Sightseeing Highlights of Pompeii
A good sightseeing day at Pompeii follows the layout of the city: public buildings first, then the streets and houses, then the burial road and the villas outside the walls. The park is large and mostly without shade, so allow a half day at minimum. Prices are in euros.
The Forum and the Temple of Jupiter
Enter by Porta Marina or from Piazza Esedra, both close to the Circumvesuviana station Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri, and head for the Forum. The Temple of Jupiter stands at one end with Vesuvius rising behind it, which is the classic view of Pompeii. The Basilica and the Macellum are nearby, and the amphitheatre, the oldest surviving stone amphitheatre, is a longer walk across the site. Seating figures quoted for it differ, so treat any single number loosely.
Houses and streets
The Casa dei Vettii reopened in January 2023, and the Lupanar is a well-known stop. Since 15 August 2026 the House of Menander, the Fullonica of Stephanus, the House of Octavius Quartio, the House of the Tragic Poet and the House of Pansa are open, daily 09:15 to 18:20 with last admission at 18:00. Which houses are open does change, so check the park timetable page on the day.
The Garden of the Fugitives
The Garden of the Fugitives, in Regio I, insula 21, holds casts of 13 victims of the eruption of AD 79. Visit it quietly. The casts are human remains, and the park’s own exhibition in the Palestra Grande describes its purpose as giving the victims dignity. Other casts remain in the buildings where they were found.
Via dei Sepolcri and the Villa dei Misteri
Outside the city walls, Via dei Sepolcri leads to the Villa dei Misteri and its fresco frieze. The route starts at the Porta Ercolano entrance and is part of the suburban villas visit. It is included in Pompeii+ at EUR 25, or EUR 8 extra for Pompeii Express holders, by card only at that entrance.
Beyond the walls
Herculaneum at Ercolano Scavi is a short ride on the Circumvesuviana and costs EUR 16. At Oplontis, the Villa Poppea costs EUR 8, and a viewing of the excavation runs on Thursdays from 10:30 to 12:00 in Italian for groups of up to 10. Oplontis is closed on Tuesdays. For organised sightseeing that combines sites, browse GetYourGuide .
Getting in
The park caps entry at 20,000 visitors a day, and each paid ticket carries a name. Buy from the official seller Vivaticket or at the entrances. Under 18s are free. From 16 March to 14 October you pick a time slot, and the site opens 09:00 to 19:00 with last entrance at 17:30. From 15 October to 15 March it opens 09:00 to 17:00 with last entrance at 15:30. Do not sit on ancient walls or touch frescoes.
Read more: walking tours of Pompei gives routes through these areas.