Naples is a modern Italian city with a fascinating history, which can be traced back to its founding by sixth-century B.C. Greeks. The city has decadent royal palaces, art nouveau architecture, fashion boutiques, stylish restaurants and churches rich with religious art. Start your visit in the Centro Storico, Naples’ historic old town. Its narrow, cobbled streets are abuzz with scooters and tourist chatter while market traders sell curios such as instruments and antiques.Stunning architecture abounds the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) and its immaculately preserved furnishings present the finest example. Naples’ former military prowess is shown in its two main castles, the Castle of the Egg (Castel dell’Ovo) and Castel Nuovo. Visitors interested in religious art could fill several days wandering the many fine churches the Gesu Nuovo Church and the Capella Sansevero are good places to start.A trip to nearby Mount Vesuvius provides the perfect break from the city center bustle. Enjoy the views across Naples at the volcano’s 4,000-foot (1,200-meter) summit. Visit the nearby towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were buried in ash and lava when Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. After centuries of excavations that are still ongoing, the towns provide a time capsule of Roman life. Naples invented pizza! Specialist pizzerias in town squares, back streets and shopping malls throughout the city will cook some of the best pizza you’ll ever taste. Traffic in the city is notoriously busy. Driving is best left to locals. A good subway network covers much of the city. If you stay near the city center you may find that despite Naples’ large size, you can reach many of the most interesting sights on foot. Taxis are a safe, but expensive, way to get around too. Historically Naples had a reputation as an unsafe city. While you should take the same precautions as you would in any other major city, you needn’t be over-worried about crime in the Naples of today. Winters tend to be wet. If you visit from March through October you’ll have a good chance of enjoying the warm, Neapolitan sun.
Naples
Where to stay in Naples
Naples City Centre
Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Naples City Centre. Top attractions like Port of Naples and Molo Beverello Port are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Garibaldi Tram Stop or EAV - Capolinea Porta Nolana Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Historical Center
Molo Beverello Port and Port of Naples are top sights in Historical Center, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Toledo Station or Municipio Station to see more sights in the area.
Chiaia
Seafront location with luxury shopping on its main street, Chiaia boasts the beautiful Villa Comunale park and is nestled between Piazza Vittoria and Mergellina.
Decumani
While you're in Decumani, take in top sights like Via San Gregorio Armeno and jump on the metro at Dante Station to see more of the city.
San Ferdinando
While you're in San Ferdinando, take in top sights like Molo Beverello Port or Piazza del Plebiscito, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Chiaia - Monte di Dio Station or Municipio Station.
Vomero
Discover Piazza Vanvitelli, the ancient Petraio, and Rione Antignano in this vibrant area. Explore Floridiana Park, Castel Sant'Elmo, and enjoy stunning views of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Reviewed on Jun 6, 2024
Reviewed on Jun 9, 2024
Reviewed on Jun 3, 2024
Reviewed on May 25, 2024
Reviewed on Sep 27, 2023
Reviewed on Jun 6, 2024
Getting around Naples
There are plenty of ways to get around Naples. The city’s subway system, the Naples Metro, connects the Central Station, airport and historic center, but otherwise you probably won’t use it much. It’s well worth boarding the funicular railway, though, to hilltop attractions like the Castel Sant’Elmo. An extensive bus and trolley network also serves the city. Visit the Neapolitan Mobility Company website.Browse Naples rental cars.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Naples is during the spring, when the weather is warm and dry, the tourist crowds aren’t too big, and prices are cheaper than at the height of summer. Fall can be a good time for the same reasons, although you might arrive to find it’s raining during October or November. You’re almost certain to encounter rain if you visit in the winter, although it rarely gets that cold.
Popular places to visit
Port of Naples
Explore the waterfront in Naples with a trip to Port of Naples. Take in the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Via Toledo
During your trip to Naples, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Via Toledo. Discover the area's fascinating museums, or seek out its local tours.
Piazza del Plebiscito
You can learn about the history of Naples with a stop at Piazza del Plebiscito. Take in the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Herculaneum
You can learn about the history of Ercolano with a visit to Herculaneum. Discover the area's rich archaeological sites, or seek out its local tours.
Via Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli
Enjoy an outing to Via Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli during your stay in Naples. Take in the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Castel dell'Ovo
This coastal stone castle in the old fishing village of Borgo del Marini offers panoramic views towards central Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
Things to do
Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi & Ravello Guided Tour
Day Trip to Capri and Blue Grotto From Naples & Sorrento
Small Group Tour of Capri & Blue Grotto from Naples and Sorrento
Reviews of Naples
2/5 - Disappointing
Naples itself was sketchy, dog poop all over the streets. I hope it was dog poop. I watched a man pee all the way up an escalator in front of us. I watched a woman yelling at her partner while digging in her pockets and throwing trash into the ocean.
4/5 - Good
Rich, vibrant city and surroundings — people, history, food, geography, architecture — offers more than can be quickly appreciated. Would love to return!
4/5 - Good
Naples is only for people who like a bit of chaos and throngs of people and laundry hanging from the streets. For me, I think its great but probably not what I would suggest for a first timer to Italy.
5/5 - Excellent
Naples is a fantastic city, much different than northern Italy and Rome but a must see for anyone visiting Italy.
4/5 - Good
Enjoyed the food, particularly pizza
5/5 - Excellent
Would love to return. Visiting during the off season (February) gave us plenty of space and time to explore.
Read travel guides and advice on visiting Naples
Other places like Naples
- Port of Naples
- Molo Beverello Port
- Mount Vesuvius
- Via Toledo
- Piazza del Plebiscito
- Herculaneum
- Via Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli
- Naples National Archaeological Museum
- Castel dell'Ovo
- Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
- Naples Underground
- Spaccanapoli
- Lungomare Caracciolo
- Galleria Umberto I
- Castel Nuovo
- Sansevero Chapel Museum
- Piazza Dante
- Royal Palace
- Teatro di San Carlo
- Pozzuoli Port
- Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi
- Vesuvius National Park
- Via Chiaia
- Piazza del Municipio
- Santa Chiara Basilica
- Terme di Agnano Napoli
- Mostra d'Oltremare
- University of Naples Federico II
- Piazza del Gesu Nuovo
- Port of Mergellina
- Via Partenope
- Via San Gregorio Armeno