What to do in Pompeii

One of my favorite day trips from Rome was Pompeii. Pompeii is south of Rome, near Napoli. This trip was organized by our school in Rome, and over a three days, we saw Naples, Pompeii, Palerno, Sorrento and Paestum. From Naples we took a bus down to Pompeii, which was not a very long ride. However, if you are staying in a city like Rome and plan to go to Pompeii for a day trip, taking a train is your best option. 

Like Pisa and Tivoli, which I will write about soon, Pompeii is a good day trip. Obviously, you can stay longer, but there is only one thing to see in Pompeii, which are the ruins of Pompeii. If possible, plan your trip on a day when it isn't raining, you will be walking a ton, and through the streets of the ruins, therefore no coverings. When you arrive, you start on the outside of the city, and you pay for your admission and there are also maps to help you navigate your way through, and out, of the ruins. Having a scheduled tour might be your best option, unless you have been there before, since they can guide you through the city and tell you what things are. Trust me, you may not know some stuff. From ancient sidewalks, fast food joints, and brothels, going in without knowledge of these things will not let you enjoy Pompeii to its full potential. 

So here are some tips:

• Plan to travel on a day without rain
• Wear comfortable shoes- you will be walking a lot
• Go on a scheduled tour, or have a guidebook with you
• Take lots of pictures
• Don't be afraid of the stray dogs

Pompeii is a very fun and stress-free trip,  you go into the ancient city, and walk out, and that's it! You can easily spend hours wandering around, but I would say you need at least 3 hours to tour Pompeii. 

And the dogs comment, there are stray dogs that live in Pompeii, don't be afraid of them, they won't hurt you! 

Pompeii is a great adventure, and was on my bucket list! It i amazing to see how well preserved the city is after the damage of the Mt. Vesuvius (pictured in the background of the title picture). If you like to see and feel history, this is a great place to visit, and it will only take several hours. I guarantee that it will be interesting, fun, and you may even learn something. If you have any questions or comments about Pompeii, please leave a note below!