With classical architecture, unbeatable pizza and round-the-clock vibrancy, Naples remains one of Italy’s most exciting cities to visit.
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.
Where to stay in Naples
Chiaia
2.5/5(2 area reviews)
Mingle with the locals in the historic park, explore the little aquarium or gaze out to sea from this stylish part of the Italian city of “Napoli.”
Sample the irresistible wares of a chocolate factory, see a bridge to nowhere and explore the narrow maze of streets in this neighborhood that starting taking shape in the ’60s and ’70s.
Located in Naples City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi and Spaccanapoli. Naples Cathedral and Naples Underground are ...…Located in Naples City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi and Spaccanapoli. Naples Cathedral and Naples Underground are ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (2,031 reviews)
"Nice location for Naples city centre. Easy access to metro and taxis, metro is across the road and taxis is 10m away. An abundance of restaurants surrounding you so it's a matter of picking the right one. Wine tasting was a nice experience as we got to learn about wine from Campania region. Overall ..."…""Nice location for Naples city centre. Easy access to metro and taxis, metro is across the road and taxis is 10m away. An abundance of restaurants surrounding you so it's a matter of picking the right one. Wine tasting was a nice experience as we got to learn about wine from Campania region. Overall ..."WWW…"
Located in Historical Center, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Castel dell'Ovo, Royal Palace and Teatro di San Carlo. Galleria Umberto and Molo Beverello ...…Located in Historical Center, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Castel dell'Ovo, Royal Palace and Teatro di San Carlo. Galleria Umberto and Molo Beverello ...WWW…
4/5Very Good! (1,730 reviews)
"Nice hotel, good location, good value for money, friendly staff"…""Nice hotel, good location, good value for money, friendly staff"WWW…"
Located in Historical Center, this hotel is steps away from Via Partenope and Gulf of Naples. Castel dell'Ovo and Lungomare Caracciolo are also within 10 minutes. ...…Located in Historical Center, this hotel is steps away from Via Partenope and Gulf of Naples. Castel dell'Ovo and Lungomare Caracciolo are also within 10 minutes. ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (835 reviews)
"This hotel is along the shoreline and has a very nice, courteous staff. They were helpful with trips and other sight-seeing we wanted to do."…""This hotel is along the shoreline and has a very nice, courteous staff. They were helpful with trips and other sight-seeing we wanted to do."WWW…"
Explore the ancient city of Pompeii, one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world, and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Amalfi Coast. With your local driver leading the way, soak up the charming atmosphere of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
Explore Pompeii, one of the world's most visited archaeological sites, and enjoy a drive up to the crater of Mount Vesuvius, which destroyed the city and preserved its ruins in ash in 79 AD. A glimpse of ancient Roman culture and panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples await you.
Take the chance to visit the best villages on the Amalfi Coast. The twisty road, suspended between the sea and the slopes of Lattari Mountains, offers a stunning view of the overhanging shore. You will have the chance to take several photos during brief stops.
Explore the enchanting island of Capri on this full-day tour from Naples. See Roman ruins and designer boutiques as you stroll through the town's narrow streets. A delicious lunch at a local restaurant completes your unique experience.
Amalfi Coast Experience: Small-Group Tour from Sorrento
CA $55
Drive along the Amalfi Coast passing spectacular views and rolling hills on your way to visit three of the most beautiful villages in the south of Italy—Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Enjoy leisure time to explore at your own pace and roam narrow streets lined by centuries-old buildings.
The Three Tenors and the Great Neapolitan Mandolins
CA $37
Visit: Chiesa di Santa Maria della Colonna, Via Dei Tribunali 282, 80138, Naples Italy The Monumental Complex of Santa Maria della Colonna reopened after a long restoration, is located in the heart of Naples, Via dei Tribunali, and includes the Church and the monumental Cloister.
Everyone warned us about safety in Naples. We didn’t feel unsafe once. And the people were so nice!
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Oct 19, 2019
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.
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveler
Oct 17, 2019
I found Naples to be my least favorite spot out of all that we visited in Italy, nothing special, it was dark and dingy. We were however easily able to access a ferry to Capri Island and rent a car to drive to Amalfi, which were both wonderful.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Oct 8, 2019
Had a great time. It's a pity about graffiti totally everywhere!
2/5 - Disappointing
Verified traveler
Oct 3, 2019
A very dirty city where driving looks impossible on very narrow crowded streetswith no names.
