If you’re planning a trip to Naples, there are so many things to see and do that it can be overwhelming. However, as someone who has explored the city many times, I can help you narrow it down to the top 10 must-do activities. From exploring the historic center to experiencing the lively Spanish Quarter, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to discover the underground mysteries of the city or take in breathtaking panoramic views of Naples. And if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, there are some serene day trips to nearby destinations that you won’t want to miss.
It’s worth noting that Naples has a bit of a controversial reputation, often being described as gritty, dirty, and even dangerous. As a result, many travelers tend to skip over this third-largest Italian city, opting instead for the more glamorous Amalfi Coast. However, I would encourage you to give Naples a chance. While it can take some time to adjust to the city’s chaotic rhythm, there is so much to see and experience here. With a little exploration, you may find yourself falling in love with all that Naples has to offer, just like I did.
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Absolutely, let’s get started! There’s no time like the present to dive into the heart of Naples and discover all the amazing sights that this city has to offer. From its vibrant culture and rich history to its delicious food and lively atmosphere, Naples is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So let’s begin our journey and uncover all of the top sights that will truly enrich your experience in this beautiful city.
1. Investigate THE Memorable CENTER (CENTRO STORICO)
First on our list is exploring the historic center of Naples, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts many palatial buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and a rich history. If you’re staying in the historic center, you’ll find that most of the important sights are within walking distance and close to each other, making it easy to explore this fascinating area of the city. Be sure to take your time and soak in the unique atmosphere of this ancient part of Naples.
One of the most famous thoroughfares in Naples’ historic center is Spaccanapoli, which is often referred to as the pulsating heart of the area. It is one of the three historical documents on the ancient Naples’ grid, dating back to Roman-Greco times. Rather than being a single avenue, Spaccanapoli is a network of interconnected streets that flow seamlessly into each other.
This renowned set of streets spans roughly 2 kilometers, beginning at Piazza Gesù Nuovo square and forging a straight path eastward, cutting through the Centro Storico and crossing Via Duomo. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the historic center of Naples, and you’ll find plenty of fascinating sights and sounds along the way.
Walking through Spaccanapoli is like traversing the spine of Naples, as it plays a crucial role in dividing the city into two. The name Spaccanapoli, which translates to “Naples’s splitter,” is quite fitting. As you explore this area, you’ll get to witness the way ancient and modern life intertwine.
Spaccanapoli is a pulsating vein full of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, and it’s always bustling with locals and tourists on the go. Walking through this area is an excellent way to experience the vibrant culture and history of Naples. So take your time, soak in the sights and sounds, and enjoy all that Spaccanapoli has to offer.
As you make your way through Spaccanapoli, you’ll pass by some of the most famous landmarks in Naples. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- – Historic Gesù Nuovo square and the church, which boasts an unusual, almost brutalist-style façade and impressive lavishly decorated Baroque interiors.
- – Santa Chiara Monastery Complex, a serene oasis of tranquility and historical beauty that’s renowned for its beautiful Gothic architecture, intricate majolica tiled cloister, and rich artistic heritage.
- – The Sansevero Chapel, which is a stunning testament to Baroque art and famously houses the Veiled Christ, a masterpiece of marble sculpture celebrated for its exquisite detailing and lifelike representation of a veiled Jesus.
These landmarks are just a few examples of the many fascinating sights and experiences that await you on Spaccanapoli. So be sure to take your time and explore everything that this vibrant area has to offer.
One of the most popular spots in Naples’ historic center is an alleyway on Via San Gregorio Armeno. It is famously known as Christmas Street, which is home to numerous shops and stalls that are filled with nativity scenes or ‘Presepe.’
These decorations aren’t just ordinary ornaments. In Italy, they are a significant part of the Christmas tradition and are valued even more than the grandest Christmas tree. The art of presepe making has deep roots that date back to the time when this street was dedicated to a Roman goddess. Devotees would offer small terracotta figures made by local artisans as tokens of their worship. When Christianity came, these figurines took on Christian motifs and became a widespread tradition throughout Italy, especially in Naples.
If you’re looking for artistic nativity scenes, the small street of Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples is the place to be. Local craftspeople add a modern twist by including everyday life scenes and even famous faces.
Another must-do activity in Naples is passing along Via dei Tribunali, an important artery in the heart of the city. It is one of the ancient Greek-Roman thoroughfares that defined Naples’ layout.
This bustling street, also known as ‘pizza street,’ is a must-visit for its historical depth and culinary richness. Here, you can find significant landmarks like Naples Cathedral and San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica, alongside remnants of its regal past through decaying palaces.
Parallel to Spaccanapoli and accessible from Via San Gregorio Armeno, Via dei Tribunali is the chaotic mix of people, scooters, street vendors, coffee shops, and restaurants that you can see in Elena Ferrante’s novels. Its narrow cobblestone path offers an authentic slice of Neapolitan life amidst its historical backdrop.
2. Lastly, don’t miss the chance to discover the underground city of Naples
Naples is home to a fascinating underground city that dates back to the Roman era. The underground tunnels and chambers served various purposes, from water storage to burial sites. Today, visitors can take different guided tours and explore the underground city to learn about its history and see its impressive architecture.
Napoli Sotterannea
A guided tour of Napoli Sotterannea is one of the most interesting things to see in Naples. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you will descend into Naples’ underground world.
You will venture 40 meters below the surface and enter a world that was carved from the earth, revealing a hidden network of ancient streets, catacombs, and tunnels that go back to the 4th century BC. This subterranean realm was expanded from ancient Greek foundations by the Romans for aqueducts and rediscovered as a vital shelter during WWII. It offers a captivating glimpse into Neapolitan life across millennia.
The Naples Underground tour is a journey illuminated by torchlight that shares tales of survival, daily life, and resilience. It invites visitors to explore a side of Naples that few know exists.
During the tour, you will discover how residents adapted to underground life and embraced everyday activities in this concealed world during WWI. Stories of underground weddings, births, and daily survival highlight the resilience of Neapolitans throughout history.
Note that the tour includes navigating narrow, dark tunnels and several steps, with alternatives for those uneasy in tight spaces.
Another underground section you can explore with a guide is the San Gennaro Catacombs. They are nestled within the northern hills of the city, beneath the Rione Sanità neighborhood. This labyrinthine world of subterranean passageways and vaults serves as an ancient burial site.
Here lies a crypt for Naples’ earliest bishops and a vast, fifth-century underground basilica hewn from rock. This historic site also shelters some of Italy’s most ancient Christian artworks, with vibrant frescoes that have withstood the passage of time, some dating as far back as the second century.
Compared to the Napoli Sotterannea tunnels, the catacombs of San Genaro are less claustrophobic. They stretch across two levels and are quite grand and spacious.
If you only have one day in Naples, it is best to go for the Napoli Sotterannea tour as it is conveniently located in the historic center.
3. VISIT THE SPANISH QUARTER – THE FAMOUS NEIGHBORHOOD OF NAPLES
If you want to experience the authentic and vibrant side of Naples, then the Spanish Quarter (also called Quartieri Spagnoli) is a must-visit neighborhood. This area is known for its narrow streets, tall buildings with laundry hanging from the balconies, street markets, and lively atmosphere.
The Spanish Quarter has become a popular destination for tourists because of the murals of Diego Maradona, the legendary football player who played for Napoli. For Neapolitans, Maradona is a literal football God, and you can find dozens of murals of the celebrated icon on the walls of Naples’ buildings. However, the most famous one is located in Via Emanuele de Deo.
Exploring the Spanish Quarter on foot is a great way to spend a few hours in Naples. Its streets are full of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an excellent place to grab a bite or have a drink. However, it is not advisable to wander around at night, as it can be a bit sketchy.
Quartieri Spagnoli was a former home for Spanish troops, and over the centuries, it acquired a reputation as a dangerous place and was inaccessible to outside visitors until recently.
Another highlight of the Spanish Quarter worth mentioning is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie a Toledo, which is a hidden gem in Naples. It is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning artwork.
Finally, don’t miss the local Pigneseca market that takes place daily. The busy market is not only a scene to watch, but it is also an excellent place to buy some fresh produce and street food, like “portfolio pizza.”
4. TASTE Credible NEAPOLITAN PIZZA
Discussing pizzas, when in Naples, each guest should taste no less than one genuine Neapolitan pizza. I guarantee you your principles for pizza will ascend high in the wake of examining a couple of extraordinary pies.
The pizza in Napoli is made with straightforward yet excellent fixings, for example, San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella fiordilatte, and a distinctive mixture, bringing about a delightfully scorched and effervescent covering.
There are numerous pizza shops in Naples, yet probably the most popular ones incorporate Pizza Shop Port’Alba, Gino e Sorbillo, and Pizza JointUsing da Michele. These pizza joints have been around for quite a long time and are known for their real and delightful Neapolitan pizzas.
To evaluate various kinds of pizzas, Using dei Tribunali is a decent spot to go. This road is fixed with numerous pizza shops and eateries, each offering its exceptional interpretation of the Neapolitan pizza. Be that as it may, you nearly can’t turn out badly without jumping into any genuine pizza joint in Napoli. Face a challenge, and you will doubtlessly be wonderfully shocked by how great they are in just about any place.
What makes Neapolitan pizza remarkable isn’t simply the fixings but additionally how it is ready. The pizza is cooked in a conventional wood-terminated broiler at a high temperature, bringing about a fresh covering and a marginally chewy focus. It is likewise generally served whole, with a fork and blade given to you to cut and eat the pizza (the hard way).
5. All-encompassing Perspectives FROM CASTEL SANT’ELMO
Nothing beats an incredible all-encompassing perspective. If you have any desire to partake in a stunning vista over the Napoli horizon, make a beeline for Castel Sant’Elmo in the Vomero locale. This fourteenth-century post is situated on top of a slope and offers a higher perspective of the city and the Sound of Naples.
To arrive at the palace, you can take the funicular from Montesanto station to Morghen station in Vomero. When you show up, make certain to go for a stroll around the palace’s defenses to see the value in the perspectives completely. From here, you can see the whole city, including the noteworthy focus, the port, and Mount Vesuvius.
If you have any desire to more deeply study the palace’s set of experiences, you can visit the gallery inside. The exhibition hall grandstands the palace’s part in the guard of Naples and its advancement throughout the long term.
You can likewise consolidate your visit to Castel Sant’Elmo with a visit to the nearby Certosa di San Martino. This previous religious community is currently a gallery that houses an assortment of workmanship and relics from Naples’ set of experiences.
If you have additional time in Naples, investigate the energetic Vomero region. It has an altogether different feel to the memorable focus. It feels to some degree cleaner and more upscale, with numerous beautiful bars. The focal point of activity in Vomero is Piazza Vanvitelli, with its numerous cafés and eateries.
6. Loosen up AT THE Narrows OF NAPLES
One more notorious spot in Naples, where you can notice nearby life and get some outside air, is the Straight of Naples. This delightful cove is adored by local people and sightseers for its staggering ocean perspectives, and there are a lot of exercises to appreciate here.
Walk Around The Lungomare
One of the most mind-blowing ways of taking in the excellence of the Cove of Naples is by going for a comfortable walk along the Lungomare. This promenade extends for a significant distance along the seafront and offers mind-blowing perspectives on the sound, with the well of lava Vesuvius rising grandly not too far off. You’ll see local people and vacationers the same partaking in the ocean breeze and taking in the sights.
Along the Lungomare, you’ll find a few cafés presenting heavenly fish dishes, as well as gelato shops and bistros. Have some time off from your walk and partake in a feast or a nibble while taking in the shocking perspectives on the sound. Try to come at nightfall for the most heartfelt feel.
Visit Castel dell’Ovo
While walking around the Lungomare, you can’t miss Castel dell’Ovo, a notable stronghold situated on its little island in the Cove of Naples. This palace traces all the way back to the twelfth 100 years and is a notorious milestone in Naples.
Go for a stroll across the highway to the palace and investigate the grounds. You’ll track down shocking perspectives on the cove from the highest point of the palace, as well as a little exhibition hall and craftsmanship display.
7. TASTE THE BEST Espresso IN NAPLES AT GRAN CAFFÈ GAMBRINUS
A customary day in Italy starts with a foamy cappuccino and goes on with another 2-3 shots of coffee, ordinarily impeccably matched with delectably new. Whether you are simply beginning your day in Naples or need some jolt of energy, advance toward Gran Caffè Gambrinus, a noteworthy and quite possibly of the most established bistro in the city.
Celebrated as a previous torment for scholarly monsters and specialists like Oscar Wilde and Ernest Hemingway, this nineteenth-century bistro charms guests with its Beauty Epoque style. Its craftsman espresso, generally viewed as the best in the city, is a must-attempt. The bistro’s celebrated past incorporates a conclusion during Mussolini’s standard for its enemy of extremist leanings, yet it victoriously resumed post-tyranny, keeping up with its status as a cherished and veritable spot in Naples.
While Gran Bistro Gambrinus’ worldwide praise implies greater costs, particularly for table help, which can twofold your bill, the experience is without a doubt worth the effort. For one a one-of-a-kind espresso decision, attempt the Caffé Gegé – a coffee “mixed” with cocoa and sugar, utilizing a unique procedure that improves its sweet, nutty flavor. It’s best appreciated at the bar, where you can watch the entrancing arrangement process. This espresso stands apart as one of the most momentous I’ve at any point delighted!
7. Attempt Sfogliatella – A Mark Baked good Of Naples
Try not to pass up sfogliatella, a trademark cake of Naples and the Campania district. This heavenly creation includes a firm, shell-molded layered mixture loaded up with smooth ricotta cheddar and is a fundamental taste of the area.
While Gran Bistro Gambrinus offers it, hope to pay somewhat more there. On the other hand, you can snatch one from the sellers close to Galleria Umberto I, simply a short leave.
For those wandering into the authentic focus later in the day, places like Sfogliate e Sfogliatelle and Scaturchio are famous for their sfogliatella. In any case, Naples is dabbed with endless pasticcerias, so you’re never distant from coincidentally finding a superb sfogliatella anyplace in the city.
8. GO ON A Roadtrip TO THE AMALFI COAST
To rewind from the rushed roads, go to the Amalfi Coast, which is a must-visit objective in the Campagna district. Found simply an hour’s drive from Naples, Amalfi Coast is a well-known 50-kilometer stretch of shoreline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Landmass. The Amalfi Coast is an UNESCO World Legacy site and is known for its staggering perspectives, beautiful towns, and completely clear waters.
One of the most amazing ways of investigating the Amalfi Coast is by driving along the coast. This allows you to investigate at your own speed and stop at any of the pleasant towns en route. Try to devote an entire day or even stay on the Amalfi Coast for two or three days.
When you show up at the Amalfi Coast, try to visit the beguiling town of Positano. This town is known for its bright houses and steep roads leading down to the ocean. You can likewise visit the town of Amalfi, which is known for its wonderful basilica and dazzling perspectives on the ocean. Furthermore, for the most valid experience without swarms, go to Atrani, which is only a 10-minute stroll from Amalfi town.
On the off chance that you’re searching for a more dynamic road trip, you can climb the Way of the Divine Beings, a staggering climbing trail that offers stunning perspectives on the Amalfi Coast. The climb takes around a few hours and is four miles in length.
