Naples is a city that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. It’s loud, chaotic, gloriously messy, and absolutely unforgettable. For years, travelers treated it as nothing more than a pit stop on the way to the Amalfi Coast or Capri, a place to catch a train and move on. But something has shifted. Naples is having a moment, and honestly, it’s about time.
This is Italy’s most operatic city, where splendor and squalor have lived side by side for centuries. Scooters zip through impossibly narrow streets, laundry flutters from balconies like colorful flags, street vendors hawk their wares at markets that haven’t changed much in a hundred years, and the smell of wood-fired pizza hangs in the air like a promise. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way.
If you’re planning your first trip to Naples, you might feel a little overwhelmed. There’s so much to see, so much to eat, and so many neighborhoods to explore. I’ve put together this list of the fifteen best things to do in Naples to help you navigate this magnificent, maddening, utterly magical city.
Before reading further, please take the time to ensure you have packed everything you need for your trip to Italy. See the checklist here.
1. Eat Pizza Where It Was Born
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. You cannot come to Naples and not eat pizza. This is where pizza was invented, and Neapolitans take it very seriously. The Margherita pizza, with its simple toppings of tomato, mozzarella, and basil, was created here in 1889 to honor Queen Margherita, and the city has been perfecting it ever since.
The best pizza in Naples is found along Via dei Tribunali, a street affectionately nicknamed “Pizza Alley.” Every spot here promises an authentic Neapolitan experience, but our personal favorite is Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo, which serves up incredible pies along with the best arancini and frittatina in town. If you want to take things a step further, sign up for a pizza-making class, like this one. There’s no better souvenir than the ability to recreate that perfect, chewy, slightly charred crust in your own kitchen back home.
2. Descend into the Underground City
Naples isn’t just a city on top of the earth. It’s a city beneath it too. Underground Naples, or Napoli Sotterranea, is a network of ancient tunnels, aqueducts, and caves that stretch for miles beneath the bustling streets. Descending forty meters underground to tour these tunnels is one of the most incredible things you can do in the city.
With over 5,000 years of history, these tunnels served as everything from Greek and Roman aqueducts to air-raid shelters during World War II. It’s a bit eerie, a bit thrilling, and completely fascinating. Bring a jacket—it gets chilly down there.
If you need a ticket or a tour, check this out.
3. Wonder at the Veiled Christ
The Cappella Sansevero, a baroque chapel tucked away in the historic center, houses what is widely considered one of the most extraordinary works of art in the world. Giuseppe Sanmartino’s Veiled Christ is a marble sculpture completed in 1753 that captures the suffering of Christ beneath a veil so lifelike it’s almost impossible to believe it’s carved entirely from stone.
People stand in front of it for minutes at a time, trying to figure out how the sculptor achieved the effect of transparent fabric draped over a human body. It’s the kind of art that makes you forget to breathe.
4. Wander Spaccanapoli
Spaccanapoli literally means “Naples splitter,” and that’s exactly what this street does. It cuts through the historic center like a knife, dividing the old city in half. This narrow, bustling avenue is one of the oldest streets in Naples, lined with Baroque architecture, artisan workshops, churches, and coffee bars.
Walking its length is like walking through a living museum. You’ll pass piazzas, peek into courtyards, and stumble upon centuries-old landmarks at every turn. It’s the perfect place to get lost and discover something new.
5. Gaze at Ancient Treasures at the National Archaeological Museum
Created by the royal Bourbon dynasty, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples is among the most important archaeological museums in the world. Inside, you’ll find splendid frescoes and mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Farnese collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, and even a “secret room” containing ancient erotic art. It’s a treasure trove of artifacts that bring the ancient world to life.
Pro tip: visit Pompeii and Herculaneum first, then come here to see the pieces that were actually excavated from those sites. It makes the experience so much more meaningful.
6. Climb Mount Vesuvius
You can’t miss it. It’s the massive, brooding volcano that looms over the entire city, the same one that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD. Visiting Mount Vesuvius is an unforgettable adventure. You can hike to the crater’s edge, peer into the steaming depths of a volcano that is still very much active, and take in sweeping panoramic views of the Bay of Naples below.
The hike takes about twenty to thirty minutes from the parking area, and while it’s not incredibly difficult, it is steep in places. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Standing on the rim of a volcano that shaped history is the kind of experience that stays with you.
Check this guided tour if you are interested in hiking this historic mountain.
7. Step Back in Time at Pompeii
Pompeii is not just a tourist attraction. It’s a time capsule. The ancient Roman city was frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, burying everything under meters of volcanic ash. Excavations have revealed remarkably preserved buildings, artifacts, and even plaster casts of the victims in their final moments.
Walking the streets of Pompeii is haunting and humbling. You’ll see bakeries with ovens still intact, theaters, temples, and homes with frescoes that are still vibrant after nearly two thousand years. It’s an absolute must-do, and it’s easily accessible from Naples via the Circumvesuviana train line.
I highly encourage you to do a guided tour with an archaeologist. This is the tour I recommend.
8. Explore the Opulent Royal Palace of Caserta
If you’re in Naples for more than a couple of days, take a short trip to the Royal Palace of Caserta. Often compared to Versailles, this is one of the largest royal residences in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by Luigi Vanvitelli for the Bourbon kings of Naples, the palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture with over 1,200 rooms, sprawling gardens, fountains, and cascading waterfalls.
It’s easy to spend an entire day here wandering through the opulent halls and strolling the manicured grounds. It’s the kind of excess that makes you understand exactly how the other half lived.
9. Visit the Castle of Sant’Elmo and Certosa di San Martino
Perched high on the Vomero hill, the Castle of Sant’Elmo offers what is arguably the most spectacular view of the city, the Bay of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius. The star-shaped fortress is a military stronghold that dates back to the 14th century, and its battlements provide a panoramic vantage point that is absolutely breathtaking. But don’t stop there.
Adjacent to the castle is the Certosa di San Martino, a former Carthusian monastery that now houses an excellent museum of Neapolitan history and culture. The monastery is beautiful in its own right, with a stunning cloister and a church that features intricate marble work and paintings by Neapolitan masters. The gardens alone are worth the trip.
10. Explore the Hidden Catacombs of Naples
Beneath Naples lies an entire world of ancient burial grounds. The Catacombs of San Gennaro are among the most important early Christian burial sites in Italy, dating back to the 2nd century. These underground tunnels are lined with tombs and adorned with some of the oldest Christian frescoes in existence.
The catacombs are more than just graves. They’re a testament to the city’s early Christian community and its devotion to its patron saint, San Gennaro. The guided tours are informative and atmospheric, and they take you through a side of Naples that most tourists never see.
11. Take a Day Trip to Herculaneum
While Pompeii gets all the attention, Herculaneum is just as remarkable, if not more so. This smaller, wealthier town was buried by the same eruption in 79 AD, but because it was closer to the volcano, it was preserved in even greater detail. The buildings in Herculaneum are often better preserved, with second stories still intact, wooden beams still in place, and organic materials like food and furniture surviving the centuries.
It’s a more intimate experience than Pompeii, less crowded, and it gives you a clearer sense of what daily life was like for the ancient Romans. If you have time for only one site, choose Pompeii. But if you can do both, Herculaneum is the perfect complement. And this here is a really good tour to consider.
12. Stroll the Lungomare Waterfront
Sometimes you just need a break from ancient ruins and crowded streets. The Lungomare is Naples’ beautiful seaside promenade, offering a leisurely walk along the Bay of Naples with spectacular views of the water, Castel dell’Ovo, and Mount Vesuvius in the distance. It’s the perfect place for a romantic evening stroll or a peaceful morning walk.
Street vendors sell fresh coconut and roasted chestnuts, and there are plenty of benches where you can sit and watch the sun set over the bay. It’s simple, it’s free, and it’s one of the most pleasant experiences the city has to offer.
13. Visit the Sansevero Chapel Museum
Beyond the Veiled Christ, the Sansevero Chapel Museum is worth exploring in its own right. This small but magnificent museum is filled with stunning works of art, intricate marble sculptures, and fascinating scientific instruments.
The chapel itself is a masterpiece of Baroque design, with an ornate floor and elaborate frescoes covering the ceiling. It’s a hidden gem in the heart of Naples that many visitors overlook, and it’s absolutely worth the entrance fee. Be sure to give yourself time to really appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry on display.
14. Go Shopping at the San Gregorio Armeno Christmas Alley
This may sound seasonal, but hear me out. San Gregorio Armeno is a street in the historic center that is famous year-round for its artisan workshops that produce handmade nativity scenes, or presepi. But it’s also a wonderful place to shop for handcrafted goods, including ceramics, jewelry, and local crafts.
The street is known as “Christmas Alley,” and even in the middle of summer, you’ll find shops displaying elaborate nativity scenes with hundreds of tiny figures. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric and distinctly Neapolitan experience.
15. Experience the Nightlife in Piazza Bellini
After a full day of exploring, Naples comes alive at night. Piazza Bellini is one of the best spots to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. This is the go-to spot for young locals to hang out, and it’s always buzzing with energy.
The square is surrounded by bars and cafés that spill out onto the cobblestones, and you’ll find everything from cheap street food to craft cocktails. It’s a fantastic place to unwind, have a drink, and watch the city go by. Grab a seat at Caffè dell’Arte, order a Spritz, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Final Thoughts on Naples
Naples is not for everyone. It can be overwhelming. It can be loud. It can be chaotic. But that’s what makes it real. This is not a city that has been polished and sanitized for tourists. It’s a city that lives and breathes, a city with heart and soul and a stubborn refusal to be anything other than itself.
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants everything neat and orderly, Naples might not be for you. But if you’re the kind of traveler who wants to feel something, who wants to taste something, who wants to experience a place in its raw, unfiltered glory, then Naples will steal your heart. It certainly stole mine. And I hope it steals yours too.
NOTE BEFORE YOU GO: Italy rewards travelers who go prepared. And it is easy to ruin your trip. I have a checklist for you of things you should never go to Italy without. CHECK IT OUT HERE. I have also curated a list of some of the best hotels in Italy. I would highly recommend checking them out before booking. THESE ARE THE BEST HOTELS IN ITALY. And for unique experiences, attractions, and tours, don’t book before CHECKING THIS OUT. Thank me later!