Things to do in  Pompeii

Ancient and sprawling, the city of Pompeii offers glimpses of a distant past. Rather than viewing museum displays behind glass, you’ll stroll the cobbled streets, see ancient graffiti, and likely be struck by the similarities to a modern city. From restaurants to public bathrooms to amphitheaters, ancient Romans followed many of the habits we do today. Wandering this almost 2,000-year-old city is a way to remember that people from all ages share commonalities.

The culprit behind Pompeii’s burial in AD 79, Mt. Vesuvius is one of Europe’s most infamous active volcanoes. While it’s currently enjoying a long dormant spell, scientists are constantly monitoring its seismic activity to avoid history repeating itself, and to reassure locals and visitors alike. Today, Mt. Vesuvius is a popular tourist attraction in southern Italy, and travelers often combine a trip to Pompeii with a visit to see the volcano that buried it.

Tiny Ravello, an idyllic village along the Amalfi Coast, has a long history and vibrant cultural life. Founded by the Romans in the sixth century, this picturesque clifftop town draws today’s travelers with its sea views, villas, and gardens. Home to Villa Rufolo—so beautiful that it inspired new music by German composer Richard Wagner—and Villa Cimbrone, known for its panoramic gardens, Ravello is an elegant respite from the crowds along the coast.

The ruins of this ancient Roman city, now the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, live in the shadow of their more famous neighbor, Pompeii. However, many enthusiasts consider this smaller site—one of Italy’s oldest UNESCO-listed spots—to be equally engaging. Following the AD 79 eruption of Mt. Vesuvius (Monte Vesuvio), Herculaneum was buried in a thicker layer of volcanic debris than Pompeii, leaving its ruins remarkably well preserved, including intact home interiors with furnishings, jewelry, and even food.

Tucked between Amalfi Coast superstars Positano and Amalfi, Praiano has managed to retain the feel of a quiet fishing village, with a slower pace and fewer crowds than its flashier neighbors. Rocky beaches and steep, winding lanes deliver views of colorful clifftop houses and the Li Galli rock formations in the distance. Admire local landmarks such as the beautifully tiled Piazza San Gennaro, then leave plenty of time to linger by the seaside.

Pompeii is perhaps the most important archaeological site in the world, and among Italy's most-visited attractions. The sixth-century-BC Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo) overlooking the forum is one of the oldest religious buildings in this ancient Roman city and a highlight of any tour of these enormous ruins.

One of the most spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast is from Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity, a dramatic overlook lined with classical busts and offering sweeping panoramas of the coastline. Stroll through the lush gardens—replete with shaded paths, manicured flower beds, and hidden pavilions—to this iconic belvedere.

With its white facade and simple bell tower, the Ravello Duomo (Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta e San Pantaleone) is modest by Italian standards. Highlights are the inscribed bronze doors and a remarkable pulpit, supported by six marble lions and adorned with bird and dragon mosaics. The chapel also boasts an ampoule of St. Pantaleone’s blood, said to liquefy each year on the anniversary of his martyrdom.

In the archaeological wonderland of Pompeii, the House of the Vettii stands out for its well-preserved frescoes, seemingly as vivid as when they were first painted almost two millennia ago. This Roman domus is famous for a risqué depiction of Priapus—Greek god of fertility—symbolizing the economic prosperity of the home’s merchant owners.

Pompeii’s Great Theatre is a grand 2nd-century-BC performance space with seating for up to 5,000 spectators. It has acoustics so precise that voices from the stage carry naturally to the highest seats to this day. The first large public building to be excavated in the ancient city, the largely intact theater continues to host classical plays and other performances.

The Lupanar of Pompeii—aka the city’s most famous brothel—offers a candid glimpse into the intimate aspects of ancient Roman life. Featuring small rooms and frescoes depicting erotic scenes, it stands as a testament to Pompeii’s thriving and open culture before the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. A visit here is intriguing, enlightening, and even a bit titillating.

The Stabian Baths (Terme Stabiane) are the oldest and most well-preserved baths in Pompeii, and showcase the sophistication of Roman engineering and leisure. These baths were more than just a place for cleanliness—they served as social hubs where residents gathered to relax, exercise, and socialize. Few places offer a better glimpse into the daily life of ancient Pompeii’s residents.

Via dell’Abbondanza is the main thoroughfare through the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. Stretching from the Forum to the amphitheater, this bustling street was once the heart of daily activity in Pompeii, lined with shops, taverns, and grand homes. Today, it’s a fascinating archaeological site where visitors can walk in the footsteps of the fated city’s former residents.