TOP 9 Places to see in Naples

Discover Naples, the city of authentic Italian pizza. It’s an intriguing place that might surprise you in both positive and unexpected ways. I can’t guarantee you’ll love it, but with this guide, your experience will be much easier. Explore the must-see places in Naples and the best pizzerias to eat at!

How is Naples?

Naples is a city that can evoke either love or hate—there’s no middle ground. Personally, I love it. Although it can be very dirty, extremely hot in the summer, and the streets may be full of trash, especially near the train station, where it might seem unappealing. But if you move a bit away from the station, toward Quartieri Spagnoli or Piazza Plebiscito, you’ll discover the true beauty of Naples.

Is Naples dangerous?

Naples isn’t generally dangerous, and I never felt unsafe there myself. I spent a lot of time in the city while I was on Erasmus in Salerno, which is just a 40-minute train ride from Naples. I frequently walked alone through the streets, both day and night, without issues. Moreover, have several friends who did Erasmus exchanges in Naples, and during their six-month stay, nothing bad happened to them. However, some neighborhoods can be riskier than others, and I’ve heard of people who had their phones stolen at parties in Naples. So, it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid very crowded places, just as you would in any other tourist destination. Though Naples has a bad reputation, as a tourist, you don’t have to worry. In my experience, Naples isn’t any more dangerous than other European tourist cities like Barcelona or Paris.

How to get to Naples?

The easiest way to get to Naples is by taking a flight. You can find cheap flights on Skyscanner. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi, which will get you there in 15 minutes. The airport is small, so you won’t have any trouble finding the bus or taxi stops as you exit.

Another option for reaching Naples, especially if you’re already in Italy, is by train. You can find all schedules and prices on Omio and on the official Trenitalia website.

1. Quartieri Spagnoli, the most beautiful neighborhood to see in Naples

Let’s start with one of my favorite neighborhoods in Naples—Quartieri Spagnoli. Its narrow streets are full of life, with people shouting, motorcycles, and cars squeezing through the tight streets. One very typical thing in Naples is seeing laundry hanging between buildings. This neighborhood has a unique soul, and I simply love it. It’s a must-see place in Naples.

2. Diego Maradona Murals

People in Naples love Diego Maradona just as much as the Argentinians do. There’s a square in Quartieri Spagnoli with a huge mural of Diego Maradona. You can buy Maradona jerseys and other souvenirs. If you’re a fan of Maradona or simply interested in seeing how much he’s loved in Naples, don’t forget to also visit Bar Nilo. In this bar, they even have an altar dedicated to Maradona.

3. Galería Umberto I

The Umberto I Gallery is another must-see spot in Naples. It’s a covered shopping gallery designed in the Neo-Renaissance style and built at the end of the 19th century. It’s similar to the famous Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery in Milan.

The Umberto I Gallery is located near Piazza del Plebiscito. Inside the gallery, you’ll find a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an ideal place for shopping or simply strolling and enjoying the atmosphere. It also occasionally hosts cultural events and exhibitions.

4. Piazza Plebescito – must-see place in Naples

Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the most beautiful squares in Naples. It’s located at the end of Via Toledo. Here, you’ll find the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Royal Palace of Naples.

The Royal Palace dates back to the 17th century; inside, you can explore the throne room, the old theater, and the royal apartments. Another highlight of the square is the Teatro di San Carlo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive theaters in Europe.

Piazza del Plebiscito is a must-visit spot during your trip to Naples.

5. Castel Sant´Elmo

If you enjoy viewpoints where you can see the entire city from above, you should take the funicular up to Castel Sant’Elmo. For me, the panoramic view with Mount Vesuvius is an essential sight in Naples. If you’re short on time and not interested in visiting castles or museums, you can skip entering the castle itself. However, I highly recommend going up there to admire the view of Naples with Mount Vesuvius rising behind the city.

6. Castel dell´Ovo

Castel dell’Ovo is an iconic fortress in Naples. Its name means “Egg Castle,” derived from an ancient legend that tells of the Latin poet Virgil placing a magical egg in the castle’s foundations to protect it. According to the legend, if the egg were to break, it would signify the destruction of the castle and possibly the city itself.

The castle is located on a small island called Megaride Island, connected to the city by a small bridge. It offers spectacular views of the Bay of Naples. Originally built as a fortress in the 12th century, Castel dell’Ovo has been modified and renovated over the centuries. Today, it hosts cultural events and exhibitions. I recommend visiting it in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset, with Mount Vesuvius in the background.

7. Castillo Nuevo (Maschio Angioino)

The New Castle, also known as Maschio Angioino, is an impressive medieval fortress in the heart of Naples. Built in the 13th century, it is an iconic symbol of the city. Inside, it houses the Civic Museum, which showcases art and historical artifacts. From the castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of Naples and the bay.

8. Volcano Vesuvius, must-see place in Naples

One of the unique and unforgettable experiences you can enjoy in Naples is hiking to the top of Mount Vesuvius. From Naples, you can take a train or a bus to Pompeii or Herculaneum, two nearby towns. Then, you just need a short bus or taxi ride to the entrance of Vesuvius National Park. From there, the adventure begins! You can hike to the summit of the volcano. The hike may take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the path and your speed, but I promise the views are worth it. Although the volcano is active, it is calm for now, so you can enjoy the scenery without worries. If you’re concerned about doing this trip on your own, you can take a guided tour, for example, with Civitatis.

9. Naples Underground

Naples Underground is a network of tunnels and cavities in the heart of the Italian city. They were used since ancient times by the Greeks and Romans, and later served as shelters during World War II. Today, they are a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take guided tours to explore this intriguing underground labyrinth and learn about its history and significance to the city.

The best places to eat pizza in Naples?

You can’t be in Naples and not try a pizza. The city is famous for being the birthplace of pizza, so here you’ll find authentic Neapolitan pizza. It’s hard to find a bad pizza in Naples, but just in case, here’s a list of my favorite places to eat pizza.

L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, the best pizza in Naples

L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele is the most famous pizzeria in Naples. Julia Roberts ate there in the movie “Eat, Pray, Love.” Because of this, there are long lines to eat there. But if you want to try the delicious pizza without waiting too long, here’s a trick: order takeout and eat on a nearby bench. This way, instead of waiting hours, you’ll only have to wait 15 to 30 minutes.

📍 Via Cesare Sersale, 1, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy

Le Figlie di Ioro

Le Figlie di Iorio is a famous pizzeria in Naples known for its traditional and fried pizzas. It has a unique history. It was founded by Teresa Iorio, a talented pizzaiola from a family of 20 children. Teresa started making pizzas at the age of 12, helping her father, a well-known pizzaiolo. She is the first woman to win the Trofeo Caputo Pizza Championship, earning the title of World Champion Pizzaiola. The name of her pizzeria, “Le Figlie di Iorio” (The Daughters of Iorio), honors her family heritage. It is located near the Port of Naples.

What’s interesting is that we stumbled upon this pizzeria by chance. My friend and I were very hungry and looking for the closest pizzeria to grab a bite. Unbeknownst to us, we ended up at Le Figlie di Iorio, and it turned out to be one of the best pizzerias in Naples.

📍Via Conte Olivares, 73, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy

Other recommended places to eat pizza in Naples

The list of good pizzerias in Naples is very long. Here are three more options for the best pizzerias in Naples, in my opinion:

• Gino e Toto Sorbillo
  📍 Via dei Tribunali, 32, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy
• Pizza 400 Gradi
  📍 Via Concezione a Monte Calvario, 12, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
• Da Attilo
  📍 Via Pignasecca, 17, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy

Must-see places to visit near Naples

Amalfi Coast, the most stunning place to see near Naples.

One of the most beautiful destinations near Naples is the Amalfi Coast. If you’re visiting Naples, I highly recommend setting aside at least one day to explore this stunning region. Even winter in the Amalfi Coast is stunning —it’s one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen. In this article, you’ll find all the essential information you need for your trip. Plus, we offer guides for one, two, or three-day itineraries to help you make the most of your time on the Amalfi Coast.

Capri

Capri is a very well-known island, especially among famous people who often vacation there. You’ll see incredible yachts all around. It’s quite a commercial and expensive island. Although small, the wealth is evident in every corner, especially in the towns filled with designer shops. Capri has beaches with crystal-clear waters and offers stunning landscapes from its highest points. Many tourists enjoy boat trips around the island to admire it from the sea as well.

To get to Capri, you can take a ferry from Naples or Salerno. You can check all the schedules on this page.

Procida

A place I highly recommend visiting near Naples is Procida. It’s a small but very picturesque island, filled with colorful houses. You can reach Procida from Naples by ferry in a 30-60 minute trip. You can check the schedules and prices on this page. Once on the island, you can explore it on foot. Despite its small size, it has a lot of charm, and the most beautiful spots are located near the port. It’s a perfect place to spend a day away from the city.

Pompei, must-see near Naples

The ancient Roman city frozen in time, Pompei, is a must-see near Naples. Buried under volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life nearly two millennia ago. Wander through the well-preserved ruins, from the bustling forum to the stunning frescoes in the villas, and imagine what life was like before the eruption.

Getting to Pompei is easy—just a short train ride from Naples. You can get the schedules and tickets here. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll want to explore every corner of this captivating site. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique experience, Pompeii will leave you in awe of its rich history and archaeological wonders.

Salerno

Salerno is a small city about 40 minutes by train from Naples. You’ll fall in love with its Lungomare, the old town with its narrow streets, and especially the restaurants in Salerno. There are many beaches with crystal-clear waters around Salerno. Additionally, it serves as a perfect base for day trips to places like the Amalfi Coast, the beaches of the Cilento Coast, Paestum, and the islands of Capri or Procida.

What to see in Naples?

I hope this article has been helpful and has given you an idea of what to see and do in Naples on your next trip. If you have any other questions or want to share another must-see places in Naples, feel free to leave us a comment below!