Things To Do In Naples – Best Tourist Attractions In Naples

If you are looking for things to do in Naples, you will not be disappointed by the variety and richness of this city. Naples is one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in Italy, with a history that spans from ancient times to modern days. Whether you are interested in art, culture, cuisine, or nature, you will find something to suit your taste among the best tourist attractions in Naples. In this introduction, we will give you an overview of some of the things to do in Naples and the best tourist attractions in Naples that you should not miss.

Looking for things to do in Naples? Discover the best tourist attractions in Naples:

1. Vesuvius Volcano: The legendary volcano that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum. You can hike to the crater and enjoy panoramic views.
2. Pompeii: An open-air museum that preserves the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. You can see the houses, temples, theaters, and frescoes of the past.
3. Herculaneum: Another ancient Roman city that was covered by volcanic ash and lava. It is smaller than Pompeii but better preserved, with wooden structures and organic materials still intact.
4. Piazza del Plebiscito: The main square of Naples, surrounded by impressive buildings such as the Royal Palace, the San Carlo Opera House, and the Church of San Francesco di Paola.
5. Royal Palace: The former residence of the Bourbon kings of Naples, now a museum that showcases the lavish rooms, furniture, paintings, and gardens of the royal family.
6. San Carlo Opera House: The oldest continuously active opera house in Europe, founded in 1737. It has a splendid interior with gold decorations, red velvet seats, and crystal chandeliers.
7. Umberto I Gallery Passage: A beautiful shopping arcade built in the 19th century, with a glass roof and a mosaic floor. It has cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and boutiques.
8. Church of San Francesco di Paola: A neoclassical church that resembles the Pantheon in Rome, with a circular plan and a dome. It has a colonnade with statues of saints and a richly decorated interior.
9. Spaccanapoli: The narrow street that cuts through the historical center of Naples, where you can experience the lively atmosphere of the city. It is lined with churches, palaces, shops, and cafes.
10. Pizza: The most famous dish of Naples, invented here in the 18th century. You can taste the authentic Neapolitan pizza at one of the many pizzerias in the city, such as Gino Sorbillo or L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele.
11. Christmas Alley: A street where you can find traditional nativity scenes (presepi) made by local artisans. You can buy figurines of the Holy Family, animals, townspeople, and even celebrities to create your own presepe.
12. National Archeological Museum: One of the best archeological museums in the world, with a collection of artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other ancient sites. It has sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, jewelry, and more.
13. Castel Nuovo: A medieval castle that was the seat of the kings of Naples for centuries. It has a distinctive triumphal arch at its entrance and houses a museum with paintings, sculptures, and weapons.
14. Castel dell’Ovo: The oldest castle in Naples, built on a small island in the bay. It has a history that dates back to the Greeks and Romans and offers stunning views of the sea and the city.
15. Castel Sant’Elmo: A star-shaped fortress that overlooks Naples from a hilltop. It was built in the 14th century and later used as a prison and a barracks. It now hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
16. Capodimonte Museum: A former royal palace that houses one of the largest art collections in Italy. It has works by masters such as Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, El Greco, and more.
17. Cappella Sansevero: A chapel that contains some of the most remarkable sculptures in Naples, such as the Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino and the Anatomical Machines by Raimondo di Sangro.
18. Catacombs of San Gennaro: An underground cemetery that dates back to the 2nd century AD. It has frescoes, mosaics, tombs, and relics of early Christian martyrs.
19. Duomo: The cathedral of Naples, dedicated to the patron saint San Gennaro. It has a Gothic facade, a Romanesque bell tower, and a Baroque chapel where the blood of the saint is kept and miraculously liquefies three times a year.
20. Gesù Nuovo: A church that has a unique facade with diamond-shaped stones and a splendid interior with frescoes, paintings, and sculptures. It is one of the most important examples of the Neapolitan Baroque style.
21. Santa Chiara: A complex that includes a church, a monastery, a museum, and a cloister. The church has a simple Gothic exterior and a rich Baroque interior. The cloister is decorated with colorful majolica tiles and murals.
22. San Domenico Maggiore: A church that was founded by the Dominican order in the 13th century. It has a Gothic facade and a Baroque interior with chapels, paintings, and tombs of famous Neapolitans.
23. San Lorenzo Maggiore: A church that stands on the site of the ancient Greek agora and Roman forum of Naples. It has a Gothic facade and a Renaissance interior. Underneath the church, you can visit the archeological area with remains of the ancient city.
24. San Gregorio Armeno: A street that is famous for its artisan workshops that produce handmade nativity scenes (presepi). You can find figurines of all kinds, from traditional to modern, from religious to humorous.
25. Certosa di San Martino: A former monastery that is now a museum of art and history. It has a beautiful cloister, a church, and rooms with paintings, sculptures, furniture, and ceramics. It also has a section dedicated to the Neapolitan crib.
26. Via Toledo: A long and busy street that connects Piazza Dante with Piazza del Plebiscito. It is one of the main shopping streets in Naples, with stores, cafes, and theaters.
27. Quartieri Spagnoli: A neighborhood that is known for its narrow alleys, colorful buildings, street art, and lively atmosphere. It is also a place where you can find authentic Neapolitan cuisine and culture.
28. Vomero: A hilltop district that offers panoramic views of Naples and the bay. It is a residential area with elegant buildings, parks, and museums.
29. Chiaia: A fashionable neighborhood that stretches along the waterfront from Castel dell’Ovo to Mergellina. It has upscale shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs.
30. Posillipo: A scenic area that lies on a hill overlooking the sea. It has villas, gardens, beaches, and marinas.
31. Mergellina: A seaside district that has a marina, a promenade, and a fishing village atmosphere.
32. Galleria Borbonica: An underground tunnel system that was built in the 19th century for military and civil purposes. It was used as an air-raid shelter during World War II and as a dumping ground for cars and motorcycles in the 1970s.
33. Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte: A former royal palace that is now a museum of art and history. It has works by masters such as Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, El Greco, and more.
34. Museo di Capodimonte: A museum that houses one of the largest art collections in Italy. It has works by masters such as Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, El Greco, and more.
35. Museo Madre: A contemporary art museum that showcases works by local and international artists.
36. Museo Cappella Sansevero: A chapel that contains some of the most remarkable sculptures in Naples, such as the Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino and the Anatomical Machines by Raimondo di Sangro.
37. Museo Archeologico Nazionale: One of the best archeological museums in the world, with a collection of artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other ancient sites.
38. Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro: A museum that displays the treasures of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples.
39. Napoli Sotterranea: An underground tour that explores the hidden layers of Naples’ history, from ancient aqueducts to wartime shelters.
40. Teatro di San Carlo: The oldest continuously active opera house in Europe.

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