17 Best Things To Do in Naples, Italy

Are you looking for the best things to do in Naples, Italy?

Naples (Italian: Napoli), the capital of Campania region in Southern Italy, is a beautiful city with a plethora of interesting attractions to see and activities to do.

However, Napoli boasts some beaches and is so close to a number of famous seaside spots — read: Positano, Capri, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast — that, more often than not, the city merely serves as a springboard to its gorgeous neighbors.

The city center is quite old, having been founded by the Greeks in 470 BC. Since the Middle Ages, Naples has been a crucial center for art and architecture expressed in its ancient fortresses, churches, and palaces such as the 17th-century Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace). The city’s historic center was given a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1995.

If you think Naples is just a cruise port, you’ll be surprised to learn that it offers so much more. This Southern Italian city provides a wonderful opportunity to see many incredible sites, learn valuable history, and partake in fantastic local cuisine.

17 Best Things To Do in Naples, Italy

The choices of things do in Naples are practically limitless. But here we’ve handpicked the best activities in Naples every visitor in the city will enjoy.

1. Start your Neapolitan tour at Piazza del Plebiscito

This is Naples’ main piazza, where you can enjoy the vast open space with fantastic features that include historical buildings such as the Palazzo Salerno, Royal Palace, and the Basilica Royal. Here you will also find a statue dedicated to Charles III of Spain.

Named after the 1860 plebiscite that brought Naples into the unified Kingdom of Italy, Piazza del Plebiscito is a good starting point of your tour of the city.

2. Go on an excursion at Pompeii

Pompeii is just a little over half an hour from the city of Naples. From the Napoli Centrale station, there are two direct trains to choose from: the Circumvesuviana train that takes 35 minutes to Pompeii and the Metropolitano train, which takes longer by 3 minutes to reach the same destination.

An excursion to the ruins of Pompeii will allow you to discover what life was like before the devastating Mount Vesuvius eruption that happened in AD 79. In the western part of the town, you can see important buildings and structures like the thermal baths, the Basilica and the Forum, and even a brothel and residential homes.

Please note when exploring Pompeii, especially in the summer, to never underestimate dehydration as the site is vast with very little shade.

Check out this guide to Pompeii to get the most out of your time there. You may also book a guided tour here to skip the line!

3. Explore the ruins of Herculaneum

While Pompeii was crushed under volcanic debris and red hot cinders in the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneaum, the ancient town nearby, was filled from the bottom up by ash and pumice carried on a torrent of super heated gas.

Situated in the modern-day comune of Ercolano, Herculaneum is smaller and — some claim — better and far more interesting than Pompeii. It is better preserved as the roofs did not cave in and the city was simply flooded by about 20 meters of muck cooled and hardened to encase and protect balconies, furniture, glass window panes, and even food on the table and wax writing tables.

From Naples, Herculaneum is closer than Pompeii. If your itinerary includes just one day for touring the ruins, you can visit both Herculaneum and Pompeii in the same day and have a peek into life in antiquity. However, if you want to explore the entire archaeological park, you may want to allot about two to three hours on the site.

4. Climb Mount Vesuvius

Although it’s an active volcano, it is quite safe and enjoyable to hike Monte Vesuvio (Mount Vesuvius). Don’t worry, there will be warning signs before an eruption, so it’s not as if lava would suddenly start billowing out of the mountain on your way up.

That said, climbing Mount Vesuvius is quite exciting and poses no problem provided you plan ahead before going. While the hike is no easy feat, the incredible experience getting up there is totally worth it. In addition, the view from the top of this magnificent mountain is, of course, breathtaking.

Please note to book your ticket in advance as there is no ticket booth once you reach the top of the mountain. Or you may book any of the following guided tours:

5. Visit Naples National Archaeological Museum

Formerly called Real Museo Borbonico, or Royal Bourbon Museum, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples is a converted 17th-century palace and museum showcasing prehistoric artifacts, coins, and ancient works of art. It is especially important for ancient Roman remains from the nearby archaeological sites of Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum.

The museum houses works from Greek, Roman, and Renaissance periods as well. Frescoes are also quite aplenty.

History buff or not, this archaeological museum is a great place for you to explore and have a very different perspective on the ancient life, which makes visiting truly one of the best things to do in Naples.

6. Marvel at the works of Caravaggio

In case you don’t know, Italy boasts two great Michelangelo painters.

The other Michelangelo was Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, born 1571), who stayed in Naples while on the run from a murder charge in Rome in 1606 and again shortly before his death in 1610.

Caravaggio painted The Flagellation of Christ, The Madonna of the Rosary, The Seven Acts of Mercy, The Denial of Saint Peter, John the Baptist, and The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula in the couple of times he was in Naples.

Caravaggio left behind a significant legacy in Naples: a Caravaggesque movement among Neapolitan artists who kept his style alive. Admiring his works of art is definitely one of the most fascinating activities in Naples.

The Seven Acts of Mercy can still be seen today on the altar of Naples’ Church of Pio Monte della Misericordia. The Flagellation of Christ is being showcased at the Museo di Capodimonte while The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula — thought to be his last painting — is in the Gallery of Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano, both in Naples.

7. Be amazed by the sculptures at Museo Cappella Sansevero

More properly named the Chapel of Santa Maria della Pietà, the Cappella Sansevero is located in one of the most spectacular locations in Naples — the Via Francesco de Sanctis 19. The chapel houses an equally spectacular museum that showcases some of the most outstanding sculptures there are.

One of these stunning works of art is the famous Cristo Velato (The Veiled Christ), a 1753 marble sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino. It is an absolute masterpiece with craftsmanship that is truly mindblowing. You will be humbled by the very intricate details in the impressive, almost liquid flowing veil on Jesus Christ’s lifeless body — absolutely astonishing!

The other statues you can find at the Sansevero Chapel Museum are equally fantastic. There are also anatomical machines displaying the circulatory nervous system preserved on human remains. And the architecture and the frescos are just as amazing.

There is so much to see and so many details hidden in every corner you can easily see why the Cappella Sansevero is such an integral part of the Italian heritage and identity.

For a phenomenal and humbling experience, spend some time exploring the Museo Capella Sansevero — truly one of the best places to visit in Naples anyone shouldn’t miss!

8. Take a boat to the island of Capri

Capri, one of the beautiful islands in the Gulf of Naples, is one of Italy’s most desirable destinations. There are so much to do and so many things to enjoy on this idyllic island — from admiring its natural beauty and soaking up the sun on its stunning beaches to high-end shopping and exploring the fabulous towns.

This glamorous island is an easy day trip from Naples. A ferry will take you there in 45 to 80 minutes, depending on the type of boat you’re taking — hydrofoil or conventional ferry. You can board a conventional ferry for Capri at Calata di Massa or a high-speed ferry at Molo Beverello.

For guided Capri day trips from Naples, check out the following:

9. Stroll along the beach of Santa Lucia

Santa Lucia, which lies on the waterfront, is one of the most attractive districts and best places to visit in Naples. Here you can find some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. It also houses the historic Castel dell’Ovo, the huge fortress that’s protecting the shoreline of Naples.

Santa Lucia is an easy walk from the Piazza del Plebiscito. It’s a popular spot for wedding shoots so you might encounter one on your stroll. On weekends, Sundays especially, the place becomes even more alive with families.

The beach of Santa Lucia provides some marvelous views of Mount Vesuvius with the azure waters below it, so don’t forget to take that perfect Instagram shot.

10. Climb the staircase to Pallonetto

While in Santa Lucia, you should as well climb that long staircase that leads you to an old fishermen’s quarters called Pallonetto.

Pallonetto is right above the seaside hill of Santa Lucia and the location of many Sophia Loren movies. If you want to experience authentic Neapolitan streets, this is the place to be.

11. Discover the ancient Pausilypon Archaeological Park and the Seiano Cave

Situated in one of the best locations in Naples, Pausilypon was an otium villa (a country vacation villa) owned by Publio Vedio Pollio, a Roman knight. Upon Pollio’s death in 15 BC, the villa was given to the Emperor Augustus and Pausilypon became an official imperial estate.

Pausilypon overlooks the Gulf of Naples and affords the best views of the islands; however, the archaeological park is not easy to get into. To enjoy the views and the ancient remains of the Roman villa, you must pass through the imposing Seiano Cave, a 770-meter-long Roman tunnel caved in the hillside of Posillipo.

Pausilypon showcases a flourishing garden and ancient theaters among the Roman ruins. There are also quite a lot of yellow-legged gulls and black redstarts to see. But before all these, the walk through the Seiano Cave alone is quite an experience in itself!

Having opened only in 2006, Pausilypon Archaeological Park is one of the best places to visit in Naples that have yet to be discovered by tourists. It should be part of your visit to Naples.

Ready to go? Check out these guided tours to Pausilypon Archaeological Park and Seiano Cave!

12. Celebrate Christmas any time of the year on Via dei Presepi

Do you want to go to a place where every day is like Christmas? There is a place like that and it’s one of the most famous attractions in Naples!

Via San Gregorio Armeno, more popularly known as Via dei Presepi, is where the traditional presepi (Nativity scene) comes to life every day of the year.

Scattered on the street are shops that sell Nativity scenes created by local artisans. Majority of these shops are open all year-round, so you can come to feel the spirit of Christmas anytime!

The origin of the presepe tradition is linked with Saint Francis of Assisi who created the first Nativity scene in the Middle Ages. It was in the 1500s when presepi started to become popular in Naples. People began putting them in churches and palaces during Christmastime. It has become one of the most recognizable Italian Christmas traditions since.

• Read more: Christmas in Italy: Fun Facts, Traditions, and Celebrations

13. Explore the catacombs of San Gennaro

Built in the 2nd and 4th centuries under the Rione Sanità neighborhood of Naples, this subterranean paleo-Christian cemetery is definitely one of the most popular attractions in Naples.

About 3,000 people — including Sant’Agrippino, who was the original patron saint of Naples — are buried on the area of 5,600 square meters dug into the tuff on the slope of the Capodimonte hill. There are well-preserved early Christians frescoes and mosaics as well.

Sometimes called the “Valley of the Dead,” you can easily identify this burial site by the church of Madre del Buon Consiglio.

Visitors spend at least an hour exploring the catacombs of San Gennaro. For guided tours, click here.

14. Check out Naples’ most fascinating churches

In addition to the catacombs, you will still wish for more unusual attractions in Naples. Definitely visit the city’s most interesting churches!

Naples is home to over 450 churches ranging from tiny (but historic) chapels to massive cathedrals. However, three of these top the rest when it comes to being a little… bizarre.

Here are the three most unusual churches in Naples that will fascinate you — and why.

• Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore

This basilica is one of Naples’ largest and most important monumental buildings.

Dating back to the 13th century, the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore features the remains of the left arm of St. Thomas Aquinas.

You can also find the remains and relics of members of the Aragonese royal family in the sacristy of this church.

• Church of Gesù Nuovo

The Church of Gesù Nuovo (New Jesus), built by the Society of Jesus between 1584 and 1725, is an excellent example of the Neapolitan Baroque style.

The church is as fascinating as it is pretty; the Chapel of Saint Francesco de Geronimo makes it so. This chapel, situated on the left side of the church, contains dozens of relics of various early Christian martyrs.

• Church of Santa Luciella ai Librai

This tiny church dedicated to Santa Lucia is tucked away in a narrow alley in the city center, not far from Via dei Presepi.

Built in early 14th century, the Church of Santa Luciella ai Librai houses the bizarre “skull with ears” in its underground crypt. Members of the Neapolitan Skull Cult prayed here believing the skull would serve as a messenger to the afterlife.

The “skull with ears” is called such due to the mummified cartilage on each side, which makes the skull appear as though it had ears.

15. Ride one — or all — of Naples’ funiculars

Naples has four funiculars in its public transportion system. If you have ample time to ride all four, that will be awesome. However, if you must ride only one, the Central Funicular is highly recommended.

Inaugurated in 1928, the Central Funicular is the youngest of all Naples’ funiculars. It is the largest in the world in terms of the passengers-per-kilometer capacity. It is also one of the world’s busiest, with 10 million passengers carried every year.

The 4,167-foot high Central Funicular transports passengers from the city center to Piazza Vanvitelli, in the hilltop neighborhood of Vomero.

16. Go shopping at Via Toledo

Looking to shop in Naples? Via Toledo offers the best shopping experience in the city. Here you’ll find just about everything — from old shops to huge chain stores and the swanky Galleria Umberto I.

Shopping at Via Toledo is one of the best activities in Naples. You can buy some pretty cheap Neapolitan souvenirs to bring home with you. And with a slew of gelaterias, cafés, and restaurants on both sides of the street, you can easily slip in for some cioccolato or fragola gelato!

Via Toledo is one of the best places to visit in Naples. It is a historic street that’s been around since 1536, stretching around 1.2 km. from Piazza Dante in the north of Naples to Piazza Trieste e Trento in the south, near the Piazza del Plebiscito.

Apart from shopping, the area is also home to many iconic monuments you simply shouldn’t miss.

17. Eat pizza!

Hands down the top thing anyone should often do in Napoli is eat the most famous Neapolitan invention — pizza! It is definitely one of the must-not-miss attractions in Naples.

The modern pizza was invented as a fast and cheap but tasty food-on-the-go for Neapolitan workers sometime in the late 1700s or the early 19th century. However, its progenitor goes a long, long way back — as far back as AD 997, when the word “pizza” was first recorded in Gaeta and then in other parts of Central and Southern Italy.

One of the most popular pizza flavors is Margherita, which dates back to sometime between 1796 and 1810. It was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, who was served these slices of wonder on her visit to Naples in 1889. Its toppings — tomato, mozzarella, and basil — are said to mimic the colors of the flag of Italy.

Originally, pizza was mainly eaten by Italians, but it gained mass appeal in the 1940s, when American troops stationed in Italy tasted and fell in love with the Neapolitan dish and brought the pie home after the war. Italian immigrants also made pizza popular in the United States around the same time.

• Read more: 10 Best Pizzerias in Naples, Italy

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at Tripadvisor