Naples is one of those cities that grabs you straight away. It is loud, beautiful, chaotic in the best way, and framed by that dramatic outline of Mount Vesuvius in the background. You get incredible history, layers of underground secrets, grand piazzas, and some of the best food you will eat in Italy, all packed into a city that feels very real and very lived in. If you are planning a city break, Naples is a brilliant base, especially with day trips to Pompeii, Vesuvius 🗻 and the Amalfi Coast so close by.
- Ideal for: First-time visitors, culture lovers, foodies, history fans and anyone who does not mind a bit of urban chaos.
- Main areas: Historic Centre, Spanish Quarters, waterfront around Castel dell’Ovo, Vomero hill, plus classic day trips.
- Do not miss: The Historic Centre and underground tours, Castel dell’Ovo at sunset, Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace, the Maradona mural in the Spanish Quarters, and at least one day trip to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast.
- Good to know: Naples can feel hectic, so plan a mix of big sights and calmer spots like cloisters, hilltop viewpoints and waterfront strolls.
1. Wander the Historic Centre of Naples (Centro Storico)
The Historic Centre is the heart of Naples and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Think narrow streets, scooters weaving past, tiny shrines on corners, laundry hanging above you and the smell of espresso and pizza everywhere. Streets like Via dei Tribunali and Spaccanapoli cut right through the old city and are packed with pizzerias, bakeries, churches and small artisan shops. It is the best place to feel what Naples is really like and to people‑watch for hours.
The area is an easy walk from Napoli Centrale station or Dante and Università metro stops. Many churches have Entry is free, though some ask for a small donation or a modest fee to see specific chapels or museums.
2. Galleria Umberto I
Galleria Umberto I is a stunning 19th‑century shopping arcade with a soaring glass roof, patterned floor and ornate façades. Sunlight pours through the dome, creating a bright, almost theatrical space that feels a bit like a grand indoor piazza. There are cafés, a few shops and plenty of spots to sit and look up at the architecture. Even if you are not shopping, it is worth a short visit just to take it all in.
The Galleria is next to Teatro di San Carlo and close to Piazza del Plebiscito, an easy walk from the Toledo metro stop. It is open throughout the day and evening and Entry is free. Prices in the cafés are a little higher than average, but you are paying partly for the setting.
For a cheaper coffee, stand at the bar like locals do rather than sitting at a table.
3. The cloisters of Santa Chiara (Chiostri di Santa Chiara)
Hidden behind busy streets, the cloisters of Santa Chiara are a calm, colourful surprise. The courtyard is lined with hand‑painted, majolica‑tiled columns and benches decorated with bright scenes of countryside life. Arched walkways and frescoed walls surround the garden, and there is a peaceful, almost dreamlike atmosphere that feels miles away from the traffic outside. It is one of Naples’ loveliest quiet corners.
The complex is in the Historic Centre, a short walk from Piazza del Gesù Nuovo. There is a small entry fee, which includes the cloister and a small museum. Check the official site for current prices and opening times, but it is typically open daily during daylight hours.
Go late morning or early afternoon when the light on the tiles is beautiful for photos. Take a few minutes to sit on a bench and just enjoy the silence, it is a great reset in the middle of a busy sightseeing day.
4. Piazza del Gesù Nuovo
Piazza del Gesù Nuovo is one of the key squares in the Historic Centre, framed by impressive churches and lively street life. The dark stone façade of Gesù Nuovo church looks almost like a fortress from the outside, but inside you get a richly decorated interior with marble, gold details and frescoes. Nearby you also have the entrance to Santa Chiara, so this small area packs in a lot of history and architecture. It is a perfect stop if you enjoy stepping into churches and seeing how different they feel from one another.
5. Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace of Naples
Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples’ grandest square, a huge open space framed by elegant buildings and the domed Basilica di San Francesco di Paola on one side and the Royal Palace of Naples on the other. It is where big concerts and events are often held, but even on a quiet day it feels impressive. The Royal Palace itself gives you a glimpse into the lives of Neapolitan royalty, with opulent rooms, ornate ceilings and views over the square.
6. Teatro di San Carlo
Teatro di San Carlo is the oldest continuously active opera house in the world and it looks exactly as grand as that sounds. Inside, you will find plush red seats, gilded balconies and an ornate ceiling, the kind of place that makes you sit up a little straighter. The acoustics are excellent, and even if you are not usually an opera fan, seeing a performance here feels like stepping into living history. Guided tours are also available if you just want to see the interior.
You will find the theatre beside the Royal Palace and close to Galleria Umberto I. Ticket prices for performances vary a lot, from affordable seats high up to more expensive stalls, so check the official website and book in advance. Guided tours are usually cheaper and run during the day, but hours can change with the performance schedule.
7. Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo, often called Maschio Angioino, is the big medieval fortress you will see near the port with its round towers and sturdy walls. It has been a royal residence, a defensive stronghold and a symbol of power, and today it houses a civic museum. You get a mix of art, history and great views, plus the satisfaction of walking through a castle gate that has seen centuries of drama.
The castle is close to Municipio metro station and the cruise port, so it is easy to combine with Piazza del Plebiscito and the waterfront.
8. Go underground: Napoli Sotterranea and the Catacombs of San Gennaro
Napoli Sotterranea
Beneath the busy streets of Naples lies a network of ancient tunnels, aqueducts and chambers that date back to the Greeks and Romans. The Napoli Sotterranea tours take you down narrow staircases into this hidden world of rock‑cut passages and cisterns. It is a fascinating way to understand how layered the city is and to see how people used these spaces during wartime and over centuries.
The main starting point for tours is in the Historic Centre, not far from Via dei Tribunali. Tours are guided, usually last around 1.5 to 2 hours and you pay a set fee. Book ahead on the official website in high season and wear sensible shoes, as some parts are narrow and slightly uneven.
If you are even slightly claustrophobic, let the staff know, as some routes can be tight.
Catacombs of San Gennaro
These Catacombs are early Christian burial sites carved into the rock, with layered arches, frescoes and a peaceful, respectful atmosphere. You walk through dimly lit corridors and chapels where you can see ancient artwork and tombs, along with clear explanations from guides. It feels less spooky than you might expect and more like a journey through the spiritual history of Naples. The temperature underground can be cool, so bring a light layer. It is located on the northern side of the city, near the Capodimonte area.
9. Castel dell’Ovo
Perched on a small island connected to the mainland, Castel dell’Ovo sits right on the Bay of Naples and offers some of the best views of the coastline and Vesuvius. The castle itself has a long and layered history, with legends about a magical egg hidden in its foundations giving it its name. You can wander the terraces and walls, look out over the sea and the city, and then stroll along the waterfront nearby.
You will find Castel dell’Ovo along the Lungomare (seafront promenade), about a 15 to 20 minute walk from Piazza del Plebiscito.
10. Spanish quarters
The Spanish Quarters are a dense grid of narrow streets climbing up the hillside just above Via Toledo. This is everyday Naples: scooters darting past, balconies draped with laundry, tiny bars and street shrines, and locals chatting loudly from windows. It can feel a bit intense at first, but it is one of the most characterful parts of the city and a great place to see street art, grab a cheap meal and feel the pulse of local life.
It has become much more visited in recent years, but you should still keep an eye on your belongings and avoid waving phones and cameras around aimlessly.
11. Murale Diego Armando Maradona
In the heart of the Spanish Quarters, you will find a huge mural of Diego Armando Maradona, the legendary footballer who is still a hero in Naples. The streets around the mural are filled with flags, photos and tributes, and there is usually a lively street market atmosphere. Even if you are not a football fan, it is a powerful glimpse into how much Maradona means to the city and a very photogenic corner of Naples.
12. Climb up to Castel Sant’Elmo and Vomero
High above the city in the Vomero district, Castel Sant’Elmo offers some of the best panoramic views over Naples, the bay and Vesuvius. The fortress itself is all stone walls and ramparts, and walking around the top feels like standing on a balcony above the city. The Vomero area is more residential and relaxed, with cafés, boutiques and quieter streets, so it is a nice contrast to the busy centre below.
You can reach Vomero using one of the funicular railways, for example from Montesanto or near Via Toledo, which is a fun ride in itself.
Go on a clear day and aim for late afternoon so you can see the city in daylight, then watch it light up as the sun goes down.
13. Day Trips from Naples
Naples makes a perfect base for some of Italy’s most famous sights. If you have more than a couple of days, I would strongly recommend at least one of these.
The Amalfi Coast
Just a short distance from the city, the Amalfi Coast takes the beauty of the Italian landscape to a whole new level. With stunning cliffs rising dramatically from the sea, charming little villages that seem to cling to the mountainsides, and crystal-clear waters inviting exploration and relaxation, it’s truly a magical place. Each of the picturesque towns along the coast has its own unique character and charm, making it an ideal destination for anyone.
Pompeii Archaeological Site
Just a short drive from Naples, the ancient city of Pompeii offers a captivating glimpse into Roman life. Buried in ash after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, it remains one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, with remarkably preserved streets, homes, and frescoes.
Mount Vesuvius
For adventurous spirits, a hike up this iconic volcano provides breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples. Standing atop Vesuvius offers a unique perspective on the power of nature and a thrilling experience for any traveler.
If you like more daytrip ideas check out my blog 5x The Best Day Trips From Naples
