20 Things to Do in Naples, Italy
Naples pulsates with a raw, captivating energy, a city where history, art, and volcanic landscapes collide dramatically by the sea. Its streets are alive with chaos and charm, offering layers of discovery from ancient ruins to baroque churches, and you’ll find many captivating free things to do in Naples, like wandering the historic center or soaking in coastal views. Prepare to be swept away by its intense beauty, incredible food, and passionate spirit.
This guide highlights 20 distinct ways to dive into the heart of Naples, Italy’s vibrant southern metropolis. Whether you’re exploring underground tunnels, savoring authentic pizza, or gazing at masterpieces, these experiences showcase the unforgettable character of this unique city. Get ready for an adventure for all the senses.
Ancient Wonders & Underground Secrets
Pompeii Archaeological Park: Take a day trip to explore the remarkably preserved ruins of the Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walk ancient streets and enter homes frozen in time for an unforgettable journey into the past.
Herculaneum Archaeological Park: Visit the smaller, often better-preserved Roman town also destroyed by Vesuvius, known for its intact wooden structures and mosaics. Herculaneum offers a different, perhaps more intimate glimpse into Roman life.
Naples National Archaeological Museum (MANN): Discover one of the world’s finest collections of Roman artifacts, including mosaics, sculptures, and everyday objects recovered from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Don’t miss the impressive Farnese collection.
Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea): Journey beneath the city streets to explore ancient Greek-Roman aqueducts, tunnels, and even a WWII air-raid shelter. This guided tour reveals a hidden layer of Naples’ long history.
Artistic & Architectural Marvels
Cappella Sansevero: Witness Giuseppe Sanmartino’s breathtaking sculpture, the Veiled Christ, renowned for its incredibly realistic marble veil. The chapel itself is filled with remarkable baroque art and intriguing symbolism.
Duomo di Napoli (Naples Cathedral): Visit the city’s main cathedral, home to the Chapel of the Treasury of San Gennaro and vials holding the blood of the patron saint. Admire the mix of architectural styles and witness the twice-yearly blood liquefaction ceremony if your timing aligns.
Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino): Explore this imposing medieval castle near the port, noting its triumphal arch entrance. Inside, you can visit the Civic Museum and enjoy views from the ramparts.
Castel dell’Ovo (Egg Castle): Walk out along the causeway to Naples’ oldest standing fortification, perched picturesquely on a small peninsula. Enjoy stunning sea views and the legend surrounding the egg hidden within its foundations.
Museo di Capodimonte: Discover a superb collection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art housed in a grand Bourbon palace set within a large park. See masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, and Botticelli in a beautiful setting.
Certosa e Museo di San Martino: Visit this former monastery complex perched high above the city on Vomero hill, offering spectacular panoramic views of Naples and the bay. The museum showcases Neapolitan history and art, including intricate nativity scenes (presepi).
Vibrant Streets & Neighborhood Life
Walk Spaccanapoli: Stroll along the narrow, straight street that cuts through the heart of Naples’ historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Experience the bustling energy, historic churches, and artisan shops lining this ancient thoroughfare.
Explore Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter): Wander the grid of narrow, lively streets teeming with local life, laundry hanging overhead, and small shrines. It offers an authentic, albeit chaotic, slice of Neapolitan neighborhood culture.
Via San Gregorio Armeno (Christmas Alley): Explore the famous street where artisans craft and sell intricate nativity scene figurines (presepi) year-round. It’s a unique and colorful spectacle, especially busy around Christmas.
Wander the Vomero District: Take the funicular up to this more affluent hilltop neighborhood known for its shopping streets, cafes, and access to Castel Sant’Elmo and San Martino. Enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere away from the historic center bustle.
Stroll the Lungomare Caracciolo: Enjoy a walk along Naples’ beautiful waterfront promenade, offering views of Castel dell’Ovo, Vesuvius, and the islands of Capri and Ischia. It’s perfect for a relaxing evening passeggiata.
Essential Neapolitan Tastes
Eat Authentic Pizza Napoletana: Indulge in the city’s most famous creation – pizza – preferably a classic Margherita or Marinara baked in a wood-fired oven. Find a traditional pizzeria (L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is iconic) for the true Neapolitan experience.
Try Sfogliatella: Sample this delicious shell-shaped pastry, filled with ricotta cheese and often flavored with candied citrus peel. Choose between the crispy ‘riccia’ or the smoother ‘frolla’ version for a sweet local treat.
Drink Neapolitan Coffee: Experience the strong, rich espresso typically served quickly at a bar counter (al banco). Participating in this daily ritual is a key part of the local Naples culture.
Explore Pignasecca Market: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of one of Naples’ oldest and most vibrant street markets. Find fresh produce, seafood, street food, and household goods in this lively, authentic setting.
Visit the Fontanelle Cemetery: Explore this fascinating cave cemetery in the Sanità district, housing thousands of anonymous human skulls cared for by locals in a unique cult of devotion. It’s a poignant and slightly eerie reflection of Neapolitan faith and tradition.
