Naples: The Complete Guide

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!
Table of Contents
- History of Naples
- Foundation and Greek Period
- Roman Era
- Middle Ages
- Spanish and Austrian Rule
- Italian Unification
- Modern Era
- Contemporary Naples
- 21 Best places to See in Naples
- Naples Cathedral
- San Lorenzo Maggiore
- Chiesa delle Cape di Morte
- Cappella Sansevero
- Santa Chiara, Naples
- National Archeological Museum, Naples
- Piazza Dante
- Castel Nuovo
- Galleria Umberto I
- Museo di Capodimonte
- Teatro di San Carlo
- Catacombs of San Gennaro
- Royal Palace of Naples
- Piazza del Plebiscito
- San Martino Monastery and Museum
- San Francesco di Paola
- Napoli Sotterranea
- Galleria Borbonica (Bourbon Tunnel)
- Castel Sant’Elmo, Naples
- Fontana del Gigante
- Castel Ovo
- 8 Best Day Trips from Naples
- Where to Stay in Naples
- Best Time to Visit Naples
- How to get to Naples
History of Naples
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

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) | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Naples Cathedral
San Lorenzo Maggiore

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 (£ 7.70). | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting San Lorenzo Maggiore
Chiesa delle Cape di Morte

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
Visiting Chiesa delle Cape di Morte
Cappella Sansevero

Location: Cappella Sansevero, Via Francesco de Sanctis, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Wednesday to Monday: 9 am to 7 pm. Closed Tuesdays. | Price: Adults: €8. Young people between 10 and 25 years old: €5. Children under 10 years old: free. | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Cappella Sansevero
Santa Chiara, Naples

Location: Santa Chiara, Via Santa Chiara, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Monastery: Monday to Saturday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm. Sunday 10:00 am - 2:30 pm. Basilica: Monday to Saturday 8:00 am - 12:45 pm and 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Sunday 9:00 am - 12:45 pm and 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm. | Price: Adults: €6 | Website | Distance: 1.4km
Visiting Santa Chiara, Naples
National Archeological Museum, Naples

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: € 18 (£ 15.40) Artecard: € 9 (£ 7.70) Under 18s from the EU: Free 18 - 24 year olds from the EU: € 2 (£ 1.70) First Sunday of the month: free | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting National Archeological Museum, Naples
Piazza Dante

Location: Piazza Dante, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Piazza Dante
Castel Nuovo

Location: Castel Nuovo, Via Vittorio Emanuele III, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:30 am to 6 pm. Sunday: 10 am to 1 pm. | Price: Adults: € 6 (£ 5.10). | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Castel Nuovo
Galleria Umberto I

Location: Galleria Umberto I, Via Santa Brigida, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Galleria Umberto I
Museo di Capodimonte

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 | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Museo di Capodimonte
Teatro di San Carlo

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). | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Teatro di San Carlo
Catacombs of San Gennaro

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: €13.00 | Website | Distance: 2.3km
Visiting Catacombs of San Gennaro
Royal Palace of Naples

Location: Royal Palace of Naples, Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Thursday to Tuesday: 9 am to 8 pm. Closed Wednesdays. | Price: Adults: € 10 (£ 8.60). Young people between 18 and 24 years old: € 2 (£ 1.70). Children under 18 years old: free entry. | Distance: 2.3km
Visiting Royal Palace of Naples
Piazza del Plebiscito

Location: Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 2.4km
Visiting Piazza del Plebiscito
San Martino Monastery and Museum

Location: Largo S. Martino, 5, 80129 Napoli NA, Italy | Hours: Thursday to Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Closed on Wednesdays | Price: €6 | Distance: 2.5km
Visiting San Martino Monastery and Museum
San Francesco di Paola

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
Visiting San Francesco di Paola
Napoli Sotterranea

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
Visiting Napoli Sotterranea
Galleria Borbonica (Bourbon Tunnel)

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 am, 12:00 pm, 3pm, 5pm | Price: €11.00 | Website | Distance: 2.6km
Visiting Galleria Borbonica (Bourbon Tunnel)
Castel Sant’Elmo, Naples

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 | Distance: 2.6km
Visiting Castel Sant’Elmo, Naples
Fontana del Gigante

Location: Fontana del Gigante, Via Partenope, Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free | Distance: 2.9km
Visiting Fontana del Gigante
Castel Ovo

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 | Distance: 3.1km
Visiting Castel Ovo
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

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

Visiting Pompeii
Sorrento

Visiting Sorrento
Capri

Visiting Capri
Amalfi Coast

Visiting Amalfi Coast
Salerno

Visiting Salerno
Paestum

Location: Paestum, SA, Italy | Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Price: €6 | Distance: 78.5km
Visiting Paestum
Barrea

Visiting Barrea
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 59°F
- February 13°C 60°F
- March 15°C 63°F
- April 19°C 71°F
- May 22°C 76°F
- June 29°C 87°F
- July 31°C 92°F
- August 31°C 91°F
- September 26°C 83°F
- October 22°C 76°F
- November 17°C 67°F
- December 14°C 61°F
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.