What to See in Pompeii: The Most Impressive Spots to Plan Your Visit
Every corner of this ancient Roman city was frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walking through its streets is a magnificent opportunity to understand how daily life unfolded before everything turned to ash. If you are planning a visit, here are the must-see places in Pompeii so you don’t miss a thing.
What to Keep in Mind When Visiting Pompeii
When we say Pompeii is a city, it is no exaggeration. The archaeological site is vast, so you should allow enough time and have a clear idea of what you want to see. If you have purchased Pompeii tickets with a guided tour, you won’t need to worry about this, as your guide will take you to the most significant sites. However, if you plan to visit on your own, take careful note.
Top 11 Places to Visit in Pompeii
1. Forum
The Forum was the heart of Pompeii, where political life, commerce, and part of religious activity converged. It is an excellent starting point because from here the city can be “read”: main streets, public buildings, temples, and the civic pulse of the ancient town. Its central location, close to Porta Marina, connects it with key axes of the archaeological complex. If you look up, Mount Vesuvius dominates the horizon.
2. Amphitheater
The Amphitheater is one of the great icons of the visit. It is considered the oldest known Roman amphitheater and is essential for understanding mass entertainment in the Roman world.
Today’s silence contrasts with what it once was: packed stands, vendors, shouts, and a social ritual surrounding the spectacles. Even without reconstructions, the architecture speaks for itself: access points, slopes, and a layout designed to accommodate thousands of spectators.
3. Baths
In ancient Rome, baths were much more than places to wash—they were centers of social life. Among the most important sites in Pompeii are the Stabian Baths, noted for their historical significance and for helping us understand the sequence of spaces (cold, warm, hot) and the engineering behind Roman leisure.
4. House of the Faun
The House of the Faun represents large-scale domestic luxury. It is famous for its size and the artistic quality of its decoration, and it takes its name from the statue of the dancing faun.
Here it is worth imagining the ceremonial route within an aristocratic domus: the entrance, the atrium, the display of status, and above all the idea that the house was also a space of public representation for clients and guests. Many visitors come seeking the memory of the famous Alexander Mosaic (the original is housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples), but we also encourage you to observe the spatial organization: the richness lies as much in the architecture as in the art.
5. Lupanar
The Lupanar is one of the most talked-about places in Pompeii—and not only because of its subject matter. It brings us closer to the real city, without idealization: economy, desire, humor, and above all, history. Traces and messages on its walls connect directly with everyday life.
6. Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo is one of the most important sacred spaces in Pompeii, key to understanding both spirituality and the city’s public life. It stands next to the Forum, which is no coincidence: religion was part of daily life and intertwined with politics, celebrations, and collective activities.
7. Villa of the Mysteries
For many visitors, the Villa of the Mysteries is one of the most striking stops. Its fame comes from its extraordinary murals, associated with the so-called Dionysian “mysteries” and ritual interpretations. This visit gains greatly when explained step by step, as this is not merely “beautiful” decoration but a symbolic program.
8. House of the Tragic Poet
The House of the Tragic Poet is a magnificent example of how a relatively small residence can contain a rich artistic universe. Its name relates to its mosaics and frescoes, and it is famous for the iconic warning “Cave canem” (“beware of the dog”) at the entrance. During your visit, you will notice how the city is full of this kind of signage for different spaces.
9. House of the Vettii
The House of the Vettii is essential for its decorative richness and for illustrating the social ambition of certain owners in Pompeii. It has also undergone significant restoration and reopening works that have restored part of its splendor to the public. Without a doubt, it is one of the places in Pompeii you should not miss.
10. House of Menander
The House of Menander stands out for its scale, the sophistication of its spaces, and the cultural aura associated with its name (linked to the poet Menander depicted in the house).
It is an excellent stop to discuss local elites, the blending of private life and public display, and that refined Pompeii that read literature, commissioned frescoes, and hosted banquets. Even for those who have already visited other domus, one idea often becomes clear here: there is no single “Roman house,” but rather many variations depending on wealth, taste, and historical moment.
11. House of Octavius Quartio
The House of Octavius Quartio is especially attractive for its relationship with gardens and water features, a brilliant example of how some homes transformed domestic space into a small landscape designed for strolling, contemplation, and entertaining.
Beyond These Examples: Everyday Pompeii That Many Overlook
The places in Pompeii we have selected are an excellent starting point, but they are only a few examples. One of the site’s greatest strengths is that, between monuments and famous houses, scenes of daily life appear that complete the story: garum shops (the famous fish sauce central to the food economy), bread ovens where we can almost imagine the rhythm of daily purchases, or the Fullonica (laundry/dye works), which reveals how clothing was processed in the Roman city.
These corners can go unnoticed without explanation, yet they are what make the visit truly complete: they speak of trades, smells, routines, and a surprisingly sophisticated urban economy. This is where a guided tour makes a real difference—not to see more, but to understand better.
Pompeii is vast and rich in history. Exploring it with an audio guide or with an expert who provides historical explanations, context for each domus and its inhabitants, and insight into ancient customs will make your experience far more memorable. Visiting Pompeii is a unique experience—make the most of it with expert guidance.