The Best Things To Do In Naples
Deciding on the best things to do in Naples, is not easy give the choices available.
The city is known as one of the most beautiful, colorful and romantic cities in the world. It combines the beauty of the coast, liveliness of the city and passion of the people, making it a must visit place.
Naples is the third largest in Italy, behind Milan and Rome, with a population close to one million people.
Despite not being as popular with tourists as other cities, Naples is full of charm, life and character. It is overflowing with great places to eat and historical sites to visit.
Below is a complete guide to the best things to do in Naples, in order to make the most of you time in the city.
Promenade along the Lungomare and explore the Spanish Quarter
One of the best things to do In Naples is to walk along the city’s 3km long seafront promenade, from Megellina port to Santa Lucia. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes, for you to relax at and enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Vesuvius, Ischia and Capri. It s the Perfect place to watch the sunset with an aperitivo. After your aperitif, you could climb to the top of Castel dell’Ovo for enhanced views.
Experience interesting architecture, gastronomy and people watching throughout the Spanish quarter, known as the heart of the city. The narrow streets, are filled with restaurants, bars and interesting shops all offering a unique, fun and lively atmosphere.
Address : Lungomare
Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina (MADRE)
The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina is a contemporary modern art museum, named after the 14th-century Gothic church. Inside there is the church as well as contemporary works form the past 100 years, including Jeff Koons, Franz West, Anish Kapoor and Marina Abramović.
Location : Via Luigi Settembrini, 79
Hours : Mon – Fri 10:00 – 19:30
Naples National Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum is Naples’s most significant collection of Roman remains, including statues, artefacts much of which uncovered from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Location : Piazza Museo, 19,
Hours : 09:30 – 19:30 ( closed on sundays)
Hop on Hop off bus
Jump aboard one of the open-air double-decker hop-on hop-off buses, for an unforgettable experience of Naples. There are three different routes; the historical center, the coastal and the mountains, lasting just over an hour each. A ticket os valid for 24 hours and allows you to hop-on and hop-off the buses within that time period, with buses beginning at 9.45am and ending around 4pm.
As so often the case in Naples, it a glorious sunny day when i visited. I was lucky enough to find a seat on the front row of top deck. With a small bottle of prosecco and bag of olives brought from a nearby store, is truly was one of the best ways to spend an afternoon. Enjoy spectacular views with commentary along the way
Location : Hop on to the bus from any of the stops
Hours : Mon – Sun 9:30 – 17:00
Fiat 500 and vespa tour of Naples
Enjoy an unforgettable experience while driving around the streets of Naples in a Fiat 500 or Vespa scooter. You will receive a pick and drop off from your hotel, in one of Italy’s most famous classic car. A lot of fun and for sure one of the best things to do in Naples.
Website : www.napolinvespa.it
Kayak Napoli
One of the best things to do in Naples is to experience it from its coastline. Why not consider joining a canoe, kayak or paddleboard tour, to appreciate Naples from a different perspective. Even if you are a begginer full instruction is provided, so you can paddle your way around, while enjoying the city views from sea. There are a variety of options available throughout the day, including the sunset, full moon and various coast tours.
Website : https://www.kayaknapoli.com/home/
Piazza del Plebiscito
The main square in Naples is Piazza del Plebiscito, is a huge open space filled with statues and important buildings including the Royal Palace.
Location: Piazza del Plebiscito
Gesu Nuovo Church
The Gesu church is a beautiful and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle from the City. The ceiling and the walls are covered with art pieces, as well as spectacular statues and frescoes spread throughout the church.
Location: Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, 2,
Catacombe di San Gaudioso
Take a trip back in time by visiting the Catacombe of San Guadioso, located underneath the church of Rione Sanita and learn how Christianity grew in popularity throughout the city. Highlights include rooms with skulls decorating the walls and a burial chambers used by monks.
Location: Via Capodimonte 13
Climb Mount Vesuviu
Mount Vesuvius (Stratovolcano) is the volcano that dominates the skyline surrounding Naples, causing devastation to Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD. There are bus tours from Naples visiting this magnificent phenomenon, allowing you to go to the top to peer into the crater and enjoy breathtaking views of the City.
Pompeii
The ruins of Pompeii is a short train journey from Naples. Guided tours and audio guides are both available and enjoyable. The bodies at the site are plaster casts made from hardened ash, which encased those who passed away from the devestating volano eruption. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and to bring to a bottle of water.
Capri
Capri is a small island which is located less than two hour boat trip from Naples. It is known for its beautiful caves, lovely scenery and its quaint and charming Italian villages.
Location : Via Cesare Serale 1
Eat a pizza or two
While in the city that invented pizza, you should definitely enjoy a couple at the local pizzerias. It will surely be one of the best experiences in Naples There are so many options available, however two of the most popular choices are :-
L’antica Pizzeria da Michele
Location : Via Cesare Serale 1
Hours : Mon – Sun 12:00 – 15:00, 19:00 – 00:00
Pizzeria di Matteo
Location : Via dei Tribunali 94
Hours : Mon – Sat 09:00 – 23:00, Sun 09:00 – 15:00
View a football match at the San Paolo Stadium
The San Paolo Stadium, is home to the much loved Naples football team. If you find yourself in Naples when thee is a football match on, it would be a great experience to view true Neapolitan passion for their team. Most league games are played during the weekend, however occasionally there are also mid week cup fixtures. Tickets for matches are available at the box offices all over the city.
Location : Piazzale Vincenzo Tecchio,
Diego Maradona
All over the city you’ll see shrines dedicated to the ex Napoli, legendary football player Diego Maradona. The best is in Pizzetta Nilo and Via San Biagi dei Librai, where there are photographs, flags and a preserved stand of his hair.
Location : Via San Biagio Dei Librai 129
To conclude with, Naples is truly a magical city, with endless things to do. A trip to Italy deserves a visit to the City. If you have been here, share your experiences of the best things you did, in the comments below.
For those planning a trip to Rome, be sure to consider participating in one of our food tours, to taste the best of the Eternal City