How To Spend a Day in the Ancient city of Pompeii

Travel back in time to nearly 2,000 years ago in the ancient city of Pompeii and explore the ruins of this incredibly preserved archeological site.

This UNESCO World Heritage site provides a snapshot of what everyday life was like in the Roman Empire. Pompeii is only a 2 hour train ride from Rome, and a 30 minute train ride from Naples, making it the perfect day trip destination.

Here is how to spend the perfect day in Pompeii.

Brief History

In 79AD, a tragic volcanic eruption occurred, leaving no time for inhabitants to escape and unfortunately resulting in thousands of deaths. However, the ash from Mount Vesuvius acted as a preservation for years, leaving us with the well preserved remains we have today. As excavations took place, the rich history and the lives of the Pompeians were uncovered in Italy’s most famous archeological site.

Breakfast

Start your day with a coffee and a nutella croissant from Cornetteria Magma.

These croissants were unbeatable, and the perfect way to begin a long day of exploring. This place was located just outside of the archeological site.

Pompeii Hours And Cost

Year round, the site opens at 9am. From April to October, it closes at 7:30pm, last entrance at 5:30pm. From November to March, it closes at 5pm, last entrance at 3:30pm. Regular tickets cost 23 euros, and guided tickets cost 39 euros.

Get tickets in advance here. Tickets are also available at the entrance.

Tips Before You Go

Get a guide – it is difficult to navigate and learn the history on your own.

Bring a refillable water – If you are visiting in the summer, you need to stay hydrated! There is not a lot of shade in Pompeii, but there are places to refill your water.

Wear comfortable shoes – I walked over 3 miles on the site, so wear shoes that won’t hurt your feet.

Buy tickets in advance – skip the lines, especially in the busy season by getting tickets online.

Luggage/backpacks exceeding 30x30x15cm are not permitted.

Avoid Tourist Traps

Don’t take tours from people outside the gates. The official Pompeii guides are inside or booked through the website. They are much more knowledgeable about the park and reasonably priced. Don’t take taxis from people nearby, use the trains and buses.

Things to See

Plaster Casts – Thousands of years after the eruption, excavators poured plaster over the human remains, further preserving them. Many of them are seen in crouched positions in an attempt to protect themselves from the ash. Seeing the casts is a very surreal reminder of how tragic the event was.

The Forum – This is an open space which was the center of trade, politics, and religion in the city. Here you can see the remains of markets, temples, and legal offices.

House of the Faun – This is one of the most famous spots in Pompeii, known for its representation of the higher class in ancient Rome. Gold and silver jewelry as well as the skeleton of a woman were found during the excavations of this house.

Amphitheater of Pompeii – One of the oldest remaining amphitheaters in Italy. The most notable event that occurred here was a violent riot between the Pompeians and the Nucerians in 59AD, which resulted in a 10 year ban on such events.

Being immersed in the history of Pompeii is truly something else, I cannot recommend it enough.

It is so well preserved and absolutely worth the day trip. After exploring this ancient city, Salerno and Sorrento are only a short distance away, perfect for a relaxing coastal dinner. I enjoyed taking in the sunset in the quaint town of Salerno, a $3 train ride from Pompeii.