Less gilded than Florence and more relaxed than Rome, Naples is the city people visit to enjoy a different side of Southern Italy on the way to the Amalfi Coast. They enjoy close access to beaches and ancient ruins while sampling the origins of Napolitano pizza. With artsy subway stations, creepy crypts, underwater archaeological sites, and underground museums, there’s an abundance of things to see in Naples, Italy. You might even explore medieval castles, churches, or outdoor markets.
One convenient and money-saving way to have access to many of the sites mentioned in this article is to buy a three-day Naples Pass from the city’s official tourism website. The site is also great for buying legitimate individual tickets you might need to explore all Naples has to offer. The things to do in Naples, Italy, are almost endless, so use our curated list to plan ahead!
Ordering food and navigating a city while speaking Italian is even easier thanks to the bite-sized lessons from Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion method that avoids rote memorization and focuses on natural immersion learning. It’s the ideal way to be prepared for your awe-inspiring trip to Naples.
Things to do in Naples: Catacombs and Churches
Boasting over 500 churches, Naples has no shortage of religious buildings to explore. True to typical fashion, the exterior of Italian churches tend to be nondescript—so much so that you’d likely walk right past many of them, thinking they’re just another random building on the street. But it’s the interior of these churches that will take your breath away! And many of Naples’ churches also have catacombs with creepy crypts and bone decorations to discover. See what catacombs and churches in Naples we recommend exploring!
1. Explore the chilly, volcanic Catacombe di San Gennaro
Somehow spooky and elegant at the same time, the renovated San Gennaro Catacombs honor the patron saint of Naples: San Gennaro. The tombs were carved of tuff, a porous volcanic stone of a pale color that’s affectionately called “Naples yellow.” These rustic tombs date back to the second century A.D. and served nobles, saints, and commoners as their burial grounds. There’s even a bishop’s chair carved out of the special stone. Mass is still held here at the underground Basilica St. Agrippinus.
Once you buy your ticket, it’s also good for visiting San Gaudioso, another underground cemetery, accessed from the Basilica Santa Maria della Sanità. We recommend bringing a sweater. It gets cold down there!
2. Stand in awe before the Veiled Christ at Museo Cappella Sansevero
Situated in downtown Naples, the Sansevero Chapel Museum features Baroque work such as the unparalleled Veiled Christ sculpture. Why is this so special? Artist Sanmartino crafted the stone to appear as if it were as thin as a fabric veil, and its perfection captivates visitors. Several other period paintings, sometimes framed in marble, belong to the collection.
The chapel is actually the mausoleum of Raimondo di Sangro, seventh Prince of Sansevero, a scientific and literary writer, and patron of the arts, who continues to be studied today. In true Baroque style, every inch of the chapel from the dizzying ceiling to geometric floor is decorated, so take time to soak each detail in. Don’t miss the anatomical machines in the basement!
3. Find serenity in the Santa Chiara Monastery cloister
Take a break from the hustle of downtown historic Naples at St. Clare’s Monastery, part of a medieval gothic complex that also includes a church with noteworthy art like the sewing virgin fresco, rose window, and tomb of Robert de Anjou. The carved stone bas relief roof of the cloister walk and the floral majolica tiles of the benches and octagonal columns are just some of the wonders of this monastery.
We highly recommend taking some time to sit in the cloister to enjoy the greenery and serenity. Tickets are around 7 euros and give you access to the entire complex: cloister, archaeological museum, church, archive and an early 18th-century nativity scene from Naples.
4. Admire the mesmerizing stone facade of Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo
The Church of Gesù Nuovo has a unique stone facade on the outside, but inside it has a stunning domed ceiling, ornate columns, cornices, and arches. Work by Baroque master Francesco Solimena and Spaniard Jusepe de Rivera, and unusual ex-voto amulets (homages to miracles) are some of the highlights you’ll want to explore.
Built in the Renaissance and continued in the Baroque period, the church was owned over the course of its history by the Aragonese, the Franciscans and the Jesuits, who were ousted and readmitted several times. Look up at the ceiling’s nave to see where it was hit by an unexploded bomb during World War II. The damage remains as a stark reminder of times past.
5. Dive into the cult of the dead at Chiesa Museo di Santa Luciella ai Librai
Also near Spaccanapoli and not far from Via dei Presepi, the Church of Santa Luciella ai Librai is a humble medieval church turned museum that’s been painstakingly restored by locals. It’s worth booking a 20-minute tour to explore the crypt underneath that has an unusual skull with ears! If Santa Luciella (St. Lucy) is the patron saint of sight, this skull has been venerated as a listener, an intercessor between heaven and earth. Neapolitans love their superstitions and you’ll learn all about the cult of the dead at this tiny little church.
More skulls and ex-voto amulets of all sizes adorn the crypts, complete with mounds of dirt, leaning crosses, and coins and letters asking for divine, or not-so-divine, intercession. Plan ahead because the tours are only available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
What to eat in Naples: Food and Drink
Chances are you’re most excited to eat tons of delicious food while traveling through Italy. Naples will be no exception during your trip. As the birthplace of the beloved pizza, you’ll find a dozen different ways to eat pizza-styled foods. And the street food here is nothing to skip either!
6. Eat street food and buy fresh fish at Mercato della Pignasecca
Undoubtedly one of the simple pleasures of life is going to an outdoor market–even if you don’t buy anything. But in a foreign country this activity is more like going to a museum and bazaar all in one. With so many different foods and cultural aspects, there’s a lot to learn, observe, smell, and taste. That’s why you should definitely include a stop at Mercato della Pignasecca (an outdoor market) as a top thing to do in Naples.
In fact, we recommend going to the Toledo metro stop to see the art before emerging into the cacophonous smorgasbord of a classic Neapolitan market and market district all along Via Pignasecca. If you’re shopping for groceries, you’ll find everything you need here, including the freshest of fish. But entrees and street food like ciurilli (battered and fried squash) and fried calamari can be had here as well.
7. Get your shopping and food on along Spaccanapoli street
Spaccanapoli basically means “divide Naples.” This vibrant street runs east to west in the Spanish Quarter, starting either at Santa Maria ogni Bene ai Sette Dolori (a church) or the Piazza Gesù Nuovo, depending on who you ask. Its real name is Via Benedetto Croce, but it turns into Piazetta Nilo then Via San Biagio dei Librai as you move east.
Smack dab in the historic center, there’s a little bit of everything on this street: small shops, trattorias, cafés, pizzerias, and seafood restaurants. Make sure to try the crocchè di patate or pizza fritta street food! If you need a glass of wine, we recommend ordering Lacryma Christi—it’s made from grapes grown on Mt. Vesuvius. We also recommend exploring some of the local churches: Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo and Chiesa di Santa Luciella ai Librai. Both have stunning artistry to explore, and they’re a nice place to sit in the shade after an afternoon of shopping.
>> Brush up on common Italian words before your trip
What to see in Naples: Museums and Galleries
As a country and culture filled with thousands of years of documented history, Italy is best discovered through the hundreds of museums found throughout each city. Some are tiny and found within churches or back alleyways. Others are fully funded museums with treasures galore. Here’s our list of a few great museums to visit in Naples.
8. Count the mosaic tiles at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli
Ok, there might be too many to count, but you get the idea. The National Archaeological Museum of Naples has a particularly good Roman fresco collection, which was sourced from Pompeii. You also don’t want to miss seeing the intricate mosaic collections, such as this delightful Memento Mori. From the 4th century A.D., the Magic Statue is part of the Egyptian collection, displaying hieroglyphics on a black stone torso, eerily contemporary in nature.
Like many museums in Italy, the building’s design and decorations, such as its richly painted ceiling, are part of the visual feast. Though ticket prices are not cheap, some discounts are available and tickets allow entrance for two consecutive days. It’s a good place to visit in the morning before the crowds or near closing time before your late dinner.
9. Count the jewels and candlesticks at the Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro
Right downtown and close to Napoli Sotterranea, the Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro is a veritable haven for jewelry and luxury. It’s located inside the Reale Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro where you’ll find all kinds of religious objects: relics, candlesticks, monstrances and bishop’s miters, all made of, contained in, or bedazzled with precious metals and jewels.
If looking at all this church-related luxuriousness makes you feel like you want to spend some money on something nice, then check out the gift store where San Gennaro silk ties can be found for a steal! Several types of entry tickets and English-speaking tours are available, including a guided tour given in Neapolitan, one of the many languages of Italy. Family-friendly tours are also available if you’re traveling with kids.
10. Head underground at Galleria Borbonica
Those expecting a whiskey museum may be disappointed, since the name refers to the Bourbon king responsible for building this sprawling tunnel turned museum dedicated to its own history. With over 30 ramps, multiple rooms and pools, plus a few vintage cars and Vespas, the museum is a sui generis urban space that also holds cultural events. Four different reasonably priced tour options exist, each with different tiers, including a group speleologist tour of the cave.
During WWII, many of the tunnels and cisterns became bomb shelters for local Neapolitans. Some areas sustained so much destruction from the bombings that various cars and other artifacts have been found in rubble-filled tunnels as recently as 2007. If you plan your visit to Bourbon Gallery just right, you could purchase tickets to a special event like a night raft tour or an evening of jazz music in the tunnels!
11. Wander the passageways of Napoli Sotterranea
Catacombs, tunnels, underground basilicas and waterways. By now you’ve gotten the sense that there’s a lot going on beneath the surface in Naples (not to mention most other Italian cities). Underground Naples is one of the unmissable things to visit in Naples—unless you’re claustrophobic.
About 40 meters below the surface, you’ll find intricate aqueducts, a Greek-Roman Theater, War Museum, C.O.R.E. Gallery (with contemporary art exhibits), Turfello Wine (for ancient winemaking processes) and the Hypogeum Gardens (for scientific research on plants). It’s best explored with a guide who will lead you through narrow passageways called cunicoli that are steeped with 2,400 years of history.
12. Float through space at the Naples Toledo Metro Station
Another underground wonder of Naples, the Toledo metro station is part of the Naples subway system and has often been named one of the most beautiful metro stations in Europe. With hues of the sky–purples, blues, and pale yellows–the stippled effect of the small mosaic tiles makes you feel as if you’re floating in a cloud as you descend or ascend the escalator. Yet as you stare into some of the artistic holes you may feel you’re traveling in deep space.
The lower part of the station features blackness, reminiscent of city streets, and simulated ocean waves, reminders of the Neapolitan seaside. You’ll even find ancient Roman walls and remains similar to the Greek Parthenon. The Metropolitana di Napoli boasts nearly a dozen art stations, so you could make a day of just touring the Naples subway.
What to do in the evening in Naples
An Italian evening is not to be wasted. While U.S. travelers may be used to an early dinner before watching a movie or going to a sports game, Italians believe in the slower, simpler life. Dinner starts around 8 p.m. and can last for hours as they gather with family and friends to talk, eat, drink, and laugh. But aside from a leisurely dinner, there are a few things you might want to check out in the evening while you’re in Naples.
13. Choose a unique nativity on Via dei Presepi or San Gregorio Armeno
Ok, technically, this could be done at any time of the day and there will be some shops that may close a little early. But no trip to Naples is complete without checking out this famous street. Naples is a famous hub for elaborate nativity scenes called presepi (in the singular presepio or presepe). On the street known as San Gregorio Armeno (or Via dei Presepi), you can find nativity scenes being crafted at local shops all year long.
Ceramic figures made by highly skilled artisans who come from long lines of generational craftsment, Neapolitan presepi are diverse and inclusive in the sense they encompass all sorts of social classes aside from the Holy Family and the Three Kings. With a careful eye, you can spot many figures such as bakers, beggars, produce sellers, and even saints or other celebrities.
>> Find out what all the important Italian holidays are!
14. Check out live music by locals at Napulitanata
Looking for a truly local thing to do in Naples in the evening? Here it is. Focused exclusively on traditional Neapolitan music, this cozy concert hall called Napulitanata offers unamplified music and dance performances that last a little over an hour. Canzone Napoletana and Tarantella are the specialties of the house where you’ll feel like you’re the home of an Italian nonna (grandma). Be prepared to sing the Naples classic, O Sole Mio, toward the end!
You’ll need to plan ahead by booking a reservation on their website via email or WhatsApp. Napulitanata is located across from the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, so it could make a great stop after your day in the museum.
Day Trips to Take from Naples
Naples is the major hub just south of Rome and north of the Amalfi Coast. It’s perfectly situation as a beginning or ending point for your trip to Italy. And though you could spend a few days exploring more of Naples than most tourists see, it’s still a good idea to take a day trip or two to explore important places beyond Naples.
15. Find the preserved rings of the Ring Lady in Herculaneum
The city of Herculaneum, like its nearby counterpart Pompeii, was buried under ash after Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. Unlike Pompeii, the self-contained site of eight city blocks can be fully explored in a few hours, but it makes a great combination day trip with Pompeii—and with fewer crowds! The archaeological park consists of Roman villas, temples, women’s and men’s bathhouses, and more.
You’ll want to make sure to find the mosaics depicting Neptune and Salacia as it’s one of the most detailed pieces of art that’s been unearthed. Keep an eye out for other well-preserved frescoes and sculptures that show the lavishness in which some ancient Romans lived. Recent excavations have revealed fornici, boat houses and about 300 skeletons, huddled together for shelter, including a body named the Ring Lady. She’s so named because her rings survived both volcanic ash and passage of time.
16. Walk where ancient Romans walked in the ruins of Pompeii
While it’s not exactly in the city, Pompeii is only about a 35-minute ride outside the city by train. It’s an absolute must-see historical site and the perfect day trip from Naples. (Be sure to bring plenty of water!) When Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D., the thriving town of Pompeii was covered in about 20 feet of volcanic ash, a terrible fate for the inhabitants. The remains of people and the city have become one of the most incredible archeological sites in the world.
Elegant buildings, both private and public, can be explored to see how the ancients lived and decorated their homes. Some villas still have incredible frescos to see and mosaic designs in their floors and the streets still have indentations from wagon wheels. You’ll see casts of contorted human bodies frozen in time that are a sobering reminder of the tragic loss of life here.
Outdoor activities in Naples
Museums and castles are cool, but sometimes you need to step outside and enjoy an outdoor activity. Fortunately, Naples has plenty of options from islands to the classic evening passegiata (stroll) along popular shopping streets, famous piazzas (squares), and the seaside.
17. Visit a miniature Capri island known as Procida
Located between Ischia and a peninsula of Naples, Procida is like a mini Capri and Amalfi Coast rolled into one. Its layers of uniquely colored houses, matching nearby boats and teal green waters look like something out of a fantasy movie, but they’re all real. Small gardens and big views from the top of this little await you if you’re up for a little hike. There are lots of little shops and cafes along the narrow streets to explore too.
Perfect for a day trip, Procida attracts visitors who plan to spend more than a few days in Naples. We recommend booking a boat tour or enjoying an afternoon aperitif (fizzy alcoholic drink for afternoons) while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The island is more than a place to relax by the sea. In 2022, Procida was named Italy’s culture capital.
18. Take an evening stroll along Lungomare Francesco Caracciolo
If you’d like some outdoor time after being in museums or underground all day, the Francesco Caracciolo seafront is the ideal spot for a leisurely passegiata (stroll) by the seaside with views of Mt. Vesuvius and the Neapolitan sunset. With palm trees all along the boulevard, it’s one of the city’s quintessential spots for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or love sea creatures, you’ll want to stop at the Villa Comunale park then visit the aquarium, considered an early aquarium of Europe. Afterwards, try some seafood by the sea or other Italian delights like gelato. You can even rent a bike if you prefer touring on two wheels.
19. Go kayaking or snorkeling at Gaiola Island
Just off the coast of Naples, Gaiola Island is part of the Underwater Park of Gaiola. The island has a long and complex history, including kidnappings and a few untimely deaths. With true Italian superstition, locals believe it to be cursed. Nowadays, tourists enjoy it for its beauty and rarity. Consisting of two parts connected by a small bridge, Gaiola sits atop elevated and unusual rocks with crevasses and arches below.
Within the swimming distance of the coastline, the island is a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving because the underwater park has caves and archaeological remains. Tours of the island with a glass-bottomed boat are another option, but to reach the island in any way, you must book ahead online since visitors are limited.
20. Wander where the Neapolitan elites lived at Parco Archeologico del Pausilypon
Located northwest of Gaiola Island, the entrance to the Pausilypon Archaeological Park starts through a Roman tunnel leading to the ancient ruins of an amphitheater and villa complex, built to harmonize with the mountains and cliffs around them. The architectural space created with self-sufficiency in mind also includes gardens, baths, workers’ quarters, the Seiano cave, and fish ponds. It’s the perfect paradise to wander in the morning before the heat of the day.
The nearby sea hosts a plethora of marine life—sponges, seahorses and eels among them—which you can see by wading or diving in the warm waters next to this park. If this sounds like an ideal getaway from the busy city of Naples, then you’ll want to reserve your ticket ahead of time.
What to explore in Naples: Castles
As is true for most major European cities, there are no shortages of castles and fortresses to explore in Naples. Whether you’re a history buff or just enjoy exploring medieval castles, Naples has several great castles that are worth checking out. Some are famous for their views, while one in particular is famous for a buried egg!
21. See Naples’ best panoramic view at Castel Sant’Elmo
If you make your way up to this high-walled medieval fortress of Castel Sant’Elmo—the largest castle in Naples—you’ll get a panoramic view of the city, harbor, and the infamous Mt. Vesuvius. Today, this 15th-century castle (with origins as old as the 1200s) serves as a museum and historical monument, for which tickets are a reasonable 5 euros or less—cash only.
Theater, music, and other cultural events are regularly held at the castle, which is also a great place to watch the sunset. The castle can be reached by public transportation, funicular, taxi, or by a sturdy pair of walking shoes.
22. Imagine yourself as a king or queen at Reggia di Caserta
Designed in the grand style of France’s Palace of Versailles, the Royal Palace of Caserta is both a palace and an 11-acre park located north of the city. With a dual-pathed walkway and a series of fountains leading up to the palace, the walk and view itself are worth the trip, especially if you want to see where parts of Star Wars were filmed. Within the forest on the property, there’s an English-styled garden by a stream and a waterfall that’s an ideal place to visit if you’re looking for a little nature on your trip to Naples.
For interior experiences, visit the royal apartments, Court Theater, or Grand Gallery. Be sure to check the website carefully because the entire complex has different hours depending on the season, and each space has its own hours, which vary from day to day. If you fancy a destination wedding in Italy, you can ask about renting the Queen’s Quarter, Palatine Chapel, or the outdoors Aperia.
23. Hunt for the buried egg at Castel dell’Ovo
This historic 14th-century building built on an ancient Greek colony sits on the sea’s edge as a former naval fortress. Its unusual name, Egg Castle or Castel dell’Ovo, is based on a legend about classical poet Virgil having placed an egg in the foundation. When you visit, you’ll discover more about how the fate of the castle was tied to the hidden egg.
With spectacular views of the sea plus a lovely walkway leading up to the castle, a trip to the castle at any time of the day could produce great snapshots and memories. For an extra-special visit, we recommended going an hour or so before sunset for romantic views. Afterwards, you can stroll through the dimly lit harbor to buy some Neapolitan pizza while overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Get to know Italy even better with Rosetta Stone
This list of things to do in Naples, Italy, just scratches the surface of activities in this ancient city by the sea. Enchanting islands, Baroque palaces, and thought-provoking Roman ruins are just a part of what Naples offers.
But to really get the most out of your trip and get to know Italy even better, Rosetta Stone has you covered if you’re wanting to learn Italian like a native. Not only will you learn to speak Italian without the need for tons of memorization, but you get instant feedback on your newly learned pronunciation through the TruAccent system so you can say “Grazie mille, Napoli!” (Thank you so much, Naples!) like a native.
Written by Rowena Galavitz
Rowena Galavitz is a Spanish translator, bilingual copy editor, and language and literature instructor with three master’s degrees who loves Spanish and all things Mexico.
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