One of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world, Naples is Italy’s third-largest municipality and the regional capital of Campania. If you stand a chance to visit this city, make sure you try out all these 14 best things to do in Naples. There are cities that preserve art in museums and daily life happens on streets but Naples is a city where art is a lifestyle.
Located in the Western Coast of Southern Italy, on the Bay of Naples, this ancient city has gorgeous sea-facing views. With a history dating back to the 2nd Millenium BC, Naples has many old major landmarks. Yet, this place, just like its name that means ‘new city’ has stood strong throughout its life.
15 Things To Do In Naples
‘See Naples and die’ but before that, you have some exquisite things to do in Naples, Italy! ‘Vedi Nepoli e poi Muori’ is a famous phrase which means ‘see Naples and die’ referring to the beauty of this city saying that if you have seen Naples, you have seen it all. You will agree if you see it yourself. Excited? Knowing about the things to do in Naples, Italy will further raise the excitement bar.
- Pompeii And Herculaneum – Ancient City Excursion
- Mount Vesuvius – Volcanic Mountain Climb
- Naples Underground – Explore The Hidden Side
- Funicular Ride – World’s Longest
- Michelangelo – Admire His Real Works
- Pizza – This Is Where It Originated
- Amalfi And Capri – Island Boat Tour
- Vineyard Tour – Taste The Finest Vines
- Zoo di Napoli – Meet The Wild
- Terme Stufe di Nerone – Relax Your Senses
- National Library Of Naples – Read The City
- Events And Carnivals – Be A Part Of It
- Via Toledo – Fashion Street Shopping
- Customised Menswear – Tailor-made Apparels
- Pausilypon Archaeological Park – Villa Stay
1. Pompeii And Herculaneum – Ancient City Excursion
Pompeii and Herculaneum were two ancient Roman cities that are famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites today. These cities were destroyed by the volcanic catastrophe of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The cities and nearby areas were buried under 4 to 6 volcanic ash and debris. The site remained lost until its final rediscovery 1748.
The remains of the city including structures, streets and object are preserved on the sites. The latter is in fact one of the world’s most preserved ancient cities. Pompeii and Herculaneum are one of the top tourist attractions in the world. You can also opt to explore Pompeii wearing a VR gear adding that special effect to your excursion. This is one of the most exciting things to do in Naples, Italy for history lovers.
Entry Fee: Pompeii – INR 1500 / Herculaneum – INR 1000
Timings: 1st April – 31st October 9am – 7.30pm (last entry 6pm)
Rest of the year 9am – 5:30pm (last entry 3.30pm)
How to get here: There are regular Circumvesuviana trains running twice an hour between Naples and Sorrento stopping at Pompeii. Herculaneum is 10 minutes walk from local Circumvesuviana railway station, Ercolano Scavi.
2. Mount Vesuvius – Volcanic Mountain Climb
Located just 6 miles away from the modern city of Naples is world’s one of the most dangerous volcanoes, Mount Vesuvius. It is an active volcano with the eruption cycle of 20 years, though the last eruption was in 1944. Mount Vesuvius has been a National Park since 1995. It has become an interesting spot for the tourists and hiking along the narrow path till the crater is pretty safe too. Climbing this angry mountain is worth the effort considering the astonishing view of the Bay of Naples, some of the Apennine mountains and a large part of Amalfi Coast from the top.
Entry Fee: INR 500
Timings: 9am – 4pm (Closing time varies)
How to get here: Take a Circumvesuviana train from Naples or Sorrento to Ercolano Scavi or Pompeii railway station, then a minibus or taxi to Mount Vesuvius.
Must Read: 10 Stunning Places To Enjoy Naples Nightlife To The Fullest
3. Naples Underground – Explore The Hidden Side
Forty meters below the Historic Centre of Naples is the heart of Naples – Napoli Sotterranea or Naples Underground. This is the place from which the city was born 2400 years ago. Every epic event in history, even the bombs of WWII have left a mark on its yellow tufa walls. This journey will undoubtedly you as your eyes unveil air raid shelters of WWII, the War Museum and even an underground vegetable garden – the Hypogeum Gardens. Exploring this offbeat place is one of the best things to do in Naples, Italy for those who’re interested in WWII stories.
Entry Fee: INR 800
Timings: Tours are taken from 10am – 6pm (every 2 hours)
Suggested Read: 10 Amazing Places To Visit In Naples That Will Definitely Spellbind You
4. Funicular Ride – World’s Longest
If you are a traveler at heart you would know that journies are far more interesting than the destination itself. And what better than traveling within your destination using local transport. Maples has the longest funicular lines in the world and carries over 10 million passengers annually. So, you need not worry or think about what to do in Naples to get around!
Naples Cable Railway Lines, i Funicolari, operates four-car cable lines the city centre with the Vomero and Posillipo hill districts. The funicular journey around the city and up and down the hill is a joy ride for tourists. This is one of the unmissable things to do in Naples, Italy.
Faresares: INR 120 (for 90 minutes)
Timings: 6.30am – 10pm/2am
How to get here: Your nearest station in Naples
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5. Michelangelo – Admire His Real Works
The ancient Italian artist, Michelangelo Merisi o Amerighi da Caravaggio, commonly known as Caravaggio has made some masterpieces that are famous worldwide. Michelangelo’s contribution in the Renaissance and bringing intense realism by depicting religious figures and biblical scenes in human form.
Three of his popular real works are preserved in different locations in Naples. First: “The Seven Acts of Mercy” (1607) placed in Pio Monte della Misericordia Church; Second: The Flagellation of Christ” (1607) placed in Capodimonte National Museum; and Third: “The Martyrdom of St. Ursula” (1610) placed in Gallery of Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano. If you coming to this city, it’s a loss if you miss the chance of spotting and clicking the three.
Entry Fee: First: INR 600/ Second: INR 1500/ Third: INR 400
Timings: First: 9am – 2pm/ Second: 8.30am – 7.30pm/ Third: 10am – 6pm
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6. Pizza – This Is Where It Originated
If you are a fan of the cheesy world popular delicacy called pizza then you are at in the right city. Naples is where the world’s first pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, opened its doors in 1830. In fact, the famous Margherita Pizza got its name when the Neapolitan pizza-maker Raffaele Esposito created the “Pizza Margherita”, to honour the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy. The pizza was garnished with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, to represent the national colours of Italy as on the Italian flag.
Spotting a good pizzeria corner and enjoying this heavenly dish with your companion is one of the best things to do in Naples at night. You stand the best chance to try the authentic versions of your favourite pizzas. Some of the best pizza spots are Sorbillo, Gorizia 1916, Carminiello, Starita, Pizzeria da Attillo and many more. This is one of the perfect things to do in Naples with kids.
Common Price: INR 300 – 400
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7. Amalfi And Capri – Island Boat Tour
Roughly two hours away from Naples is Amalfi, a lovely town in Salerno Province. The city is set up in the deep gorge at the base of Monte Cerreto featured by dramatic cliffs, facing the Gulf of Salerno. Picturesque building stacked down the hill with colorful rooftops look like a ‘beautiful mess.’
Capri is another beautiful island with an easy reach from Naples. Located off the Sorrentine Peninsula in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the island is a popular resort destination. The island has several churches, museums and monuments but the main attractions are the natural wonders and beaches. The Blue Grotto is the island’s most well-known attraction. It is a sea cave where the sunlight passing through the underwater opening gives the water a cobalt blue color. There are frequent ferries connecting Amalfi and Capri to each other and Naples. You can also opt for riding on a speed boat. Make sure you do not miss the view of the city of Naples from the sea. If you are planning a trip to Naples, then this is one of the most amazing things to do in Naples city with your partner.
Charges: Starts at INR 160014 interesting
Timings: 6am – 9pm
8. Vineyard Tour – Taste The Finest Vines
If you are too overwhelmed with the beauty of the city and are now looking for some unusual things to do in Naples, this is you thing. Naples produces a great range of quality wines. Hit any of the vineyard on the slope of Mt. Vesuvius. Experience how local wine is made right from the presses to the barrel room where it is aged.
Fall in love with this divine beverage as you taste some varieties of wines such as the famous Lacryma Christi, Taurasi Red or fiano di avellino white. Also indulge in samples of local dishes like bruschetta, homemade bread, pastiera napoletana. There are guided packages available that take you a vineyard tour. Request the tour in advance as you head to the volcano mountain.
Fee: INR 4000
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9. Zoo di Napoli – Meet The Wild
If you are looking for some fun things to do in Naples for you kids, there’s no better place than the Naples zoo. The Zoo is the symbol of the city that has been reborn recently as it was left completely abandoned for many years. Zoo di Napoli is now a favourite spot for tourist kids as they get to see some really rare animals.
Entry Fee: INR 800
Timings: 10am – 7pm
10. Terme Stufe di Nerone – Relax Your Senses
This comes after accomplishing all the action-filled plans here like climbing the volcano, boating to islands, exploring the undergrounds roots and so on. When you just want to relax and have no things to do in Naples today, head to Terme Stufe di Nerone. Just an hour away from Naples is Terme Spa and Wellness. Stufe di Nerone are spas in Campania known for the care and relaxation.
The large thermal park with natural springs, palm & olive trees and pergolas allow you to enjoy a pleasant relaxing day outdoors in the pool. You can buy a coupon and you are sorted for the day.
Charges: Starts at INR 4300
Timings: 8am – 11pm
Suggested Read: 14 Picturesque Honeymoon Destinations In Italy For Madly-in-love Couples
11. National Library Of Naples – Read The City
If you are that extraordinary combination of a book lover and a traveller, then this is your perk of being in a city with the third largest library in Italy (in terms of quantity). The National Library of Naples or ‘Vittiro Emanuele III’ is a part of the east wing of the Royal Palace. There are around 19.000 manuscripts, 4.563 incunabula, 1.792 Herculaneum papyri, around 1.800.000 printed volumes and over 8.300 periodicals to choose from. Pick a book for yourself and head to the sea. This is one of the free things to do in Naples.
Timings: 8.30am – 7.30pm
How to get here: There are buses available from various prominent spots in the city including Central station, Beverello mall and airport. The buses will drop at San Carlo – Piazza Trieste e Trento where the library is located.
12. Events And Carnivals – Be A Part Of It
Italy loves to celebrate and this is one of Naples’ “Italy” things to do. Naples party in all seasons with festivals, and carnivals happening throughout the year. Carnevale (carnival) is Italy’s one of the biggest winter festival during the 40 days before Easter, and a final party before Ash Wednesday and Lent. In fact, you won’t even need to think about what to do in Naples if you are visiting in the months of February and March.
A number of performing art festivals & music festivals also happen during the year such as Neapolis Festival, Ethnos Festival, Cornetto, Notte Bianca and many more. The events include various activities like jazz, marathon, processions, parade, band performances, etc. To experience the true spirit of Naples, you must participate in at least one event during your visit. This is one of the things to do in Naples, Italy at night.
Suggested Read: 16 Essential Italy Travel Tips That Will Save You Money, Time & More
13. Via Toledo – Fashion Street Shopping
Naples is a shopping paradise. Its street markets display the latest trends and are inexpensive too. Clothes and shoes, antiques and handicrafts, cribs and souvenirs, you can shop for anything. The best places you can go for street shopping is Via Toledo, Via Chiaia, Via dei Mille, Via San Gregorio Armeno and Via Scarlatti.
Via Toledo is the longest shopping street in Naples. There are boutiques, cafes, department store and branches of big chains on the street. Via Chiaia has high brand boutiques, antiques and art stores. Via San Gregorio Armeno on the other hand, gives an ancient vibe with ample of antiques, craftworks and wonderful nativity figures.
Timings: 10am – 1:30pm & 4pm – 7pm
14. Customised Menswear – Tailor-made Apparels
Naples is one of the biggest hub for high-end handmade menswear in the world. There are hundreds of tailors in and around the city and with thousands working in small factories or at home. Best in shirtmaking, Neapolitan tailoring offers comfort and lightness. The style emerged as an attempt to loosen up the stiffness of English tailoring.
To get your custom-tailored apparel, some shops you can visit are Rubinacci, E Marinella, E&G Capelli, Barbarulo, and Mario Talarico. If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Naples on your trip, then this is it.
15. Pausilypon Archaeological Park – Villa Stay
Image Courtesy: Visitnaples.eu
Pausilypon Archaeological Park is an archaeological park in this Italian city. One of the most unusual things to do in Naples, Italy is spending some amazing at a villa perched on a cliff in Pausilyon. Villa di Publio Vedio Pollione is set on a breathtaking location overlooking the islands of Ischia, Procida, and the Isthmus of Nisida. This is a perfect getaway from the city to spend some time in solace.
Location: Discesa Coroglio, 36, 80123 Napoli NA, Italy
Timings: 10am – 4pm
How to reach & Getting Around Naples
By Air: Capodichino Airport which is Naples International Airport has an efficient and frequent service of connecting flights between the Naples City and major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Chennai.
Getting Around: Though there are city buses available, it is not an option most tourists go opt for. There are narrow-gauge trains to the south-east and the west, or ferries and hydrofoils to all points around the bay. Naples’ system of underground & overground railways and trams, are the fastest way to get around parts of Greater Naples.
Further Read: 16 Essential Italy Travel Tips That Will Save You Money, Time & More
“Naples is not so much of a city, but rather an ingredient of the human spirit that can be detected in everyone.” Be it enjoying a glass of vine standing on one of the world’s most dangerous volcanic mountains or be it eating a national flag colored pizza on its discovery land. The experiences are going to be one of a kind. Naples City has centuries of stories to tell you, so if are you planning to listen, then plan your Italy trip with TravelTriangle right away!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Naples
Is it expensive to eat out in Naples?
There are many cheap restaurants in Naples, Italy, where you can get food for 10.00 EUR. Some places which you must include in your itinerary are Cesibon, Brooks Burgers and many more. Is it safe to visit Naples during Covid times?
You need to follow all the mandatory safety guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure a safe travel experience. Remain masked while stepping out of the hotel and maintain social distance. Avoid visiting crowded places and keep sanitizing your hands after touching surfaces. What should I not miss in Naples, Italy?
Things you should not miss in Naples: – Climb Mount Vesuvius. – Visit the ruins of Pompeii. – Naples National Archaeological Museum. – San Gennaro Catacombs. – Visit the ruins of Herculaneum. – Castel Nuovo. Is Naples, Italy dangerous?
Visitors are generally safe and are not singled out/targeted based on nationality. However, tourists and foreigners may be targeted for petty theft. What is there to do in Naples, Italy for free?
Top things to do for free in Naples – Browse the ‘Christmas Alley’ – Savor the views at Park Virgiliano. – Tickle your taste buds at Gay-Odin. – Marvel at contemporary art. – Visit St Elmo just before closing time. – Wander the historic center. – Brush up on your prehistory. – Rest stop in Piazza del Plebiscito. What is Naples, Italy known for?
Naples has the greatest number of accredited stars from the Michelin Guide of any Italian city. What is there to do in Naples at night?
Some of the things that one can do in Naples at night are: 1. Take the Naples street food tour 2. Walk along the beach of St. Lucia 3. Have a cappuccino at Gran Cafe Gambrinus How many days do you need in Naples?
3 to 4 days are a must to explore the different attractions in Naples. What can one do in Naples in 3 days?
If one is in Naples for three days, then these are a few things that one should do there: 1. Visit the Naples Cathedral and Naples Archeological Museum 2. See stunning sculptures at Museo Cappella Sansevero 3. Explore Piazza del Plebiscito 4. Eat at Gran Caffé Gambrinus Is there a beach near Naples, Italy?
Yes, if one wants to spend time at a beach, then one can head to Mappatella Beach.
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A writer at TravelTriangle, Elin, enjoys putting her travel experiences into words. She is a lover of cats and coffee and believes in the idea of ‘Live and let live’.
