Top 50 things to do in Naples

Welcome to our top 50 things to do in Naples!

Naples has a huge amount to offer holidaymakers, but if you’re finding your guide books about Naples a little too overwhelming and just don’t know where to start or what to prioritise in the time you have in the city, then why not take a look at our own bucket list of things to do in Naples when you visit?

1. Head to Napoli Sotterranea and explore underground Naples to discover 2400 years of history and to learn about Naples under the Greeks and Romans whilst admiring the remains of the Greek aqueduct and Roman theatre up to more modern day times with WWII air raid shelters.
2. Eat! It’s definitely worth sampling the pizza on the Via dei Tribunali. Naples’ busiest street, it’s the perfect place to try this famous foodstuff in its birthplace. Alternatively, why not learn how to make pizza for yourself in a Naples pizza making workshop. Or, if you fancy discovering a greater variety of Neapolitan dishes, then a food tour of Naples is also highly recommended.
3. Admire the Duomo di Napoli (the cathedral of Naples), which is also home to the Basilica di Santa Restituta, the Baptisery of San Giovanni in Fonte, the Chapel and Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro.
4. Look ahead to Christmas on the Via San Gregorio Armeno. Affectionately known as the Via dei Presepi (street of the cribs), this is the best place to discover Neapolitan crib art.
5. Whilst here, head inside the Church of San Gregorio Aremeno. Its interior is incredibly palatial and ornate and well worth seeing.
6. Discover the smallest island in the Bay of Naples – Gaiola Island. The rocky island is uninhabited but it is home to an abandoned castle once owned by the Princes of Santo Buono. It was also used to house prisoners in WWII. It boasts stunning views back over Naples and the surrounding area.
7. Enjoy a tour on the Naples hop on hop off bus. It’s a great way to find your bearings and to get a feel for the city.
8. Check out the Palace of Capodimonte. Once one of the homes of the Bourbon family, these days it is where you will find the world renowned Naples Museum of Art. It includes works of art by Caravaggio, Titian and Raphael as well as Martini’s Toulose Altarpiece and Mantegna’s Portrait of Francesco Gonzaga.
9. Enjoy a passeggiata on the Lungomare Caracciolo, a beautiful stretch of coastline that borders one side of the city.
10. Admire the spectacular 17th century Fontana del Gigante (Fountain of the Giant). It is made up of three arches, above which sit the heraldic symbols of the Viceroy of Naples and his king.
11. Visit the Dolls Hospital (Ospedale Delle Bombole). For over 200 years, this establishment has been caring for dolls from all over Italy and now also mends other toys too.
12. Go to the opera! The San Carlo Opera House in Naples is the oldest theatre in Europe. It is also one of Italy’s largest theatres. It dates back to 1737, pre-dating La Scala in Milan by 41 years and the Teatro Fenice in Venice by 55 years. If you can’t afford the price of the opera tickets, then you can just opt to enjoy a tour of the building instead.
13. Admire the statue of Cristo Velato (Veiled Christ) situated in the Chapel of San Severo. The work of Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753, this incredible sculpture is carved from a single block of stone. These days, it’s widely considered to be one of the world’s greatest sculptural masterpieces.
14. Enjoy some quiet time at the Chiostro di Santa Chiara. Dating back to 1310, this complex was built on the orders of King Robert of Anjou and his wife, Sancha of Majorca. It is home to a church and gardens. Unfortunately it sustained damage during WWII, but the gardens remain absolutely enchanting. Orange trees are dotted between brightly coloured majolica tiled pillars around which lie cloisters covered in frescoes dating back to the 17th century.
15. Go shopping! The Galleria Umberto I is a beautiful shopping centre that was opened in 1889 on the request of the then king of Italy. Designed by the same gentlemen that designed Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, there are definite similarities between the two complexes.
16. Discover the gems in the Piazza del Gesù – the 16th century Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo with its unique facade made of diamond-shaped ashlar, the Palazzo di Monteleone, the Palazzo Pandola and the 30 metre high Immaculate Conception obelisk which sits in the centre of the square.
17. Go to the metro station – the Toledo metro station might not sound like the most exciting thing to do in Naples, but it’s incredibly beautiful. It was designed by Spanish arhitect Oscar Tusquets. It’s not only this station that is beautiful though. Each stop on the line is home to a work of art by a contemporary artist.
18. Enjoy a stroll through the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish quarters) of Naples.
19. Go for a ride on a bike tour of Naples.
20. Take a trip from Naples to the Royal Palace of Caserta. Built in 1774, this was once the mansion of the Bourbon royal family and it truly is a sight to behold.
21. Be amazed at the incredible beauty of the Basilica di San Domenico Maggiore.
22. Take the 50 minute hydrofoil high speed ferry to enjoy a day trip to the island of Capri. Widely considered to be one of the chicest destinations in Italy, its narrow streets are lined with designer stores, whilst its shores are home to exclusive, upmarket beach clubs. Its other main attraction is the Blue Grotto, an incredible natural cave filled with water that takes on an ethereal blue colour thanks to the sunlight that shines into it.
23. Discover the largest square in Naples – the Piazza del Plebiscito – home to the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Royal Palace.
24. Head inside the Royal Palace to marvel at its interior and to enjoy some of the incredible exhibitions that it now hosts. No visit to the Royal Palace would be complete without also visiting its royal gardens. Incidentally, this is also a great place to enjoy views of Mount Vesuvius and over the Gulf of Naples.
25. Visit the 13th century Castel Nuovo, known by the locals as Maschio Angioino. Built originally by Charles I of Anjou, additions such as a 15th century Triumphal Arch were subsequently added by Alfonso I of Aragon to celebrate his entry into Naples. Pop in to learn more about the history of Naples, to discover the castle’s underground areas and to enjoy the views from the rooftop.
26. Visit Naples’s oldest castle – the Castel dell’ Ovo – which dates back to the 12th century and overlooks the Gulf of Naples. It will only take half an hour to explore but it’s well worth it.
27. Take the opportunity to admire the interior of the Church of San Giovanni a Carbonara. Many of the churches in Naples can appear rather bland and unappealing from the outside, but like so many of them, the exterior belies the rich interior.
28. Head outside the city centre to discover the ancient amphitheatre at Capua. This is claimed to be the second largest amphitheatre in Italy behind the Colosseum in Rome and was where Spartacus sparked the revolt of the gladiators against the Roman Empire.
29. Hire a car and take a drive along the incredibly scenic clifftops and explore the charming villages of the Amalfi Coast.
30. Enjoy an aperitivo with a view at one of the bars at the Borgo Marinai. This is a small marina in Naples where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples from the terraces of the bars and restaurants.
31. Seek out the staircase of the Palazzo Mannajuolo, a private residence dating back to the Art Nouveau period. Whilst you are not allowed to visit the Palazzo itself, visitors are able to admire the impressive staircase from the ground floor.
32. Explore the Bourbon Tunnel in the Via Domenico Morelli. The tunnel was built by Ferdinand II of Bourbon and dates back to 1853. It was originally built as an escape route from the Royal Palace to the barracks in the Via della Pace (now Via Morelli) as he was concerned about the possibility of a rebellion breaking out. However, the passage was never completed. In WWII, the tunnel served as a military hospital and visitors are able to see the handwritten messages that the sick and injured once wrote whilst there. It’s also possible to find abandoned cars and motorcycles and other items dating back to the fascist period. A guided tour of the Bourbon tunnel is definitely the best way to make the most of your vist.
33. Check out the exhibitions at the MANN – the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli – home to an incredible collection of Greek and Roman remains (a number of which came from Pompeii and Herculaneum) as well as a collection of artefacts from Ancient Egypt. It’s also where you’ll find the Farnese collection, made up of paintings, sculptures and other heirlooms that originally came from the Farnese family’s palace in Rome.
34. Head underground to the Catacombs of San Gennaro. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, these were probably once the tombs of a noble family. but were then made available to the wider Christian community. In the 4th century AD, Saint Agrippinus (Naples’ first patron saint) was buried here and after this, the catacombs were extended further. In the 5th century, San Gennaro was also buried here, after which time the upper catacomb became a pilgrimage destination and a coveted burial ground. Carved into the tuff rock, the catacombs aren’t cramped like you might expect. Far from it. The Catacombs of San Gennaro are the largest in Southern Italy and are vast, cavernous spaces. It is only possible to visit with a guide, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
35. Visit the San Gaudioso catacombs for another chance to again uncover thousands of years of Neapolitan history. Like the catacombs of San Gennaro, these were also built in many stages. Originally dating back to Greco Roman times, it was then used as an early Christian cemetery and subsequently a mass grave site for victims of both cholera and the plague. Be prepared for the rather macabre frescoes that cover the walls and which incorporate some of the bones of the dead. Again, it’s necessary to visit with a guide so book your guided tour of the San Gaudioso catacombs online.
36. Head underwater! Naples’ position on the coast means it’s possible to head underwater as well as underground during your stay. Opt for a boat tour to enjoy beautiful views of the city from the sea, and incorporate the chance to snorkel in the crystal clear waters.
37. Take the funicular from the Piazzo Montesanto to the star-shaped hilltop Castel Sant’ Elmo to enjoy the amazing views over the city, to Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples beyond.
38. Explore the chapels and artefacts housed in the Certosa di San Martino. The monastery dates back to the 1300s and is home to a vast collection of art, a beautiful courtyard and some stunning architecture. It also boasts some fantastic views over the Bay of Naples and the hills of Vomero.
39. Visit the rather eerie centuries old, skeleton-filled caverns of the Fontanelle cemetery.
40. Take a trip to the Island of Procida. A boat from the Port of Naples to Procida will take between 40 minutes and an hour, but the trip is well worth it. If you’re staying in Naples for a few days, the slower pace of life on the island also offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
41. Step inside the Church of Jesus Nuovo. It may not look like much from the outside but the interior is stunning.
42. Go for dinner in the Posillipo area of Naples.
43. Head outside the city to wander around the ruins of Pompeii. It’s just a 30 minute drive from Naples to this spectacular and rather vast archeological site. Buried by stones, ash and lava when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it’s incredibly well preserved allowing you to clearly see a number of public buildings including the Capitolium, Basilica and the public baths as well as a number of private houses. Also nearby is Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata. Whilst smaller, both are still worth a visit. Make sure you book your Pompeii entry tickets in advance to avoid any queues.
44. Climb to the top of Mount Vesuvius. It’s the second largest volcano in Italy behind Mount Etna and the views from the top are terrific. If you’re looking to tick off both Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii, a great option can be a day tour from Naples to Pompeii and Vesuvius. Or, if you have time, combine a climb to the summit of Mount Vesuvius with a much more relaxing vineyard tour, wine tasting and lunch on the slopes of Vesuvius.
45. Take a boat trip to the Island of Ischia. It may be less famous than its nearby neighbour Capri, but it’s the largest island in the Bay of Naples and well worth a visit.
46. Enjoy an afternoon at Zoo Napoli. This large zoo is home to over 400 animals, including a number of rather exotic species. Keep an eye out for the peacocks which are extremely tame.
47. Diego Maradona was one of SSC Napoli’s most famous footballers. He joined Napoli in1984 on a transfer from FC Barcelona. Over a seven year period, he helped Napoli win two Serie A titles, a third Coppa Italia, a SuperCoppa Italiana and the UEFA Cup. It’s not surprising then that Neapolitans look back on that time with much nostalgia. So it’s not hard to find murals of Maradona throughout the city. The most famous of these is in the Via Emanuele de Deo but there are plenty more. See how many you can find…
48. Visit the Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina (MADRE), Naples’ museum of modern art.
49. Discover the Farmacia Storica degli Incurabili in the Ospedale degli Incurabili (Hospital for the Incurables). The building itself is beautiful with intricate tile work and frescoes adorning the walls and ceiling. However, it’s also worth a visit to learn more in the museum dedicated to the history of medicine. Here you’ll find furnishings, instruments and documents from the ancient hospital.
50. In a similar vein, why not visit the MUSA anatomy museum. Founded at the end of the 19th century, it is located in the former monastery of San Gregorio Armeno. You’ll find an extensive collection of wax models and skulls here which all help to explain how each part of your anatomy works.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our top 50 things to do in Naples. As always, the Italy Villa Holidays team are here to help you plan your perfect holiday in Italy so contact us for any more travel tips for your trip to Naples and beyond.