Things to Do in Naples
Naples is one of the top tourist destinations in Italy, and its surroundings are lined with mountains like the Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast. The city features harbors, stunning churches, museums, and long, meandering streets with cobblestones and there are various things to do in Naples. Of course, Mount Vesuvius is the most majestic landmark as almost every part of the city can see this active volcanic mountain. One of the most interesting things to do in Naples, Italy is to visit the 17th-century National Archaeological Museum and browse through rare artifacts from Pompeii and ancient Egypt. Explore the secret world of ancient catacombs that are dotted with around 3000 graves and crypts belonging to the 2nd-century if you are wondering what to do in Naples.
Amongst the best things to do in Naples, explore the beautiful frescos and murals also here. When in Naples, you can’t miss trying the best pizza in the world- the classic Neapolitan pizza made with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Visit the fascinating Egg Castle, also known as Castel dell Ovo, which is surrounded by water. This intriguing location not only provides breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, but it also serves as a venue for the best Italian painters to display their works.
The Complesso Monumentale di Sant'Anna dei Lombardi, also known as Santa Maria di Monteoliveto, is a gem of Renaissance architecture and art nestled in the heart of Naples, Italy. This historical and religious complex is not only a place of worship but also a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces that capture the essence of Neapolitan culture and history.
Dating back to the 15th century, the church was originally constructed for the Olivetan monks. It boasts a stunning Renaissance facade, characterized by harmonious proportions and intricate details that reflect the architectural trends of the period. As you step inside, the serene ambiance and the exquisite beauty of the interior instantly captivate visitors.
The interior of the church is a showcase of Renaissance artistry. The vaulted ceilings are adorned with frescoes, while the walls and chapels feature works by some of the most renowned artists of the time. Among these masterpieces is the "Pietà" by Giovanni da Nola, an emotional and finely detailed sculpture that beautifully conveys the sorrow of Mary holding the body of Christ. The church's sacristy, known as the "Sagrestia Vecchia," is particularly notable for its intricate woodwork and magnificent ceiling frescoes by Vasari.
The Archaeological Park of Herculaneum in Italy is a captivating destination that offers a remarkable glimpse into the past. Located near Naples, this ancient Roman town was preserved under a thick layer of volcanic ash and mud from the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Pompeii, Herculaneum offers an intimate and well-preserved experience for visitors interested in exploring ancient history.
Unlike Pompeii, where many structures were leveled by the eruption, Herculaneum was buried under a deep layer of volcanic material that protected its buildings, frescoes, and artifacts. This exceptional preservation allows visitors to explore the town as it once was, with multistory houses, intricate mosaics, and vibrant frescoes still intact. The town's layout, with its narrow streets and well-preserved public and private buildings, offers a vivid impression of daily life in ancient Rome.
Duomo di Napoli, the oldest and main church of Naples, showcases a blend of architectural styles ranging from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and Neo-Gothic. The cathedral is a wonderful landmark of the city’s artistic, historical and cultural heritage. Spot artworks by major Italian Renaissance and Baroque artists as you witness the Miracle of the Blood and Basilica of St. Restituta
Explore the Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara and admire one of its most enthralling features, the Chiostro di Santa Chiara. Admire the artistic culture of Naples as you witness the 72 cloisters, or chiostro, which give visitors a glimpse into eighteenth-century Baroque art. The columns are intricately adorned with colourful ceramic tiles that depict scenes from rural life like hunting sessions and peasant existence.
Explore one of Italy’s most popular shopping arcades as you visit Galleria Umberto I. Situated at a walking distance from the Piazza del Plebiscito and right opposite the San Carlo Theatre, the gallery is a hub of shopping and dining for tourists. Admire the beautiful architecture, sculptures, and murals as you unwind and escape from the city’s bustle at the Galleria Umberto I.
Explore one of the world’s most popular art museums at Museo Cappella Sansevero, which ranks among the top places to visit in Naples. Constructed as a chapel and later turned into a family mausoleum, the structure is adorned with the finest artworks, frescoes, and sculptures of the eighteenth century. Admire the Veiled Christ, Anatomical Machines, the High Altar and much more at this art haven.
Indulge in the age-old cultural traditions of Naples as you visit Catacombe di San Gennaro, one of the most intriguing places to visit in Naples. The underground burial chambers have more than 3,000 graves, with the oldest dating back to the 2nd century CE. Visit one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of Christianity, the Tomb of San Gennaro, at Catacombe di San Gennaro.
A unique experience awaits you at Cimitero delle Fontanelle, one of the best places to see in Naples. Explore an ancient ossuary filled with thousands of human skulls and bones at this underground cemetery in the city. Dating back to the sixteenth century, this mystery-filled adventure has fascinating stories hidden away, which visitors can listen to on guided tours of the Cimitero delle Fontanelle.
Visit the legendary Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara, known as one of the best tourist places in Naples Italy. A mediaeval religious complex, the attraction houses the Basilica of Santa Chiara, 72 octagonal columns with intricately-designed tiles, tombs of Bourbon monarchs, monastic complexes for nuns, and an archaeological museum. Destroyed in World War II, the complex was rebuilt in the original 14th-century style.
Witness the stunning beauty of Naples from the Castel Sant’Elmo, which offers magnificent panoramic views of the Neapolitan countryside, islands, Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento peninsula, and the sprawling city. Discover the magic of 20th-century Neapolitan art as you explore the Museo del Novecento within the fourteenth-century fortress. Visitors can enjoy a fun cable car ride or a hiking journey during their Castel Sant’Elmo tour.
Witness the magnificence of mediaeval Neapolitan and Italian art and architecture at Certosa di San Martino, which is among the best places to see in Naples. Originally constructed as a Carthusian monastery, the complex today functions as an art and history museum showcasing the finest artworks of prominent Italian artists from the fifteenth century onwards, like Giovanni Antonio Dosio and Cosimo Fanzago
Piazza del Plebiscito ranks among the best places to see in Naples and is home to numerous important landmarks of the city. Take a stroll in the magnificent square with your loved ones as you explore the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola, the Royal Palace, and the National Library of Naples. San Carlo Theatre and Galleria Umberto I are also worth a visit
Witness the most beautiful church and one of the most iconic places to see in Naples as you visit the Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo. While the exterior stone façade dates back to the fifteenth century, the sixteenth-century interiors reflect the peak of Baroque and Neapolitan Renaissance art. Admire the stunning gardens, beautiful frescoes, and intricately adorned rooms created by the finest Neapolitan artists.
Visit one of the world’s most famous volcanoes, Mount Vesuvius, during your trip to Naples. Renowned as the most dangerous active volcano on the European mainland, Mount Vesuvius is popular for its AD 79 eruption that destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Witness the massive crater of the volcano and stroll through the well-preserved ancient cities as you listen to fascinating stories.
Witness the magic of Neapolitan art as you explore one of Italy’s largest art museums, Museo di Real Bosco di Capodimonte, which also ranks among the top tourist places in Naples Italy. Spot several iconic Italian artworks, ancient Roman sculptures, antique furniture, and porcelain collection among other artefacts during the museum tour. One can also see the works of prominent Italian artists like Raphael and Caravaggio here.
Get an exclusive sneak peek into the lives of the mediaeval Bourbon monarchs as you walk through the lavish rooms of the Royal Palace of Naples, one of the most popular places to see in Naples. Located in Piazza del Plebiscito, the palace and its grounds today house the Teatro di San Carlo, Teatrino di Corte, the National Library of Naples, and a public museum.
Enter the underground world of the Catacombe di San Gaudioso, the second most important cemetery of early Christians in Naples. Situated under the Basilica of Santa Maria Della Sanita, the necropolis centres around the final resting place of St Gaudiosus of Naples, and has rare 5th and 6th-century frescoes and mosaics adorning the walls, including the oldest depiction of the Virgin Mary in Campania.
Explore one of the most popular historical landmarks of the city, the Naples National Archaeological Museum, on your tour of Naples. Among the exhibits and displays at the Naples National Archaeological Museum are casts of people of Pompeii who tried to save their belongings during the Mount Vesuvius eruption, sculptures, computer animations, photographs and others.
Explore the oldest surviving fortification of Naples, the Ovo Castle, which is known for the legend of an egg hidden underneath the castle that protects the city. The exteriors of the castle are always open to visitors, while the interiors are open only for special events. Visitors can also attend the various exhibitions and events held in the castle.
Explore one of the most beautiful historical landmarks of the city as you visit the Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore in Naples. Adorned with intricate gold work, original 14th-century frescoes, sculptures, massive columns, and a beautiful altar, San Domenico Maggiore is one of the most interesting churches in Naples.
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What are the best things to Do in Naples in Naples?
1. Take a stroll around Piazza del Plebiscito: The Naples Royal Palace and the Church of San Francesco di Paola are two magnificent city landmarks that you should visit if you are looking for things to do in Naples that may be found in the Piazza del Plebiscito square. This massive structure has a number of porticos, courtyards, and gardens that all lead to areas that were once the Royal Palace's court.
2. Explore Roman Ruins at Castel Nuovo: Castel Nuovo is a massive structure that is stunning even from a distance. Exploring the roman remains here and its five round towers connected by solid stone walls is one of the best things to do in Naples.
3. Discover History and Heritage at Duomo di Napoli: Beautifully detailed paintings, complex metal railings, and massive altars, as well as statues and canvases by prominent Italian artists, there's an amazing amount to see throughout the Duomo di Napoli if you are wondering what to do in Naples.
4. Visit the basilica of Chiostro di Santa Chiara: This stunning monastery, which is also known as the Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara, features a basilica, a modest museum, and a religious library. Visiting Santa Chiara is one of the best things to do in Naples
5. Shop at Galleria Umberto I: The Galleria Umberto is a stunning, light-filled shopping arcade that is tastefully embellished with sculptures and murals. It is covered under a domed glass and steel ceiling and has numerous stores, cafes, and restaurants that can be explored if you are confused about what to do in Naples.
What are the most popular things to Do in Naples with kids?
1. Tour the Naples National Archaeological Museum: Visit the Naples Archeological Museum and tour the ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum. Here kids may see a tonne of cool things, including mosaics, paintings, and sculptures that were salvaged from ancient Roman ruins and kept at this museum.
2. Participate in a workshop at Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum: In the center of Naples, the Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum is housed in a magnificent mansion. This well-known exhibition space specializes in family-friendly educational events and workshops
3. Discover exhibits at Città della Scienza: While traveling with kids, you could easily spend the entire day here. One of the interesting interactive museums in this treasure trove of scientific discovery include exhibits on the human body, the marine environment, insects, and a planetarium.
4. Watch a live performance at Teatro Dei Piccoli: Naples' interactive Teatro Dei Piccoli is a place totally devoted to providing culture and entertainment for children. The warm theater space hosts performances, concerts, and movie screenings for 450 spectators. The majority of the activities occur between October and April.
What are the most romantic things to Do in Naples for couples?
1. Take a walk along Castel Nuovo: If all the couples who are lovers of the arts and history and are making a list of what to do in Naples, Castel Nuovo is a dreamy and beautiful delight. The castle is home to bits of amazing history, including Giotto frescoes, Roman ruins, Neapolitan paintings from the 17th to the 20th century, and intriguing landscape paintings.
2. Book a Naples wine tasting tour: Half-day wine tours departing from Naples are usual and one of the best things to do in Naples. They include a dinner of regional delicacies paired with wine. You will be able to sample a famous white wine in addition to the region's well-known red wine types.
3. Stroll down Spaccanapoli: Spaccanapoli, as its name implies, is the longest roadway that urges you to absorb the joyful atmosphere. It is infused with a certified UNESCO heritage site with a sight to behold when you are looking for romantic things to do in Naples.
4. Naples pizzerias: Few culinary creations have such widespread appeal as pizza, which originated in Naples. For a long row of pizzerias and the opportunity to share the famous Neapolitan pizza with your spouse, which is one of the most romantic things to do in Maples, head to Via Partenope near the waterfront.
5. Climb Mount Vesuvius: Mount Vesuvius, one of the few active volcanoes in Europe, is more than just lava-covered rock and should definitely be on your list of what to do in Naples. This area offers fantastic hiking opportunities where you may scale the mountain to its pinnacle and get a close-up view of the erupting crater.
What are the best things to Do in Naples with your family?
1. Worship at Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara: You might take your family to Naples to see the magnificent Santa Chiara basilica, which is a place of worship. It is distinguished by a monastery with four enormous cloisters, nearby archaeological digs, and a number of smaller chambers where the eponymous Opera Museum is housed.
2. Take in stunning views from Castel Sant'Elmo: The magnificent Castel Sant'Elmo fortification commands a majesty over the entire city of Naples. It offers a breathtaking sight that reaches from the countryside to the islands and from the Sorrento Peninsula to the Phlegraean Fields from its vantage point atop Vomero Hill.
3. Marvel the work of famous artists at Certosa e Museo di San Martino: Visitors are in awe of the Certosa e Museo di San Martino's beautiful exteriors, immaculately planned cloisters, and expansive views of the city skyline as it is perched high above the city on Vomero hill. Additionally, you'll find famous 17th-century artists’ works on display.
4. Get inspired by art works at Pio Monte della Misericordia: Checking out the Renaissance and Baroque artwork presented in this 17th-century church is one of the unique things to do in Naples. Additionally, there are modern pieces of art created by Italian and international artists there that were all inspired by Caravaggio's masterwork, Le sette opere di Misericordia.
5. Visit the Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo: The Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo, which was built in the sixteenth century, is quite striking and visiting it is one of the amazing things to do in Naples Italy. The church's interior is lavishly decorated with marble, putty, frescoes, and other materials. This church hosts many significant occasions, and many locals visit on Saturdays for services.
Which are the best places to enjoy shopping in Naples?
1. Via Toledo: If you are wondering what to do in Naples, the 12-kilometer-long Via Toledo, which connects the two busiest squares in the city, is the oldest shopping route in the area. In addition to offering high-quality goods to purchase, the street is a major center for architecture in South Italy.
2. Chiaia District: The Chiaia District is well-known for its upscale stores, Luxury retailers and high-end boutiques that may be found here lining the streets in abundance. For those who care about brands would love shopping this is amongst some of the unforgettable things to do in Naples.
3. Poggioreale Market: For its leather shoes and purses, Poggioreale Market is renowned. There are several options for shoes, bags, and belts due to the street's more than 500 shops. A few cafes and eateries that serve tasty refreshments are also located along the Boulevard.
4. A’Curreia: One of Naples, Italy's well-known leather stores is called A'Curreia. The Central Business District neighborhood is home to this well-liked designer store. It features a variety of leather goods, including belts, gloves, bags, and wallets.
What is the best time to visit Naples?
Naples is a wonderful place to visit all year round, with temperate summer and winter temperatures and little precipitation. The best times to travel and try out various things to do in Naples are from mid-March to early June during the spring and fall seasons, when the weather is dry and pleasant and neither too hot nor too cold.
How to Reach Naples?
By Train: A high-speed train is the most convenient and quickest way to go to Naples by train. Naples can be reached from Milan in around four hours, Florence in three hours, and Rome in a little more than an hour.
By Plane: There are direct flights to major European cities and New York from the Napoli Capodichino airport, which is only 30 minutes from the city centre.
By Car: Naples is reachable by car easily by taking the A1 highway
By Ferry: All year long, ferries connect Naples with Capri, sailing from Marina Grande on Capri and docking at either Molo Beverello or Calata Porta di Massa in Naples.
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