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!
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.
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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23 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
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
Paestum
Location: Paestum, SA, Italy | Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Price: €6 | Distance: 78.5km
Visiting Paestum
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.
Average Temperatures in Naples
- January 15°C 59°F 16
- February 15°C 60°F 16
- March 17°C 63°F 12
- April 21°C 71°F 8
- May 24°C 76°F 7
- June 31°C 87°F 4
- July 33°C 92°F 1
- August 33°C 91°F 2
- September 28°C 83°F 13
- October 24°C 76°F 16
- November 19°C 67°F 30
- December 16°C 61°F 16
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.
