We explored the city to uncover every not-to-miss attraction, food, and hidden place Naples has to offer.
Whether you’re visiting Naples for a day or multiple days, you’ll find practical tips, insider highlights, and everything you need to plan your perfect trip to the best food city in the world.
At A Glance: Naples Highlights
⭐ Bucket List Musts: Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Underground Naples
⭐ Food To Try: Pizza Napoletana, fried pizza, Babà, street food on Via dei Tribunali
⭐ Neighborhood Vibes: Centro Storico, Spanish Quarter
⭐ Gateway to the South: Ferries to Capri, trains to Pompeii & Herculaneum, gateway to the Amalfi Coast
⭐ Don’t Miss: Waterfront strolls, Naples street food tour, and mind-blowing ruins
How to See the Best of Naples?
Want the perfect walking route?
Check out our Naples in one day itinerary, complete with must-see stops and the best photo spots.
The 12 Best Things To Do In Naples
You want classics? Quirky corners? Wild volcano hikes? Naples delivers, all with a street life you’ll never forget.
1. Explore Underground Naples (Napoli Sotterranea)
Naples hides a labyrinth beneath your feet, ready to be explored!
Take the Napoli Sotterranea tour: you’ll wander ancient Greek and Roman tunnels and explore WWII shelters.
Read here more, whether Napoli Sotterranea is for you or not, and our experience joining this underground tour.
Our Tip: Book ahead, if you don’t want to wait in a queue, especially in high season.
2. Enjoy Pizza In The Birthplace Of Pizza
No Naples trip is legit until you’ve had pizza.
Hit up Da Michele or Sorbillo on Via dei Tribunali, and don’t forget to try pizza fritta, the famous fried pizza, or a folded pizza.
3. Walk Along The Historic Streets Of Centro Storico
This UNESCO-listed old town is pure chaos and charm: narrow lanes, baroque churches, nativity scenes on Via San Gregorio Armeno, and street food on every corner.
Don’t Miss: The Duomo di San Gennaro and its miracle of the “liquefying blood.”
4. Walk along the Waterfront & Castel Dell’Ovo
Stroll along the Lungomare for the best Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius views.
The fortress Castel dell’Ovo, surrounded by the sea, is a must. Sunsets here are beautiful.
5. Eat And Drink Your Way Through Naples Street Food
Ready for a flavor adventure?
Try sfogliatella (crispy pastry), babà (rum-soaked cake), folded pizza, and local limoncello.
We loved the Naples Street Food Tour, it’s an amazing eating journey and a fun way to learn more about the food culture in Naples.
6. Day Trip To Pompeii: Walk The Ancient Roman City
Pompeii is HUGE. Wander main streets, gape at frescoes in the Villa of the Mysteries, and feel the special vibe where time froze in 79 AD.
Pro Tip: Book skip-the-line tickets, bring water and sturdy shoes, and start from either Porta Marina or Piazza Anfiteatro entrances.
Must-See: Forum, amphitheater, plaster casts, temples, and the ancient brothel.
Don’t miss our guide on how to visit Pompeii for detailed tips.
7. Hike To The Crater Of Mount Vesuvius
Stare into one of the world’s most infamous volcanoes!
The hike’s short and steep, the views over Naples and Capri are mind-blowing, and the crater is unforgettable.
Booking Alert: Tickets are limited and sell out, so book your Vesuvius slot in advance as we did.
We cover all the routes (bus, car, organized tour) in our Mount Vesuvius guide.
8. Visit Herculaneum
Herculaneum is like Pompeii, but more compact, beautifully preserved, and way less crowded.
Think mosaic floors, wooden doors, and the relics of daily Roman life.
Our Favorite: You can enter more houses and see skeletons “frozen” by the eruption.
We break down the pros and cons of Pompeii vs. Herculaneum and how to see Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day.
9. Take A Trip To Capri Or The Amalfi Coast
Naples is the perfect starting point for islands and lemon-scented cliff towns.
Ferries to Capri leave from the port in Naples.
Spend a day sipping limoncello, visit the Blue Grotto, or start your Southern Italy itinerary in Naples, and visit places like the Amalfi Coast, Matera, or the famous Trulli houses.
10. Visit The Diego Maradona Mural
Even if you’re not a soccer fan, visiting the Maradona mural. You walk through typical, narrow alleys that show you the real Naples.
Additionally, where the mural is located, the square is colorful, and a lot is going on.
11. Galleria Umberto I
Step inside this famous glass-and-steel arcade, where you can shop, people-watch, and enjoy the huge glass dome.
Pro tip: Watch out for scammers. This common Italian scam happened right here in the Galleria.
12. Santa Chiara Monastery
Want to escape the busy city? Santa Chiara`s colorful cloister garden is the perfect getaway and our favorite secret spot in Naples.
You can enjoy the mosaics on the columns, shady gardens, and visit an archeological site.
Naples Itinerary Idea To Make Your Day Unforgettable
Day 1: Naples Classics
- Morning: Wandering along the harbor, Castel dell’Ovo
- Late morning: Explore Galleria Umberto I and the Spanish Quarter
- Lunch: Pizza on Via dei Tribunali
- Afternoon: Napoli Sotterranea tour and Centro Storico
- Dinner: Street Food Tour in the Centro Storico
Our full self-guided walking tour and hidden gems in our 1 Day Naples Itinerary.
Day 2: Pompeii & Vesuvius (or Herculaneum)
- Morning: Early train to Pompeii or Herculaneum, visit ancient sights
- Lunch: Snack in Pompei town
- Afternoon: Bus or tour to Mount Vesuvius crater
- Evening: Pizza and pastry crawl back in Naples
Our site has complete How to Visit Pompeii and How to Visit Mount Vesuvius guides. Trust us, follow them for a seamless experience!
Day 3: Capri or Amalfi Coast
Take a ferry to Capri from the harbor, or join a guided, stress-free day tour to Capri or the Amalfi Coast.
Practical Tips For Naples In 2025-2026
Book everything in advance: Pompeii, Vesuvius, and street food tours sell out fast.
Naples is walkable, a little chaotic, and so much fun.
Metro is handy: The art stations are gorgeous and surprisingly efficient.
Where to stay: Centro Storico for atmosphere, Chiaia for elegance, near Central Station for day trips. See our Naples Travel Blog for the best day trips.
Travel pro tip: Start early to beat the crowds!
Naples FAQ
How many days do I need in Naples?
Ideally 2–3 days to combine city sights with Pompeii/Vesuvius. Our Rome and Naples Itinerary is perfect for a fuller Italian adventure.
Is Naples safe?
Mostly, yes. Take usual big-city precautions, be aware in crowded areas, avoid unlit streets after sunset, and enjoy the local buzz.
Best pizza in Naples?
Everyone argues about it, but Da Michele is the most famous (and crowded), and Sorbillo, Starita, and Di Matteo are all great.
How do I get to Pompeii, Vesuvius, or Herculaneum?
Depart from Napoli Porta Nolana train station and take the train to Pompei Santuario. This train line also stops at Herculaneum (station: Ercolano). If you only visit Pompeii, you can take the L1 line from Napoli Porta Nolana.
Local Food You Have To Try
- Babà
- Pizza fritta
- Sfogliatella
If you don’t want to search for restaurants or trattorias and want to taste the best of the best, we recommend joining a street food tour in Naples.
We had a great experience. More about it in our Should You Join A Street Food Tour In Naples? guide.
We explain the local specialties and what you will try during the guided tour.
Besides that, we had pizza (the Bufalino pizza was divine) at Pizzeria D’Angeli, opposite the famous L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele. We didn’t want to wait 1 1/2 hours in line for a simple pizza.
