If you’re looking for a truly unique Naples experience, Napoli Sotterranea is an absolute must!
We explored the incredible underground tunnels, and trust us, it was one of our favorite experiences in Naples.
From ancient tunnels to hidden Roman ruins, the Naples underground tour uncovers a secret side of the city you will never forget.
Napoli Sotterranea At A Glance
What: Underground tour of Naples’ ancient tunnels, aqueducts, and WWII shelters
Duration: About 1.5 hours
Best way to get there: Walk from Piazza del Gesù Nuovo or take the Metro to Dante station
Highlights: Roman aqueducts, ancient Greek-Roman theater, WWII air-raid shelters
Ticket price: Around €10 per person (only guided tours are available)
Languages: Tours available in Italian and English (check schedule!)
Booking: Highly recommended to book online in advance to skip the line. We booked the Napoli Sotterranea tickets here.
Discovering Naples Underground: What To Expect And A Guide To Booking A Tour
First things first—book your tickets ahead of time.
The underground tour is super popular, and lines can get long, especially in peak season.
English tours run a few times daily, but availability can vary, so check the official website or trusted booking platforms.
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, which is the perfect amount of time to soak in the history without feeling rushed.
The guided tour begins right underneath Piazza San Gaetano.
We descended into a labyrinth of tunnels that date back over 2,400 years.
Practical Info And Insider Tips
Who This Tour Is For And Not For
This tour is an absolute must for anyone who loves history, adventure, or just a good story.
But it’s not for everyone:
🚫 Not wheelchair accessible: There are lots of stairs, narrow corridors, and uneven paths.
🚫 Not suitable if you can’t walk on uneven surfaces or narrow staircases. You’ll be descending and climbing quite a bit, and some areas are tight and poorly lit.
🚫 Not for those with severe claustrophobia: That 260-foot (80-meter) tunnel is a challenge, but you can skip it!
🚫 Not for strollers
What To Wear And Bring With You
⭐ Our Tip: Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and bring a light jacket if you tend to get cold easily.
Even in summer, it’s cool and damp underground.
And yes, photos and videos are allowed.
So get ready and take some cool shots.
You’ll also need your phone’s flashlight to illuminate the narrow tunnel.
Getting There
The Napoli Sotterranea entrance is super easy to reach.
It’s near Piazza San Gaetano, just a short walk from the famous Spaccanapoli street.
If you’re using public transport, the best option is the Dante Metro station.
Map with the entrance for Napoli Sotterranea:
Napoli Sotterranea ticket prices and payment options
Tickets cost about €10, which is a great deal for such a unique experience.
You can buy them online (highly recommended!) or in cash at the entrance, but beware—the latter option means you might face long waits, or the tours are sold out.
Especially if you prefer a guided tour in English, we recommend booking the tickets in advance. This is how we did it.
They cost 5€ more, but you can skip the line, and can actually visit the Naples underground city.
⭐ Pro Tip: Book your tickets online to skip the lines and secure your spot on the English tour. You can also check out and see if tickets are available on the website of Napoli Sotterranea.
How The Tour Works And What You’ll See
We arrived 10 minutes before the tour started from our accommodation in Naples, nearby, and waited in line for the tour.
We only needed to show the online tickets that we had purchased before.
From there, our guide picked us up, and we descended the stairs.
You can’t enter the site on your own because there’s a labyrinth down there.
You would never be able to find out again.
First, we entered some large halls. We learned that light entered the tunnels through small openings, and the workers and people down there had a light source in some areas.
You will see an installation by students showcasing items left from the Second World War.
During WWII, the underground tunnels were used as bomb shelters.
From there, we walked to a tunnel, where they grow plants using lamps.
In this area, one of the best parts of the tour starts.
Part of the tour takes you through a very narrow, unlit corridor that’s about 260 feet (80 meters) long.
Picture this: you’re shuffling single-file through a passage just wide enough for your shoulders, with only your phone flashlight to guide you.
It’s a thrill for some, but if you’re even a little bit claustrophobic, this part is not for you!
I enjoyed it a lot. 🙂
But don’t worry!
⭐ You can skip this section if you suffer from claustrophobia.
There’s a spot where you can wait comfortably while the rest of the group enters the tunnel.
The guide will pick you up once everyone’s through.
After leaving the narrow tunnel, we came to the Naples underground aqueducts.
After about 10 minutes, we returned to pick up the ones who didn’t want to enter the narrow underground area.
During the tour, we learned a lot about how and who built the underground tunnels.
It was fun, entertaining, and adventurous.
After we left the underground, the tour didn’t end there.
Our guide walked us to a nearby house, where we encountered a hidden gem!
Under a Neapolitan house, we headed down some hidden stairs into a cellar.
Here, we saw remains of ancient amphitheater walls, upon which Naples is built.
The tour also led us to another house, where we could see the ancient arches of the amphitheater.
He also showed us some nativity scenes, which Naples is famous for.
The tour ended where it started, and it was one of our favorite things to do in Naples.
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Nearby Attractions To Add To Your Itinerary
Are you interested in more underground adventures?
Don’t miss the Catacombs of San Gennaro or the Bourbon Tunnel. Both provide fascinating insights into Naples’ hidden history.
We chose the Naples underground tour at Napoli Sotterranea and afterwards joined this guided street food tour in Naples, which we highly recommend.
Naples was named the best food city in the world, and they are right.
There’s so much to taste, you could spend days.
That’s why we joined a tour through the historic city center and tried the best local food and specialties you only find in Naples.
FAQs: Your Top Questions About Naples Underground
How long is the Napoli Sotterranea tour?
Approximately 1.5 hours, perfect for a quick but immersive experience.
Can I book tickets online?
Yes! Booking online is highly recommended to avoid long lines and guarantee your spot.
Are there English-speaking tours?
Yes, English tours are available, but check the schedule in advance as times may vary.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour includes stairs and narrow passages, so it may be difficult for those with mobility challenges. It is not wheelchair accessible.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes. Photos and videos are allowed.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are advisable since it can be cool underground.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
You can skip the 260-foot (80-meter) narrow, unlit corridor and wait for the group to return.
Final Thoughts About Why You Should Visit Napoli Sotterranea
Exploring Napoli Sotterranea is like stepping into a secret world beneath one of Italy’s best cities. It’s history, mystery, and adventure combined into one unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss this chance to see a side of Naples that few tourists get to explore. Trust us, once you’re down there, you’ll be telling everyone about the mind-blowing tunnels you visited.
Ready to book your tour? Here’s where we booked our tickets.
Want to explore the best of Naples? We recommend visiting Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the hidden gems of Naples.
