Is Naples Worth Visiting? Yes! Here’s Why.

You’re planning a trip to Italy and wondering, is Naples worth visiting? The short answer –  Naples is absolutely worth visiting! With a rich history, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture, visiting Naples is a fun addition to any Italy trip.

Whether you’re into history, art, food, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of a lively Italian city, Naples has something to offer. Let’s explore some incredible reasons to visit Naples and why you’ll love visiting. 

Top Reasons for Visiting Naples

1. Historical Significance

Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a rich history spanning over 2,800 years. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors can discover ancient ruins, medieval castles, and Baroque architecture.

My first impression of Naples was the historical architecture is amazing and there’s lots of traffic. Naples feels like a historical city with a modern business that is apparent as soon as you step onto the streets. This unique blend makes it a fun place to visit!

Here are some of the top historic sites not to miss:

• The Royal Palace of Naples: The Royal Palace of Naples was built on the orders of Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro, Count of Lemos, in 1600. The current palace and its grounds are dedicated to the Teatro di San Carlo, the Teatrino di Corte, the National Library, and a museum showcasing 17th—to 19th-century history through the exquisitely decorated royal apartments.
• National Archaeological Museum: This museum has an impressive collection of Roman artifacts and treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
• Castles of Naples: In ancient times, Naples was called the “city of the seven castles” because it was the only city in the world that boasted seven castles within its boundaries: Castel dell’Ovo, Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), Castel Sant’Elmo, Castel Capuano, Castello del Carmine, Castello di Nisida and Forte di Vigliena. Make sure to visit one or more of these impressive castles!
• Naples Underground: Under Naples, you’ll find tunnels and caverns dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. These tunnels were also used during World War II. Take a tour and learn this fascinating history! 
• Certosa di San Martino: This former monastery offers stunning views of Naples and houses a museum with a rich collection of art and artifacts, including Baroque and Renaissance paintings.

2. Perfect Base for Adventures 

Naples is the perfect base for exploring nearby attractions and top places that are a must on your Italy trip due to the multiple public transit options readily available and the affordability of hotels there. More on this later! 

For now, some of the best day trips from Naples are below:

• The ancient city of Pompeii: This is a must do activity from Naples. It’s just a short trip to Pompeii from Napes. Pompeii is an ancient Roman city frozen in time after Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered the city. Walking through the streets of Pompeii gives you a remarkable insight into Roman life.
• The ruins of Herculaneum: Like Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This well-preserved archaeological site provides a glimpse into the daily life of an ancient Roman town.
• Island of Capri: The Island of Capri, located just off the coast of Naples in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is renowned for its natural beauty, stunning landscapes, and rich history. It makes a great day trip from Napes to explore the breathtaking blue water and enjoy the beautiful views.
• The breathtaking Amalfi Coast: Naples is an excellent jumping off point to get to the Amalfi Coast with ferries and buses directly from Naples to Amalfi and Positano. Enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery, charming villages, and historical sites while there.

3. It’s Less Touristy

One of the great things about Naples is how it feels far less touristy than other cities in Italy.  Naples is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Greek, Roman, Spanish, and French civilizations. Its vibrant street life, colorful markets, and lively atmosphere make it a cultural treasure trove. 

I’ve visited Naples twice, and it’s actually my husband’s favorite city in all of Italy because of its less touristy feel. Naples has a buzz and grit that isn’t present in many other cities in Italy. It feels unique, real, and relaxed, and this different perspective makes it even more fun to visit.

A great area to explore in Naples to enjoy fantastic street food and local culture is Spaccanapoli. Spaccanapoli is the straight and narrow main street that traverses the old, historic center of the city of Naples, Italy. This area is full of colorful (and crowded) alleys with shops, fresh street food, and famous artisan workshops. Consider a food tour of this neighborhood to find all the best spots!

4. Amazing Food

Speaking of food, Naples has a lot of it. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and you’ll find some of the best pizza in the world here.

In 1889, Raffaele Esposito, a local pizzaiolo, made the “Pizza Margherita” in honor of Italy’s Queen Margaret of Savoy, who was visiting Naples at the time. The Margherita represents the colors of the new Italian flag: red, white, and green. 

Where to eat pizza in Naples:

• Pizzeria Brandi (the first)
• Franco Gallifuoco Pizzeria
• Gino e Toto Sorbillo

Pizza is not the only food worth eating in Naples, though. You’ll find fantastic seafood, pasta dishes, pastries, and street food to satisfy every palate. 

One of the most unique places in Naples to eat is Villa Elvira. During a renovation, it was discovered that Villa Elvira houses an underground necropolis.  During a renovation of the nineteenth-century farmhouse, it was discovered that under Villa Elvira is a fascinating early Christian necropolis. You can walk through the underground streets of the cemetery in what feels like a step back in time and enjoy incredible food at their restaurant!

5. Enjoy the Warm Mediterranean Climate 

Naples enjoys a mild climate year-round, with warm summers and mild winters. Its sunny weather makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities like strolling along the waterfront, sipping espresso at a sidewalk cafe, or soaking up the sun on the nearby islands of Capri and Ischia.

6. Artistic Heritage and Beauty

From the Middle Ages to the 18th century, Naples was a focal point in terms of art and architecture, expressed in its ancient forts, royal ensembles such as the Royal Palace of 1600, and palaces and churches sponsored by noble families.

Naples is a haven for art lovers, from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art galleries. Naples hosted such notable artists as Caravaggio, Artemisia Gentileschi, Jusepe de Ribera, and Luca Giordano.

Naples takes pride in being home to these artists; art can be found across the city. A few of the highlights of the art around Naples to add to your list of things to do in Naples include:

• Consider visiting Capodimonte Palace, an art museum displaying classic and contemporary pieces by artists like Caravaggio and Andy Warhol. 
• Caravaggio’s alterpiece of “The Seven Works of Mercy” in Pio Monte della Miscericordia.
• Guissepe San Martino has a sculptural piece, the Veiled Christ, which can be found at San Severo Chapel.
• The street art scene is also strong in Naples. The neighborhoods of Rione Santina and Spanish Quarters have plenty of street art to find, as well as works by famous street artists like Banksy and Diego Maradona.

7. Amazing Views in Every Direction

Naples is located between the mountains and the sea, ensuring you get great views in every direction. 

The Bay of Naples offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset, when the colors of the bay and the sky really pop. During the day, the water shines in a deep blue, and on sunny days, you’ll enjoy the views of the mountains and islands in the distance.

For other amazing views of the outdoors near Naples, you can hike around Mount Vesuvius and Phlegraen Fields to enjoy the natural beauty. Seeing the landscape shaped by volcanic activity is really special!

Of course, since Naples is on a bay, there are also many amazing views from the water. You can sail along the coast, swim in the warm water, or go diving to explore the underwater world near Naples. 

About Visiting Naples

Naples has over 3 million inhabitants and is the political capital of the Campania Region. It’s also the third largest city in Italy, often talked about for its chaotic city streets and dense city center. 

Naples’s history dates back to the ancient Greeks, who founded the city as Parthenope around the 9th century BC. Over the centuries, Naples grew and changed with influence from various civilizations, such as the Romans, Normans, Spanish, and French. Even today, it is overflowing with unique culture and history!

How do I get to Naples? 

There are several different public transportation options to and from other parts of Italy to Naples. You can get there by flight, train, car, bus, ferry, or even just visit on a day trip from Rome. Since there are so many different transportation options, you can choose the one most convenient for you, depending on where you are coming from!

Where should I stay in Naples?

The best place to stay in Naples is near Centro Storico, the historical center, or Vomero. There are lots of nice hotels here, and tourists visit this area, making it safe and convenient. We stayed at The Britannique Naples, Curio Collection by Hilton, on my trip to Naples. The view from this hotel is fantastic, and it’s located near several top attractions.

Is Naples safe to visit?

Naples is generally safe for tourists to visit, especially in the historical center and touristy areas. However, pay attention to pickpockets on public transportation and walk at night in well-lit areas. Other than that, it’s the usual level of safe and unsafe any European city has. A normal level of awareness is essential when visiting.

How long should I spend in Naples? 

Most people choose to spend 1-2 days exploring Naples or use it as a home base for further exploration because it is easy to visit other places while staying there.

Conclusion

Naples, Italy, is absolutely worth visiting! It’s a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture. You can explore its ancient streets, visit landmarks, and enjoy some of the best pizzas in the world. You’ll love visiting Naples!

Author Bio: Meghan is the writer and creator behind The Traveling Teacher. She has been to over 30 countries Italy in particular 3 times on different trips. She loves sharing her travel tips and ideas with others and is always looking for her next adventure. When not traveling, she’s enjoying her home city, Washington, DC, hanging out with her husband and pets, and helping others fill their bucket list.