Discovering Naples, Italy: What to see in the city

Picture this: You’re standing on a bustling street, the aroma of wood-fired pizza wafting through the air, the sound of animated Italian conversations filling your ears, and the sight of Mount Vesuvius looming in the distance. Welcome to Naples, Italy, a city that will captivate your senses and steal your heart faster than you can say “mozzarella di bufala.”

I’ll never forget the first time I visited Naples. I expected a rough-around-the-edges city with great pizza. What I discovered was a vibrant, complex metropolis bursting with history, art, and a zest for life that’s unmatched anywhere else in Italy. Naples isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that will change the way you see Italy forever.

Why Naples Should be Your next Italian Adventure

Naples often gets overlooked in favor of Rome, Florence, or Venice. But let me tell you, that’s a mistake you don’t want to make. This southern Italian gem has a flavor all its own, and once you’ve experienced it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t come sooner.

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room – Naples’ reputation. Yes, it’s a bit gritty. Yes, it’s chaotic. But that’s part of its charm. Naples is real, raw, and unapologetically itself. It’s a city where life is lived out loud, where passion runs through the streets as surely as the traffic does.

But beyond the bustling streets and the (admittedly insane) traffic, Naples is a treasure trove of art, history, and culture. It’s the birthplace of pizza, for crying out loud! If that’s not enough to convince you, I don’t know what is.

From world-class museums housing priceless artifacts to underground catacombs that will send shivers down your spine, from baroque churches that will leave you slack-jawed to street art that will make you question everything you thought you knew about graffiti – Naples has it all.

And let’s not forget the food. Oh, the food! I’m talking pizza that will ruin you for all other pizzas, pasta that will make you weep with joy, and espresso so good you’ll want to bathe in it. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for visiting Naples.

But what really sets Naples apart is its people. Neapolitans are some of the warmest, most passionate people you’ll ever meet. They love their city fiercely and are always eager to share its wonders with visitors. Their energy is infectious, and you’ll find yourself falling in love with Naples through their eyes.

So, if you’re ready for an Italian adventure that goes beyond the usual tourist trail, if you’re prepared to dive headfirst into a city that will challenge and charm you in equal measure, then Naples is calling your name. Let me show you why this southern Italian powerhouse should be at the top of your travel list.

5 Must-Do Experiences in Naples

Now that I’ve (hopefully) convinced you to give Naples a chance, let’s dive into the good stuff. Here are five experiences you absolutely can’t miss on your first visit to this incredible city.

Explore the Historic Center of Naples (Centro Storico)

Naples’ historic center isn’t just old – it’s ancient. We’re talking Greek and Roman ancient. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinth of narrow streets, grand piazzas, and hidden treasures that will keep you exploring for days.

Start your journey at Spaccanapoli, the street that “splits Naples in two.” This long, straight road cuts through the heart of the old city and is the perfect introduction to Neapolitan life. As you wander, you’ll come across tiny shops selling everything from handmade nativity scenes (a Neapolitan specialty) to limoncello.

Don’t miss the Duomo do Napoli, the Cathedral of Naples. Two blocks away, you’ll find the Cappella Sansevero, home to the mind-boggling Veiled Christ sculpture. I swear, you’ll spend at least 15 minutes trying to figure out how a piece of marble can look so much like fabric.

For a glimpse into Naples’ more recent past, head to Via San Gregorio Armeno, better known as “Christmas Alley.” Here, artisans craft intricate nativity scenes year-round. It’s magical at Christmas, but fascinating any time of year. There are many other small shops to explore for antiques, art, and souvenirs.

As you explore, make sure to stop for a sfogliatella (a shell-shaped pastry filled with sweet ricotta) and a shot of espresso. Trust me, you’ll need the energy to keep up with this vibrant neighborhood.

Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes. The streets in the historic center are often uneven, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Also, keep an eye on your belongings – like any busy tourist area, pickpockets can be a problem.

Indulge in the World’s Best Pizza

I know I’ve mentioned pizza already, but it deserves its own section. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and they take it very, very seriously here. Forget everything you think you know about pizza – until you’ve had authentic Neapolitan pizza, you haven’t really had pizza.

My personal favorite is L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. This place is an institution, and for good reason. They only serve two types of pizza – Margherita and Marinara – but they’ve perfected them. The moment I bit into that Margherita, with its perfectly charred crust, sweet San Marzano tomato sauce, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil, I swear I heard angels sing.

But don’t stop there. Naples is full of amazing pizzerias, each with its own loyal following. Try Sorbillo for a more varied menu (their pizza with ‘nduja is a spicy revelation), or head to Starita in the Materdei neighborhood for their famous Montanara – a pizza that’s lightly fried before being topped and baked.

For a more modern take, check out 50 Kalò. They focus on high-quality, often organic ingredients, and the result is a lighter, more refined pizza that’s still unmistakably Neapolitan.

Remember, Neapolitan pizza is meant to be eaten with a knife and fork. The center is often soft and soupy – that’s not a flaw, it’s a feature! Embrace the mess and enjoy every bite.

Pro tip: Many of the best pizzerias have long queues, especially at peak times. Go early or be prepared to wait. It’s worth it, I promise.

Dive into History at the National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli)

If you’re a history buff (or even if you’re not), the National Archaeological Museum of Naples is a must-visit. This place is a treasure trove of ancient art and artifacts, many of which were excavated from nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum.

As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by the Farnese Bull, an enormous sculptural group carved from a single block of marble. It’s mind-blowing. But that’s just the beginning. The museum is home to an incredible collection of Roman statues, including the famous Farnese Hercules.

But for me, the real highlights are the artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Seeing everyday objects – from cooking utensils to jewelry – preserved from the moment Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD is incredibly moving. It’s like looking through a window into daily life nearly 2000 years ago.

Don’t miss the mosaic collection, especially the Alexander Mosaic. This enormous piece depicts a battle between Alexander the Great and Darius of Persia, and the detail is astounding. I spent a good 20 minutes just staring at it, trying to take in every tiny tessera.

And then there’s the “Secret Cabinet.” This collection of erotic art from Pompeii and Herculaneum was considered too scandalous for public view when it was first discovered. It was hidden away for years and only fully opened to the public in 2000. It’s fascinating (and yes, a bit titillating) to see this unfiltered glimpse into ancient attitudes towards sexuality.

Pro tip: The museum is huge, and there’s a lot to take in. I’d recommend spreading your visit over two days if you can. And definitely get the audio guide – it’s packed with interesting tidbits that bring the artifacts to life.

Get Lost in the Spanish Quarters

For a taste of authentic Neapolitan life, head to the Quartieri Spagnoli, or Spanish Quarters. This maze-like neighborhood was originally built to house Spanish troops in the 16th century. Today, it’s a vibrant, working-class area that perfectly captures the spirit of Naples.

At first glance, the Spanish Quarters can seem a bit intimidating. The streets are narrow and winding, laundry hangs between buildings, and scooters zip by at alarming speeds. But dive in, and you’ll discover a neighborhood full of life and character.

This is where you’ll find some of the best street food in Naples. Try the frittatina (fried pasta balls) from Friggitoria Vomero – they’re crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and utterly addictive. Or grab a cuoppo, a paper cone filled with an assortment of fried goodies, perfect for munching as you explore.

The Spanish Quarters are also home to some of Naples’ best street art. Keep an eye out for the massive Maradona mural – Diego Maradona is practically a god in Naples, and this portrait is like a shrine. I saw locals and tourists alike stopping to take photos and pay their respects.

As you wander, pop into the tiny churches scattered throughout the neighborhood. They may look plain from the outside, but inside you’ll often find baroque splendor that rivals the city’s more famous churches.

If you walk all the way down to the end of Toledo Road, you run into the Piazza del Plebiscito. We stayed in this area and loved sitting out at the cafes watching people. They also put on concerts in the summer right in front of the Royal Palace of Naples.

Take a Day Trip to Visit Pompeii

Okay, technically Pompeii isn’t in Naples, but it’s so close and so incredible that I had to include it. This ancient Roman city, preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world and is an easy day trip from the Garibaldi Train station.

Walking through the streets of Pompeii is like stepping back in time. The level of preservation is astounding – you can see ruts in the streets from cart wheels, graffiti on walls, and even carbonized food left on counters. It’s a stark and moving reminder of the human cost of the eruption.

Some of my favorite spots in Pompeii include the Forum, which was the center of public life in the city, and the Villa of the Mysteries, with its enigmatic frescoes. The plaster casts of the eruption’s victims are haunting but incredibly powerful.

Don’t miss the House of the Faun, one of the largest and most impressive homes in Pompeii. The original of the Alexander Mosaic (which you saw in the Archaeological Museum) was found here.

If you’re up for it, climb to the top of Mount Vesuvius while you’re there. The hike is steep but relatively short, and the views over the Bay of Naples are spectacular. Plus, there’s something thrilling about standing on top of an active volcano.

Pro tip: Pompeii is huge, and there’s a lot of walking involved. Wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and consider taking a guided tour. They can help bring the ancient ruins to life and ensure you don’t miss any of the highlights. Here is the tour we took.

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Naples: Your Gateway to Southern Italian Adventure

As I sit here, sipping an espresso and watching the sun set over the Bay of Naples, I’m already planning my next visit. There’s so much more to explore – the eerie Catacombs of San Gennaro, the panoramic views from Castel Dell’ovo, the peaceful cloisters of Santa Chiara, the vibrant street markets of Pignasecca…

Plus there is the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri to visit.

Naples, Italy is a city that reveals itself slowly, layer by layer. Each visit peels back another level, exposing more of its complex, beautiful soul. It’s a city that challenges you, excites you, and ultimately captivates you.

From its incredible food to its rich history, from its passionate people to its stunning setting, Naples offers an Italian experience like no other. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s utterly unforgettable.

Quick Tips for touring Naples

Safety in Naples

Many people ask is Naples a safe place to go. In our opinion, yes! Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots. There are pickpockets out there and there are those that may try to distract you so that they can rob you. Just be aware of where you are and you can avoid these things. We were only out late at night once but never felt as though we were unsafe. As with any place, keep your wits about you.

Buy tickets in advance

We discovered through our trip that we did indeed need to plan and buy tickets in advance. If you want to see The Veiled Christ in the Sansevero Chapel, you will need to get tickets because they sell out fast.

Also, make sure you also check the hours and times for the museums and churches. Some are not open on Monday and Tuesday and planning ahead will allow you to see more.

Getting Around

Public transport is pretty easy to use in Naples. We took the metro most days. Make sure you check out the Toledo Metro station as it is dubbed the most beautiful metro station in Naples. Truthfully, most everything is within walking distance if you like to walk. There were days we would take the metro to our destination and then walk back.

Bring a backup charger

One of the things this trip has taught me? Take more pictures! But in order to do that, remember to bring the battery charger. Phones that are a little older seem to run out of juice quickly and finding a charging station in the middle of Naples can be challenging.

Buon Viaggio!

So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to fall in love with Naples. Trust me, once you’ve experienced this slice of southern Italian heaven, you’ll never see Italy the same way again.

Want to know more about Naples and other incredible Italian destinations? Check out our blog on Florence and Wine tasting in Tuscany! We also took a trip down to Sorrento which is definitely worth seeing.