If you’re heading to Italy, consider visiting one of our favorite cities. Naples (or “Napoli” as the locals call it) is bursting with energy, history, flavor, and charm. We think you’ll love this lively city, filled with ancient history, friendly locals, incredible food and stunning views.
Check out this list of our top 30 things to do in Naples. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff or an art lover there’s something here for you!
1. Eat Pizza
The locals say the water makes pizza in Naples the best in the world and impossible to replicate elsewhere. Whether you believe that, Naples is the birthplace of pizza and you simply can’t go to Naples and not try pizza at least once (we think once a day is reasonable!). There are many famous pizzerie like Da Michele and Sorbillo, but the lines can be long and these aren’t the only great pizza joints in this city of pizza!
2. Stroll Down Spaccanapoli
This narrow, lively street literally “splits Naples” as the name suggests. It’s a great place to people-watch, shop, eat and get a feel for the city. Be prepared for the chaos of lots of people, noise and scooters pushing through the narrow street. This is Naples and you just have to embrace it!
3. Tour the Underground Naples (Napoli Sotterranea)
Take a guided tour through ancient tunnels, Greek and Roman ruins, and WWII shelters beneath the city. Although there are a couple of different sites, the best one is on Via dei Tribunali. Tours run in English and Italian throughout the day and visitors should note there’s no elevator, just a lot of steps.
4. Visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum (MANN)
Home to one of the world’s most impressive collections of Greco-Roman artifacts, including treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum. If you only see one museum in Naples, it has to be the archaeological museum. Don’t let the outdated structure put you off, the collection is unparalleled and will bring the ancient cities to life for you.
5. Explore Castel dell’Ovo
The view of the sea gets even better if you climb up to the top of Naples’ oldest standing fortification and as a bonus, entrance is free!
6. Grab a Sfogliatella
This ricotta-filled pastry is a Neapolitan classic. Choose between the flaky ‘riccia’ and the shortcrust ‘frolla’, both are delicious. Best eaten fresh and warm, look for somewhere like Sfogliatelle Attanasio or Mary’s Sfogliatella where you can find sfogliatelle straight from the oven all day long.
7. Climb to Castel Sant’Elmo
Located on Vomero Hill, this medieval fortress offers panoramic views of the city, Vesuvius, and the Bay of Naples. Can you spot Spaccanapoli dividing the city? And Capri? There’s not much else to do there, but the view is that good, it really doesn’t matter!
8. Take a Day Trip to Pompeii
Naples is the perfect base for some amazing day trips, including one of Italy’s best-loved sites. The ruins of Pompeii give you a fascinating look at life in 79 AD, dramatically frozen in time. Give yourself at least half a day to explore and don’t miss the Villa of the Mysteries.
9. Visit the San Severo Chapel
This is the one ticket in Naples you should book in advance as it will sell out. The famed sculpture of the veiled Christ is the city’s most famous artwork and in inspiration to generations of artists. Be prepared to pocket your phone as no photos are allowed.
10. See what’s happening in Piazza del Plebiscito
Naples’ main square is surrounded by architectural gems like the Royal Palace and the Church of San Francesco di Paola. Sometimes there’s nothing much happening here (and you can get some nice pictures), other times it hosts concerts, demonstrations or other events.
11. Have Espresso Like a Local
Neapolitans are passionate about their coffee. Ask them about it and they’ll tell you that the local volcanic water makes it special! For an authentic Naples experience, look for bars serving local brands ‘Mexico’ or ‘Izzo’.
12. Discover the mystery of San Gennaro
Have you heard about the miracle of San Gennaro? Three times a year, the blood of Naples’ patron saint liquifies, bringing with it good fortune for the city. If it doesn’t happen, this isn’t a good omen! The rest of the time, the vial of dried blood lives in the city’s grand cathedral which is dedicated to San Gennaro.
13. Ride the Funicular to Vomero
We love taking the vintage cable car up the hill to the classy Vomero district. At the top you’ll find another Naples, one of elegant buildings, quiet streets and stunning views. Head to Castel Sant’Elmo or Certosa di San Martino for great views, or enjoy an aperitivo
14. Shop at Galleria Umberto I
Inspired by Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, the glass ceilings, mosaics, and elegant shops of this 19th-century arcade are sure to impress.
17. Visit the Royal Palace of Naples
Discover the lavish halls of the royal palace from a time when Naples was one of the most important cities in Europe. Along with the richly decorated apartments and audience halls, the palace has its own theater, chapel and a picture-perfect grand staircase, straight out of a fairytale.
18. Tour the Catacombs of San Gennaro
Totally different from the catacombs in Rome, the 3rd century tombs of Naples are built into one of the city’s hills. The catacomb tours are a great way to support a project to revitalise the Sanità neighborhood and a chance to learn about Naples from young locals.
19. Explore Sanità
The is one of Naples most fascinating areas. This was prime real estate in the 17th century, but the construction of a bridge led to the area’s decline. Today, locals are working hard to welcome visitors while keeping the spirit of the area alive. Visit the basilica at the heart of the community, tour the catacombs with local guides, try fiocco di neve at the original Poppella and enjoy the street art.
20. Take a Cooking Class
From choosing the best ingredients to the right technique, don’t miss the chance to learn how to make authentic pizza from an authentic Neapolitan pizzaiolo! What better souvenir of your trip than the pizza-making skills that will impress your family and friends for years to come!
21. Visit Herculaneum
Smaller and better preserved than Pompeii, this ancient town is often overlooked by visitors with limited time. Don’t miss the moving plaster casts of the citizens waiting on the shore in 79AD for rescue boats that never came.
22. Hop a Ferry to Capri
The glamorous island is only about 45 minutes from Naples by hydrofoil, making it a popular day trip. Whether you decide to spend the day swimming, hiking up to Tiberius’ villa or just people watching in the piazza, you’ll find that trendy Capri couldn’t be more different from the authentic streets of Naples.
23. Discover street art in Quartieri Spagnoli
A few steps from Via Toledo is the Quartieri Spagnoli. Not that long ago, tourists were advised not to visit its dark, narrow alleys, now we suggest you visit to try some authentic home-cooking. The area is also known for its street art, quite a bit of it dedicated to Napoli soccer legend, Diego Maradona.
24. Visit a unique church
Fans of architectural history should visit this complex where 2 churches, one Medieval and one Baroque, have been combined to create a massive convent. With so many different spaces to explore and wonderful frescoes by Pietro Cavallini, you can easily spend a couple of hours here.
25. Discover what Caravaggio did in Naples
Bad-boy artist Caravaggio fled Rome after killing a man and took up residence in Naples. Commissioned to create multiple panels showing the 7 works of Christian mercy, he combined them all into one painting.
26. Explore the Farnese art collection at Capodimonte
The former royal hunting lodge houses an impressive art collection that includes paintings by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, El Greco, Andy Warhol, to name but a few. The park is open to public everyday, a great place to relax and escape the noise of the city below.
27. Get ready for Christmas on Via Gregorio Armeno
Naples is known for its elaborate nativity scenes. Not only will you find them year-round in churches and museums, there’s even a whole street where you can buy everything you need to build your own. Buy a pizzaiolo, Pope Francis or Maradona to add to your crib next Christmas!
28. Take a Food Tour
Book an official food tour with a local guide, or create a DIY itinerary. Must-try street food and sweets in Naples include: pizza al portafoglio, cuoppo fritto (a paper cone filled with fried goodies), pizza fritta (yes, that would be fried pizza), sfogliatella, babà, taralli (watch them being made at la Taralleria Napoletana while you wait), washed down with some lemon sorbet or a limoncello spritz.
29. Aperitivo in Piazza Bellini
Filled with bars, cafes, ancient ruins and a relaxed atmosphere, Piazza Bellini is the perfect place for a drink before dinner, or to enjoy a bottle of local wine in the afternoon sun.
30. Visit the Cloister of Santa Chiara
The church of Santa Chiara was pretty much destroyed during the war and is pretty plain inside. But go round the side to access the old cloister, decorated with lemon trees, columns and Majolica tiles.
