Things to Do at Pompeii and Around Vesuvius
Pompeii lies at the southeastern foot of Vesuvius in Campania, about 25 km from Naples. The ancient city is large, mostly without shade and paved with uneven basalt, so plan on at least a half day and wear sturdy shoes. Prices below are in euros.
The ancient city
The Forum is the natural starting point, with the Temple of Jupiter set against Vesuvius. Around it stand the Basilica and the Macellum, the covered food market. The Roman amphitheatre is the oldest surviving stone amphitheatre, and the seating figures quoted for it vary from source to source.
Among the houses, the Casa dei Vettii reopened in January 2023, and the Lupanar is another well-known stop. Which houses are open changes during the year, so look at the park timetable page before you go and do not plan around one single house.
Houses open since August 2026
From 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 from 09:15 to 18:20, with last admission at 18:00. The House of the Ceii, the House of the Lararium of Achilles, the House of the Silver Wedding and the Praedia of Julia Felix are closed.
Villa dei Misteri
The Villa dei Misteri is on the suburban villas route, which starts at the Porta Ercolano and Via dei Sepolcri entrance. It is included in the Pompeii+ ticket at EUR 25. Holders of the EUR 20 Pompeii Express ticket can add the route for EUR 8, paid by card only at that entrance.
The casts
Pompeii is also a place where people died in AD 79. The permanent exhibition in the Palestra Grande, open since 12 March 2026, calls itself a memorial and shows 22 casts of victims, with the stated aim of giving them dignity. Other casts remain in the houses and buildings where they were found, and the Garden of the Fugitives holds casts of 13 victims. These are human remains, so keep your voice low and give other visitors room.
Guided itineraries
The park runs thematic itineraries, including Civic Pompeii and Daily Pompeii. Each lasts about 1.5 hours and costs EUR 8 on top of the entry ticket. Licensed guides also work at the entrances.
Tickets and entry rules
Every paid ticket carries the holder’s name, and ID is shown at ticket offices. The park admits 20,000 visitors a day. Book on the official seller, Vivaticket , or buy at the entrances and at the self-service offices at Piazza Esedra, Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro. Resellers add fees. Under 18s enter free, and the first Sunday of each month is free with no online booking, so go straight to the turnstiles.
If you want a private guide or a small group, you can compare options on GetYourGuide .
Practical tips
From 16 March to 14 October 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. Only small bags are allowed, up to 30 x 30 x 15 cm, and free luggage storage is offered at the entrances. Bring water and a hat, because shade is scarce. Do not sit on ancient walls or touch frescoes.
Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei are monitored active volcanoes, and Italian emergency plans cover both. Check the FCDO and US State Department travel pages before you travel.
Read more: sightseeing in Pompei covers the main stops in visiting order.