15 Best Things To Do In Naples, Italy
Naples is chaotic, it’s gritty, and it’s not exactly what comes to mind when you picture Italy. Yet, it pulses with vibrancy and a zest for life that is absolutely irresistable. It’s everything other Italian cities are not, and that’s precisely why I love it.
I visited Naples for the first time in 2022, when I used the city as a base to take short trips to places like Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. I didn’t plan to spend much time in Napoli, but I quickly fell in love with its unique character and endless energy.
During my time there, I explored every corner of the colorful city, including where to find the best pizza and Aperol spritz! I’ll share them with you in this travel guide, along with all the other amazing things to do in Naples Italy you can’t miss.
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Top Things to do in Naples
1. Explore the Centro Storico
The Centro Storico, or the historic center of Napoli and the oldest district in Naples (and one of the oldest in Europe). You’ll probably spend the majority of your time here when visiting Naples, and the best way to explore it is to simply let your feet lead the way!
As you wander around, you’ll stumble upon numerous churches, palaces, and other historical buildings. One street you can’t miss (literally) is the famous Spaccanapoli street, which translates to “split Naples” as it divides the city in two. This narrow street is a hub for local life and a great place to people watch while enjoying some gelato.
2. Go on a Street Food Tour
As a foodie, one of my favorite things to do when visiting any new place is to join a street food tour, and Naples is no exception. The city is renowned for its savory and affordable street food, and I wanted a local expert to show me all the best spots.
We sampled all of the local specialties including arancini (fried rice balls), sfogliatella (a flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta), pizza portafoglio or “wallet pizza”, and the iconic pizza fritta (fried pizza).
3. Eat the best pizza
Speaking of pizza, Naples is the birthplace of pizza itself, and there is no better place in the world to indulge in this cheesy delight. And let me tell you, the pizza in Napoli is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
While there are countless pizzerias throughout the city, two places stand out above the rest – Sorbillo and L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele. Both places expertly prepare each pie with just the right amount of San Marzano tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella before baking them to perfection. But be warned, there is often a long line at both places so be prepared to wait.
4. Wander around the Vomero Neighborhood
The Vomero neighborhood is also known for being one of the ritziest areas in Naples, with upscale shops and restaurants lining its streets. It is also home to one of the most iconic landmarks in Naples, Castel Sant’Elmo, a 14th century fortress offering breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding bay.
As you walk around the neighborhood, you’ll come across many jewelry stores selling cameos. Cameos are beautiful pieces of jewelry carved out of shells. Pop into Cameo factory De Paola if you want to see the cameos being made in-person, and pick up a souvenir to take home.
5. Visit the Monastery and Church of Santa Chiara
This stunning church is one of the best things to see in Naples. Located right in the center of the city, you can’t miss this gothic-style church. While the exterior is pretty simple, the inside is where the real beauty lies. In addition to impressive frescoes and architectural details, the peaceful cloister is beyond gorgeous, decorated in blue and yellow majolica tiles.
6. Piazza del Plebiscito
Situated on the edge of the Old City of Naples, Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the largest and prettiest squares in Italy. The square is framed by four buildings, including the Royal Palace of Naples, the huge domed church of San Francesco di Paola Church, and two symmetrical buildings, each steeped in history and art.
7. San Gennaro Catacombs
One of the most unusual things to do in Naples Italy is to visit the San Gennaro Catacombs. This spooky underground cemetery features thousands of well-preserved remains of Neapolitan Christians, some dating back to the 2nd century AD.
While there, you can admire ancient frescoes and explore the maze of tunnels and rooms cut into the rock. I recommend joining a guided tour to fully understand the significance and fascinating history of this unique attraction.
8. Shop on Via Toledo
Via Toledo is the main shopping street in Naples, stretching all the way from Piazza Dante to the sea. The ancient road is about 1.2 kilometers long and lined with high end shops, Italian boutiques, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs or indulge in a little retail therapy.
Veer off of Via Toledo in the evening down Vico Lungo Teatro Nuovo Street to reach Cammarota Spritz, hands-down the best spot in town for an Aperol spritz! This beloved, no-frills bar is a favorite among both tourists and locals for their cheap and refreshing spritzes. Plus, the atmosphere is unbeatable with its outdoor seating area and lively crowd.
9. Go to the Galleria Umberto
You can’t miss this spot when strolling down Via Toledo! Similar to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, this grand shopping center is a must-see for its stunning architecture and bustling atmosphere. The glass dome ceiling allows natural light to flood in, making it a beautiful place to take a break and people-watch at one of the many cafes and restaurants on the ground floor.
10. Admire the nativity scenes on Via San Gregorio Armeno
In case you didn’t already know, Naples is famous for its intricate nativity scenes, or “presepi.” This Italian Christmas tradition can be seen all year round, and the best place to admire them is on Via San Gregorio Armeno.
Here, artisans create intricate and detailed displays using traditional techniques passed down through generations. You can also purchase your own nativity scene here, with shops selling everything from tiny figurines to elaborate sets complete with lighting and sound effects. It’s a unique and beautiful way to bring some Italian Christmas spirit into your home.
11. Take a Day Trip to Capri
When in Naples, you’ll be so close to the island of Capri that a visit is an absolute must. This island is known for its glamorous atmosphere, luxurious villas, and breathtaking scenery — it is quite literally the postcard of Italy.
There are a few ways you can visit Capri from Naples, depending on your budget and how much time you want to spend on the island. To visit on your own, you can take a ferry from Naples to Capri and spend the day wandering through the towns of Capri and Anacapri, from which you can go on a chairlift ride to the highest point of the island, Mount Solaro.
For a more luxurious experience, you can book a private boat tour from Naples to Capri with a knowledgeable guide who can show you all the hidden gems of the island, including a visit to the famous Blue Grotto.
12. Cruise Along the Amalfi Coast
If you’re looking for the perfect way to visit the Amalfi Coast on a budget, this is it! There are tons of day trip options from Naples to the Amalfi Coast where you can visit the most famous towns including Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
I took a small group tour with a local guide and it was one of the highlights of my trip. We had plenty of time to visit each town, and we didn’t have to worry about navigating public transport or driving along the (slightly terrifying) roads on our own. Plus, you’ll also get to stop at all the best viewpoints along the way to capture those Insta-worthy photos!
13. Visit Pompeii
Located just a short distance from Naples, Pompeii is a fantastic day trip, whether or not you’re interested in history and archaeology. This ancient Roman city was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and has been preserved remarkably well over time.
Walking through the streets of Pompeii that have been, quite literally, frozen in time is incredibly moving. It gives you a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Romans and is a must-see for anyone visiting southern Italy.
Pompeii is huge, and can be overwhelming, so having a guide or taking a tour will help you to fully appreciate the scale and significance of the site.
14. Take the Ferry to Ischia
Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples. It’s quite popular among locals, but is still a bit under the radar when it comes to international travelers. This makes it the perfect destination for a day trip from the busy streets of Napoli. The island is laid-back and authentic, really giving you a taste of traditional Italian life.
Once on Ischia, you can spend the day soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches, take a dip in the thermal springs, visit Castello Aragonese, or hike up to Mount Epomeo, the highest point on the island.
15. Spend the Day in Procida
If you want to go where the locals go, then a day trip to Procida is a must. Of the three main islands in the Bay of Naples it is the least famous, but it’s full of charm and hidden gems.
Procida is small enough to be explored on foot, so spend the day strolling through the colorful streets. A few places you’ll want to check out include the pastel-painted village of Marina Coriccella, the fortified town of Casale Vascello, and the highest point on the island, Terra Murata.
How to Get to Naples, Italy
There are several ways you can reach Naples, depending on where you are coming from. If you are visiting other cities in Italy, like Florence or Rome, you can take the high-speed train to Naples.
If you are flying into Italy, the closest airport to Naples is the Naples International Airport. The Naples airport offers great connections to other popular countries in Europe, so you can easily combine your trip to Italy with Croatia, Greece, or Malta.
Is Naples Italy worth visiting?
Absolutely! Many travelers skip Napoli and head straight to Capri or the Amalfi Coast, but Naples has so much to offer and is worth spending a couple of days in.
When is the best time to visit Naples Italy?
If you’re planning a beach vacation with visits to the islands and Amalfi Coast, I recommend visiting during shoulder season. These are the months of May, June, September, and October. The weather will still be warm enough to swim and enjoy the beach, but there will be fewer tourists and lower prices.
However, if you’re more interested in experiencing the city’s culture and history, then you can visit Naples all year round. Just keep in mind that summer months can get extemely hot and crowded.
Is Naples Italy Safe?
While Naples doesn’t have the best reputation for safety, as long as you take the usual precautions and stay aware of your surroundings, it’s no less safe than other major European destinations.
Like any big city, it’s always a good idea to keep your valuables hidden and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. But overall, Napoli is much safer than it used to be and has a thriving tourism industry that helps keep crime rates down, so don’t let the concern of safety prevent you from booking your trip!
Final Thoughts on Naples Italy
Naples has totally stolen my heart, and trust me, you’ll want to make room for it on your trip to southern Italy. Sure, it might not have the same level of glamour as some other Italian cities, but its beautiful chaos is magnetic and will pull you right in. So do yourself a favor and put Naples on your must-visit list!
This guest post was written by Olivia of Inspired by Croatia
