DESTINAZIONE
Discover what to see in Naples: from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic centre to Pompeii, from hidden treasures to family-friendly experiences. Complete practical guide.
Imagine strolling through ancient alleyways where the aroma of freshly baked pizza mingles with the sound of Neapolitan voices, while Vesuvius watches over the most beautiful gulf in the world from above. Naples is a city that captivates all the senses, an explosion of colours, flavours and history that leaves its mark on the heart of every visitor.
This practical guide will help you discover what to see in Naples, from the iconic attractions of the UNESCO historic centre to the hidden treasures loved by Neapolitans. Whether you are travelling as a couple in search of romantic views or with your family looking for engaging experiences for children, you will find all the practical information, tips and itineraries you need to experience Naples at its best.
Naples is easily accessible by various means of transport. Capodichino Airport is only 7 km from the city centre and offers direct connections to major European cities. From the airport, the Alibus bus reaches Piazza Garibaldi and the port in about 20 minutes (€5).
Naples Central Station is the main railway hub in southern Italy, with high-speed trains from Rome (1h10), Milan (4h30) and Florence (2h50). If you are travelling by car, the A1 motorway connects Naples to northern Italy, while the A3 leads to Calabria and Sicily.
The best time to visit Naples is in spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), when temperatures are mild (18-25°C) and the city is less crowded. Summer can be very hot and humid, with temperatures exceeding 30°C, but it is perfect for enjoying the sea on the islands in the Gulf.
Winter is ideal for those looking for lower prices and a more authentic experience of Naples, although some days can be rainy. Avoid the Ferragosto period if you don't like crowds, while Christmas offers a magical atmosphere with the famous nativity scenes of San Gregorio Armeno.
You need at least three days to visit the main attractions of Naples. A long weekend allows you to explore the historic centre, climb Vesuvius or visit Pompeii, and sample the local gastronomic specialities. With five to seven days, you can also include the islands of Capri, Ischia or Procida, the Amalfi Coast and the archaeological treasures of the area.
The beating heart of Naples is Spaccanapoli, the artery that cuts the historic centre in two, following the ancient Greek-Roman route. Walking along this street means immersing yourself in 2,500 years of history, among Baroque churches, noble palaces and artisan workshops.
Don't miss the Church of Gesù Nuovo with its rusticated façade, the Basilica of Santa Chiara with its magnificent majolica cloister (€6, perfect for a quiet break), and the San Severo Museum Complex, home to the Veiled Christ, a marble masterpiece that really does appear to be wrapped in a transparent veil (€8, booking recommended).
Via San Gregorio Armeno is the street of artisan nativity scenes, an explosion of colour and creativity all year round. Children love to see traditional shepherds alongside contemporary characters in Neapolitan style.
Naples Cathedral houses the relics of San Gennaro, patron saint of the city. Three times a year (the first Saturday in May, 19 September and 16 December), the miracle of the liquefaction of blood is renewed, an event that attracts thousands of faithful.
Visiting the Cathedral is free and includes the Basilica of Santa Restituta, the oldest Christian place of worship in the city with its 1,700 years of history. The Baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte (4th century) preserves splendid early Christian mosaics. For €3, you can also visit the Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro, which displays masterpieces of goldsmithing donated to the saint over the centuries.
Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples' monumental living room, one of the largest squares in Italy, surrounded by the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Royal Palace. The square is the perfect place for an evening stroll, when it lights up, creating a magical atmosphere.
The Royal Palace (€6, free on the first Sunday of the month) was the residence of the Bourbons and offers a glimpse into court life with its sumptuous halls, tapestries and original furnishings. The Court Theatre inside is an 18th-century gem. Children enjoy counting the eight statues of kings that decorate the façade.
Opposite the palace, Caffè Gambrinus has been an institution since 1860 and is the perfect place to stop for a break with a view of the square (cappuccino £1.80, sfogliatella £2.50).
Castel dell'Ovo is the oldest castle in Naples, built in the 12th century on the islet of Megaride where, according to legend, the poet Virgil hid a magic egg. Admission is free and the terraces offer one of the most beautiful views of the Gulf, perfect for romantic photos at sunset.
The Borgo Marinari at the foot of the castle is home to seafood restaurants where you can enjoy lunch with a sea view (menu from £22). The Via Caracciolo seafront is ideal for a walk or a bike ride (hire £5/hour), especially on Sundays when it is closed to traffic. Children love to stop at Parco Virgiliano with its play areas.
Castel Nuovo, known as Maschio Angioino, dominates Piazza Municipio with its imposing medieval structure. The Renaissance Triumphal Arch at the entrance is considered one of the architectural masterpieces of the 15th century.
The visit (€6) includes the Civic Museum, the Sala dei Baroni with its Gothic vault, and the Palatine Chapel with frescoes by Giotto. From the towers, you can enjoy a privileged view of the harbour and the city. The castle often organises events for families and temporary exhibitions.
The MANN is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, guardian of the treasures of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The Farnese collection includes Greek and Roman sculptures of exceptional beauty such as the Farnese Bull and Hercules.
Don't miss the Secret Cabinet section with erotic finds from Pompeii (no admission for children under 14) and the extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics. Tickets cost £16 (free for under 18s) and you will need at least 2-3 hours for a complete visit.
For families, the museum organises educational workshops at weekends (booking recommended on mann-napoli.it). On Wednesday evenings, the museum is open until 10 p.m., allowing you to visit with fewer crowds.
Nestled in the greenery of Capodimonte Park, this museum houses one of Italy's richest art galleries with masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael and Artemisia Gentileschi. The collection also includes Capodimonte porcelain and royal Bourbon apartments.
Tickets cost £10 (reduced to £1.50 for 18-25 year olds) and a visit can be combined with a walk in the 134-hectare park, perfect for a picnic with views of the city. Children can run freely in the meadows while you enjoy the view.
Forty metres below Piazza San Garibaldi lies another Naples, made up of Greek cisterns, Roman aqueducts and Second World War air-raid shelters. The guided tour of Underground Naples (£10, duration 90 minutes) is an exciting adventure even for children over the age of 6.
Please note: the route includes narrow passages and steep stairs, not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia or have mobility issues. Comfortable shoes and a sweatshirt are recommended even in summer as the temperature is a constant 16°C.
Climbing to the crater of Vesuvius is an unforgettable experience just half a day's journey from Naples. Europe's most famous active volcano offers breathtaking views of the Gulf and a close encounter with the power of nature.
From Herculaneum, take the EAV Circumvesuviana line to Ercolano Scavi, then the Vesuvio Express bus to the car park at an altitude of 1,000 metres (€10 return). From there, an 800-metre trail (20-30 minutes) leads to the edge of the crater. Access to Vesuvius National Park costs £10 and is open all year round with varying hours depending on the season.
Bring hiking boots, water and sunscreen. The trail is suitable for children aged 6 and up who are used to walking. The guided tour (optional, £5) explains the volcano's eruptive history and geological formation.
Pompeii is the most famous archaeological site in the world, a Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of 79 AD. Walking through the paved streets, entering houses with original frescoes and seeing the casts of the victims is a plunge into the history of 2000 years ago.
The Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii Scavi (€3.60, 40 minutes) departs from Napoli Centrale. The entrance ticket costs €18 (free on the first Sunday of the month, from October to March). You will need at least 3-4 hours to visit the main areas: the Forum, the Baths, the House of the Faun, the Brothel, the Amphitheatre and the Villa of the Mysteries.
Practical tip: download the official Pompeii app for free audio guides, bring a hat and water (it gets very hot in summer and there is little shade), and start your visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat. For families with small children, pushchairs are available for hire at the entrance.
Smaller but better preserved than Pompeii, Herculaneum offers a more intimate archaeological experience. The city was buried by volcanic mud, which perfectly preserved two-storey houses, wooden furniture, fabrics and even food.
It is easily reached by the Circumvesuviana railway (Ercolano Scavi stop, 20 minutes from Naples, £2.50). Tickets cost £13 and the visit takes about 2 hours. The best-preserved buildings are the House of the Deer, the Suburban Baths and the Villa of the Papyri (not always open to visitors).
Herculaneum is more suitable for families with children than Pompeii because it is more compact and less spread out.
Neapolitan pizza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learning how to make it with a pizza chef is an experience that the whole family will enjoy. Several historic pizzerias offer cooking classes where you can knead, roll out and bake your own pizza in a wood-fired oven (€50-70 per person, duration 2-3 hours, lunch included).
The most accredited schools are Antica Pizza Fritta da Zia Esterina Sorbillo in Spaccanapoli and Pizzeria Starita, where you can take the course and then eat your own creation. Children also receive a 'Pizzaiolo for a Day' diploma.
A boat trip allows you to see Naples from its most beautiful perspective: the sea. Tour operators organise daily excursions to Capri (€80-100), Ischia (€70-90) or along the Posillipo coast (€40-60, 2-3 hours).
For couples, the sunset tour with aperitif on board is an unforgettable romantic experience (€60-80 per person). Departures from the Port of Mergellina or Molo Beverello. Advance booking is recommended in summer.
To experience authentic Naples, visit the historic Pignasecca market in the Montecalvario district. Amongst stalls selling fruit, vegetables, fresh fish and Neapolitan street food, you'll feel like you're in a De Sica film.
Try the cuoppo fritto (fried fish cone, £4), pizza a portafoglio (folded fried pizza, £3), and stock up on local specialities in the historic food shops. The market is open from Monday to Saturday morning. Keep an eye on your wallet during the busiest hours.
On the Vomero hill stands the Certosa di San Martino, a Baroque monastic complex with a museum dedicated to the history of Naples and one of the most beautiful collections of nativity scenes in the world.
But the real treasure is the view from the terrace: from here you can see the whole of Naples, from Vesuvius to the Gulf, from Castel Sant'Elmo to the Sorrento peninsula. It is the perfect spot for memorable photos, especially at sunset when the golden light illuminates the city.
The ticket costs £6 (reduced £2) and also includes access to Castel Sant'Elmo. It can be reached by the Montesanto funicular (€1.10) or the more scenic Centrale funicular from Via Toledo.
Naples is the home of pizza, and here you will find the most authentic pizzerias in the world. Authentic Neapolitan pizza has a thick, soft crust, a soft centre and simple but high-quality ingredients.
Iconic pizzerias to try:
Tip: arrive early (7-7.30 p.m.) or late (after 10 p.m.) to avoid endless queues, especially at weekends.
A Neapolitan breakfast starts with a warm sfogliatella and a coffee at the bar. There are two versions: the sfogliatella riccia (with crispy layers) and the sfogliatella frolla (softer).
The temples of the sfogliatella are:
Other desserts to try: Neapolitan pastiera (ricotta and wheat cake, typical of Easter but available all year round), rum babà , and lemon delizia.
Neapolitan street food is an institution and costs very little. Must-try dishes:
The historic fry shops are Zia Esterina Sorbillo (Spaccanapoli), Pizzeria di Matteo (Via dei Tribunali), and Fratelli Capuano (Via Foria). The informal atmosphere and low prices make them perfect for families with children.
Being a seaside city, Naples offers the freshest seafood. The Borgo Marinari below Castel dell'Ovo is home to several restaurants with a view:
In the historic centre, try La Stanza del Gusto (Via Costantinopoli) for contemporary Neapolitan cuisine (€40-60), or La Taverna dell'Arte (Via Nilo) for a family atmosphere and fair prices (€25-35).
Typical dishes: peppered mussels, fried fish, octopus alla luciana, spaghetti with clams.
To visit Naples, the most convenient areas to stay are:
Historic centre/Spaccanapoli: the beating heart of the city, perfect for those who want to experience Naples 24/7. Convenient for the main attractions but noisy in the evening. Great for couples and travellers without a car. Budget: from £60 for B&Bs, from £90 for 3-star hotels.
Lungomare Caracciolo/Chiaia: an elegant and quiet area with sea views, great for families. Well connected to the centre and quieter. Budget: from £80 for B&Bs, from £120 for 3-4 star hotels.
Vomero: a residential neighbourhood on a hill with views, quiet and safe. Connected to the centre by funicular. Ideal for families with children. Budget: from £70 for B&Bs, from £100 for hotels.
Piazza Garibaldi/Station: cheap and convenient for trains but less pleasant area, better only for short stays. Budget: from £40 for B&Bs, from £60 for hotels.
For Happy Boutique Home, look for renovated historic buildings in the historic centre or in Chiaia for an authentic but comfortable experience.
Low budget (£50-70/day per person):
Medium budget (£100-150/day per person):
High budget (€200+/day per person):
Naples is generally safe for tourists, but as in any large metropolitan city, certain precautions are necessary:
Common sense is your best ally: Naples has a liveliness that can take those coming from more orderly cities by surprise, but this energy is part of its charm.
Metro: 2 lines (L1 and L6) connecting the city centre, Vomero, the station and the airport. Some stations are true works of contemporary art (Toledo, Università ). Ticket €1.10 (90 minutes).
Funiculars: 4 historic lines that climb up to Vomero and Posillipo. Panoramic and characteristic. Same ticket as the metro.
Bus: extensive network but often late. The main tourist lines are R2 (circular historic centre) and 151 (seafront).
Taxis: only use official white taxis with meters. Regulated fares: £3.50 daytime starting fare, supplements for luggage and night-time hours. From the station to the centre £10-15.
Naples TouristCard: 3 days £25, includes unlimited transport and discounts on museums. Worth it if you use public transport a lot.
In Naples, Neapolitan is spoken on a daily basis, but everyone understands and speaks Italian. Neapolitans are very communicative and gesticulate a lot: don't worry if they seem animated, it's their expressive and affectionate way!
In tourist areas, you will find people who speak English, but a little Italian will help. Some useful words: 'guaglió' (boy, used in a friendly way), 'embè?' (so?), 'jamm ja' (let's go).
Morning (9:00-13:00):
Lunch: Pizza at Sorbillo or Di Matteo (€8-12)
Afternoon (14:30-18:30):
Evening: Dinner in a traditional trattoria in Spaccanapoli, evening stroll in Piazza Bellini
Morning (9:00-13:00):
Lunch: In the Vomero district, local pizzeria or trattoria (€15-25)
Afternoon (2:30pm-7:00pm):
Evening: Aperitif at Borgo Marinari with a view, seafood dinner (€35-50)
Morning (8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.):
Lunch: Near the excavations of Pompeii or Herculaneum (€15-25)
Afternoon (14:00-18:00):
Evening:
With young children, replace Underground Naples with a walk in Virgilian Park or the Villa Comunale. Instead of the MANN, consider the MAV (Virtual Archaeological Museum) in Herculaneum, which is more interactive and engaging for children.
Add frequent breaks for ice cream and snacks, and plan activities that are not too intense during the hottest hours of the day. An afternoon at the beach in Posillipo or a boat trip in the Gulf are perfect for entertaining the whole family.
Naples is a city that is experienced with the heart before the eyes. Between ancient monuments and alleys scented with ragù, between the blue of the Gulf and the green of the lemons, between world-famous museums and fry shops where time has stood still, this city will surprise and captivate you.
My final advice? Let yourself go with the Neapolitan rhythm, don't rush, smile when a Neapolitan stops you to give you unsolicited advice (they definitely will!), and taste everything you can. Naples is not just a tourist destination, it is an experience that you will carry with you long after you return home.
Have a good trip and, as they say here, 'jamm bell!'
