Iconic things to do in Naples Italy for first time visitors

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The things to do in Naples Italy is not like the rest of country. And for many special reasons.  

I spent four days in Naples and left feeling like I’d only scratched the surface. If I’m being completely transparent, there were moments when the sheer sensory overload made me wonder whether I’d made a mistake coming. The noise, the traffic, the crowds – it all hits at once and if you’re not used to it, you’re in deep. 

I haven’t been back yet – but I think about it constantly. This guide is as much a reminder to myself of everything I still need to see as it is advice for first-time visitors. Consider it a love letter to a city that overwhelmed me – and that I can’t wait to return to. Whether you’re a history lover, a food obsessive, or simply someone who wants to wander without a plan, the things to do in Naples Italy on this list will keep you busy for days.

Map of Naples

Before diving in, it helps to understand how the city is laid out.

The city is compact enough to explore largely on foot, and its neighbourhoods each have a very distinct character. I’d recommend that you surrender to aimlessly wander, as that’s where you’ll find the most unique places and moments. But still, understanding the layout of the city makes it far easier to plan which things to do in Naples Italy each day, and in which order.

The historic centre (Centro Storico) sits at the heart of everything – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the vast majority of the city’s key landmarks. Running through it like a spine are Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali, the two great ancient streets that have defined Naples for millennia. This is where you’ll spend most of your time.

To the west of the historic centre lies the Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli), a grid of narrow streets built in the 16th century that today serves as one of the city’s most vibrant and authentic neighbourhoods. South of here, the Lungomare (seafront promenade) stretches along the Bay of Naples, offering breathing space and spectacular views of Vesuvius — and believe me, after a few hours in the historic centre, you will need that breathing space.

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Is Naples safe? What you need to know before you go

Before we dive into the best things to do in Naples Italy, let’s address the question that puts more people off visiting than anything else.

Yes, Naples is safe for tourists. But it is also, undeniably, a city that keeps you on your toes – and I think it’s worth being honest about that rather than dismissing the concerns entirely.

The main risk is petty theft. Pickpocketing happens, particularly on Spaccanapoli, around Piazza Garibaldi, and on public transport. The advice is straightforward and applies to any major European city: keep your bag in front of you, use a cross-body strap, don’t leave your phone on a café table. You know, don’t be stupid.

Scooter snatching does occasionally occur, mostly late at night in or in the busiest areas. Use a crossbody bag rather than one hanging from your shoulder and get a phone string so you can use your phone while walking, without worrying about it being snatched from your hand (I know it looks ridiculous, but that exact thing happened to me in Cambodia, and trust me, you’d rather look ridiculous WITH your phone). 

My honest experience? I never felt in danger, though I often felt overwhelmed. What I can say is that it didn’t stop me doing anything – and it didn’t stop me wanting to go back. 

But for good measure remember these numbers: 

Emergency: 112 (police) / 118 (medical)

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The meaning of Maradona and football in Naples

Within the first 30 min. of arriving in Naples, you’ll quickly discover the love for SSC Napoli and Maradona as most streets are covered in flags, murals and other street art. 

To understand Naples, you have to understand what Maradona meant here. When he arrived at SSC Napoli in 1984, the club was perpetually overshadowed by the wealthy teams from the north. In a city that had long felt looked down upon by the rest of Italy, there was a deep and particular pain in always losing. Maradona changed everything. He led Napoli to their first-ever Serie A championships, in 1987 and 1990, and in doing so gave a city the feeling of vindication. He isn’t just a footballer. He is a symbol.

If you want to go deeper, the Museo Maradona in the Spanish Quarter is worth an hour of your time (€10). But honestly, just walking the streets of the Spanish Quarter and letting the murals and the energy speak for themselves is an experience in its own right.

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Best things to do in Naples Italy for first time visitors

Here is where I admit something: four days in Naples was not enough. 

I left with a list of things I hadn’t managed to do that was almost as long as the list of things I had. Naples rewards curiosity above almost anything else, and the things to do in Naples Italy listed below barely scratch the surface of what this city has to offer first-time visitors. What I mention here is a combination of what I experienced myself and what I have since researched.

Free walking tour with a local

If there is one thing I wish I had done on my first day in Naples, it is to have joined a walking tour. My trip around Italy in 2023 was my first solo trip and I didn’t know about Guruwalks at the time – but since then, I’ve gone on their tours in almost every major European city I’ve visited! It’s truly the best thing to do to get a better picture of a city, its history as well as its insider tips.

The best part is that you don’t pay upfront, but tip afterwards. This means you’ll get to enjoy the tour without the expectation of getting value for your money upfront. I’d tip minimum €20 depending on the length of the tour.

Joining a walking tour is one of the smartest things to do in Naples Italy on your very first morning – it reframes everything you’ll see for the rest of your trip.

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Sansevero Chapel Museum: One of the Most Unique Things to Do in Naples Italy

This is a place you’d either feel strongly about going to, or not at all. No matter what, you can’t undermine the craftsmanship and stunning art.  

The Sansevero Chapel is home to Giuseppe Sanmartino’s Veiled Christ sculpture carved from a single block of marble in 1753 that shows Christ after the crucifixion, draped in what appears to be a transparent veil so fine you can see every detail of his face and body beneath it.

Though the Veiled Christ is the main attraction of the small museum, the chapel is covered in other sculptures and art that you can admire as well. 

The chapel’s no-photography policy, initially annoyed me, but is genuinely the right call for such an art experience. Of all the things to do in Naples Italy for art lovers, nothing comes close to this.

Practical info:

Open daily from 9am–7pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

You have to book in advance as well as a specific time slot to enter the chapel, as it’s both very small and very popular. 

If you only want to purchase an entry ticket you’ll have to book it through the official website here. Entry ticket is €12 (reduced ticket for ages 18 to 26 years: €8). You can get an audio-guide for €3.5. 

Otherwise lots of companies offer guided tours (starting from around €30).

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Castel Sant’Elmo: Breathtaking Views Among Things to Do in Naples Italy

If Naples occasionally makes you feel like the walls are closing in, Castel Sant’Elmo is the antidote. 

This 16th-century star-shaped fortress sits high above the city and the views from its ramparts are simply extraordinary. 

Looking down, you can trace the perfectly straight line of Spaccanapoli cutting through the dense historic centre below. Walk a bit around and you’re looking out across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius, with the islands of Ischia and Procida in the horizon.

Practical info: 

Open daily 8:30am–7:30pm. 

Entry is €5 (reduced for EU citizens: €2)

There’s two ways to get here:

The Monte Santo funicular

Runs every day, from Monday to Sunday, including holidays, from 07:00 (first ride) to 22:00 (last ride).

A single journey ticket costs €1.10.

Walking

It’s also possible to walk up to Sant’Elmo. I took the metro to Montesanto and from there you can easily follow google maps (and the stairs) leading up to the fortress. It’s definitely a climb, but not too bad. I’d just advise against going midday, as the Italian sun is intense, and there’s no shade on the stairs. See the view from the way up on the pictures below.

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Piazza del Plebiscito: A Must-See Among Things to Do in Naples Italy

Naples’ grandest square is where the city makes its most theatrical statement. On one side, the Royal Palace. On the other, the San Francesco di Paola church, built originally as a monument to Napoleon, then repurposed after his fall.

Piazza Dante: The the heart of all things to do in Naples Italy

If Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples’ grand statement, Piazza Dante is where the city actually lives. Centred on a statue of the poet Dante Alighieri, this busy, unpretentious square sits right by the metro stop and is ringed by terraces where locals nurse espressos for hours at a time.

Start your day here with a coffee at one of the many bars. Remember to do it the Italian way: Standing is cheaper, faster, and infinitely more Neapolitan.

Castel dell’Ovo

After the intensity of the historic centre, the Castel dell’Ovo and Lungomare area offers an unexpected break. 

This ancient fortress – actually the oldest in the city – sits on a small island connected to the mainland by a short causeway, surrounded by the small fishing boats. 

Fun fact: Did you know that the castle takes its name from a legend that the Roman poet Virgil placed a magical egg in its foundations, warning that if it ever broke, the city would face catastrophe. The egg, apparently, is still holding.

Entry is free, the views from the ramparts over the bay are stunning, and the Lungomare promenade stretches out from here along the waterfront (see picture to the right above).

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Catacombs of San Gennaro: Unmissable underground things to do in Naples Italy

Beneath the streets of Naples lies a whole other city – 450 kilometres of tunnels, aqueducts, and burial chambers stretching in every direction underground. The most remarkable entry point into this hidden world is the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Descending into these ancient burial tunnels, and sacred spaces containing some of the earliest Christian art in the world, guided by locals, is genuinely moving. 

In 2006, a group of young people from Rione Sanità – a neighbourhood that had long struggled with unemployment and disadvantage – formed a cooperative called La Paranza and took over the long-neglected catacombs. Visitor numbers grew from 8,000 in 2008 to over 200,000 in 2022. It is one of the most compelling stories of community-led regeneration I’ve come across, and experiencing it firsthand is very much on my agenda. Read more about their initiatives here. 

Practical info: 

Tours operate daily from 10am (first tour) to 5pm (last tour). The catacombs are closed on Wednesdays.

Entry fee: €13

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Royal Palace of Naples: The unexpected Gem of best things to do in Naples Italy

Most visitors stand in Piazza del Plebiscito, and don’t even know a palace is right behind them. But even if you’re not a castle lover like me, I highly recommend visiting the interior of this unsuspecting palace. 

The Palazzo Reale is one of Naples’ most rewarding interiors, and far less crowded than you’d expect given its scale. Built in the 1600s for Philip III, is one of four magnificent residences around Naples used by the Bourbons. 

The grand entrance staircase has gone viral online, and for good reason. It’s widely regarded as one of the finest staircases in Europe, completed in a grandiose late neoclassical style. 

In short, Palazzo Reale is a textbook example of what Naples does so well – an underwhelming exterior concealing something that stops you in your tracks the moment you step inside.

Practical info: 

Open daily from 9am to 8pm (last entry at 7pm). The palace is closed on Wednesdays.

Entry fee: €15 (Reduced: €2.00 for EU citizens aged 18-24)

Allow at least two hours to visit this beautiful palace. 

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Walk around the iconic side streets of Naples

If I could give one piece of advice to every first-time visitor to Naples, it would be to put your phone in your pocket, pick a direction, and walk.

The two great ancient streets, Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali, are the obvious starting points, and both deserve as much time as you can give them. Spaccanapoli literally splits the city in two, following the line of an ancient Greek road through the historic centre in a perfectly straight line. Via dei Tribunali runs parallel, lined with pizzerias, medieval churches, crumbling palazzi, and, in the early evening, an energy that is entirely its own. 

But the real magic is in the side streets. You will stumble on unexpected things like a workshop where someone is hand-painting nativity figures, a courtyard hidden behind a grand palazzo door, a tiny trattoria with no menu, a wall covered entirely in Maradona murals – and that’s just the beauty and chaos of Naples. 

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Best day trips outside things to do in Naples Italy

Naples’ position in the Campania region makes it one of the best bases in Italy for day trips. Within an hour or two by train, you can reach ancient ruins, an active volcano, a UNESCO World Heritage palace, and one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines.

Capri

Reaching Capri from Naples is straightforward. The Naples–Capri ferry route is active all year round with up to 20 daily connections, and you can travel by conventional ferry or hydrofoil. The crossing takes about 50 minutes. Ferries leave from Molo Beverello in the port of Naples (see map in the beginning of this post).

Book your tickets in advance, particularly in summer when the early morning ferries fill up fast. Aim for the earliest crossing you can get as the earlier you arrive, the more time you have before the crowds hit.

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Pompeii 

The place you can’t miss when in Naples. 44 hectares of ancient Roman life frozen in 79 AD, just 35 minutes by train from Napoli Centrale. 

Allow at least four hours on site, and visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples beforehand to see the finest objects recovered from the ruins and get the context you need.

You can join a tour leaving from Naples or take the direct train, and wander the Archaeological park yourself. I’d recommend getting a guided tour, as the park is huge and unless you do extensive research beforehand, you won’t get as much out of it without context. I’d also recommend getting a combi ticket with Mt. Vesuvius included, as you don’t have to worry about transportation from Pompeii to the volcano and from the volcano back to Naples.

Practical information:

Entry ticket: €20 (€2 reduced for EU citizens between the ages of 18 and under 25)

Opening hours: 9am-7pm (last entry at 5:30pm) during the summer, and from 9am-5pm (entry at 3:30pm) during the winter. The site is closed on Tuesdays!

REMEMBER to bring your passport, as all tickets are individual. 

Mount Vesuvius 

A trip to this iconic volcano can be combined with either Pompeii or Herculaneum in a single day.Take the bus to the trailhead and allow around 30 minutes for the hike to the crater. Though I wouldn’t do the hike just for the crater, the views over the Bay of Naples from the top are, by all accounts, completely worth it. Read more about the site here. 

Tickets are €12 for single entry.

Beware that the bus ride up to the volcano is very winding and can cause car-sickness (even for me who normally don’t have issues with buses). So bring medication if needed – or just some water.

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Herculaneum 

The smaller, quieter ancient Roman city that in many ways is more intimate than Pompeii. Buried under 23 metres of hardened volcanic material, it is extraordinarily well preserved. Herculaneum is only twenty minutes from Naples on the same train line going to Pompeii. Read more about the archaeological site here. 

Opening hours: 8:30am – 7:30pm (last entry 6:00 pm)

Entry ticket: €16 (€2 reduced for EU citizens between the ages of 18 and under 25). Or book a guided tour with an archaeologist to get the full experience off this amazing site for only €45 (entry fee included).

The Royal Palace of Caserta 

Called the Versailles of Italy, this royal palace is a UNESCO-listed site about 40 minutes north of Naples by train, and surrounded by gardens so vast you can rent a bike to explore them. 

The numbers alone are almost absurd. The palace has five floors, 1,200 rooms including two dozen state apartments, 1,742 windows, 34 staircases, and 1,026 fireplaces. The floor space is 130,000 square metres, and the palace has a volume of around 2 million cubic metres. Read more about the castle here. 

Allow a full day and bring comfortable shoes.

Practical info: 

The castle’s opening hours are daily from 8.30am – 7.15pm (last entry at 6.15pm)

The english garden’s opening hours are daily from 8.30am – 6pm (last entry at 5pm)

Entry fee: €19

When travelling from Naples, catch the regional Trenitalia train from Napoli Centrale to Caserta, the train drops you off directly in front of the Royal Palace. 

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Posted By: Sofia · In: Italy