Things to do in Naples

Insider tips: Explore Naples like a local

Megan & Aram is a travel blog that focuses mostly on travel in the Nordics and Eastern Europe with the occasional trip beyond those regions. We love coffee, promoting small businesses, and sports.

What should I do on my first trip to Naples?

Head to the main square, Piazza del Plebiscito, where the Royal Palace and the Royal Basilica are located. Visiting the Royal Palace is one of the best things to do in Naples and is good for a rainy day. Also, check out the San Gennaro Catacombs for a fascinating tour of the labyrinth-like passageways underneath the city. While not in the city of Naples itself, don’t miss out on visiting the fascinating archeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum nearby. Covered in ash from a volcanic eruption in the first century, these sites have been continuously excavated since their discovery in the 1700s and a tour of the 2,000-year-old city is fascinating.

What are some hidden gems to see in Naples?

Nominated for Europe’s most beautiful transit station, the Toledo Metro Station is a gorgeous work of art. This station is covered in mosaic tiles with a different color theme for each floor. For great views over the Bay of Naples, amazing art, and a stroll through a lovely garden, visit the Monastery and Museum of San Martino. If you have time, you can also check out the Saint Elmo Castle next to the monastery.

How much time should I spend in Naples?

Three days is a enough time to spend in Naples. You can take in the major sights in the first two days and enjoy one of the incredible day trips from Naples to places like Pompeii, Herculaneum, or the lovely island of Procida on the third day. If you only have two days in Naples, you could spend one day doing just the main highlights of the city and Pompeii on the second day. Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours are a great way to see the city, and Pompeii is a short train ride away (around 30 minutes).

What food is Naples known for?

Naples is hailed as the birthplace of pizza, so getting pizza here is a must. Two of the most famous pizzerias in the city are L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele and Gino e Toto Sorbillo. The lines here are usually long, but there are many delicious places to grab this famous Neapolitan dish. Sweet tooth? Try a sfogliatella. This traditional Neopolitan treat is a shell-shaped pastry with many flaky layers filled with ricotta-based cream and candied citrus.

What is the best way to get around Naples?

Naples is relatively compact, so it is easy to get to most places you want to see without relying on transportation. It’s fun to take in the sights and sounds of the city along the way. Naples is infamous for its traffic and buzzing Vespas, so take care if you decide to drive (or cross the road). Metro and buses are available, but they can sometimes take longer than going by foot. When planning your route, consider whether you want to prioritize your time or effort.

What are the best months to visit Naples?

While you can definitely visit Naples any time of the year, the best times are the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-October. The weather is warm and there are fewer crowds. Winter is an excellent option for the least number of tourists, although there is an uptick during the holidays when there are beautiful decorations and Christmas markets. Summer is hot and quite crowded, as that is when most people are on vacation, but is great for warm beach days.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Naples?

The heart of the city is the Centro Storico. Wander through the narrow but bustling alleys, pick up souvenirs, grab a drink, and people-watch as you marvel at the stunning old churches tucked between the tight lanes. Vomero is an elegant neighborhood on a hill in Naples, with gorgeous views over the city and bay. Get a little bit lost as you walk past laundry strung out to dry and people selling produce along the streets of the Spanish Quarter, said to be the most authentic neighborhood of Naples.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

There are tons of spots for great shopping in Naples. For souvenirs, stroll down Spaccanapoli, where cute shops are interspersed with great street food outlets. Don’t miss Via San Gregorio Armeno, a cool street renowned for selling all things Christmas. For a luxury shopping experience, head to the Chiaia neighborhood. For trinkets and antiques, visit the Resina Market. For a mix of everything, head to the Galleria Umberto I, a shopping mall within a beautiful arcade.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Naples?

If you want to be in the heart of the city near the main attractions, book a room in the Centro Storico. If you want a quieter neighborhood within reach of the main sights, stay around the Piazza del Plebiscito. It’s an excellent option for families with children. A little further out, Vomera has a comfortable residential atmosphere but still has great nightlife.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Naples?

Spark your kids’ imaginations at Naples’ fascinating historic sites, such as Castel d’Ovo or the underground tunnels. If they need to stretch their legs, head to open spaces like Piazza del Plebiscito or Capodimonte Park, where they can run around and play. Or take a pizza-making class in the city where it all began — fun for any age.

What is the best thing to do in Naples for solo travelers?

Naples is full of delicious foods, and a local-led food tour is a perfect way to sample a wide variety of dishes and learn some insider tips. It’s also a great way to meet people an. You can enjoy time wandering throd get recommendations for the rest of your trip. Don’t miss the different galleries and museums in Naples, including the Archeological Museum, the Catacombs of San Gennaro, and the Royal Palace — all perfect for a solo visit.

What is the best thing to do in Naples for couples?

Go on a wine-tasting tour with your partner in Naples. There are a variety of options for this romantic activity, including some tastings held at vineyards on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius or including a cooking class. If you want to get away from the hubbub of the city for a bit, take a day trip to the gorgeous islands of Procida or Capri. The boat ride there is as stunning as the island itself.

What are the best annual events in Naples?

If you’re a pizza fan, don’t miss out on the Napoli Pizza Village festival in June. For nine days, you can sample the best pizzas in the world, see live demonstrations, attend workshops, enjoy entertainment, and wait to see who is crowned the World Pizza Maker Champion. During the holidays, Naples has wonderful Christmas markets and events. February is the lively carnevale season, with parades, concerts, and special treats only made during carnevale.

What are the best things to do around Naples?

Don’t miss out on discovering Naples’ looming neighbor, Mount Vesuvius. Designated as a National Park, it is open for visitors to hike in the area. The trail up to the volcano’s summit is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers). The right footwear, water, and a hat are needed as there is no shade on the trail. The panoramic view from the crater is stunning, and the hike is a nice way to get outdoors and explore the natural landscape near Naples.

What are the best beaches around Naples?

One of the most popular beaches in Naples is La Gaiola beach. It is free to enter, though you will need a ticket to get to the Underwater Park area of the beach. It’s best to go early as it can get rather crowded. Another great place to swim and lay out is on the gorgeous beaches of Capri. This requires a day trip to the island, but it's worth the effort. The island has many beautiful beaches to relax on, such as Marina Piccola or Bagni di Tiberio.