15 Amazing Things to Do in Pompeii Besides the Ruins (2025 Guide)
15 Amazing Things to Do in Pompeii Besides the Ruins (2025 Guide). Discover practical tips for your visit. visitor guide, tickets, history of Pompeii
While the ancient ruins are undoubtedly Pompeii's main attraction, the modern town of Pompei (note the spelling difference - no 'i') and surrounding area offer authentic Italian experiences that most tourists miss. Here's your complete guide to discovering the hidden gems beyond the archaeological site.
1. Visit the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Pompeii
Why it's special: This stunning 19th-century basilica is one of Italy's most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, receiving over 4 million visitors annually.
What to expect:
- Beautiful neo-Renaissance architecture with intricate mosaics
- Miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary dating to 1879
- Peaceful atmosphere away from archaeological site crowds
- Free admission and open daily
Insider tip: Visit during the evening for the atmospheric lighting ceremony at sunset.
Address: Piazza Bartolo Longo, 1, 80045 Pompei NA Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM - 8:00 PM daily
2. Explore Modern Pompeii's Historic Center
Why it's special: The modern town showcases authentic Southern Italian life with charming piazzas, local shops, and traditional architecture.
What to discover:
- Piazza Bartolo Longo - Main square with cafes and local life
- Via Roma - Main shopping street with local boutiques
- Traditional Italian bakeries serving sfogliatelle and babà
- Local markets with fresh produce and regional specialties
Best time to visit: Early evening during the traditional passeggiata (evening stroll)
3. Wine Tasting at Vesuvian Vineyards
Why it's unmissable: Vesuvius volcanic soil produces unique wines - some vineyards have been family-run for generations.
Top Recommendations:
Bosco de Medici Winery
- Specialty: Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio (Tears of Christ wine)
- Experience: Guided tastings with vineyard tours
- What makes it special: Vines grow directly in volcanic ash
- Booking: Essential during peak season
- Price range: €25-45 per person
Villa Dora Winery
- Specialty: Organic Vesuvian wines
- Experience: Farm-to-table dining with wine pairings
- Unique feature: Views of both Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples
- Perfect for: Romantic dinners and sunset aperitivos
Pro tip: Many wineries offer transfers from Pompeii archaeological site - ask when booking.
4. Authentic Dining Experiences
Move beyond tourist restaurants to discover where locals actually eat.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Il Principe (Fine Dining)
- Specialty: Modern Neapolitan cuisine with ancient Roman influences
- Signature dish: Spaghetti alle vongole with local San Marzano tomatoes
- Atmosphere: Elegant with views of Vesuvius
- Reservation: Essential for dinner
Osteria da Peppino (Family-Run Trattoria)
- Specialty: Traditional Campanian dishes
- Must-order: Pizza fritta and local buffalo mozzarella
- Vibe: Authentic family atmosphere, minimal English
- Tip: Cash only, arrive early (opens 7:30 PM)
Gelateria Bacio di Luna
- Local favorite: Artisanal gelato with unique flavors
- Try: Bacio di Vesuvio (chocolate-hazelnut with volcanic salt)
- Location: Via Roma, perfect for an afternoon stroll
5. Villa of Mysteries Experience (Beyond Standard Tours)
Enhanced experiences at this famous villa:
Night Tours (Summer Only)
- When: Friday and Saturday evenings, July-September
- What's special: Atmospheric lighting reveals frescoes in new ways
- Booking: Limited to 25 people per tour
- Duration: 90 minutes with expert guide
- Price: €35 per person (includes standard site entry)
Archaeological Workshop
- Experience: Learn fresco painting techniques used by Romans
- Location: Villa's educational center
- Duration: 2 hours
- Perfect for: Families with children 8+
- Advance booking required
6. Local Shopping and Artisan Crafts
Coral and Cameo Workshops
Pompeii is famous for traditional coral carving and cameo making.
Recommended Artisans:
- Ascione Coralli - Third-generation coral carvers
- De Simone Cammei - Handmade shell cameos
- What to buy: Authentic pieces with certificates of authenticity
- Price range: €25-500+ depending on size and complexity
Local Food Markets
Mercato di Pompei (Weekly Market)
- When: Saturday mornings
- Where: Piazza Schettini
- What to find: Local cheeses, olives, preserves, and textiles
- Tip: Bring cash and a reusable bag
7. Thermal Spas and Wellness
Terme Vesuviane
- What it is: Modern thermal spa using ancient Roman wellness traditions
- Treatments: Volcanic mud therapy and mineral water baths
- Location: 10 minutes from archaeological site
- Perfect after: A long day walking the ancient streets
- Booking: Recommended, especially weekends
8. Mount Vesuvius National Park Activities
Beyond climbing to the crater, the park offers:
Guided Nature Walks
- Duration: 2-4 hours depending on route
- Highlights: Native flora, geological formations, panoramic views
- Best time: Early morning or late afternoon
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate trails available
Observatory Visit
- What it is: Historic volcanic observatory with exhibits
- Learn about: Vesuvius monitoring and volcanic history
- Views: Spectacular panoramas of Naples Bay
- Combine with: Crater hike for full experience
9. Day Trips from Pompeii
Herculaneum (Ercolano)
- Distance: 20 minutes by Circumvesuviana train
- Why visit: Better-preserved ruins with different perspective
- Highlight: Intact wooden structures and mosaics
- Ticket tip: Combined Pompeii-Herculaneum tickets available
Sorrento Peninsula
- Distance: 30 minutes by train
- Attractions: Lemon groves, cliffside walks, artisan shops
- Perfect for: Half-day excursion with limoncello tasting
- Return journey: Easy same-day return to Pompeii
Amalfi Coast Glimpse
- Access: Bus from Sorrento (1 hour total from Pompeii)
- Highlights: Positano views, coastal driving experience
- Best for: Full-day trip combining with Sorrento
- Season note: More enjoyable April-October
10. Cultural Events and Festivals
Festa della Madonna del Rosario (October)
- When: First week of October
- What happens: Religious processions, street food, local music
- Experience: Authentic Italian festival atmosphere
- Tip: Book accommodation early as hotels fill up
Estate Pompeiana (Summer Cultural Season)
- When: June-September
- Events: Concerts, theater performances, art exhibitions
- Venues: Various locations including near the archaeological site
- Tickets: Available at local tourist office
11. Photography Opportunities
Best Spots Beyond the Ruins:
Vesuvius Sunrise/Sunset Points
- Location: Various viewpoints in Pompeii town
- Best time: Golden hour (1 hour before/after sunrise/sunset)
- Equipment: Bring telephoto lens for volcano shots
- Safety: Check weather conditions, especially in winter
Traditional Italian Street Life
- Where: Via Roma and side streets during evening passeggiata
- What to capture: Daily life, traditional architecture, local interactions
- Respectful photography: Always ask permission for close-up portraits
12. Learning Experiences
Italian Cooking Classes
Nonna Rosa's Kitchen
- Experience: Learn traditional Campanian recipes
- Duration: 3 hours including meal
- Highlights: Handmade pasta, pizza dough, local ingredients
- Location: Traditional home setting in Pompeii town
- Languages: English and Italian instruction available
Archaeological Museum Visits
Naples National Archaeological Museum
- Distance: 45 minutes by train
- Why important: Houses many artifacts from Pompeii
- Highlight: Secret Cabinet with adult-themed Roman art
- Tip: Visit before or after Pompeii for complete context
13. Unique Accommodation Experiences
Staying in Historic Pompeii
Boutique Hotels with Character:
- Hotel Casa del Pellegrino - Former monastery with gardens
- Maison Laetitia - Stylish B&B with Vesuvius views
- Villa dei Papiri - Luxury villa rental for groups
- Agriturismo options - Farm stays in Vesuvian countryside
Why stay overnight:
- Experience Pompeii without day-trip crowds
- Enjoy authentic Italian evening atmosphere
- Access to early morning archaeological site visits
- Better restaurant availability and service
14. Sports and Outdoor Activities
Cycling Tours
- Routes: Countryside paths around Vesuvius base
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, e-bikes available
- Highlights: Vineyards, traditional villages, volcanic landscapes
- Season: Best March-May and September-November
Horseback Riding
- Location: Vesuvian countryside stables
- Experience level: Beginner to advanced options
- Duration: 1-3 hours
- Unique feature: Riding paths used since Roman times
15. Local Transportation Adventures
Circumvesuviana Train Experience
- What it is: Local railway connecting Naples to Sorrento
- Beyond transportation: Cultural experience showing local life
- Stops worth exploring: Ercolano, Torre del Greco, Sorrento
- Tip: Buy day pass for unlimited travel flexibility
Vintage Vespa Tours
- Experience: Explore Pompeii area on classic Italian scooters
- Routes: Countryside, coastal roads, traditional villages
- Duration: Half-day to full-day options
- Requirements: Valid driving license, helmet provided
Practical Planning Tips
Best Time to Experience Beyond-Ruins Activities:
- Spring (March-May): Perfect weather, fewer crowds
- Fall (September-November): Harvest season, wine festivals
- Summer evenings: Avoid midday heat, enjoy local nightlife
- Winter: Authentic local life, fewer tourists, cozy restaurants
Budget Considerations:
- Free activities: Sanctuary visit, town walking, market browsing
- Mid-range (€10-30): Wine tastings, cooking classes, spa treatments
- Splurge (€50+): Fine dining, private tours, luxury experiences
Language Tips:
- Download Google Translate with camera feature
- Learn basic Italian greetings - locals appreciate the effort
- Many restaurants outside tourist zones have limited English
- Tourist information center has English-speaking staff
Getting Around:
- Walking: Most town attractions within 15 minutes
- Local buses: Connect to nearby attractions
- Taxi: Available but negotiate price beforehand
- Car rental: Best for countryside exploration
Conclusion
Pompeii offers much more than its world-famous ruins. From volcanic wine tastings to authentic Italian experiences, the modern town and surrounding area provide genuine cultural immersion that many tourists miss.
Whether you're interested in spirituality at the Sanctuary, culinary adventures in local trattorias, or exploring the dramatic Vesuvian landscape, these activities complement your archaeological visit with authentic Southern Italian experiences.
Planning your visit? Consider staying at least one night in Pompeii to fully appreciate both the ancient and modern attractions. The combination of historical significance and contemporary Italian charm makes this destination truly unforgettable.
Ready to explore beyond the ruins? Start with the Sanctuary and a local restaurant, then add activities based on your interests. The authentic Italy you'll discover here is just as memorable as walking through ancient Roman streets.