This article highlights the top spots in Pompeii that every day-tripper should check out.
Ancient Pompeii, which got stuck in time after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, is a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. A visit to Pompeii takes you back in time, showcasing incredibly well-preserved ruins that shed light on everyday life, architecture, and art from long ago. In this guide, we’ll dive into the must-see attractions that make Pompeii such an archaeological wonder.
The Civic Center
Start your day at the heart of ancient Pompeii: the Forum. This spot was the town’s social and civic hub, showcasing what life was like back in Roman times. The Forum is a large public square surrounded by impressive buildings like the Temple of Jupiter and the Basilica, making it the center for politics, religion, and trade.
The well-preserved remains of the Forum give us a glimpse into the lively civic life where people gathered to discuss important issues amidst stunning architecture. Don’t forget to check out the trading areas, especially the Building of Eumachia, funded by a generous woman. And definitely snap a pic at the Temple of Jupiter, with its iconic columns towering over the Forum, along with the Basilica and Comitium, where political debates once took place.
After exploring the Forum, head out through the southeastern corner and take a stroll down Via dell’Abbondanza (Street of Abundance). This busy street is filled with shops, taverns, and homes, giving you a taste of the commercial and social vibe of ancient Pompeii. Check out the detailed storefronts and the stepping stones that helped people cross the streets when it rained. Keep an eye out for graffiti on the walls—everything from ads to insults!
While you’re wandering around, imagine what it was like to grab some fast food 2,000 years ago at the Thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus. This place, dating back to the 1st century CE, has a counter with circular openings for jars that stored hot and cold food. The colorful frescoes on the counter show different foods from the Roman diet, acting like a visual menu of tasty options.
Archaeologists found remnants of beans, lentils, and other foods in the jars, giving us cool insights into what people ate back then. The Thermopolium really captures the lively street scene and culinary tastes of ancient Pompeii!
Bread and Circuses
Pompeii’s Amphitheater, with its original steps still intact for ancient spectators, is a cool spot to check out. Back in the day, Roman politicians used to win over the public (the plebeians) by providing them with food and entertainment—this was called panem et circenses or “bread and circuses.” Pompeii had tons of bakeries, with over 30 discovered so far. If you’re strolling down Via dell’Abbondanza, make sure to pop into one!
One bakery you’ll find on Via dell’Abbondanza, right across from the House of Trebius Valens, was famous for its bread, a local specialty thanks to the Vesuvius area. Even though it didn’t have a storefront, it was part of a bustling food scene in Pompeii. The owner, Sotericus, is actually remembered on the sign of a nearby inn.
The bakery itself was pretty spacious, combining two older buildings. It had shelves, work surfaces, and a dough-kneading machine, plus an oven, grain storage, sleeping quarters for workers, and four donkey-powered machines in a stable next door. They probably shipped their goods all around town.
After checking out the bakery, head over to Pompeii’s Amphitheater. While you’re walking there, keep an eye out for some of the old urban market gardens that used to be common in the area.
Every Roman town had its own amphitheater for gladiator fights, plays, animal shows, and even mock naval battles. Pompeii’s Amphitheater is a massive oval structure that could hold about 20,000 people. The arena measures roughly 135 by 104 meters (442 by 341 feet), making it a stunning venue for all sorts of events.
With its well-kept seating and impressive design, this amphitheater is one of the oldest surviving Roman structures of its kind, giving us a glimpse into the entertainment scene of ancient times.
The Victims of Vesuvius
Check out the plaster casts of victims in the Garden of the Fugitives at Pompeii! If you start from the Amphitheater, take a stroll through the Large Palaestra, which was basically the workout area back in the day. People would chill by the big swimming pool, shop at pop-up stalls along the columns, and get their exercise on in the open spaces. Kids even had lessons there, and you can still see some graffiti that looks like it was made by little hands practicing their ABCs.
After you’ve walked around and soaked in the ancient art and temporary exhibits, head over to Vicolo dei Fuggiaschi. There’s a ramp that takes you down to the Orto dei Fuggiaschi, or the Garden of the Fugitives. This garden used to grow veggies and vines for local markets. During the Vesuvius eruption, thirteen people—men, women, and kids—huddled here trying to escape but sadly couldn’t make it. The ash and pumice preserved their shapes.
Archaeologists found this spot while digging and noticed voids where the bodies had decomposed in the ash. They filled these voids with plaster to create casts, giving us a chilling look at how these folks were positioned when they died.
The Thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus 
The remains of the Forum of Pompeii 
Pompeii’s Amphitheater with the original steps used by ancient spectators 
The plaster casts of victims in the Garden of the Fugitives, Pompeii 
A view through the House of the Vettii from the front door, flanked by a fresco of the god Priapus 
Villa of the Mysteries 
A fresco from the Lupanar in Pompeii, detailing the “menu” of acts available 
The hot room from the public baths in Pompeii 
Visitors taking in the sites of Pompeii’s Forum, overlooked by Vesuvius
The Grand Houses of Pompeii
A visit to Pompeii isn’t complete without checking out some of its most impressive homes. First up is the House of the Faun. Stroll through the well-preserved remains of this opulent domus, which is one of the finest in Pompeii.
It’s named after a bronze statue of a faun found on-site, and it features stunning frescoes, beautiful mosaic floors, and intricate design. Be sure to explore its many rooms, including the famous Alexander Mosaic in the tablinum (basically an ancient study), which shows the Battle of Issus from 333 BCE between Alexander the Great and King Darius III. Don’t forget to check out the peristyle garden too!
Next, for a peek into ancient Roman beliefs, make your way to the Villa of the Mysteries, just a short stroll from the Herculaneum Gate in the northwest part of town. This villa is incredibly well-preserved and has a series of frescoes that illustrate mysterious religious rituals linked to the cult of Dionysus. The vibrant artwork gives a fascinating look at the spiritual practices of that era.
The Room of the Mysteries is especially noteworthy, showcasing one of the best-preserved and most colorful frescoes from ancient Rome. Even though it’s stunning, the meaning behind the paintings remains a mystery, which is why the villa got its name.
After that, head back into town to visit the Casa dei Vettii (House of the Vettii). This place is another well-kept and wealthy residence from ancient Pompeii, giving us great insight into the lives of the upper class during the Roman Empire. It’s named after its likely owners, Aulus Vettius Conviva and Aulus Vettius Restitutus.
While you’re there, don’t miss the gorgeous frescoes and mosaics in the atrium (entrance hall), cubiculae (bedrooms), and triclinium (dining room). Also, check out the aediculum, where the family would worship their household gods. And keep an eye out for Priapus, the Greek god of fertility, who greets you on your right as you walk in!
More Affairs
Pastimes in Pompeii
So, you’ve got your day all set for Pompeii! Before you head out, here are a few things to keep in mind. To get there, hop on the Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi, but be careful of pickpockets hanging around outside the station. It’s just a quick walk from there to the site.
Pompeii is massive, and honestly, you can’t see everything in just one day. It’s smart to have a rough plan of what you want to check out. Also, make sure to wear comfy shoes since you’ll be walking on a lot of cobblestones and uneven paths. Bringing a reusable water bottle is a good idea too; you can fill it up at the ancient fountains scattered throughout the area.
Just a heads-up: there aren’t many shady spots in Pompeii, so be prepared for the sun. Grab one of the free maps at the entrance, but try to steer clear of local tour guides—they might not always give you the best info about the ruins.
Once you’re inside, soak it all in and let your imagination run wild! Be respectful of the monuments—don’t touch the artwork or sit on the ruins, and avoid using flash photography near the frescoes. It’s an unforgettable experience, and trust me, you won’t forget this day anytime soon!
