Things to do in Naples
There is so much more to Naples than just amazing pizza even if the pizza is pretty fantastic! Check out the best things to do in Naples.
Best things to do in Naples
1. Eat Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is renownd world-wide, and until you’ve eaten this glorious dish in the city where it originated, you haven’t lived. There are plenty of popular pizzeria where you can sample this delicious treat, but remember: Neapolitan pizza isn’t topped with numerous different odds and ends. It’s a simple affair, just margherita pizza, with delicious basil, tomato and mozzarella. The toppings also replicate the colors of the Italian flag. It’s traditional to enjoy your pizza with beer in Naples, not wine. If you like, you can learn how to make pizza by attending a special Neapolitan pizza cooking class.
2. Explore the Historic Center
Yes, it’s a busy spot, but if you want to get a feel for what Naples was like in ancient times, you need to visit the streets here, explore the piazzas and basilicas, the busy street markets and lively pizzerias.
3. Walk the Seafront
A great way to relax and enjoy the sea air is to walk along Naples’ 3km promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants where you can sample stunning seafood or enjoy a refreshing drink. Stop if, if you have time, to visit Castel dell’Ovo, the oldest castle in the city, built in the 12th century.
4. Take a Day Trip to Pompeii & Herculaneum
You can’t visit Naples without taking a trip to Pompeii close by, with its incredibly well preserved houses, temples, baths and ampitheater. Best time to visit is on a weekday, early in the morning. Avoid the late morning rush (10 to 11am) when tour buses take over. Herculaneum is smaller than Pompeii and well worth visiting, too, home to some well-preserved buildings. If you’re visiting in summer, make sure you have plenty of water with you and are wearing good walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
5. Go to church
Naples is renowned for its churches, shrines and basilicas, so take time out to visit some of these, especially the fabulous Duomo, and some others in the city’s historic center.
6. Revel in Baroque Art
Naples is famous for its breathtaking displays of baroque art, found in unlikely spots like a little 16th century chapel called Cappella Sansevero. While you’re there, make sure to check out 2 human skeletons in the chapel with their perfectly preserved arterial systems.
A popular excursion is to explore Capri for the day. It takes about 50 minutes by boat and costs around €20 one-way by hydrofoil. Discover this beautiful island’s magic as you stroll through Capri Town before taking a chairlift to Anacapri. A highlight is a visit to the famous Blue Grotto. Take a boat tour (costs around €15). Remember: there’s an entrance fee €14.
8. Shop for Presepi
‘Presepi’ are nativity scenes, hand-crafted by locals. Aside from famous biblical figures, new characters are added all the time, including local celebrities, caricatures of well-known Italians, and more. You’ll see these being made on Via San Armeno Greco. If you’re visiting around Christmas, expect it to be crowded.
9. Have a Coffee Break
Naple’s coffee culture is legendary. Try out various iterations, although you’ll find that espresso is the most popular. If you want a cappuccino, you need to order one in the morning, as this is a breakfast drink. In Naples, coffees are served sweetened. If you prefer no sugar, ask for ‘amaro’ (bitter).
10. Take in a Gallery
There are plenty of fascinating museums and art galleries just waiting to be discovered in Naples. Make sure to visit the most important museum in the city, Museo di Capodimonte with incredible works on display by masters such as Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raphael and more. Contemporary art of note is housed MADRE, located near the Duuomo.
11. Escape to Vomero
To get away from the hustle and bustle in Naples, head for the hilltops in Vomero and explore a stunning monastery complex called the Certosa e Museo di San Martino, famous for its baroque interior and exquisite cloisters.
12. A Night at the Opera
Italians love their music, and Naples is no exception. Enjoy an evening performance of opera, ballet or classical music at the historic Teatro San Carlo, one of the country’s most famous opera houses. Alternatively, take a tour, or visit the modern museum called MeMus to learn all about its history.
13. Go Underground
Beneath Naples is a maze of underground tunnels, catacombs, tombs and grottoes worth exploring. Visit the Catacomba di San Gennaro where Naple’s patron saint was buried in the 5th century, or head for the tunnel system created in the 19th century, Galleria Borbonica that links the Palazzo Reale with an army building on the seafront.
14. Bone up on Ancient History
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale is a superb museum to visit to learn all about the city’s ancient history. It offers incredible displays of Greek and Roman items, many of which were discovered in Pompeii.
One of the most celebrated and spectacular coastlines in Europe, the Amalfi Coast is a delight to explore on a day trip, passing famous little towns like Ravello, Positano and Amalfi en route. Try to visit when it’s not peak season, if you can.