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I love Naples. While some other major Italian cities can feel like they’ve been constructed for tourists, Naples still feels like a real city. That’s no slight on other cities, but I enjoy Naples in all its chaos and grittiness. That might not be the case for everyone, but don’t let those aspects dissuade you from visiting. There are tons of great things to do in Naples, Italy. Here are my favorite museums, activities, sights, tours, day trips, food and drink, and more.
One way to get a nice introduction to Naples is to take a tour. Check out these excellent tour options & book now!
The Best Things To Do in Naples
Centro Storico
The old city center of Naples, known as the Centro Storico, is a packed district filled not only with great things to see and do but also thousands of local residents. This Historic Center of Naples was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
It’s a chaotic maze of narrow streets and alleyways. If you want to get to know the heart of Naples, this is the place to do it. Much of the layout dates back to the ancient Greeks. The city has existed since around the 8th century BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
As such, there’s a lot to see, including several Naples landmarks I’ve listed below. The neighborhood is also packed with great bars and restaurants.
Book your hotel in Naples now!While the Centro Storico can be intimidating, don’t let that dissuade you from exploring. Just practice basic street smarts as you walk around, as you would in any major city.
Napoli Duomo (Cattedrale Metropolitana Di Santa Maria Assunta)
Naples has hundreds of historic churches.
The Naples Cathedral (Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary) (official website) is the city’s main church. It dates back to the 13th century.
Underground Naples
In a city as old as Naples, you can expect to find tons of history buried underneath. There are several ways you can go underground to see the history of Naples.
Originally an aqueduct system, Underground Naples is a tour beneath the city. It covers over 2,400 years of Naples history while passing through underground cisterns, tunnels, and other ruins.
Buy tickets for Underground Naples here
Via S. Gregorio Armeno
It’s Christmas every day on Via S. Gregorio Armeno.
This pedestrian shopping street is lined with shops selling Nativity scenes, other Christmas items, and souvenirs.
I fully expected to find a Nativity scene centering beloved Napoli player Diego Maradona, who is still revered to this day in the city, but there are apparently some lines that won’t be crossed.
Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara
Santa Chiara (official website) is another prominent church in Naples.
More than just a church, it’s also a monastery and museum.
Sansevero Chapel Museum
Sansevero Chapel (official website) is notable for its works of art, including several sculptures.
Spanish Quarter
The Spanish Quarter of Naples (Quartieri Spagnoli) is one of the most lively neighborhoods in Naples.
Its narrow streets are packed with bars, restaurants, and shops.
Castel Nuovo
Naples is home to a few castles. Castel Nuovo, with its prominent portside location, is one of the most famous landmarks in Naples.
Castel Nuovo was constructed in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th century.
Today, it’s most impressive from the outside, though there is a museum and a few notable areas inside, along with a rooftop viewpoint.
Piazza del Plebiscito
Every European city has at least one prominent square for public gatherings. In Naples, that area is Piazza Del Plebiscito.
This expansive pedestrian plaza is surrounded by other Naples landmarks such as the Royal Palace of Naples and the Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola.
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Royal Palace of Naples
The Royal Palace of Naples was an important residence for hundreds of years.
First constructed in 1600, the Bourbons of Naples lived there for over 100 years starting in 1734. However, the palace needed to be rebuilt following a fire in 1837.
Today, the building is home to a museum showcasing the Royal Apartments and the National Library.
San Carlo Theatre
Teatro San Carlo (official website) is the world’s oldest continuingly operating opera house.
The beautiful building, which is open for tours and live performances, includes a ceiling fresco, ornate details, and multiple levels of boxes.
Galleria Umberto I
Galleria Umberto I is a large shopping arcade similar to the Galleria in Milan. It is picturesque, with its high glass roof and marble floors.
Ovo Castle
Castel dell’Ovo is a beautiful coastal fortress located on a peninsula/island jutting off the Naples coast.
It’s the oldest castle in Naples. Today, the island also has restaurants and a marina, along with seaside views.
Galleria Borbonica
The Bourbon Tunnel (Galleria Borbonica) is another way to explore the underground world of Naples.
This underground passage connects the Royal Palace with military barracks. It was also used as shelter during World War II. Today, this historic and unique space is open for tours.
Book Bourbon Tunnel tickets here
Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli
The Naples National Archaeological Museum (official website) is one of my favorite places to see in Naples.
The museum is filled with many artifacts from the nearby archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, along with other art and items from the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Catacombs of San Gaudioso
The underground world of Naples also includes two prominent catacombs.
The Catacombs of San Gaudioso are the closest to the Naples city center. We enjoyed the excellent tours of the church and catacombs, where we learned all about the local church and burial practices.
Centuries of burials took place here, dating all the way back to the 4th or 5th century.
In the 17th century, a new practice started: prominent Neapolitans could have their heads embedded in a wall above a painted body made to represent their profession.
I can’t say I’d do it, but it’s kind of interesting.
Catacombs of San Gennaro
Further north in Naples, you’ll find the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
These catacombs served as the final resting place for generations of Naples residents, including Neapolitan bishops.
More recently, they served as shelters during World War II.
Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte
The Capodimonte Museum contains works of art from the 13th to 18th centuries, including pieces from Raphael, El Greco, Titian, Caravaggio, and more.
The building was previously a Bourbon palace, so there are also exhibits of furnishings.
Castel Sant’Elmo
The medieval fortress of Castel Sant’Elmo has some of the best views in Naples.
This star-shaped fort dominates Vomero Hill, looking down on the city below.
Certosa e Museo di San Martino
Certosa E Museo Di San Martino was formerly a monastery complex, but it is now a museum with frescoes and other art.
It sits atop Vomero Hill, right next to Castel Sant’Elmo.
Pompeii
The ancient city of Pompeii is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. It’s the most popular day trip from Naples.
The ruins of Pompeii are so vast that it can be overwhelming to try to see everything. Instead, read my advice for taking an archaeological tour of Pompeii to get the most out of your visit.
Herculaneum
While most day trippers from Naples head to the much larger and better known Pompeii, don’t overlook Herculaneum.
Mount Vesuvius also destroyed Herculaneum. The town is smaller and closer to Naples, so it’s easier to see it all if you have less time.
Many of the ruins are just as impressive as Pompeii, and it’s also less crowded.
Eat Pizza
Naples is the home of pizza. There are tons of great pizza restaurants all over the city that serve a variety of different pies.
Read my post about the best pizza in Naples to learn more.
Eat Gelato
Naples is known for its hot summer weather. Cool off with some fresh creamy gelato. You can find my favorite Naples gelato spots here.
Take A Food Tour
While Naples is most famous for its pizza, the city also has tons of other great unique dishes. Why not take one of these great Naples food tours to try them?
Drink Cocktails
Naples has a fun cocktail culture, with various cool bars ranging from speakeasy-style bars to quirky spots offering uniquely local drinks. Discover my favorite cocktail bars in Naples.
Drink Craft Beer
There are a few interesting beer bars in the city. Here are my favorite places for craft beer in Naples.
What are your favorite things to do in Naples?
Here are some great Naples tours.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out these Naples hotels.
