Naples is one of Italy’s most vibrant and energetic cities. Located on the southern coast, Naples offers a treasure trove of cultural sights, mouthwatering cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. From exploring ancient ruins to climbing an active volcano, this historic port city provides endless things to do.
| # | Activity | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvel at Historic Architecture | Explore historic churches, castles, and palaces in Naples. |
| 2 | Explore the National Archaeological Museum | Visit this museum for Greco-Roman artifacts. |
| 3 | See Legendary Artworks | View Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. |
| 4 | Dine on Naples’ Iconic Pizza & Seafood | Taste authentic Neapolitan cuisine. |
| 5 | Explore the Ruins of Pompeii | Visit the well-preserved ancient city. |
| 6 | Hike Mt. Vesuvius for Volcanic Views | Trek to the crater of this famous volcano. |
| 7 | Relax in Postcard-Perfect Capri | Enjoy a day trip to this picturesque island. |
| 8 | Wander Through Historic Naples Underground | Tour underground passages and tunnels. |
| 9 | See Art Treasures at the Royal Palace of Caserta | Visit this opulent 18th-century palace. |
| 10 | Indulge in Retail Therapy & People Watching on Via Toledo | Shop and observe local life on this bustling street. |
| 11 | Visit Herculaneum’s Well-Preserved Ruins | Explore the ruins of this ancient town. |
| 12 | Explore the Naples National Archaeological Museum | A second mention of this museum emphasizing its vast collections. |
| 13 | Go Underground at the Bourbon Tunnel | Discover this historical tunnel and its museum. |
| 14 | See Panoramic Views from the Certosa di San Martino | Enjoy views from this monastery and museum. |
| 15 | Explore Secret Tunnels with Napoli Sotterranea Tours | Take guided tours of Naples’ underground tunnels. |
If you’re planning a visit in 2024, here are 15 of the top attractions and activities in Naples not to miss.
Marvel at Historic Architecture
Historic Architecture – Located in Naples, Italy
History and Significance: Naples boasts historic architecture spanning Roman ruins, medieval castles, Baroque palaces and churches, and ornate 18th-19th century buildings.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore the layers of history visible in sites like Castel Nuovo, Royal Palace, Galleria Umberto I shopping arcade, Teatro San Carlo opera house, and many beautiful churches.
Visitor Information: Guided walking tours are a great way to appreciate Naples’ architecture. Many key landmarks are concentrated in the city center and are accessible by public transportation.
Naples boasts an impressive number of historic churches, castles, palaces, and other structures that span many eras. The Naples Cathedral with its mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Neo-Classical styles is a must-see right in the city center. Other architectural highlights include the 14th century Castel Nuovo, the lavish Royal Palace, and regal Teatro di San Carlo opera house.
Don’t miss the hybrid Spanish-French façade of the Plebiscito Church facing the Royal Palace. Exploring these magnificent historic buildings allows you to discover Naple’s long and layered past first-hand.
Explore the National Archaeological Museum
National Archaeological Museum – Located in Naples, Italy
History and Significance: Founded in the 18th century, this is one of the world’s finest archaeological museums displaying Greek and Roman artifacts excavated from Pompeii, Herculaneum and other sites near Naples.
What to Expect: Visitors can see an enormous collection of ancient mosaics, frescoes, bronzes, marble sculptures, vases, and Roman objects preserved after the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Visitor Information: The museum is located in the historic center of Naples. It’s open daily except Tuesdays, admission is around €15. Guided tours are available for a fee.
No visit to Naples is complete without spending ample time at the National Archaeological Museum, one of the world’s finest repositories of Greco-Roman artifacts. Here you’ll find untold treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum, including intricate mosaics, frescoes, marble sculptures, bronze statues, ancient coins, and more.
Some of the most famous pieces include the Farnese Bull and Farnese Hercules statues. Wandering the museum provides insight into local ancient history while admiring the incredible craftsmanship of classical artworks.
See Legendary Artworks
Art Museums & Galleries – Located in Naples, Italy
History and Significance: Naples is home to world-class art museums and galleries housing works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and other master artists. The Naples Academy of Fine Arts also has an exceptional collection.
What to Expect: Visitors can admire Renaissance and Baroque paintings, frescoes, sculptures and more. Some sites may require timed tickets or reservations. The art spans sacred, mythological, historical and landscape themes.
Visitor Information: Must-see museums include the Capodimonte Museum, MADRE contemporary gallery, Naples National Archaeological Museum, and Naples Underground tunnels.
In addition to ancient artifacts, Naples overflows with masterpieces from the Renaissance and Baroque eras when it was a wealthy power. The Cathedral Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro displays silver busts and art containing vials of the patron saint’s miraculously liquefying blood. Works by Caravaggio, Vecellio, Giordano and other greats fill the halls of the Naples National Museum, Capodimonte Museum, and churches.
Make time to visit the Cappella Sansevero chapel to view Giuseppe Sanmartino’s intricate Veiled Christ marble carving with a sheer covering seemingly draped over the figure. These sites provide a sweeping survey of Naple’s outstanding artistic heritage.
Dine on Naples’ Iconic Pizza & Seafood
Naples Pizza & Seafood – Located in Naples, Italy
History and Significance: Naples is the birthplace of pizza and known for its incredible seafood. Simple wood-fired pizzas were first sold as street food here before becoming globally famous. The city’s port provides fresh daily catch.
What to Expect: Dining out, visitors can try authentic thin-crust Neapolitan pizza baked in wood-fired ovens and topped with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. Seafood like octopus, bream, bass and shellfish are also local specialties.
Visitor Information: Historic pizzerias like Brandi and Da Michele serve classic pies. Seafood restaurants cluster near the port and boardwalk. Reservations are recommended for popular eateries.
Neapolitan cuisine ranks high among the world’s greatest, so be sure to sample authentic dishes and flavors during your stay. Pizza was invented here, with thin, blistered, wood-fired pies topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes the stuff of legend. Historic pizzerias like Da Michele and Pizzeria Starita serve ethereal pies.
Naples’ seaside location also means super-fresh seafood shines on local menus. Indulge in spaghetti alle vongole (with clams), frittura mista (mixed fried seafood), or grilled catch of the day. Washing it all down with local wines like Lacryma Christi and Greco di Tufo is mandatory.
Explore the Ruins of Pompeii
Ruins of Pompeii – Located near Naples, Italy
History and Significance: Pompeii was an ancient Roman city buried by volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Excavated ruins provide insights into everyday Roman life. It’s one of Italy’s most visited sites.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore well-preserved ruins including homes, baths, temples, forums, frescoes, mosaics, bakeries, amphitheater, and casts of volcano victims. Guided tours and audio guides are available to aid exploration.
Visitor Information: Pompeii is a 40 minute train ride from Naples. It’s open daily 9am-5pm, entry is around €15. Advance tickets are recommended to skip long lines. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground.
For an unforgettable day trip, head to the ruins of ancient Pompeii, located just a 30 minute train ride south of Naples. Walking beneath the shadow of mighty Mt. Vesuvius, you can tour the incredibly well-preserved remains of this city buried in ash during the 79 AD volcanic eruption. Wandering the intact streets, temples, homes, shops, and amphitheater provides a haunting glimpse into everyday Roman life in the 1st century.
Popular highlights include the House of the Faun, Villa of the Mysteries with its intact frescoes, the Large Palaestra bath complex, and ancient market stalls still bearing traces of food and wares. No visit to the region is complete without exploring legendary Pompeii’s ruins.
Hike Mt. Vesuvius for Volcanic Views
Mt. Vesuvius – Located near Naples, Italy
History and Significance: Mt. Vesuvius is the only active volcano on mainland Europe, famous for its 79 AD eruption that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum. Today it offers panoramic views over the Bay of Naples.
What to Expect: Visitors can hike the steep trail to the crater’s rim for breathtaking vistas of Naples and the surrounding area. The mountain still emits smoke and steam from vents. The hike takes about 35-45 minutes one way.
Visitor Information: Guided hikes up Vesuvius leave from the trailhead at Piazzale Ercolano in Ercolano. The round trip hike takes about 2.5 hours. Sturdy shoes, clothing and water are recommended.
The Mt. Vesuvius volcano looming over Naples may have decimated Pompeii long ago, but it remains active with smaller eruptions as recently as 1944. You can take a bus and then make an invigorating uphill hike to reach the crater’s rim and peer down into the smoldering abyss. The panoramic views over the Bay of Naples and surrounding countryside are simply magnificent from this height.
Local guides are highly recommended for these volcano hikes. Visitors should check weather conditions and current safety information before attempting the trek. The geological forces of nature feel alive and close when overlooking Vesuvius’ caldera. Just watch your step!
Relax in Postcard-Perfect Capri
Capri – Island near Naples, Italy
History and Significance: The scenic island of Capri in the Bay of Naples has attracted luxury travelers since ancient Roman times. Known for beauty, charm, upscale shopping and resorts. Features breathtaking sea cliffs and views.
What to Expect: Visitors can take in spectacular coastal vistas, explore glamorous towns, visit emperor Augustus’ former villa ruins, ride a funicular up Monte Solaro, and enjoy the lively island ambience.
Visitor Information: Ferries from Naples run daily, taking about 40 minutes. Getting around requires bus rides or walks. Day trips are possible but overnight stays allow full exploration. Book hotels in advance.
For a sublime day trip, make your way to the sunkissed Isle of Capri, located off the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula just a short hydrofoil ride across the Gulf of Naples. Browse the upscale shops along Via Camerelle, enjoy gardens and views from Villa Jovis, ride a funicular up to Anacapri village, or relax at a beach club with the glitterati.
Make sure to venture along the ragged coastal paths to view the iconic Faraglioni sea stacks rising from the impossibly blue sea. Capri’s scenery resembles an idyllic movie set – it’s no wonder emperors like Tiberius made this their vacation retreat.
Wander Through Historic Naples Underground
Naples Underground – Located in Naples, Italy
History and Significance: Beneath Naples lies a network of ancient Greek quarries and aqueducts, used as shelters during WWII bombings. Guided tours explore these tunnels by lantern light.
What to Expect: Descending into the underground, visitors walk through passages carved from tufa stone over 2000 years ago. War relics and decor give a glimpse of WWII life. The tour is atmospheric and informative.
Visitor Information: Tours in English last around 1 hour and require advance booking. Entry is around €10. Meeting points vary. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended as passageways are damp and narrow.
Below the streets of Naples lies a fascinating underworld that locals call “sotterranea.” Take a guided tour of passages under the city created by quarrying tufa stone or aqueducts built in Greek and Roman times. Sections were converted into cisterns, bomb shelters, and other uses over the centuries.
Walking these atmospheric former water channels and caverns lined with antique bricks provides a unique secret side to Naples’ history. Some areas contain mythic shrines to fertility and the underworld. It’s an intriguing subterranean realm not found in most cities.
See Art Treasures at the Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta – Located near Naples, Italy
History and Significance: Built in the 18th century, this enormous Baroque palace was the royal residence of the Bourbon kings. It has grand architecture with lavish interior décor and sprawling gardens modeled after Versailles.
What to Expect: Visitors tour palace rooms, the library, chapel, theatre and gardens. Highlights include the monumental Grand Staircase, frescoed Throne Room, porcelain collections and cascading garden fountains. An on-site museum displays artifacts.
Visitor Information: The palace is a short train ride from Naples. It’s open daily except some holidays, entry is €14. Guided tours are available for a fee. The gardens have seasonal hours.
About 30 km north of Naples stands the sprawling Royal Palace of Caserta, constructed for the Bourbon kings in the 1700s. This magnificent palace dwarfs Versailles and contains over 1200 rooms decorated with frescoes and ornate furnishings. The palace interior is second only to Versailles in sheer opulence and rivals the grandeur of royal abodes in Vienna or Munich.
The palace exterior resembling a hulking fortress only hints at the beauty found inside. Visitors can tour portions of the palace along with manicured gardens inspired by those at Versailles. Don’t miss this monumental day trip from Naples showcasing 18th century magnificence.
Indulge in Retail Therapy & People Watching on Via Toledo
Via Toledo – Located in Naples, Italy
History and Significance: As Naples’ main thoroughfare since the 16th century, Via Toledo showcases the city’s vivacious energy and style. This bustling street is lined with elegant shops and grand buildings and is the heart of Naples’ social scene.
What to Expect: Strolling Via Toledo allows visitors to browse upscale boutiques, admire historic churches and palaces, relax at outdoor cafes, and soak up Naples’ infectious spirit. Don’t miss historic Caffè Gambrinus, the Galleria Umberto arcade, and plein air painting vendors.
Visitor Information: Metro stops and centrally located hotels make Via Toledo highly convenient. Mornings provide more space for leisurely strolling before the afternoon crowds. Sit at an outdoor cafe for excellent people watching.
Connecting Naples’ twin historic centers is the bustling Via Toledo thoroughfare filled with shops, cafes, and hordes of lively locals. Stroll past elegant galleries and emporiums displaying chic Italian fashions, designer accessories, homewares, and artworks. Dip into the winding side streets called “spaccanapoli” that slice across the city.
This is the main pedestrian zone where well-heeled Neapolitans come to see and be seen over coffee or lunch on a sunny afternoon. Plop down at an outdoor café to watch the street theater unfold in Naples’ de facto runway.
Visit Herculaneum’s Well-Preserved Ruins
Name and Location: Ruins near Naples, Italy
History and Significance: Buried under volcanic mud during Mt. Vesuvius’ 79AD eruption, Herculaneum’s ruins are smaller yet better preserved than Pompeii’s. The ash layers protected delicate artifacts, creating a time capsule of Roman life. It provides a vivid window into antiquity.
What to Expect: Walking Herculaneum’s excavated streets reveals intact wall frescoes, mosaics, carbonized furniture, ancient graffiti and more. Don’t miss the boathouses along the old seafront or vaulted thermal baths. Although smaller than Pompeii, the preservation level astounds.
Visitor Information: Herculaneum is just 7km southeast of Naples, easy to reach by Circumvesuviana train. Get there early, as only limited visitors are allowed at a time. Combined tickets are available for Herculaneum and Pompeii. Wear comfortable shoes.
While smaller than Pompeii, the ruins of Herculaneum just down the coast provide their own compelling historical insights. This wealthy seaside town was closer to Vesuvius during the 79 AD eruption, so structures were buried in deep mud rather than ash. This allowed organic material and even furniture to survive intact throughout the centuries.
Some of the villas, mosaics, wall paintings and frescoes, carbonized roofs, and household objects provide an astounding look into daily Roman life. You can also still walk along the old shoreline that’s now several city blocks inland from the current beach. It’s quite moving to glimpse this “forgotten city.”
Explore the Naples National Archaeological Museum
Name and Location: Naples National Archaeological Museum, Italy
History and Significance: The Naples Archaeological Museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of Greek and Roman artifacts. Established in the late 18th century, it offers unprecedented insights into these ancient cultures that shaped Naples’ region.
What to Expect: Marvel at stunning sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, and relics recovered from Pompeii and Herculaneum, including legendary pieces like the Farnese Bull and Alexander Mosaic. Audio guides enhance the experience and provide context.
Visitor Information: Located just north of the historic center, the museum is easily accessible via public transportation. Open daily except Tuesday. Book ahead to avoid ticket lines. Guided tours highly recommended for deeper understanding.
As mentioned earlier, the National Archaeological Museum deserves a full day to appreciate the staggering collections accumulated from local excavations of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other sites. One standout section houses relics recovered from villas belonging to the Ptolemies, an Egyptian dynasty ruling from the 4th-1st centuries BC.
These include exotic obelisks, statues, jewelry, gold coins, and the dazzling “Blue Vase” with painted underwater scenes. The sheer scope of precious artifacts spanning centuries and cultures defies imagination. Don’t rush – allow ample time to uncover the museum’s buried treasures.
Go Underground at the Bourbon Tunnel
Name and Location: Bourbon Tunnel in Naples, Italy
History and Significance: The Bourbon Tunnel is an ancient passageway carved through Naples’ tufa stone that connected the Royal Palace to military barracks. Dating back to the mid-19th century, it provides a spooky look into the city’s subterranean history.
What to Expect: Visitors descend into the damp tunnel to walk its length and learn about its strategic role for the Bourbon monarchy and use as a shelter in World War II. Especially chilling is the corpse preservation room located deep underground.
Visitor Information: Accessible only via guided tour with Napoli Sotterranea, the Bourbon Tunnel tour lasts around 75 minutes. Tours run daily in multiple languages. Not recommended for the claustrophobic. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket.
A more recent subterranean feat compared to the ancient Greek structures under Naples is the Bourbon Tunnel started in 1853. It was built as a military passage beneath the city but never completed. The atmospheric abandoned tunnel with vaulted ceilings lined by bricks makes for an intriguing tour into an abandoned relic of Naples’ history.
Sections contain wartime artifacts like vintage vehicles plus a fascinating on-site museum about its construction using archival images. Going underground provides a cool escape on hot days while learning about this ambitious royal project.
See Panoramic Views from the Certosa di San Martino
Name and Location: Certosa di San Martino in Naples, Italy
History and Significance: The stunning Certosa di San Martino monastery complex sits high above Naples, with sprawling views over the city, Vesuvius, and sweeping coastline. Its majestic architecture and prime location have made it a renowned landmark since the 14th century.
What to Expect: From the monastery’s terrace, the panorama of Naples and its environs is breathtaking. The monastery itself, decorated in opulent Baroque style, contains impressive artworks and artifacts. It caps off any visit to Naples.
Visitor Information: The Certosa di San Martino can be reached via funicular, bus, or taxi. Open daily 8:30am-7:30pm except certain holidays. Admission around €6. Arrive in the afternoon for the most stunning sunlight over the city below.
One of the top viewpoints overlooking Naples comes from the Certosa di San Martino monastery and museum perched high above the city. Dating back to the 14th century, this historic complex contains cloisters, decorated chapels with renowned artworks, and gardens with panoramic vistas across the sprawling city below to Capri and Vesuvius.
The view orientation table identifies the landmarks before you. Don’t miss the majestic Baroque-style double staircase leading up to the monastery entrance. There’s also a convenient funicular to spare you the climb up to this heavenly perch.
Explore Secret Tunnels with Napoli Sotterranea Tours
Name and Location: Napoli Sotterranea Tours in Naples, Italy
History and Significance: Below Naples’ chaotic streets lies an eerie underground world of ancient quarries, cisterns, wartime shelters, and more. Since Greek times, this labyrinth has been shaped by the city above. Descending into its depths on a guided tour is an unforgettable experience.
What to Expect: On tours with Napoli Sotterranea, visitors explore the vast quarry tunnels with their old frescoes and relics of daily life through the centuries. It’s chilling to walk these corridors hidden directly under the vibrant city. Definitely not for the claustrophobic!
Visitor Information: The Napoli Sotterranea visitor’s center is centrally located near the old town. Tours range from 1-2 hours. Book ahead online as tours often sell out. Wear good walking shoes and bring layers for the constant underground temperature.
While independent exploration of Naples’ underground tunnels is prohibited, guided tours with Napoli Sotterranea provide safe access into hidden caverns and passages below street level. Their popular tour of over 2000 year old aqueducts immerses you in the eerie ancient reservoir system. Other tours access air raid shelters from World War II and ruins from Greek and Roman times.
Experienced guides share fascinating historical insights within the chilly limestone tunnels that have been closed for centuries. It’s an adventure that takes you even deeper through time than the subway tunnels crisscrossing under the modern city.
Conclusion
From world-class museums and legendary cuisine to romantic seaside vistas and millennia-old ruins, Naples tempts visitors with a menu of diverse attractions. The city’s stratum of history visible in its architecture and underground tunnels provides glimpses into the past still very much alive in Naples’ culture and spirit. Beyond the major tourist sights, simply soaking up street life and mingling with locals in Naples completes the experience.
With so many options for unforgettable things to see and do, Naples satisfies return visitors while surprising new arrivals. Whether you seek adventure, indulgence, knowledge, or leisure, teeming Naples won’t disappoint. Just be sure to allow enough time when planning a 2024 visit – with such bountiful treasures, it is easy to lose track of time in this beguiling ancient city.