The 17 essential things to do in Naples

Visit Naples: what are the best things to do and see in Naples, a city with a muddy personality?

Naples is certainly a city that will not leave you indifferent. There is so much to see, so much to visit in Naples architecturally, on cultural activities, on history. Its agitated circulation and its broken rhythm leave the impression that it never stops. Naples is indefatigable and yet, it retains this charm and warmth that makes it a very popular destination. The warmth and conviviality of its inhabitants, the sense of reception, generosity quickly make Naples a city to absolutely visit.

And for those who love history, Naples offers you to dive in the midst of Greco-Roman ruins but also to swipe between baroque palaces while having the smell of a good pizza and the image of an Italian cinema of the 1950s in mind. So the cosmopolitan and popular Naples will not leave you with marble, be sure!

Here are some of the best things to do to visit Naples!

1. Grimper it Vesuvius

Vesuvius is one of the most famous volcanoes in Europe and is a must-see for visiting Naples. Its great eruption of August 24 of the year 79 destroyed the towns of Pompei and Herculanum. From the top of its 1281 meters, its slopes are easily visible from Naples, which is located about 10 kilometers northwest. Although his last eruption dates back to 1944 and considered to be sleepy, he is still active.

If you decide to visit the Vesuvius, you will have to buy a ticket for the visit of the crater at the entrance of the site. Count 10€ at full rate, and 8€ at reduced rate (student). The entrance is free for children below 1m20 height. You will be accompanied by a guide that will give you the secrets of the legendary volcano and take you to the most beautiful views.

2. Visit Naples by its underground

How to visit Naples without passing through its underground? During a guided tour of about 1h30, you will discover one of the gigantic aqueducts built in the Roman era. You will discover the living conditions of the Neapolitan refugees in the underground during the war, as well as an exciting museum of the Second World War.

3. Boat ride along the Amalfi Coast

Visiting Naples is also enjoying its coastline. Why don't you take a boat ride?

Indeed, rent a boat in Naples will allow you to explore the coast as you like. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discover the landscape in another way, seen from the waters. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in Naples!

4. Explore theIsland of Capri

The cliffs and caves of the island of Capri amaze visitors from the first colonization of the island by the Greeks. By approaching the island on board a ferry , we quickly understand why artists and writers have immortalized the beauty and history of Capri.

On the island, go up on a boat to visit the Grotto Azzurra , a cave with a beautiful blue water. Discover Anacapri, the lesser known part of the island. Finish by tasting some ice while strolling around Marina Piccola or Marina Grande, ancient Roman fishing port.

5. Visit the archaeological site Pompei

The visit of Pompeii is certainly the best thing to do around Naples. Pompeii is the most visited archaeological site in the world thanks to the remains of the submerged city of the ashes of the eruption of the Vesuvius in 79 AD which caused its destruction.

Listed at UNESCO World Heritage in 1997, the site has always been a great place of interest and fascination for all history and antiquity enthusiasts.

6. Discover the Capodimonte Museum

Located in the heart of the Capodimonte Palace, the Capodimonte National Museum was inaugurated in 1957. Between porcelain collections, Farnesese and Bourbon coat of arms, as well as more than 44 rooms in which you will discover works that testify to the evolution of the city’s history, the museum has an unforgettable moment.

To discover this museum, you can count 14€ for an adult, 8€ for 18-25 years and free admissions for under 18 years.

7. Discover the Royal Palace

Located in the place of the people, the Royal Palace has undergone a lot of transformations since it was built in 1601 to finally finish with a baroque style. With its marble columns, its impressive statues

Because it was one of the four royal residences used by the Bourbons during the kingdom of the Two-Siciles, you will travel through time and live at the time of kings, princes and princesses. On the programme, visit the throne room, the old theatre and the huge halls with sumptuous banquets.

8. Flâner dans la Galleria Umberto I

Even if she looks close to her counterpart, the gallery Vittorio Emanuele II to Milan , this gallery is one of the main tourist attractions to visit in Naples. This huge shopping centre is renowned for its shops and small cafes, but it is especially the opportunity to stroll around the nose in the air in a place where Renaissance architecture blooms at every corner.

The glass is huge and very impressive, the central dome reaches up to 57 meters high and you can notice that the ground is made up of a giant mosaic representing the zodiac. A very pleasant place that is very appreciated by all inhabitants and tourists.

9. Pay tribute to Diego Maradona at the piazzetta Nilo

How to talk about Naples without talking about football? The city vibrates and fills with joy during the wins of SSC Napoli in the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. And yes, you might already know if you're a fan of this sport, but the football legend has long played in Naples and has become almost a deity of the city.

On the piazzetta Nilo is a small bar, Bar Nilo where you will find a small sanctuary dedicated to football. Colled on a wall, you will read a poem written in his honour accompanied by small statuettes and “authentic” tears of the player collected in a container. Emotions guaranteed!

10. Search the egg Castel dell’Ovo

The Castle of the Egg ( Castel dell’Ovo ) is located on the island of Megaride, inside the Gulf of Naples. Legend wants a hidden egg to support the entire structure of the building. To discover for its terrace with its weapons, the tourist port at the foot of the castle and to discover the secret of the famous egg riddle.

Today the castle houses the headquarters of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Landscape of the Campania region. It offers a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naples and promises unforgettable sunsets.

Will you find the hidden egg?

11. Visit the Castel Nuovo

This castle is thus called to make a distinction with the oldest royal residence, namely the Castel dell’Ovo . It is a huge fortress that makes great impression and dominates the entire port city of Naples. The arch of triumph marks access to the castle.

This castle is also the largest classical archaeological museum: there is the largest collection of Italian art with the collection Farnese , but also ceramics, paintings, sculptures and jewellery that date from the eruption of Vesuvius, not far from the city. Other objects are also shown as gladiator equipment.

12. Resourcing to the cloister of the Basilica of Santa Chiara

For those who want to rest or surround themselves with beauty, the cloister Santa Chiara is a real little haven of peace. Recently restored, you can now see on the walls of frescoes with pastel tones. The garden is full of decorated columns, all forming an extremely bucolic atmosphere.

To pause in this noisy and hyperactive Naples, why not be tempted by a few moments of softness?

13. Visit the Palace of Caserte

If you come to visit Naples, don't miss discovering the Palace of Caserte! Located only 30 kilometers north of the city, this was the old residence of the Royal Bourbon family Naples.

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will then be able to explore a vast palace of 61,000 m2, a large park and a water garden, as well as woods and hunting pavilions!

14. Go to see an opera San Carlo

Opened in 1737, it is today the oldest active opera theatre in the world and is part of the UNESCO world heritage. He is the most important theatre in the city but also one of the most important. You can see the greatest orchestras, the most beautiful plays but also the most wonderful opera singers. Guaranteed chills!

15. Admire Naples from Château Sant’Elmo

Located on the hill of Vomero, this former medieval palace and old fortified royal residence is now a multicultural centre that regularly organizes temporary exhibitions, concerts and shows.

Unfortunately, his interiors are not accessible. On the other hand, the site offers a wonderful view of the city of Naples and allows you to admire the heights of the city!

16. Explore the city ofHerculanum

Like Pompeii, Herculanum succumbed to the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in the year 79. The inhabitants did not have time to flee and everything remained in its place, buried under the ashes to freeze the city in time. Although Herculanum is not as famous as Pompéi, the city has nothing to envy it, since it is much better preserved.

17. Discover the gastronomy Napolitaine

As the cradle of pizza and other delicious dishes, it is impossible to visit Naples without tasting its culinary specialties. If you want to taste the best pizzas, we recommend you go to the pizzeria de Sorbillon in the via dei Tribunali .

If you want to put your hand in the dough, where pizzaiolos will give you all their secrets so that you can impress your loved ones at the next family dinners.

How to get to Naples

Naples is a relatively good city served by different airports around the world. In France, you can leave Paris, Marseille or Nice airports. To find the most attractive flights, we recommend that you visit a comparison of flights like Skyscanner .

If you want to go by train, know that there is no direct line between Paris and Naples, you will have connections to Marseille, Nice, Milan, Turin or Rome according to your tickets.

How to move to Naples

To visit Naples, the bus and metro lines are very convenient means since they serve the different places of tourist interest to perfection. As far as prices are concerned, a single ticket will cost you 1.10 €, a ticket to the day 3.50 € and a subscription to the week 12.50 €.

If you prefer to visit Naples more autonomously and not depend on public transport schedules, then car rental is the best solution. To find the best offers, we recommend that you visit Rentalcars .

Where to sleep in Naples

Naples is a big city and it is interesting to choose the right area where to stay to be sure to enjoy the city and its surroundings. If you wish a stay away from everyday problems and where relaxation is the master word, we advise you to go on a Compare hotels to find your happiness.

On the other hand, if you dream of a stay with the inhabitant and in contact with the Neapolitan population, go to Airbnb to find the offer that matches you!