcano located on the Gulf of Naples in Campania, Italy, about 9 km east of Naples and a short distance from the shore. It is one of several volcanoes which form the Campanian volcanic arc.
Learn more Book this experience
2 - House of the Faun
The House of the Faun, built during the 2nd century BC, was one of the largest and most impressive private residences in Pompeii, Italy, and housed many great pieces of art.
View on Google Maps Book this experience
3 - Tours & Sightseeing | Pompeii
Get swept off your feet and transported back in time with this exhilarating guided tour of the legendary Pompeii. Starting at the crack of dawn at the Castro Pretorio metro stop, a luxurious, air-conditioned minibus navigated by seasoned drivers will be waiting to take you on an adventure. By 11:00 a.m., you'll be standing amidst the ruins of Pompeii, with an expert guide breathing life into the stones with vivid narratives. Take a two-hour tour, uncovering fascinating spots like the buzzing Forum, the luxurious Thermal Baths, the scandalous Lupanare, the majestic Greek theatre, and the haunting plaster casts of Pompeii's inhabitants tragically frozen in time by volcanic ash in 79 A.D. Post-adventure, indulge in a bit of retail therapy before savoring a delectable pizza and a refreshing drink before your trip home from the starting point.
Book this experience
4 - House of Menander
The House of Menander is one of the richest and most magnificent houses in ancient Pompeii in terms of architecture, decoration and contents, and covers a large area of about 1,800 square metres occupying most of its insula.
View on Google Maps Book this experience
5 - Amalfi Coast
15 km away
The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline on the northern coast of the Salerno Gulf on the Tyrrhenian Sea, located in the Province of Salerno of southern Italy.
Learn more Book this experience
6 - Hiking | Sorrento
17 km away
Come and discover with the professional trekkin guide the Bay of Nerano, including two days of trekkin (Punta Campanella and Baia di Ieranto) with overnight stay in the holiday home.
Book this experience
7 - Villa Rufolo
16 km away
Villa Rufolo is a building within the historic center of Ravello, a town in the province of Salerno, southern Italy, which overlooks the front of the cathedral square.
Learn more Book this experience
8 - Galleria Umberto I
22 km away
Galleria Umberto I is a public shopping gallery in Naples, southern Italy. It is located directly across from the San Carlo opera house.
Learn more Book this experience
9 - Hiking / Trekking in Amalfi Coast
13 km away
Reach the highest peak of the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula in this stunning, 5-hour hike that will reward you with spectacular views at the top of Monte Faito! Starting from the Cable Car Station in Castellammare di Stabia, you and your ex...
Book this experience
10 - Castel Nuovo
22 km away
Castel Nuovo, often called Maschio Angioino, is a medieval castle located in front of Piazza Municipio and the city hall in central Naples, Campania, Italy.
Learn more Book this experience
11 - Botanical Garden of Naples
22 km away
The Botanical Garden of Naples, Italy is a research facility of the University of Naples Federico II. The premises take up about 15 hectares and are located on via Foria, adjacent to the gigantic old Albergo dei Poveri, the Royal Hospice for the Poor under the Bourbon dynasty.
View on Google Maps Book this experience
12 - Sea Kayaking in Amalfi Coast
22 km away
Discover some of the most beautiful spots on the Amalfi Coast during this 4-hour or 90-min tour in a transparent kayak! As you paddle in some of the clearest and cleanest waters in Italy, you will get to visit caves, coves, and unlock a wonderful wor...
Book this experience
13 - Piazza del Plebiscito
22 km away
Piazza del Plebiscito is a large public square in central Naples, Italy.
View on Google Maps Book this experience
14 - San Lorenzo Maggiore
22 km away
San Lorenzo Maggiore is a church in Naples, Italy. It is located at the precise geographic center of the historic center of the ancient Greek-Roman city, at the intersection of via San Gregorio Armeno and via dei Tribunali.
View on Google Maps Book this experience
15 - Jet Boating in Capri
17 km away
Explore Italy's most exclusive island on this chartered speedboat excursion in Capri. The ultimate island tour, discover the rugged beauty and Mediterranean charm that makes Capri one of Europe's most beautiful islands - exploring iconic na...
Book this experience
16 - Naples Cathedral
22 km away
Naples Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral, the main church of Naples, southern Italy, and the seat of the Archbishop of Naples. It is widely known as the Cattedrale di San Gennaro, in honour of Saint Januarius, the city's patron saint.
View on Google Maps Book this experience
17 - Porta Capuana
22 km away
Porta Capuana is an ancient city gate in Naples, southern Italy. The gate also gives name to the zone, which is one of the ten boroughs of Naples. This zone being part of the Fourth Municipality.
View on Google Maps Book this experience
18 - Royal Palace of Naples
22 km away
The Royal Palace of Naples is a palace, museum, and historical tourist destination located in central Naples, southern Italy. It was one of the four residences near Naples used by the House of Bourbon during their rule of the Kingdom of Naples and later the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
View on Google Maps Book this experience
Disover the best Instagram Spots around Pompeii here
Book your Travel Experience at Pompeii
Discover the best tours and activities around Pompeii, Italy and book your travel experience today with our booking partners
Pictures and Stories of Pompeii from Influencers
5 pictures of Pompeii from Stephanie Krist, Andy Holmes, Denise Jones and other travelers
- Poppies and yellow flowers ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Stephanie Krist | ©Unsplash
- The Lost City of Pompeii, with Mount Vesuvius in the background ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Denise Jones | ©Unsplash
Plan your trip in Pompeii with AI 🤖 🗺
Roadtrips.ai is a AI powered trip planner that you can use to generate a customized trip itinerary for any destination in Italy in just one clickJust write your activities preferences, budget and number of days travelling and our artificial intelligence will do the rest for you
👉 Use the AI Trip Planner
Why should you visit Pompeii ?
Travel to Pompeii if you like:
🌲 Ecoregion 🗼 Ruins 🗼 Landmark 🏘️ TownReviews of Pompeii from Travel Influencers
-Take a guided tour to Pompeii ruins for a more enjoyable and educational experience
-Visit Pompeii on a weekday to avoid the large crowds
-Be sure to stay with your tour guide to avoid getting lost
-Pompeii is a must-see for anyone at least once in their lifetime
-Take your time when visiting Pompeii (more than 3 hours) to fully appreciate the historical significance
Travelers' favorite tours and activities:
- Pompeii Archaeological Site Walking Tour - from $48
- Pompeii Small-Group Skip-the-Line Tour with an Archaeologist - from $45
- Naples to Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii Day Trip with Admission - from $107
- Pompeii, Herculaneum And Vesuvius - Group Tour - from $91
- Pompeii Small-Group Tour with an Archaeologist Guide - from $30
How to visit Pompeii ?
Why traveling there?
Pompeii is a must-visit destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts. The ancient Roman city was buried under volcanic ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, preserving it in remarkable detail. Visiting Pompeii offers a unique insight into the daily life of the Roman Empire, with well-preserved streets, buildings, frescoes, and artifacts. The site is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting millions of visitors each year.
How to get there?
The most convenient way to reach Pompeii is by train. From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale or Napoli Piazza Garibaldi station, which takes about 30-40 minutes to reach Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station. The entrance to the archaeological site is just a few minutes' walk from the station. Alternatively, you can reach Pompeii by car via the A3 motorway, but be prepared for traffic and limited parking options.
What to book in advance?
It is recommended to book your entrance tickets to the Pompeii Archaeological Park in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season. You can purchase tickets online through the official website or authorized resellers. Additionally, consider booking a guided tour to get a more in-depth understanding of the site's history and significance. Tours are available in various languages and can be booked online or through local tour operators.
What are the costs?
The standard entrance fee for the Pompeii Archaeological Park is €16 for adults, with reduced prices for EU citizens aged 18-25 and free entry for EU citizens under 18. Guided tours vary in price depending on the duration and group size, but expect to pay around €15-€30 per person. Travel costs, meals, and accommodation will add to your overall expenses.
What are the best things to do?
Exploring the vast archaeological site of Pompeii can take several hours or even a full day. Highlights include the Forum, the ancient city's main square; the House of the Faun, known for its intricate mosaics; and the Lupanar, a well-preserved Roman brothel. Don't miss the Amphitheatre, one of the oldest and best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, and the Villa of the Mysteries, which features stunning frescoes.
Where to eat?
1. Il Principe: A family-run restaurant offering delicious Neapolitan cuisine, including pizza, pasta, and seafood dishes.
2. Hortus: Located inside the archaeological site, this modern cafe serves light meals, sandwiches, and salads, perfect for lunch during your visit to Pompeii.
3. La Bettola del Gusto: Enjoy traditional Italian dishes in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Where to stay?
1. Hotel Forum: This 4-star hotel is located just steps away from the entrance to the archaeological site, offering comfortable rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a complimentary breakfast.
2. Villa Diomede: A charming bed and breakfast with a garden, located a short walk from the Pompeii ruins, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.
3. Hotel del Sole: A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a convenient location near the train station and the archaeological site.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience, take a hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius itself. The trail starts at the end of the road leading up the volcano, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit. From there, you can peer into the crater and enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding area. It's a unique opportunity to witness the source of Pompeii's destruction and appreciate its ongoing geological activity.
Map of Pompeii
View Pompeii on a map
Download On Google Maps 🗺️📲
More Travel spots to explore around Pompeii
Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions
Discover more travel spots to explore around Pompeii
🏰 Ruins spots 🌲 Ecoregion spots 🗼 Landmark spots 🏘️ Town spotsLearn More about Pompeii
Pompeii is a ruined city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania, in the territory of the commune of Pompei. Pompeii, along with Herculaneum and many villas in the surrounding area, was mostly destroyed and buried under 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft) of volcanic ashand pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The ruins of Pompeii are internationally known for their impressive and unprecedented conservation.
Pompeii Guided Walking Tour
If you want to see the most mythical monuments of Pompeii, a guide will be useful to have the maximum of information. Besides, you will be able to ask him questions and thus go beyond the given information. This is a good option to avoid wasting time looking for information by yourself.
When you arrive at the site, you will find guides at the entrance, ready to lead you on your visit. They are easily distinguishable by their badges.
For extra peace of mind during your visit, book a guided tour (that includes a skip the line) with a small group. After your guided tour, you can enjoy the site at your own pace.
Pompeii Self-guided Tour
- Get some information first (to understand even better when on site)
Feel free to browse the Google Street tool to get an idea of the size of Pompeii. In this way, you will become familiar with the place.
- Buy your ticket
- Browse the site
Some of the main spots:
- The Forum : center of life of Pompei, it was a religious, political and cultural place.
- The Basilica : 1 500 square metres, it is the biggest building of the Forum. Businesses and administration of justice subjects were been discussed here.
- The House of the Tragic Poet : with a “cave canem” sign meaning “beware of the dog”. It is called as it is because the painting shows (according to excavators) a poet reciting his poetry.
- The House of the Faun : the largest residence in Pompeii, owned by the Satrii. It hosted many pieces of art.
- The Brothel (or lupanar) : house in which the prostitutes were gathered, living in miserable rooms, with a stone bed and no entertainment. This was unfortunately a legal practice at that time. There are some pornographic frescoes.
- The Stabian Baths : one of the oldest swimming pools of the Roman times.
- The Garden of the Fugitives: the impressive scene of people trying to escape the destructive lava flow from the Vesuvius volcano.
- The Amphitheatre : hosted shows as circus, animals hunts and battles. It could accommodate up to 20 000 people.
- The Villa of the Mysteries : a lot of mysteries happened in this house, especially following rituals performed by women...
Best Time To Visit Pompeii
Enjoy Pompeii better between November and March (low tourist season). Careful, Pompeii is close on January 1rst, May 1rst and on December 25.
Pompeii Sightseeing Tips
- Note that there are two entrances to Pompeii, the main entrance is Porta Marina (the busier of the two) and Piazza Anfiteatro.
- Find the opening hours of each spot of the archaeological site of Pompeii to organize your tour.
- But beware: the times indicated on the website are not always the right ones...
- Start by visiting the monuments farthest from the center (where it is usually crowded first).
- Also, you will have less people in the most touristic places at the end of the day.
- If you don't mind reading, you can visit without the audio guide. They do not give more information than the small (and free) guide given.
- If you know you will be using the audio guide, remember to take your own headphones.
- Beware of scams (too high prices or fake "VIP" entrances) and thieves in the streets.
- Beware of the heat: it can get very hot during summer. Remember to stay hydrated and protect your skin.
- Take some snacks, as you can quickly get away from the corners with cafes. That's usually when we get hungry, right?
- Take good shoes (no heels) as not all paths are flat.
- Bags larger than 30x30x15 cm are not accepted inside. You can store them at the entrance during your visit.
What to do after your trip to Pompeii ?
1. Take a day trip to Herculaneum – Herculaneum is another ancient city that was destroyed in the same volcanic eruption as Pompeii. However, it is much less crowded than Pompeii and therefore makes for a more relaxing day trip.
2. Visit Mount Vesuvius – The volcano that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum is still active today and is definitely worth a visit. You can take a cable car to the top of the volcano for some incredible views.
3. Go on a wine tour – The Pompeii area is renowned for its wines, so it would be rude not to go on a wine tour while you’re here! You’ll get to sample some of the local produce while learning about the wine-making process.
4. Explore Naples – Naples is the largest city in the Pompeii area and is definitely worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Pompeii
If you don't want to waste time looking for information by yourself
+ you want to see the most interesting monuments of Pompeii in a fare time
= yes, having a guide is the best solution.
Moreover, you will be able to ask him/her questions and thus go beyond the given information.
You can meet your guides at the entrance of Pompeii site (they all have bagdes) or book a guided tour in advance.
Yes, you definitely can visit Pompeii without a guide. It might take you longer to go around but you will visit at your own pace. The archaeological site of Pompeii has a website that can be used to get more information before your visit : guides and maps. That might help you understand better what you will see and where.
Find, up this page, some of the main points of interest of Pompeii.
There is no dress code but we have some recommendations for you :
If you plan on getting a guide, you can discover Pompeii in one day : spending half the day with you guide and enjoying the rest of it by yourself.
If you plan a self-guided tour, one day would be easily filled up. But if you have more time, explore the old ruins city for two days (or at least one day and a half).
Where to Stay in Pompeii
Discover the best hotels around Pompeii, Italy and book your stay today with our booking partner booking.com