Pompeii is 66 hectares of unshaded ancient city in the Campanian sun. The difference between a transcendent 4-hour experience and a miserable sunburnt endurance test comes down to 10 decisions you make BEFORE entering. Shoes, water, timing, entrance, and knowing which 15 buildings to prioritize out of 150+. Campania archaeology →
1. Wrong entrance. Enter at Porta Marina (main entrance, near Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station) — NOT Piazza Anfiteatro (the other entrance dumps you at the far end). 2. Arriving midday. Enter at 8:30am (opening). By noon: 35°C+, zero shade, crowds peak. 3. No water. Bring 2L minimum. There are ancient fountains inside (yes, working — Roman water system restored) but they're spread out. 4. Wrong shoes. Roman streets are uneven stone with deep cart ruts. NO flip-flops, NO sandals — closed-toe walking shoes with grip.
5. No hat/sunscreen. Zero shade in 90% of the site. You WILL burn. 6. Trying to see everything. 66 hectares = impossible in one day. Prioritize 15 buildings (see below). 7. Eating inside. The one café inside is expensive + bad. Eat BEFORE or AFTER in Pompei town. 8. Falling for "guide" scams outside. People outside the entrance offer tours — some are legitimate, many overcharge (€40-60/person for mediocre commentary). Book through GYG or Viator for vetted guides. 9. Skipping the Villa dei Misteri. It's at the far northwest corner (15 min walk from Porta Marina) — most exhausted visitors skip it. Don't. The mystery cult frescoes are the best-preserved in Pompeii. 10. Not visiting Herculaneum. Better preserved, smaller, more intimate. Do BOTH.
Porta Marina → Forum → Temple of Apollo → Macellum (market) → Thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus (painted fast-food bar) → House of the Faun (Alexander Mosaic floor) → Lupanar (brothel) → Stabian Baths → House of Menander → Large Theatre → Amphitheatre → House of the Orchard → Garden of the Fugitives (plaster casts of victims) → Villa dei Misteri. Total: 3-4 hours at a good pace with stops for photos + reading.