Looking for the best things to do in Naples? I made this guide to help you find the best sights, attractions, museums, and more in the city.
Naples is one of the most interesting cities in Italy to visit. With a rich history, great food, incredible architecture, and more, there’s something in Naples for everyone’s liking! The activities in the city will definitely surprise you.
I’ve been to Naples several times and I always enjoy my time in the city. I made this list with the best Naples things to do to help you find the best attractions, sights, and activities!
Best Things To Do in Naples
Go to the Castel dell’Ovo
The Castel dell’Ovo is a castle that you can find in the city of Naples on a peninsula.
This is the oldest castle in Naples and it played an important role in history.
The earliest history of the castle is from the 6th century BC, which is amazing.
Over the years, the castle was fortified by several rules.
But the current structure that you can see here dates back to the 12th century.
Nowadays, you can visit the castle and see its historic architecture.
Also, this place is perfect if you want to enjoy a great view of the city of Naples.
Address: Via Eldorado, 3, 80132 Napoli NA
Do a Street Food Tour of Naples
The city of Naples has so much to offer in terms of food and there are many very good restaurants that you can go to.
If you want to experience the city’s cuisine in a very interesting and fun way, one of the best things to do in Naples is a Naples street food tour.
This is a guided tour, during which a local guide takes you on a guided walk to many places in the historic center of Naples.
In total, this tour takes about 2.5 hours, and during this time, you’ll sample great food at many different stops.
For example, you can try local pasta dishes during this tour.
Also, you’ll visit a limoncello factory, which is a lot of fun.
Furthermore, you’ll end this tour with getting delicious gelato that I’m sure you are going to enjoy!
See a Show at the Teatro di San Carlo
The Teatro di San Carlo is a very historic theater that is very nice to see when you are visiting the city of Naples.
This theater dates back to the year 1737 and it features a beautiful neoclassical architectural style.
The theater is an opera house that you can go to to see incredible opera performances that I’m sure you’ll find amazing.
The shows that you can see here are very good, and the historic interior with its beautiful details makes the experience of seeing a show here an incredible one that you’ll like for sure!
Address: Via San Carlo, 98, 80132 Napoli NA
Visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum
Do you like to learn about history? Then, this is one of the best museums in Naples to check out. You can go to the Naples National Archaeological Museum.
At this museum, you can find a lot of very interesting historical artifacts from the city of Naples and its surrounding area.
For example, you can find here interesting objects from Pompeii.
Also, the museum has a significant collection of objects from ancient Greece and Rome.
The museum’s collection contains objects from many different periods in time.
Also, what’s great is that the objects at the museum vary a lot in type.
For example, there are sculptures, decorative arts, and many other types of objects.
Address: Piazza Museo, 19, 80135 Napoli NA
Visit the Royal Palace of Naples
The Royal Palace of Naples is a palace is one of the best Naples attractions that you can find in the city center.
This used to be the official residence of the House of Bourbon.
The palace was completed in the year 1644 and played an important role in history.
Moreover, the palace has a beautiful Italian Baroque architectural style that is amazing to see.
So if you want to see a very historic place and love architecture, you should definitely check out the Royal Palace of Naples when you are doing a trip to the city.
Also, what’s interesting is that you can find a lot of statues at this place of the kings of Naples. For example, you can see Alfonso V of Aragon here.
Address: Piazza del Plebiscito, 1, 80132 Napoli NA
Do a Tour to Mount Vesuvius
When you are in Naples, you should definitely check out the famous Mount Vesuvius.
This is a volcano that is still active and that played an important role in history.
The volcano is well-known for the eruption that occurred here in the year 79 when it destroyed the city of Pompeii and several other Roman places.
You can see the volcano from many places in and near the city of Naples.
Also, it is possible to do a tour and visit the volcano. For example, you can do a tour during which you can walk around the volcano’s crater. This is a very impressive experience during which you can see the size of the volcano.
Furthermore, what’s nice is that you can enjoy a great view from the top of the volcano from here.
Shop at the Galleria Umberto I
The Galleria Umberto I is a very beautiful shopping arcade that you can find next to Teatro di San Carlo.
It is a very large indoor shopping arcade that you should check out for sure when you are in the city of Naples, even if you don’t want to shop.
That’s because the arcade has a very beautiful design and is very impressive to see. Also, it is interesting that this place dates back to the year 1890.
At the shopping gallery, you can find a lot of different stores. For example, there are a lot of boutique shops here.
Also, you can go here to get delicious food, including gelato, which is nice!
Address: Via Santa Brigida, 68, 80132 Napoli NA
Go for a Stroll at the Piazza del Plebiscito
The Piazza del Plebiscito is a very large square that you can find in the city.
It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Naples, which makes it great to visit.
You can see some very historic buildings at this square, which is very interesting to see.
Also, the square is very photogenic because of the symmetry and the historic architecture that surrounds it. So if you want to take photos, you should definitely check out this square.
Besides that, it can be great to go here for a relaxing stroll.
See Contemporary Art at the Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum
Do you like contemporary art? Then, you should definitely go to the Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum.
This is a museum that you can find in the city center of Naples and is very close to many other sights in the city.
You can find the museum in a historic building, the Palazzo Donnaregina.
At the museum, you can find a permanent collection of art by some of the world’s most famous artists. For example, you can find works by Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Sol LeWitt, and several others at this place.
Besides that, you can check out the art museum to see temporary exhibitions of art that are great! Because of this, there’s often something new to see here if you visit the museum more often.
Address: Via Luigi Settembrini, 79, 80139 Napoli NA
Visit the Catacombs of San Gennaro
You also should definitely visit the Catacombs of San Gennaro when you are in the city of Naples.
This is an underground burial and worship place.
It is a very old place where people are buried from about 1500 years ago.
Also, there are beautiful mosaics at this place and there is other art.
You can do a tour of the catacombs and learn more about the place, which can be very interesting.
Moreover, you can find the church of Madre del Buon Consiglio here, which is a very beautiful and large church.
Address: Via Capodimonte, 13, 80100 Napoli NA
Shop at the Via Toledo Shopping Street
Do you like to shop? Then, you should definitely go to Via Toledo.
This is one of the most popular streets in Naples for shopping.
The street dates back to the beginning of the 16th century and you can find a lot of historic buildings in the street.
When you go for a walk here, you can check out the architecture, which is very interesting.
Also, you can find a lot of different shops at this place. For example, you can find the Galleria Umberto I shopping arcade on Via Toledo.
Moreover, what’s great is that you can find both well-known large retailers here as well as old boutique shops.
Learn New Things at the Museo Cappella Sansevero
The Museo Cappella Sansevero is a museum that’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for activities in Naples.
This is a very beautiful chapel that you should not miss out on for sure when you are in the city of Naples.
The inside of this place features a lot of beautiful aspects.
For example, there are amazing historic statues inside of this chapel.
Also, you can see interesting art on the walls of the chapel.
What’s great too is that the stone material that was used to construct the chapel looks very beautiful.
Address: Via Francesco de Sanctis, 19/21, 80134 Napoli NA
Go to Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo is a medieval castle that you can find in the city center of Naples.
The castle was constructed in the year 1279 and it is a very beautiful and impressive building to see.
In the past, this castle was the residence of the kings of Naples and the castle is one of the most famous landmarks in the city.
Throughout the years, the castle was used by many of the city’s rulers. For example, it was used by the Spanish Empire for a time.
You can visit the castle and see the historic spaces of the castle from the inside.
Also, you can find a great collection of art at the castle which means the castle also makes for a great thing to do in Naples if you like art.
Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele III, 80133 Napoli NA
See the Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo
Gesù Nuovo is a church that you can find in the historic city center of the city of Naples.
The church is a very unique building to see when you are doing a trip to the city.
The church has a Baroque architectural style that is lovely to see.
The church was constructed in the year 1750.
When you like architecture, you should definitely go for a walk in the city and check out the exterior of this church.
But you should also go inside the church. Inside, you can see beautiful architecture as well as lots of other beautiful design elements.
Also, there is an altar that is very beautiful to see.
Besides that, there are beautiful works of art at the church.
Address: Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, 2, 80134 Napoli NA
Visit Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano
The Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano is a lovely museum that you can find in the Palazzo Zevallos.
You can find the museum on the famous Via Toledo.
At the museum, you can find a great collection of works of art that spans many centuries in time.
For example, you can find works here from the 17th century, but there are also works by artists from the 19th century, and several other periods in time.
What’s great is that you can see works by very famous artists at this museum. For example, you can see works by Caravaggio, Palizzi, and many others here.
Besides going to this place for the great collection, you should also go to this place for the beautiful building of the museum. For example, there is a beautiful courtyard where you can see architecture.
Address: Via Toledo, 185, 80132 Napoli NA
Go to the Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara
The Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara is a lovely complex of old buildings that you should definitely consider when you are wondering what to do in Naples.
You can see old churches here and a variety of other buildings.
Also, what’s great is that you can see a lot of interesting works of art here. For example, there are tiles with on it scenes from the bible.
If you want to see a beautiful and historic place, this is a great place to check out in the city.
Address: 49/c, Via Santa Chiara, 49/C, 80134 Napoli NA
Learn New Things at the Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa
The Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa is a museum where you can learn about trains and railways.
You can find the museum inside of an old workshop for various vehicles and equipment.
At this museum, you can find a nice collection of historic train cars, such as a royal train carriage. Also, you can see beautiful historic locomotives at this place.
Through the collection of the museum, you can learn about the Italian railways.
What’s great about the museum as well is that it is located next to the first railway that was built in the country of Italy.
Also, you can find a lot of beautiful nature next to the museum that can be great to see as well.
Address: Via Pietrarsa, snc, 80146 Napoli NA
Visit Castel Sant’Elmo
The Castel Sant’Elmo is an interesting medieval castle that you can find on a hill that overlooks the city of Naples.
The first parts of the castle date back to the 13th century, but throughout the year there were many renovations. The castle got its last buildings in the year 1537.
Nowadays, the castle is still in use by the government, but it can also be visited by the public.
Inside of the castle, you can find permanent art exhibits that are very interesting to see.
Also, it can interesting to see the inside of the castle when you go to this place.
Another reason to visit the Castel Sant’Elmo is the amazing view. You’ll be able to see the city of Naples, the bay of the city, and Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Address: Via Tito Angelini, 20/A, 80129 Napoli NA
Go to the Palazzo delle Arti Napoli
Yet another one of the best activities in Naples for lovers of art is going to the Palazzo delle Arti di Napoli.
This is a museum in the city that is located inside a historic building.
At this museum, you can often attend great temporary exhibitions of art.
What’s great about these exhibitions is that they are very diverse. For example, you can see here contemporary paintings, graphics, design, and many other types of contemporary art.
I love the contrast between the historic building and the contemporary art that you can find inside of it.
Also, what’s great is that there there are often other events at the Palazzo delle Arti di Napoli. For example, there are sometimes educational activities here.
Address: Via dei Mille, 60, 80121 Napoli NA
Visit the Certosa e Museo di San Martino
The Certosa e Museo di San Martino is another great sight in Naples to check out.
This is a former complex of a monastery that you can find next to the Castel Sant’Elmo on a hill in the city. This is the Vomero Hill and when you visit this place, you can get a great view of Naples and the surrounding areas from here.
It can be very interesting to see a historic monastery complex, especially if you like history.
Besides that, the museum that you can find at this place showcases a great collection of all kinds of historic objects from the time that the Spanish and the Bourbons ruled Naples. Also, you can find great examples of religious art here.
Address: Largo S. Martino, 5, 80129 Napoli NA
Explore the Museo Pignatelli
The Museo Pignatelli is a very interesting museum that you can find in the city of Naples.
The village was created in the year 1826 and features a neoclassical design. it was the residence of Ferdinand Acton.
The building is very beautiful to see because of the design of its exterior.
Also, what’s interesting is that the village was owned by very famous people in the past. For example, the villa was owned by Carl Mayer von Rothschild for a short time.
Nowadays, the building can be visited by the public. This means that you can also see the beautiful interior of the village, which also features amazing architecture.
Furthermore, there is a beautiful garden next to the villa that is perfect for a relaxing walk.
Address: Riviera di Chiaia, 200, 80121 Napoli NA
Go to the Naples Zoo
The Naples Zoo is a lovely zoo that you can find in the city of Naples.
The Naples Zoo is a zoo that dates back to the year 1949.
At the zoo, you can find about 100 different species of animals that are very interesting to see.
For example, you can go here to see hippopotamuses, elephants, reptiles, birds, and many other animals.
It can be great to visit the zoo and go for a relaxing stroll while checking out the many different species of animals.
Also, what’s great is that the zoo features a lot of beautiful nature. And there are many different species of plants to see at the zoo as well.
Address: Via Terracina, 197, Viale John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 76, 80125 Napoli NA
Explore Herculaneum
Herculaneum was a town during ancient Roman times. However, the town was destroyed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that took place in the year 79.
What’s interesting about Herculaneum is that it is a city that is very well preserved.
The ash that covered the town during the eruption protected the town against other elements.
Although Pompeii, which was also destroyed in the eruption, is more well-known, Herculaneum is great to visit as well.
What’s great about Herculaneum is that the material that covered this town preserved many wooden and other organic elements of the town. For example, there are still ancient beds that you can see here.
What’s interesting about Herculaneum as well is that it was a town for the elites of the Romans. There are a lot of luxurious houses here.
Address: Corso Resina, 187, 80056 Ercolano NA
Do a Trip to Capri
Capri is a beautiful island that you can find very close to the city of Naples.
The island is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, which is next to the Gulf of Naples.
Capri, the main town of the island, is an ancient town that was popular during Roman times.
What’s great about Capri is that the town features a lot of very colorful and picturesque houses.
Also, what’s amazing about the island is that it features very beautiful blue water.
If you want to transport yourself to a paradise, Capri is a great place for that.
When you are in the city of Naples, you can do a day trip to this place. This is possible by boat and there are many tour companies that offer a guided day trip.
Go to the Galleria Borbonica
The Galleria Borbonica, or Bourbon Tunnel in English, is an underground passage and seeing it is one of the most unique Naples things to do.
The passage was created to connect the Royal Palace to military barracks.
This was done by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon because of fears of revolution by the population of Naples. The passage could move troops, and also the passage was an escape route for the royals.
Address: Via Domenico Morelli, 61 c, 80121 Napoli NA
Do a Day Trip to Sorrento
Sorrento is a great town that you can find very close to the city of Naples.
It is a very popular destination and it can be great to go here for a day from the city of Naples.
By car, you can get to Sorrento in a bit more than 1 hour, and it takes you about 1.5 hours to get from Naples to Sorrento by public transport.
Sorrento has a lovely atmosphere and you can find a lot of historic buildings in the town that can be great to see.
Furthermore, there are many shops, including great local ones.
Also, what’s great is that there are great museums and authentic restaurants that serve delicious food in Sorrento.
Another aspect of Sorrento that makes it nice is that there are many viewpoints.
See Art at the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte
You should definitely not miss out on the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte when you are looking for things to do in Naples.
This is a museum in the city that houses a collection of close to 50,000 works of art.
What’s great is that the collection contains works from many periods in history.
For example, you can see modern and contemporary works here, but there are also works from the Middle Ages and other parts of history.
Moreover, there are many famous artists whose works are on display at this museum. For example, you can go here and see works by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo.
Furthermore, you can find a beautiful park at the museum where you can see many species of plants.
Address: Via Miano, 2, 80131 Napoli NA
Do a Day Trip to the Amalfi Coast
Although Naples has so many great sights to explore, there are a lot of very nice places nearby that can be great to visit when you are spending some time in Naples.
One of the best places near the city is the Amalfi Coast.
If you want to explore the Amalfi Coast, you can do a guided day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Naples.
During this guided day trip that takes 8 hours in total, you’ll visit some of the most beautiful villages on the coast. For example, you’ll see Positano, a village with amazing viewpoints, Amalfi, Ravello, and more places.
Also, it is possible to do an optional boat cruise during this guided trip. During this boat cruise, you can see Amalfi from the water.
See the Unique Toledo Metro Station
The Toledo Metro Station is a very unique metro station that you can see in Naples.
This is a metro station that you’ll likely see when you are spending some time in the city as it is part of the good public transportation network of the city.
Besides being a popular metro station because of its convenience, the metro station is also great because of how beautiful it looks.
There is an escalator here that is surrounded by a beautiful blue and purple mosaic that is a piece of art that is amazing. You might want to go up and down the escalator a few times to see the art!
Go for a Walk at Parque de Capodimonte
The Parque de Capodimonte is an urban park that you can find in the Capodimonte area of the city of Naples.
it is one of the most visited places in the city.
The park was opened to the public in the year 1743 and is a very beautiful place that is perfect if you want to relax when doing a city trip to the city of Naples.
You can find a lot of beautiful nature here and there are many walking paths that you can walk on to explore this nature.
Also, you can find beautiful structures in the park. For example, the Belvedere Fountain can be amazing to check out.
Furthermore, you can find a museum in the park where you can see beautiful art. So you can combine going to the park and the museum when you are here.
See the Naples Cathedral
The Naples Cathedral is the main church of the city of Naples and the church is the seat of the Archbishop of Naples. It’s one of the most interesting landmarks in Naples to see.
The construction of the church took several centuries. The first constructions started in the 13th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the church was completely finished.
The church building is amazing to see and features a beautiful design that combines a variety of architectural styles, such as Gothic and Baroque.
Inside, you can see very beautiful designs as well.
For example, the inside of the dome is amazing to see. On it, you can see beautiful golden elements and artworks that are stunning.
Also, you can find a lot of interesting and historic religious objects.
Address: Via Duomo, 147, 80138 Napoli NA
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Naples Things To Do Tips
Here’s a food tip for you! You can go to L’antica Pizzeria da Michele. This is a great restaurant in the city center where you can get very delicious, authentic, and cheap pizza.
Also, if you’re wondering what to do in Naples and you want to do as much as possible during your time there, you can buy the Naples Pass. With this pass, you can get access to many of the city’s sights and you can get many other benefits from it. Also, there are several versions of the pass.
Thanks for reading my guide to the best things to do in Naples. I hope you found some great activities you want to do.