1. The Forum

The political and commercial heart of ancient Pompeii, this magnificent plaza is surrounded by temples, administrative buildings, and the bustling marketplace.

Insider Tip: Visit at 8:30am when the site first opens to experience the Forum in serene morning light before tour groups arrive. Stand at the northern end looking south toward Vesuvius for the most powerful perspective of how the volcano looms over the city.

2. House of the Vettii

One of Pompeii’s most lavishly decorated private homes, showcasing extraordinary frescoes from wealthy merchant brothers.

Insider Tip: The famous Priapus fresco at the entrance gets all the attention, but look for the small peristyle garden in the back where original bronze statues still stand in their original positions with functioning water features that staff activate periodically throughout the day.

3. Villa of the Mysteries

Located just outside the main city walls, this villa contains the most spectacular and enigmatic fresco cycle in all of Pompeii.

Insider Tip: The red room with ritual scenes is overwhelming, but don’t miss the small cubiculum (bedroom) to the right of the entrance with mythological scenes that demonstrate an entirely different painting style and were completed by a different workshop.

4. The Amphitheater

The oldest surviving Roman amphitheater in stone, predating even Rome’s Colosseum by over a century.

Insider Tip: Climb to the uppermost surviving tier and look for the still-visible ancient graffiti carved by spectators. Some even record the names and victories of gladiators who fought here – the earliest sports fan memorabilia!

5. Garden of the Fugitives

A haunting display of plaster casts of victims, preserving their final moments during the eruption.

Insider Tip: Visit late afternoon when most tour groups have departed. The site keeper sometimes steps away around 4pm, allowing a few extra minutes of quiet contemplation without being rushed through this emotional experience.

6. House of the Faun

The largest private residence in Pompeii, once covering nearly an entire city block, named for its dancing faun statue.

Insider Tip: The original Alexander Mosaic from this house is in Naples’ Archaeological Museum, but few visitors notice the remarkable impluvium (rainwater collection basin) with its precisely engineered water filtering system visible from a small observation area near the western atrium.

7. Lupanar (Brothel)

The city’s infamous two-story brothel with explicit frescoes depicting services offered.

Insider Tip: This is Pompeii’s most crowded attraction, so visit during Italian lunch hours (1-2pm) when tour groups break for meals. Look up at the ceiling of the ground floor hallway where original Roman graffiti from satisfied customers can still be seen.

8. Bakery of Modestus

Complete with ancient ovens, millstones and carbonized loaves of bread, this bakery offers insight into daily Roman food production.

Insider Tip: Ask specifically for directions to the “bakery with the phallus relief” in Region VII – this lesser-visited bakery features a fascinating good luck symbol above its oven and usually has no crowds compared to the main bakery on tourist routes.

9. Bath Complex

Remarkably preserved Roman bathing facilities with intact heating systems, changing rooms, and swimming pools.

Insider Tip: The Forum Baths get crowded, but the Stabian Baths offer a more comprehensive experience. Look for the small room with the ceiling still intact showing original blue paint dating from 79 AD – it’s often overlooked as it requires looking upward in a darkened space.

10. Street of Abundance

The main commercial thoroughfare lined with shops, fountains, and stepping stones that allowed pedestrians to cross streets without stepping in waste water.

Insider Tip: Look down at the sidewalks to spot reflective metal markers embedded in the pavement – these modern additions indicate where archaeologists found specific artifacts during excavations. Download the Pompeii Pocket Guide app to input the marker numbers and discover exactly what was found at each location.