Naples, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Visitng Naples
Visitng Naples

Naples, renowned for its vibrant blend of chaos and charm, stands as a testament to Italy's rich history, architectural marvels, and cultural depth, not to mention its stunning natural scenery. It ranks as Italy's third largest city, trailing only Rome and Milan, and is nestled in the southern part of the country, within the Campania region.

The city is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, where every turn reveals majestic castles, churches, and palaces, each with their own captivating tales. Even without stepping inside landmarks like Castel dell’Ovo, the Duomo, San Francesco di Paola Basilica, or the Royal Palace, simply meandering through Naples’ picturesque streets can captivate any visitor.

The allure extends beyond Naples itself, with the surrounding region offering a plethora of intriguing sites, making the city an ideal hub for excursions to Pompeii, Capri, Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano, and Mount Vesuvius.

After a day of discovery, there’s no better way to satisfy your appetite than by savoring the local Neapolitan cuisine at a traditional eatery. After all, this city is the proud birthplace of pizza!

History of Naples

Naples, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, boasts a rich and complex history that spans nearly three millennia. The city’s strategic location in the Bay of Naples along the Mediterranean Sea has made it a cultural and economic hub throughout history.

Foundation and Greek Period

Naples was founded in the late 7th century BCE by Greek settlers from nearby Cumae and was originally named Neapolis (New City). It was a part of the larger Greek cultural sphere in southern Italy, often referred to as Magna Graecia.

Roman Era

In the 4th century BCE, Naples came under Roman control. During the Roman period, Naples maintained a degree of autonomy, allowed to keep much of its Hellenistic culture and language. The city became a favored vacation spot for wealthy Romans and emperors, drawn by its beauty and its cultural offerings, including theatres and baths.

Middle Ages

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Naples was successively conquered by the Goths, Byzantines, and Lombards. In the 8th century, it became an independent duchy, though it was often caught in the power struggles between the Pope and the Holy Roman Empire. In 1139, Naples became part of the Kingdom of Sicily under the Normans, and later, the Angevin rulers made it the capital of their kingdom, which covered most of present-day Southern Italy.

Spanish and Austrian Rule

The 16th century brought Spanish rule under the Habsburgs, marking a period of economic and social decline but also enriching its cultural and architectural heritage. The Spanish introduced their administrative system and left a substantial architectural imprint on the city with new castles, palaces, and churches. In the early 18th century, Naples fell under Austrian control briefly before passing back to the Spanish (and later Bourbon) dynasty.

Italian Unification

In 1860, following a plebiscite and the expedition of the Thousand led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, Naples became part of the newly unified Kingdom of Italy. The unification marked the end of feudalism and the beginning of a modern administrative state, although the transition was fraught with economic and social challenges.

Modern Era

Through the 19th and 20th centuries, Naples faced significant challenges, including poverty, crime, and political corruption, but it also saw periods of cultural renaissance and economic activity. The city was heavily bombed during World War II, which caused extensive damage and hardship. Post-war reconstruction was slow, and many historical buildings were replaced with less distinguished architecture.

Contemporary Naples

Today, Naples is renowned for its rich history, art, culture, architecture, music, and gastronomy. It retains a unique character within Italy, embodying a blend of historical influences and a vibrant street life. Despite ongoing challenges, it continues to be a major economic and cultural center in southern Italy.

Naples’ extensive history is visible in its wide array of archaeological sites, ancient and medieval architecture, and the urban fabric, making it a deeply fascinating city to explore.

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting Naples for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Naples on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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21 Best places to See in Naples

This complete guide to Naples not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Naples and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Naples Cathedral

Main Facade of Naples Cathedral
Main Facade of Naples Cathedral
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Yair Haklai
Naples Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary but better known as the Cathedral of Saint Januarius, is one of the best places to visit in Naples if you want to understand the city’s soul. Rising above the tight weave of streets in the historic centre, this Angevin Gothic church is layered over earlier paleo-Christian basilicas, with excavations…
Location: Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Via Duomo, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Daily from 8 am to 12:30 pm, and from 4:30 pm to 7 pm. | Price: Free entry. Baptistery: € 2 (£ 1.70) | Website | Distance: 0.7km

We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

San Lorenzo Maggiore

Macellum of Naples
Macellum of Naples
CC BY-SA 3.0 / everyfoto
San Lorenzo Maggiore sits right at the geographic centre of ancient Neapolis, where via San Gregorio Armeno meets via dei Tribunali, and it is one of the top attractions in Naples for travellers who love places with multiple layers of history. At street level you see a Gothic Franciscan church with later Baroque chapels, a quiet cloister, and a museum;…
Location: San Lorenzo Maggiore, Piazza San Gaetano, Naples, NA, Italy | Hours: Daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm | Price: Archaeological site and museum: Adults: €9 | Distance: 0.9km

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Naples. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

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Chiesa delle Cape di Morte

Chiesa delle Cape di Morte
Chiesa delle Cape di Morte
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
Tucked away in the historic heart of Naples, the Chiesa delle Cape di Morte (Church of the Skulls) is one of the must-see places in Naples if you are intrigued by the city’s more mysterious side. Consecrated in 1638, this dual-level church looks modest from the outside, but inside it reveals a striking contrast: an upper church filled with Baroque…
Location: Complesso Museale Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco, Via dei Tribunali, 39, 80138 Napoli, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10.00 – 17.00 Sunday: 10.00 – 14.00 | Price: Upper Church free entry, Guided tours €7 | Website | Distance: 1.0km

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Cappella Sansevero

The Veiled Christ anagoria
The Veiled Christ anagoria
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Anagoria
Hidden in the narrow streets near San Domenico Maggiore, the Cappella Sansevero (Chapel of Santa Maria della Pietà) is one of the top attractions in Naples for travelers who love art with a touch of mystery. From the outside it looks almost unassuming, but once you step inside you are surrounded by glowing marble, coloured marbles, symbolism, and one of…
Location: Cappella Sansevero, Via Francesco de Sanctis, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Wednesday to Monday: 9:00 to 19:00. Closed Tuesdays. | Price: Adults: €12.00 | Website | Distance: 1.1km

Where to Stay in Naples: An Area by Area Guide!

Santa Chiara

Naples   Santa Chiara   Cloitre
Naples Santa Chiara Cloitre
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Jean-Christophe BENOIST
Santa Chiara is far more than a single church: it is a whole religious world tucked along Via Benedetto Croce, the eastern stretch of Spaccanapoli, directly facing the flamboyant Gesù Nuovo. Built between 1313 and 1340 by Queen Sancha of Majorca and King Robert of Naples, this Clarissan complex combines church, monastery, royal tombs, cloister, and an archaeological museum. Its…
Location: Santa Chiara, Via Santa Chiara, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Monastery (Cloisters): Monday to Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm. Sunday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Church: Monday to Sunday 7:45 – 12:45/16:40 – 20:00 | Price: Adults: €7.00 | Website | Distance: 1.4km

Explore Naples at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Naples one of the best places to visit in Italy.

National Archeological Museum

National Archeological Museum, Naples
National Archeological Museum, Naples
Public Domain / Shonagon
Set just north of Naples’ historic centre, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) is one of the best places to visit in Naples if you’re fascinated by ancient history, art, and archaeology. Housed in a monumental former Bourbon palace that once served as cavalry barracks and later as the Palazzo dei Regi Studi, the museum feels imposing before you…
Location: National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Piazza Museo, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Wednesday to Monday: 9 am to 7:30 pm. Tuesdays: closed. | Price: Adults: €20.00 | Website | Distance: 1.5km
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Piazza Dante

Monument of Dante Alighieri in Piazza Dante Napoli
Monument of Dante Alighieri in Piazza Dante Napoli
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mstyslav Chernov
On warm summer evenings, Piazza Dante turns into an outdoor living room for Naples. Families stroll around the wide square, kids chase balloons, teenagers gather on benches, and groups of friends linger over late dinners or card games under the glow of streetlights. With Via Toledo on one side and the historic streets of the centro storico behind it, this…
Location: Piazza Dante, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: There is no fee to enjoy the square itself | Distance: 1.6km

Castel Nuovo

Castel Nuovo Naples
Castel Nuovo Naples
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ra Boe / Wikipedia
Commanding the skyline by Piazza Municipio and the busy port, Castel Nuovo, better known locally as Maschio Angioino, is one of the must-see places in Naples for anyone curious about royal courts, battles, and shifting dynasties. Built in 1279 under Charles I of Anjou, this massive fortress became the new heart of power when the Sicilian capital moved from Palermo…
Location: Castel Nuovo, Via Vittorio Emanuele III, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 to 18:00. Sunday: 10:00 to 1300. | Price: Adults: €10.00 | Website | Distance: 2.0km

Galleria Umberto I

Interno cupola Galleria Umberto I
Interno cupola Galleria Umberto I
CC BY-SA 3.0 / pietro scerrato
Galleria Umberto I is one of the top sights in Naples if you love grand urban spaces where architecture, history, and daily life flow together under a soaring glass dome. Built between 1887 and 1890 as part of the great “risanamento” that reshaped the city, this cross-shaped arcade was designed by Emanuele Rocco in the Stile Umbertino and quickly became…
Location: Galleria Umberto I, Via Santa Brigida, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: As a public passage, the Galleria is generally open from early morning until late evening, with individual shops and cafés keeping their own hours. | Price: There is no entrance fee. | Distance: 2.1km

Museo di Capodimonte

Reggia di Capodimonte
Reggia di Capodimonte
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mentnafunangann
High above the bustle of Naples, the Museo di Capodimonte sits in a stately Bourbon palace surrounded by leafy parkland, overlooking the city and the Bay. This is one of the best places to visit in Naples if you want to dive deep into Italian art history, from medieval panel paintings and Renaissance icons to Caravaggio’s drama and cutting-edge contemporary…
Location: Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, Via Miano, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Thursday to Tuesday; Ground floor: 8:30 am to 7:30 pm. First and second floors: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Closed Wednesdays. | Price: Adults: €14.00 | Website | Distance: 2.2km

Teatro di San Carlo

Teatro San Carlo naples
Teatro San Carlo naples
Public Domain / Sony photographer
Teatro di San Carlo is one of the top attractions in Naples for anyone who loves music, architecture, or a bit of royal drama. Tucked just behind the Royal Palace and a few steps from Piazza del Plebiscito, this 18th-century opera house has been in almost continuous use since 1737, making it older than both La Scala in Milan and…
Location: Teatro di San Carlo, Via San Carlo, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Guided tours: Monday to Saturday (excluding holidays): 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm. | Price: Adults: € 9 (£ 7.70). Young people under 30/seniors over 60: € 7 (£ 6). Children under 10 years old: € 4 (£ 3.40). | Website | Distance: 2.2km

Catacombs of San Gennaro

Catacombe di San Gennaro
Catacombe di San Gennaro
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dominik Matus
Carved into the soft volcanic tuff on the northern slopes of Naples, the Catacombs of San Gennaro reveal a hidden city of the dead beneath the lively streets of Rione Sanità. Spread over two levels—San Gennaro Superiore and San Gennaro Inferiore—this vast paleo-Christian complex once formed part of three cemeteries dedicated to Saints Gaudiosus, Severus, and Januarius, with the latter…
Location: Catacombs of San Gennaro, Via Capodimonte, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: From Mondays to Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm (Last admission 5 pm); Closed on Wednesdays | Price: Adults: €13.00 | Website | Distance: 2.3km
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Royal Palace of Naples

Main Facade of Royal Palace of Naples
Main Facade of Royal Palace of Naples
CC BY-SA 3.0 / pietro scerrato
The Royal Palace of Naples, or Palazzo Reale di Napoli, is one of the top attractions in Naples if you want to understand how power, art, and everyday life converged in the former capital of the Kingdom of Naples. Rising along one side of Piazza del Plebiscito, this vast palace once served as one of the four main residences of…
Location: Royal Palace of Naples, Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Thursday to Tuesday: 9:00 to 20:00. Closed Wednesdays. | Price: Adults: €15.00 | Website | Distance: 2.3km

Piazza del Plebiscito

Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples
Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Argo Navis
Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the top sights in Naples if you want a single place that captures the city’s history, grandeur, and contemporary spirit. Spreading out just a short stroll from the bay, the square is framed by the Royal Palace on one side and the sweeping colonnades and dome of the church of San Francesco di Paola…
Location: Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: As a public square, Piazza del Plebiscito is accessible at all hours | Price: Free | Distance: 2.4km
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San Martino Monastery

San Martino Monastery and Museum
San Martino Monastery and Museum
CC BY-SA 3.0 / pietro scerrato
High above the chaos of Naples, the Certosa di San Martino crowns the Vomero hill alongside Castel Sant’Elmo, looking out over the Gulf, Vesuvius, and the jumble of rooftops below. Once a secluded Carthusian monastery founded in 1368 under Queen Joan I and dedicated to St Martin of Tours, it is now one of the top sights in Naples for…
Location: Largo S. Martino, 5, 80129 Napoli NA, Italy | Hours: Thursday to Tuesday: 8:30 - 17:00; Closed on Wednesdays | Price: Adults: €9.00 | Website | Distance: 2.5km

San Francesco di Paola

Basilica de San Francesco di Paola, Napoles
Basilica de San Francesco di Paola, Napoles
CC BY-SA 2.0 / "Diego Delso, delso.photo
San Francesco di Paola dominates the western side of Piazza del Plebiscito with its wide portico, curved colonnades, and soaring dome, making it one of the must-see places in Naples for architecture lovers. Originally conceived by King Joachim Murat as a monument to Napoleon, the project changed direction after the emperor’s fall. When the Bourbon Ferdinand I returned to power,…
Location: San Francesco di Paola, Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Monday to Saturday: 6:45 am to 12 pm and 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Sundays: 8 am to 12 pm. | Price: Free | Distance: 2.5km

Napoli Sotterranea

Napoli Sotterranea
Napoli Sotterranea
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Armando Mancini
Beneath the chaotic streets, baroque facades, and noisy scooters of Naples lies a second, secret city: Napoli Sotterranea, the underground world carved from soft volcanic tuff over more than two millennia. This mysterious lower level began with Greek quarries and cisterns, expanded under Roman rule into an intricate aqueduct network, and was later transformed into shelters, storage spaces, and hidden…
Location: Napoli Sotterranea, Vico San Anna di Palazzo, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Guided tours in English: daily at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm. | Price: Guided tour: € 10 | Website | Distance: 2.5km
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Bourbon Tunnel

Galleria borbonica
Galleria borbonica
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Associazione Culturale Borbonica Sotterranea
Hidden beneath the elegant streets around Piazza del Plebiscito, the Bourbon Tunnel (Galleria Borbonica) reveals a very different side of Naples: a world of tuffstone galleries, forgotten cisterns, and dusty wartime relics. Originally designed in the 19th century as a secret escape route for the Bourbon royal family, this underground passage runs beneath the Pizzofalcone hill, linking the Royal Palace…
Location: Galleria Borbonica - Ingresso Via Morelli, Via Domenico Morelli, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays: Tour Start times: 10:00, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00 | Price: Adults: €10.00 | Website | Distance: 2.6km
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Castel Sant’Elmo

SantElmo
SantElmo
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hotepibre
Perched high on Vomero Hill beside the Certosa di San Martino, Castel Sant’Elmo is a powerful reminder that Naples has always been a city that needed to watch both the sea and the sky. What began as a 10th-century church dedicated to Sant’Erasmo evolved into a mighty fortress, reshaped by Angevin, Aragonese, and Bourbon rulers into the hexagonal star we…
Location: Castel Sant'Elmo, Via Tito Angelini, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Daily from 8:30 am - 7:30 pm (last entry 6:30 pm) | Price: €2.50 | Website | Distance: 2.6km
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Fontana del Gigante

Fontana del GiganteNaples
Fontana del GiganteNaples
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Paolo Villa
Standing on the seafront just a short stroll from Castel dell’Ovo, the Fontana del Gigante is one of the must-see places in Naples if you love historic art framed by dazzling bay views. This elegant 17th-century Mannerist fountain, with its three triumphal arches, swirling marine creatures, and heraldic symbols, feels almost like a stone stage set against the blue of…
Location: Fontana del Gigante, Via Partenope, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free | Distance: 2.9km

Castel Ovo

Napoli casteldellovo
Napoli casteldellovo
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mac9
Rising from what was once the island of Megaride, Castel dell'Ovo is one of the top attractions in Naples for travellers who love a mix of legend, sea views, and deep history. Its name, “Egg Castle,” comes from the medieval tale that the poet Virgil hid a magical egg in its foundations, with the fate of the castle—and the city—tied…
Location: Castel dell'Ovo, Via Eldorado, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am to 7 pm; Sunday: 9 am to 1 pm. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 3.1km
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Best Day Trips from Naples

A day trip from Naples offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Naples provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius, one of only two active volcanoes on the European mainland, rises majestically to about 1,281 meters above the Bay of Naples. Its symmetrical cone and steep, wooded slopes dominate the landscape, forming the heart of Mount Vesuvius National Park — a fertile area dotted with small farms and vineyards cultivating ancient grape varieties that thrive in volcanic soil.…
Location: Mount Vesuvius, Ottaviano, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: January – February: 9 am – 3 pm. March: 9 am – 4 pm. April, May & June: 9 am – 5 pm. July – August: 9 am – 6 pm. September: 9 am – 5 pm. October: 9 am – 4 pm. November – December: 9 am – 3 pm. | Distance: 13.9km
Visiting Mount Vesuvius

Pompeii

what to see in pompeii
what to see in pompeii
The Pompeii ruins are a vast and intricate collection of ancient Roman remains, with Mount Vesuvius looming ominously in the distance. Once a thriving city of 20,000 mostly middle-class citizens, Pompeii's strategic location made it a crucial hub for trade between Rome and the broader Mediterranean. Pompeii was a bustling metropolis with chariots traversing its streets, an amphitheater hosting gladiator…
Visiting Pompeii
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Sorrento

Sorrento
Sorrento
Sorrento, beautifully perched on a plateau overlooking the Bay of Naples, has been a favored tourist destination for nearly two centuries. Traditionally, it has been one of the preferred resorts for British visitors to Italy, and in recent decades, it has become Italy's leading package-holiday spot for English-speaking travelers. This historic seaside town has adeptly embraced tourism, offering a classic…
Visiting Sorrento
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Capri

italy capri
italy capri
Visiting Capri, the enchanting island in the Bay of Naples, is a dreamlike experience that combines natural beauty with luxurious charm. Known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes, Capri has long been a favored destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and sophistication. The island’s iconic Blue Grotto, a sea cave illuminated by an ethereal blue…
Visiting Capri
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Amalfi Coast

amalfi coast
amalfi coast
Stretching along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula in the Campania region, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most captivating coastal landscapes in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage area is celebrated for its dramatic scenery, where rugged cliffs plunge into turquoise waters and pastel-colored towns cling to steep hillsides. The region’s winding coastal road, the SS163, links…
Visiting Amalfi Coast

Salerno

Panorama of Salerno
Panorama of Salerno
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cabalist12
Nestled in the shadow of the soaring Sorrentine Peninsula, Salerno is one of the Campania region’s most overlooked and underrated cities. Combining the convenience of big-city life with the charm of a small town, it remains a delightful place that has yet to be discovered by mass tourism—let’s hope it stays that way! Founded by the Romans in the 2nd…
Visiting Salerno
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Paestum

Templa at Paestum
Templa at Paestum
For history lovers and travellers drawn to the ancient Mediterranean, Paestum Archaeological Park is one of those places that feels almost unreal in its scale and preservation. On a broad, sunlit plain south of Salerno, you step into a landscape of weathered stone and wild grasses where three Doric temples still stand with a kind of calm authority, their columns…
Location: Paestum, SA, Italy | Hours: Daily: 08:30–19:30. | Price: €15 (March–November); €10 (December–February). Reduced: €2 (EU ages 18–25). Free: under 18. | Website | Distance: 78.5km
Visiting Paestum
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Barrea

lake Barrea
lake Barrea
Visiting Barrea, a charming village nestled in the heart of Italy’s Abruzzo region, offers a tranquil escape into nature and history. Perched on a hill overlooking the stunning Lago di Barrea, this medieval village is surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. The village’s narrow, winding streets lead to stone houses, ancient churches, and…
Visiting Barrea
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Where to Stay in Naples

Staying in the historic center offers proximity to Spaccanapoli, the National Archaeological Museum, and authentic Neapolitan pizzerias. For a scenic waterfront stay, Chiaia or Posillipo provide stunning bay views and a more relaxed atmosphere.

A 3 to 4-day stay is ideal for exploring Naples’ historical sites, enjoying its food culture, and taking a trip to Pompeii. A 5-day stay allows for visiting Capri, the Amalfi Coast, or Mount Vesuvius.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Naples. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Naples Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Naples

The best time to visit Naples, Italy, depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and local events. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you decide:

  1. Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the best times to visit Naples. The weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) in early spring to about 22°C (72°F) in late May. The city is less crowded than in the summer, making it a great time to explore tourist attractions and enjoy the blossoming landscape without the peak season rush.
  2. Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season. The weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures often climbing above 30°C (86°F). While this is a popular time for tourists, it can be quite hot, especially for exploring the city on foot. However, summer is vibrant with numerous festivals and events, and the bustling atmosphere is very lively.
  3. Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another excellent time to visit. The temperatures start to cool down, making September and October ideal for sightseeing. The tourist crowds diminish, and you can enjoy a more relaxed visit. Also, the autumn light is beautiful for photography, especially in the historic parts of the city.
  4. Winter (December to February): Winters are generally mild compared to other European cities, with temperatures rarely dropping below 4°C (39°F). December can be quite festive with Christmas decorations and events. However, January and February are quieter, and although it’s off-season with fewer tourists, some attractions might have shorter hours or be closed.

Each season in Naples offers a unique charm, so the best time to visit would align with what you want to experience during your trip. If you prefer mild weather and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are ideal. For beach weather and lively cultural events, summer is the best choice. Winter offers a quieter, more subdued travel experience with the charm of festive decorations and cooler weather.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 13°C
  • February 13°C
  • March 15°C
  • April 19°C
  • May 22°C
  • June 29°C
  • July 31°C
  • August 31°C
  • September 26°C
  • October 22°C
  • November 17°C
  • December 14°C

How to get to Naples

Getting to Naples, Italy, can be done through various means of transportation, depending on where you are starting from. Here are some of the common ways to reach this vibrant city:

By Air

  • Naples International Airport (NAP), also known as Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino, is located just a few kilometers from the city center. It serves numerous domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a bus (Alibus), or arrange for a private transfer to get to the city center.

By Train

  • Naples Central Station (Napoli Centrale) is the main railway station and is well-connected to other major Italian cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice through high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo, or Intercity). There are also regional trains connecting Naples to other parts of Campania.
  • The train from Rome to Naples, for example, takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you are on a high-speed train or a slower regional service.

By Car

  • Driving to Naples can be a good option if you want the flexibility of exploring the surrounding areas like the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the countryside of Campania. Major highways connect Naples to the rest of Italy. From Rome, you can take the A1 Autostrada, which is a direct route to Naples.

By Bus

  • Long-distance buses connect Naples with many Italian cities. Companies like FlixBus offer comfortable and economical services. Buses may be a cheaper alternative to trains, although they might take longer, especially with traffic.

By Boat

  • Naples has a major port with ferries and hydrofoils connecting it to islands such as Capri, Ischia, and Sicily, as well as other coastal towns. This is a scenic way to arrive in Naples if you are coming from nearby islands or coastal regions.

Getting Around in Naples

Once in Naples, the public transport system, consisting of buses, trams, a metro system, and funiculars, provides good coverage and an easy way to navigate the city. However, the historical center is quite walkable, and many of the main sights are within walking distance of each other.

Consider the most convenient and efficient mode of transport based on your departure location and budget when planning your trip to Naples.