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
Via Toledo and Molo Beverello Port 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 Piazza del Plebiscito or Molo Beverello Port, 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 May 1, 2024
Reviewed on May 2, 2024
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Reviewed on Sep. 27, 2023
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.
Piazza del Plebiscito
You can learn about the local history of Naples when you make a stop at a well-known site like Piazza del Plebiscito. Take in the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Via Toledo
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home with a trip to Via Toledo, a favorite shopping spot in Naples. Discover the area's fascinating museums, or seek out its local tours.
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, Anacapri and Blue Grotto with a Small Group
Small Group Tour of Capri & Blue Grotto from Naples and Sorrento
Reviews of Naples
5/5 - Excellent
Although Naples is loud, rather dirty and a quite run down in many areas, it has a certain vibe - its alive and authentic. I have travelled all over the world in the past 50 years but Naples is one of the best places I have visited.
4/5 - Good
I really enjoyed my time. There were lots of fun and unique tours to take. Overall very happy with my trip.
4/5 - Good
Naples is a crazy city. Scooters everywhere. It’s messy and chaotic BUT if you take simple precautions it’s a fantastic, friendly city.
3/5 - Okay
Dirty city. Lots of beggers. Gorgeous views.
5/5 - Excellent
Everyone warned us about safety in Naples. We didn’t feel unsafe once. And the people were so nice!
5/5 - Excellent
WE LOVE THIS CITY. VERY EXHUBERANT AND LIVELY. MUCH SAFER FEELING AND CLEANER THAN WHEN I WENT THERE THE FIRST TIME IN 2002. WILL GO BACK IN THE FUTURE.
