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What to See in Pompeii: Essential Sights, a One-Day Route and Ticket Rules (2026)
What to see in Pompeii on a first visit: the Forum, the baths, the House of the Faun, the Amphitheater and the casts, plus a one-day route and the current ticket rules.
Deciding what to see in Pompeii matters, because the Roman town buried by Vesuvius in AD 79 is huge. A single day covers only part of it. This guide picks out the essential stops, suggests a route and explains the current ticket rules.
The short answer: on a first visit, focus on the Forum, the Stabian Baths, the Lupanar, the House of the Faun, the theaters, the Amphitheater and the plaster casts in the Garden of the Fugitives. Add the Villa of the Mysteries if you have time. Tickets are now personal and there is a daily cap on visitors, so book online on the official site. Allow at least half a day, and bring water and a hat.
Last updated: September 25, 2026
What to see in Pompeii at a glance
| Stop | Why go |
|---|---|
| Forum | The civic heart of the town, with Vesuvius in the background |
| Stabian Baths | Well-preserved Roman baths with changing rooms and stucco ceilings |
| Lupanar | The town’s best-known brothel, with small painted rooms |
| House of the Faun | One of the largest homes in Pompeii, named after its bronze statue |
| Large and Small Theaters | A Greek-style open-air theater and a covered concert hall |
| Amphitheater | One of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters |
| Garden of the Fugitives | Plaster casts of victims of the eruption |
| Villa of the Mysteries | Famous frescoes, just outside the city walls |
Pompeii tickets and rules in 2026
The rules changed recently, so check them before you go. According to the official Pompeii Archaeological Park site (checked September 2026):
- Tickets are personal. Since November 15, 2024, each ticket carries the visitor’s name.
- There is a daily cap. The park admits up to 20,000 visitors a day. From March 16 to October 14, it also splits entries into a morning slot and an afternoon slot.
- Price: the ticket for the ancient city alone costs about €20 (checked September 2026). Combined tickets add the suburban villas and other sites.
- Free days: entry is free on the first Sunday of every month, which also means bigger crowds.
- Hours: from March 16 to October 14, the site opens 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with last entry at 5:30 p.m. From October 15 to March 15, it closes at 5 p.m., with last entry at 3:30 p.m.
In addition, the park’s home page notes that only small bags, up to 30 × 30 × 15 cm, are allowed inside (checked September 2026). As a result, leave large backpacks at your hotel.
The essential sights of Pompeii
The stops below cover what to see in Pompeii on a first visit, in a logical order.
The Forum and the Temple of Apollo
Start at the Forum, a long open square framed by columns, with Vesuvius rising behind it. Around it stand the Basilica, the law court of the town, and the Temple of Apollo, with a bronze statue of the god.
The Stabian Baths
The Stabian Baths are among the oldest in Pompeii. Inside, you can still see the changing rooms with niches for clothes, the warm and hot rooms, and delicate stucco decoration on the vaults.
The Lupanar
The Lupanar is a small two-story brothel with stone beds and faded erotic paintings above the doors. It is one of the most visited buildings on the site; therefore, expect a line at midday.
The House of the Faun
This vast house takes its name from the small bronze dancing faun in its atrium, today a copy. The famous Alexander Mosaic that once decorated its floor is now in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
The theaters and the Amphitheater
The Large Theater could hold thousands of spectators, while the smaller covered Odeon hosted music and recitals. Then walk east to the Amphitheater, one of the oldest Roman amphitheaters still standing.
The Garden of the Fugitives
Here, a group of plaster casts shows people who died while trying to escape. Archaeologists made them by pouring plaster into the hollows left by bodies in the ash.
The Villa of the Mysteries
Finally, if you have energy left, walk to the Villa of the Mysteries, outside the walls. Its dining room holds a cycle of frescoes on a deep red background, among the best-known paintings of the ancient world.
A route for what to see in Pompeii in one day
Most visitors enter at Porta Marina, near the train station. From there, a practical loop runs through the Forum and down Via dell’Abbondanza to the Stabian Baths and the Lupanar. Then head east to the Amphitheater and the Garden of the Fugitives. On the way back, stop at the theaters and the House of the Faun. By contrast, the Villa of the Mysteries works best at the start or end of the day, because it lies outside the main grid.
Not every house is open every day. For this reason, check the official list of open houses before you plan your route.
How to get to Pompeii
Pompeii lies south of Naples. The Circumvesuviana train stops at Pompei Scavi, close to the Porta Marina entrance, and it links Naples with Sorrento. Many travelers also come on a day trip from Rome. Our guide on visiting Pompeii from Rome or Naples compares the options in detail. Also, our lists of day trips from Naples and day trips from Rome help you fit it into your trip.
Pompeii tours worth considering
A guide brings the ruins to life and saves you time on the route. Options include a Pompeii day trip from Rome, a Pompeii and Vesuvius day trip from Naples and a Pompeii and Amalfi Coast day trip. Also, if you stay nearby, see our things to do in Sorrento and the Naples travel guide.
To plan the visit itself, our guide to Pompeii tickets covers ticket types, opening hours by season, entrances and free entry.
Where to stay
Planning to spend the night in Sorrento? Book a central base and you will lose less time in transit, especially if you start early. Not sure which area to pick? Our guide to where to stay in Sorrento compares the best areas.
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Compare places to stay in Sorrento →What to see in Pompeii: frequently asked questions
How long do you need in Pompeii?
Plan at least half a day to see the main sights. A full day lets you add the Villa of the Mysteries and more houses.
Do you need to book Pompeii tickets in advance?
It is wise. Tickets are personal and the park caps visitors at 20,000 a day. As a result, buying online on the official site avoids surprises.
Is Pompeii free on the first Sunday of the month?
Yes, according to the official park site, entry is free on the first Sunday of every month. Expect larger crowds on those days.
Can you bring a backpack into Pompeii?
Only small bags up to 30 × 30 × 15 cm are allowed, according to the official park site.
What should I not miss in Pompeii?
For a first visit, what to see in Pompeii starts with the Forum, the Stabian Baths and the House of the Faun. Then add the Amphitheater and the casts in the Garden of the Fugitives.
Plan your Pompeii day
See Pompeii with a guide
Compare Pompeii day trips from Rome and Naples, with prices and ratings read on Viator.
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Matched to this article by place and interest, then ordered by Viator rating and number of reviews (checked September 2026). Prices and availability are shown live on Viator.
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