23 Best Things to do in Naples, Italy, by an Italian [2024]

Naples can be a bit harder to navigate than other Italian cities. Check out the best things to do in Naples, the unmissable attractions + get tips from an Italian.

Naples is one of the most important cities in Southern Italy, boasting a beautiful contrast between old and modern in both architecture and traditions, one of the main ports in Europe, and mouth-watering food and coffee.

Being the third largest city in Italy, it’s one of the major tourist destinations in the region, so if you’re traveling in the south of Italy you’re bound to stop at Naples at some point. So, what to do in Naples, Italy when you get there?  

In this post, you’ll find the very best things to do in Naples, Italy (including but not limited to eating lots of pizza!) written by an Italian. Read on! 

➤ For a very comprehensive introduction to the city, join the Best of Naples Walking Tour. This private excursion will show you the highlights and hidden gems of Napoli that are only known to locals. It’s ideal if you have little time in the city! ➥ BOOK IT HERE

10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAPLES, ITALY

Join a Food Tour in Naples

Napoli is especially renowned for its food, and we’re not only talking about pizza! While the Margherita is indeed Naples’ biggest pride, there are quite a few more dishes the city is famous for and that you should definitely add to your Naples bucket list. 

Minestrone Napoletano is a vegetable and pasta soup that’s very healthy, and ideal to counteract a pizza overdose. 

Neapolitan Ragú is one of the tastiest Neapolitan dishes. It consists of meat that’s slow-cooked in tomato sauce, carefully kept at the same temperature for hours, and then served with pasta.  

Another popular dish is Frittatina Napoletana, an omelet made of pasta (yes, Italians love pasta) which is often served as a starter. It can also substitute lunch as it’s very filling.  

You also shouldn’t miss the sfogliatelle, buffalo mozzarella, and wine, which is why I recommend going on a Naples food tour. This way you’ll get to indulge in all the local goodies while learning about the city’s culinary culture and history. 

➤ Join this Sttreet Food Tour with Local Guide to explore the street food scene and be introduced to all the traditional bites and flavors on this foodie tour of Naples. You’ll get to sample pizza fritta, mozzarella, and sfogliatelle, among other delicious treats, and finish the tour with gelato and limoncello. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Embark on The 10 Tastings of Naples with Locals: Private Food Tour to sample 10 delicious, traditional products. You’ll visit shops and eateries, learn the secrets behind some of the dishes, and sample both savory and sweet delicacies along with drinks and coffee. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Check Out the Art Metro Stations in Naples

Things to do in Napoli include visiting the metro stations, which aren’t your average station. At least 12 of them aren’t, situated along lines 1 and 6 of the Naples Metro and showcasing astounding art installations. 

There are over 200 works of contemporary art, both by local and international artists, and they are all astounding. The prettiest Art Metro Stations are Univesità, Municipio, Garibaldi, and Toledo, considered the most beautiful of all. 

Visit the Ruins of Pompeii

Pompeii is a fascinating city in Italy that became world-famous when it was discovered in the 16th century, after having been buried in ash and pumice for centuries by the infamous eruption of the Vesuvius in 79 AD. 

The archaeological site is a must-visit if you’re in the region, and its closeness to the city of Naples makes it a perfect day trip destination. When wandering around the ruins you’ll get to see the impressive Amphitheater, the remains of houses, mosaics, and the plaster casts of the citizens, portrayed right at the moment when they were killed. 

Pompeii is easily reached from Napoli Centrale train station, as the Circumvesuviana train only takes 30 minutes to complete the journey. If you’re going on your own, I recommend you buy your entrance ticket in advance to access the ruins as soon as you get there. 

➤ Visit the historical city of Pompeii with a local guide with this Pompeii Half-Day Trip from Naples. Learn all about the site’s history and its discovery. This half-day tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off for added comfort, and a very comprehensive visit to the ruins. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Alternatively you can embark on a full-day Pompeii Ruins and Mt Vesuvius Day Tour to explore the ruins of Pompeii with a guide, and also hike all the way up to the rim of the Vesuvius volcano, responsible for the city’s doom. You will also have lunch with a drink, and enjoy roundtrip transportation from Naples. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Eat As Much Pizza As You Can

Naples is the birthplace of Pizza as we know it, so there’s nowhere else in the world where stuffing on pizza slices is more important than in this city. The classic Neapolitan pizza is the Margherita, and you will find it in pretty much every corner of the city. 

The original pizza did not have cheese but consisted of a flatbread with tomato sauce. In the 19th century, though, the baker Raffaele Esposito introduced mozzarella and basil to the mix, and since the toppings corresponded to the colors of the flag, the pizza was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy. Thus, the world’s most beloved comfort food was born, and no visit to Naples is complete without a pizza overdose (well, maybe not to that extreme). 

Via Tribunali is where you can find lots of pizzerie. I highly recommend you check out these Naples restaurants. 

▶️ L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a Michelin-star restaurant that has been serving pizza since the 19th century. Their Margherita is advertised as the best pizza in the world …and the raving reviews agree. 

▶️ Sorbillo is one ofthe most famous spots for eating pizza in Naples. It’s one of the oldest family-run pizzerie in the city and where, according to many, you may find the best pizza of your life. 

▶️ 50 Kalò specializes in Pizza Napoletana, the authentic Margherita, which is characterized by its very light crust. Run by a third generation of pizzamakers, the restaurant is listed in Italy’s Michelin Guide. 

Explore Naples Underground

Naples city has a lot to offer, and contrary to what you may think, not all of its landmarks are above the ground. One of the major landmarks in Naples is Naples underground (catacombs and aqueducts), and there are multiple choices to discover it.

Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground)

Napoli Sotterranea is one of the greatest attractions in Naples. A network of underground tunnels, galleries, and caves is located underneath Naples Old Town, and it was used for many purposes over the years. During WWII it was used by the city’s resistance, while it also served as storage and shelter. 

You can get your tickets in advance to access the site upon arrival, without waiting in line. Since it’s a Naples must see attraction, this will save you quite some time. 

Catacombe di San Gennaro (Catacombs of San Gennaro)

The Catacombs of San Gennaro (Catacombe di San Gennaro) are named after the patron saint of Naples, whose remains were laid to rest there. For this reason, the Catacombe became a site of pilgrimage and hold great religious importance. Besides the porticoed passageways and crypts, there are also spectacular frescoes from the 5th century. 

 ➤ Get the Catacombs of San Gennaro Entry Ticket & Guided Tour to learn about this fascinating site and discover the link between the patron of Naples and the city. You’ll uncover over 2,000 years of religion, art, and history. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Fontanelle Cemetery

Fontanelle Cemetery (Cimitero delle Fontanelle) is a charnel house located in an underground chamber made of tuff rock. The site is filled with bones and skulls of plague victims, and it offers an insight into both the religious and pagan rituals of Naples, besides being an incredibly historical location. 

 Fontanelle Cemetery is temporarily closed, so make sure to check if it’s open before you visit. 

Walk Through Spaccanapoli

Spaccanapoli is one of the most important streets in Naples, as it divides the city into two. It’s a very long, narrow street that goes through the historic center, and while it’s known as Spaccanapoli (which literally means Naples splitter) that’s not its actual name, so you can’t really search for it on Google Maps. 

Spaccanapoli is actually comprised of multiple streets, which is why there’s not one single name for it. I suggest you start your walk in Via Pasquale Scura in the Quartieri Spagnoli and end in Via Tupputi. 

If you’re arriving from the train station, do it the opposite way, and it’s a short walk from the station to Via Tupputi. 

Along the Spaccanapoli you’ll pass by a couple of churches and the cloister of Santa Chiara (more about it later), plenty of restaurants and street food stalls, shops, and charming piazze (squares). 

You can also make a short detour to visit Sansevero Chapel, Via San Gregorio Armeno (more info in the section about it), Via Sebastiano (the Street of Music), and Bar Mexico for coffee. 

➤ You can join a Downtown Tour and Veiled Christ Entry to walk along Spaccanapoli, passing by incredible buildings and attractions on the way. You’ll also visit the stunning Cappella Sansevero where you’ll get to marvel at the Veiled Christ sculpture. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Explore the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters)

Spaccanapoli starts (or ends) in the Quartieri Spagnoli, so you can combine the two. Otherwise, you can start at the Toledo Metro Station.  

This part of Naples used to be one of the most dangerous areas in the city, especially linked to the questionable habits of the Spanish soldiers that lived there during the occupation, after whom the quartiere is named. 

However, over the past few years, the neighborhood has turned into one of the nicest tourist spots in Naples. While it’s safer than it used to be, pay attention to your valuables and to the scooters that drive like crazy here, and don’t go after dark. 

These are the things to see and do in this picturesque neighborhood:

▶️ Pignasecca Market is a busy street market and a foodie’s paradise. A couple of traditional dishes you can try here are Cuoppo Fritto at Pescheria Azzurra, and Pizza Fritta. 

▶️ The Maradona Mural is located at the top of Via Emanuele de Deo, and while it’s the most sought-after painting in the street, it’s not the only one. Make sure to stroll along the Via to enjoy some quality street art. 

▶️ Vico Totò, right in the heart of Quartieri Spagnoli, is another great spot to check out murals. 

▶️ Eat at Da Maria, an absolute gem where you’ll find the most authentic and delicious food in the area. It’s a very small deli that’s been open since the 1950s and that is still run by the original owners. 

If you feel more comfortable exploring the area with a guide, here are two options:

➤ Go on a Street Art Tour in the Spanish Quarters of Naples to discover the best murals in the quarter and learn about the stories behind them from a local guide. You’ll admire religious images that hold great significance for the district, get snaps of the Maradona mural, and check out the artwork of many Neapolitan artists. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Spanish Quarters Walking Tour takes you to the Quartieri Spagnoli and allows you to explore it in depth as you discover the interesting history of the neighborhood while wandering its streets. You’ll check out the murals, visit 3 of its districts, and hear folklore stories from your guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Take a Day Trip to the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast is a gorgeous stretch of coastline in the Sorrentine Peninsula, known for its cliff-perched villages, astounding views of Naples’ Bay, instagrammable streets, and delicious cuisine. 

Most people that visit Naples then continue on to the Amalfi Coast, but if that isn’t your case, you definitely need to go on a day trip to the area! 

The best way to get there is to take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, and then catch a ferry to Positano, the closest (and prettiest!) town on the Amalfi Coast and where I suggest you start your visit.

➤ Go on an organized Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi Full-Day Tour on a jam-packed day. You will be picked up at your hotel and enjoy some leisure time in each of the towns, along with a light lunch and the live commentary of your knowledgeable guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Embark on a Small-Group Positano and Amalfi Boat Tour to admire the views of the Amalfi Coast as you cruise around the Gulf of Naples on a boat tour. You’ll enjoy amazing swimming and snorkeling stops along the way, and get to explore the towns of Amalfi and Positano on your own. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Stop for Coffee in Piazza del Plebiscito

Piazza del Plebiscito is the largest square in Naples, and where most of the cultural events in the city take place. One of the most interesting facts about the square, though, it’s that it was built using volcanic rock from the Vesuvius volcano. It’s also an important symbol in Naples as it’s named after the plebiscite that unified the city with the Kingdom of Italy.  

The Royal Palace of Naples is the piazza’s major landmark, and it faces the Basilica Reale, another iconic attraction worth checking out. No trip to Naples is completed without stopping for a coffee and a sfogliatella at Gran Caffè Gambrinus, so don’t forget to drop by! 

Visit Naples National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is a must-visit for anyone who’s interested in Roman history or archaeology, as it showcases a great collection of objects and remains from the Greek and Roman eras. 

There are two floors dedicated to Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as a jewelry collection, and sculptures and art from different centuries. It’s a very interesting attraction in Naples to discover more about the history of the city and the country.

To learn even more about the history of Naples, check out Certosa e Museo di San Martino! 

Get your Museum Ticket in advance to avoid queuing at the ticket booth. Alternatively, you can buy a Naples City Card to gain access to the museum, the Pompeii ruins, and Naples Underground. 

OTHER COOL THINGS TO DO IN NAPLES

Check Out Castel dell’Ovo (Ovo Castle) + Waterfront Promenade

Castel dell’ Ovo, whose name literally translates into Egg Castle, is the oldest castle in the city (12th century) and it’s located on Naples’ seafront. It stands on a very small peninsula, formerly an island, and it’s linked to the myth of a siren having washed to the shore of that very island after her death.

You don’t really need to visit the castle. You can admire it from the outside and keep strolling along Naples’ harbor and waterfront. 

Take a Trip to the Iconic Caserta Royal Palace

The Caserta Royal Palace was built in the 18th century under the order of Charles of Bourbon II, who wanted a palace that would challenge the ones in Versailles and Madrid.

The impressive Baroque-style palace is set on an 11-acre property and boasts vast gardens, an aqueduct, and even a silk factory. While the palace’s surroundings are one of the best things to see in Naples, the chambers and rooms are also worth checking out!

To visit you can take the train from Naples to Caserta, which is just a 5-minute walk to the Palace, or else join a tour.  

➤ Join the Royal Palace of Caserta Half-Day Trip from central Naples. You’ll travel in a shuttle bus and skip the lines at the attraction’s entrance, before enjoying 3 hours of free time to wander around the palace and its gardens. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

It’s Always Christmas in Via San Gregorio Armeno

Via San Gregorio Armeno is the most charming street in Naples. Known as the Christmas Alley, the street dresses up especially festive during the holidays…and it remains that way for the rest of the year. 

You’ll pass by lots of workshops and artisan stores selling persepi (Nativity scenes), Christmas ornaments, and all sorts of figurines, and enjoy the bustle and decorations you probably associate with cold December (yes, even in the middle of July!)

After you’re done with your Christmas shopping, pop into one of the seamstress shops to check out the spectacular wedding dresses they showcase, or get a custom gown for yourself!

Learn How To Make Pizza with a Pizza Class

Everyone knows that the world’s best pizza comes from Italy. And Italy’s major pizza hub is Naples, so there’s no better place to learn the secrets of pizza-making than here. 

There’s a great variety of ways to prepare the dish depending on where in the world you are, but the original is undoubtedly the Neapolitan Margherita Pizza, so roll up your sleeves and get ready to go behind the scenes of Italy’s most beloved food. 

➤ An Authentic Pizza Class, Secret Dough, Appetizer, and Drink Included will give you all the tools to create a mouth-watering Margherita pizza from scratch. Learn how to select the best ingredients and the ultimate techniques to knead the dough before you relish your own pizza and receive a pizza chef diploma. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Drop by the Cloister of Santa Chiara

The Cloister of Santa Chiara is a religious complex from the 14th century that comprises a museum, a church, and beautiful majolica-tiled cloisters where you’ll want to have your camera at the ready. The cloisters feature 72 columns connected by benches, all of which are covered in the colorful, handmade tiles that are so distinctive of the place. 

The church is free to enter, but the cloisters (the best part of the complex in my opinion) require an entry fee. I think it’s a must see in Naples, so it’s worth the visit! 

Take a Day Trip to Capri

The beautiful island of Capri boasts a great number of attractions, but its small size means that you can discover all its gems on a day trip to Capri from the mainland. Capri is well-renowned among jet-setters and celebrities, which is why you’ll find high-end hotels and restaurants all over Capri Town, but it’s also visited for its stunning natural wonders. 

The grottoes, viewpoints, lush gardens, and beaches are some of the island’s main attractions. You also shouldn’t miss taking the chairlift to Mount Solaro, walking in Via Tragara, and exploring the town of Anacapri. 

The only way to get to Capri is by boat, so you can take the ferry from Naples that departs multiple times a day and takes 50 minutes to arrive. 

➤ Join a Capri and Blue Grotto Day Trip to go on a guided tour around the island, checking out its main attractions with all the transfers covered. You’ll also visit the famous blue grotto and ride the funicular to Piazzeta, the social heart of Capri. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ You can also enjoy an Island Of Capri Full-Day Tour with Lunch that includes a visit to the blue grotto, transfers to get around the island, a knowledgeable guide, and lunch at a local restaurant with this Island of Capri Tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Walk Inside Galleria Umberto I – No, You’re Not in Milan!

Galleria Umberto I is a stunning shopping gallery, and one of the major Naples attractions. Named after one of Italy’s kings, the gallery has its homonymous counterpart in Milan.

Naples’ Galleria Umberto I is situated in an arcade building showcasing an astounding glass roof, and decorated with sculptures and murals, becoming one of the most beautiful buildings in Naples. 

The gallery features boutiques, restaurants, and cafés, as well as business offices, and it’s a very fashionable spot where to sit for a coffee or have a little retail therapy.   

Climb Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius has a very bad reputation, and it’s understandable given that it became famous for burying completely the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the first century AD. However, the volcano is in a dormant state and hasn’t erupted since 1944, which makes it a safe and once-in-a-lifetime attraction to visit. 

You can hike up the trail along Mount Vesuvius all the way to its rim, from where you’ll get beautiful views. During the climb, a guide will answer all your questions about the infamous volcano. 

➤ Learn about the history and composition of the volcano on this Day Trip to Mount Vesuvius with Alpine Guide, and then start the climb up the volcano to take in the views of the Bay of Naples. You’ll get to spot wildlife along the way and benefit from roundtrip transportation from your Naples hotel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Combine the climb of Mount Vesuvius with a visit to Pompeii with this Pompeii Ruins and Mount Vesuvius Day Tour. You’ll wander around the ruins with a knowledgeable guide and learn about the city’s history, before hiking up the volcano’s crater and enjoying a local lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Explore Castel Nuovo

One of the most interesting Naples tourist attractions is Castel Nuovo, a Medieval castle located in the heart of Naples whose name literally means New Castle. 

Dating back to the 1200s, the imposing building features incredible architecture and a great number of halls. While during a time it was used as a cultural hub, hosting artists of the likes of Giotto and Boccaccio, the castle was also a place of torture and executions. According to the legend, there was even a crocodile pit where prisoners were locked up!

I personally wouldn’t recommend visiting it unless you are a history buff. I think there are better things to do in Naples, but you certainly should see it from the outside. 

Go on a Wine Tasting Tour

The region of Campania, of which Naples is the capital, is known for its delicious varieties of red and white wines. That’s reason enough to embark on a wine tour if you ask me! The area surrounding Naples is home to several wineries and vineyards where you can learn about the grapes and the process of wine-making, besides tasting different wines.  

➤ Take a Scenic E-Bike Ride with Vineyard Wine and Meal to zip around the Phlegrean Fields. Then you’ll visit a winery and enjoy a delicious wine-tasting and scrumptious lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ A Wine-tasting Tour on Vesuvius Volcano? Yes, that can happen in Naples. On this trip you’ll visit a farm and winery located on Mount Vesuvius, and enjoy a delectable lunch with wine samples after touring the vineyards. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Take the Ferry to the Colorful Island of Procida

Procida is a very small and very colorful island off the coast of Naples. It features an impressive Medieval village that’s located at its highest point, quite a few other historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and a very picturesque waterfront.   

Viewpoints overlooking the Gulf of Naples, a State Nature Reserve on the neighboring island of Vivara, and Marina di Corricella are some of the best features of Procida. 

Procida is a 40-minute ferry ride away from the port of Naples. Ferries depart very frequently during the day, and tickets cost around 20€. 

➤ You can join a Procida Island Day Trip with Lunch that includes the transfers, a 3-course lunch with wine, and plenty of free time for you to roam around the island at your leisure. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

A Maradona Tour for Football Fans

Maradona, one of the most famous soccer players of all time, had a very deep connection to the city of Naples that can still be witnessed. The Argentinian played for Napoli Football Club between 1984 and 1991, taking the team from its very poor state to the peak of national football. His immense talent won him the love and respect of the Neapolitans, who revere him to this day. 

For this reason, you’ll find many spots in the city related to him, like the big mural in the Quartieri Spagnoli; Bar Nilo, which has a shrine in his honor; and the stadium named after him. One of the best things to do in Naples if you’re a soccer fan is exploring those sites. 

➤ To learn more about Maradona’s time in Napoli, his contribution to Italian soccer, and his unbreakable link to the city, join a Diego Maradona Guided City Walking Tour. You’ll visit all the locations dedicated to the football player with an expert guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Visit the Other Ruins: Herculaneum

Herculaneum could be considered a smaller version of Pompeii, as the city was also destroyed by the tragic Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. Found two centuries later than Pompeii, Herculaneum is a very well-preserved archaeological site where you’ll see the remains of houses and buildings, a myriad of objects, and the skulls of some of the victims. 

To get to Herculaneum you’ll have to take the train from Naples to Ercolano. The train station is a short walk from the ruins. Make sure to buy your entry ticket in advance so you don’t have to queue!

➤ On this Herculaneum Small Group Tour with an Archaeologist, join an expert to discover the history behind the city and its excavation. You’ll skip the lines at the entrance, and wander around the Herculaneum’s landmarks with a small group. Your guide will be ready to answer all your questions and provide interesting information about the site. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ A full-day Pompeii and Herculaneum Full Day Sightseeing Tour will delight history and archaeology buffs. You’ll be visiting the two victims of the Vesuvius eruption, discovering the differences between the cities, their architecture, and the citizens’ lifestyles. You’ll also enjoy lunch and all transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

WHERE TO STAY IN NAPLES

LUXURY: The Brittannique Hotel Naples, Curio Collection by Hilton is a 5-star accommodation with elegant rooms, a fitness center and a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. It serves a buffet breakfast included in the rate and it’s pet-friendly. 

BOUTIQUE: Hotel Matilde – Lifestyle Hotel features modern rooms with a fully-equipped bathroom, a safe, tea and coffee making facilities, and free toiletries. The hotel serves a daily buffet and continental breakfast and has a 24-hour front desk.

MID-RANGE: Tredici Boutique Rooms is right in the center of Naples, and offers ample units with a private bathroom, a desk, a fridge, and flat-screen TV. Some even boast a hot tub in the room. Coffee-making facilities and room service are available. 

ON A BUDGET: Centro Storico – Fermata MONTESANTO features air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV, a kettle, and a private bathroom. Some rooms also include a balcony and a kitchenette. Pets are allowed upon request. 

WHAT TO DO IN NAPLES FAQs