The third largest city in Italy. This soulful city is located only a few miles from the famous Mount Vesuvius and offers a plethora of historical attractions. It is also a fantastic jumping-off point for day trips to other locations such as the Amalfi Coast, Capri Island, Pompeii, and Paestum. Within this vibrant city you can find medieval castles, neoclassical cathedrals and churches, archaeological sites and possibly the best slice of pizza in Italy. This article will guide you through some of the best things to do in Naples, Italy. Andiamo!

Walking the historic centre of Naples: best things to do

The historic centre is quite compact, therefore, a great way to see some of the best tourist attractions Naples has to offer is by setting off on foot. Starting off in the enormous Piazza del Plebiscito where many of the city’s most emblematic buildings can be found, such as the imposing neoclassical Basilica San Francesco da Paola and just across the square is the Royal Palace of Naples. Head down to Via dei Tribunali to experience the true hustle and bustle of local life, it’s also known as Pizza Street, so make sure to grab a slice of classic Neapolitan pizza, a must while visiting Naples.

Take a leisurely walk through the elegant Chiaia district and down along the beautiful pedestrian promenade to the Castel dell’Ovo. Via Toledo is also a great spot for shopping and street food and it’s from here that the ‘Quartieri Spagnoli’ begins, a series of uphill alleys, where you can truly feel the life and soul of Naples. Make sure to go to one of the many pastry shops and try some Neapolitan pastries, such as the sfogliatelle.

Top attractions in Naples: Culture, history, and Art

Another excellent option for getting around and seeing the best tourist attractions in Naples is by using the metro system. Naples’ metro system is an experience in and of itself as each station is adorned with art installations and impressive architecture. One not to be missed is the Toledo Metro Station where many artists, designers and architects have contributed to this splendorous place. Get a day ticket that will serve you for both the metro and bus services and jump on and off at your leisure. Some notable attractions are Castel Nuovo, commonly known as ‘Maschio Angioino’; Galleria Umberto I; Chiesa del Gesú Nuovo, Chiostro di Santa Chiara and the Duomo di Napoli, as well as many more must visit stops, such as:

Catacombe di San Gennaro: an evocative journey into the bowels of Naples

The most important underground tombs in Italy, this archaeological site can only be visited with an official tour guide, and tours leave every hour.

Museo di Capodimonte: a Bourbon palace full of treasures

A 20-minute bus ride out of Naples, a must visit for any ardent lover of art as this is the largest art museum in Italy. One notable masterpiece is Caravaggio’s ‘Flagellation of Christ.’

Castel Sant’Elmo: A fortress that dominates the city from above

Full of colourful history, this fortress has been a church, a castle and finally a prison, and is located on top of Vomero hill.

‘Napoli Sotteranea’: A journey through history and legend

An underground labyrinth of tunels and rooms that lay beneath the city of Naples, include Ancient Roman ruins and even WW2 bomb shelters. Immerse yourself in a unique look at history and legend with a guided tour through 2400 years of history.

Posillipo and Marechiaro: An enchanted neighborhood overlooking the sea

Posillipo is a charming quarter of Naples offering panoramic views over the turquoise waters, make sure to visit Parco Virgiliano for the best views. Marechiaro is a charming little fishing village located within this district and well worth a visit for its peace and tranquility as well as beauty.

Mt. Vesuvius and the Ancient City of Pompeii

A list of things to do in Naples would be incomplete without mentioning these two incomparable wonders:

Mt. Vesuvius: The ‘sleeping giant’.

Visiting this active volcano is a highlight for many visitors and one of the top things to do in Naples as it looms menacingly over the city. Tour buses will take you to around 1000 m after which there is another 200 m to walk. Another option is to take the Vesuvius Express shuttle that runs every 40 minutes from Ercolano Station. Remember to take water, good walking shoes and an extra layer of clothing as it can get cold at such a high altitude. Many visitors combine a half-day visiting Mt. Vesuvius with a half-day at the ruins of Pompeii. Expect moon-like landscapes and sulphur gases bubbling up and not forgetting unbeatable views over the Bay of Naples.

A day visit to Pompeii from Naples

Next up and an equally impressive must-see while in Naples are the remarkable Roman ruins of Pompeii. Frozen in time for over 2000 years, this perfectly preserved city is one of Naples’ top tourist attractions. There are hundreds of guided tour options available to visit the Ancient Roman city of Pompeii, decimated by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Choose a tour that offers a guided tour inside the ruins and transfers between Naples and Pompeii for a stress-free experience.

Another way of reaching the ancient wonder is on the Circumvesuviana that runs between Napoli Piazza Garibaldi station and Pompei Villa dei Misteri and takes around 30 minutes.

Naples, not only hosts two of the most important archaeological and natural sites in Italy, Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius, there is a plethora of attractions to visit within this vibrant bustling city. Not to mention it’s the birthplace of pizza!

Naples is easily accessible from Rome Fiumicino Airport thanks to two direct daily connections . Also, for one last taste of authentic Neapolitan cuisine, enjoy the delights of the Sophia Loren restaurant inside the airport and bookable online. Buon viaggio e buon appetito!

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