Vibrant Ventures

A local's guide to Naples Italy

Jul 09, 2025By Emma Rigo
Emma Rigo

naples things to do italy

As someone who’s explored many corners of Italy, I can confidently say that Naples is one of the country’s most captivating and underrated cities. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, this city offers a unique blend of ancient history, vibrant street life, and raw authenticity. From its rich cultural heritage and stunning churches to its lively neighborhoods and breathtaking coastal views, Naples delivers an unforgettable Italian experience—far from the typical tourist path and full of character waiting to be discovered.

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Practical Information:

Location

Nestled in the heart of southern Italy, Naples is one of the country’s most fascinating and underrated cities. Far from the typical tourist routes of Rome, Florence, and Venice, this vibrant coastal city offers a unique mix of chaotic charm, rich history, and irresistible food culture.

Transportation & Exploration

🚶‍♂️On Foot: Naples is a city best discovered on foot, especially in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow alleys, buzzing piazzas, and ancient churches are all packed within walking distance. If you're planning to visit several cultural attractions and archaeological sites, consider purchasing the Artecard Napoli, which offers free or discounted access to key museums and sites (including the National Archaeological Museum and Castel Sant'Elmo) and unlimited use of public transport for 3 or 7 days. You can find all details and purchase options here.

🚆 By Train: For longer distances, Naples has an extensive and reliable public transport system, including metro lines, buses, and funiculars. Tickets are affordable and you can buy daily or multi-day passes. One recommended option is the TIC Weekly Pass (€16.00), valid for unlimited travel on urban transportation:

  • TIC One-ride Ticket (90 minutes): €1,00  
  • TIC Urban Ticket (90 minutes): €1,50      
  • TIC Daily Ticket: €4,50
  • TIC Weekly Ticket: €15,80 for 7 days.

Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, tobacco shops (Tabacchi), or via the official app "UnicoCampania."

If you're arriving from other parts of Italy, Naples is well-connected by high-speed train Frecciarossa or Italo from Rome, Florence, and Milan. The Napoli Centrale station is a major hub.

✈️ By Plane: Naples also has its own airport, Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino, just 7 km (4.3 miles) from the city center. You can reach downtown via the Alibus shuttle (€5 one way), with tickets available online, on board, or through ticket machines.

🚌 Guided Tours: To reach the nearby attractions like Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast guided tours are widely available from Naples: 

Weather

Naples enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Here's what to expect throughout the year:

  • ☀️Summer (June to August): Expect warm to hot temperatures between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Sea breezes help cool down the coastal areas, and this is prime beach season.
  • 🍂Autumn (September to November): Autumn is pleasant, with temperatures from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Fewer tourists and colorful sunsets make it an ideal time to visit.
  • ❄️Winter (December to February): Winters are mild, ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Snow is extremely rare, and the festive period around Christmas is magical, especially in the historic center and San Gregorio Armeno, known for its nativity scene artisans.
  • 🌸Spring (March to May): Spring brings blooming gardens and comfortable weather, with temperatures between 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). It’s a perfect time for exploring both the city and its scenic surroundings like Capri or the ruins of Herculaneum.
     

    Accommodation

Naples offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget—from boutique hotels with rooftop views of Mount Vesuvius to affordable guesthouses and charming bed-and-breakfasts in the historic center. I recommend avoiding the area immediately around the central train station, as it can feel a bit chaotic and less appealing. Instead, consider staying in or near the historic center—around Spaccanapoli or Piazza del Plebiscito—where you'll be immersed in the city's vibrant atmosphere and within walking distance of major attractions.

👉 I personally stayed in a small but affordable apartment called GG-Grow – La Terrazza Di Bellavista, which had a lovely little terrace and was a great base for exploring the city.

what to see in naples italy in one day:

Historic Center 

No visit to Naples is complete without diving into the chaotic charm of its historic center, one of the oldest and most densely packed in Europe. This vibrant district, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the true soul of the city—a place where ancient history, everyday Neapolitan life, and raw energy coexist in the tight embrace of narrow alleyways.

At the heart of it all is Spaccanapoli—literally meaning “Naples splitter”—a long, straight street that cuts through the historic center like a spine. Walking along Spaccanapoli feels like stepping into a living museum. You'll pass centuries-old churches, bustling piazzas, family-run bakeries, street shrines, crumbling Baroque palaces, and laundry flapping from balconies just above your head. Key highlights:

  • Via San Gregorio Armeno: Famous for its artisan shops that sell handcrafted nativity scenes (presepi) all year round. These are no ordinary nativity sets—imagine tiny figurines of both saints and soccer players, politicians, and celebrities!
San Gregorio Armeno, a famous street in Naples, Italy
  • Via Dei Tribunali: One of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, it’s lined with shops, cafés, and street performers, offering a delightful mix of old-world charm and modern-day shopping.
Italy - Naples - Via dei Tribunali ( spaccanapoli)
  • Veiled Christ at Cappella Sansevero: One of the most impressive sculptures in the world. The "Cristo Velato" (Veiled Christ) is a masterpiece of marble that looks like it's draped in actual fabric. Booking in advance is essential.

👉 You can also book online a guided tour Naples: Downtown Tour with Veiled Christ & St Clare Tickets.

  • Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro: Built in the 17th century, this opulent Baroque chapel houses the relics of San Gennaro, the city’s beloved patron saint. The chapel is adorned with intricate frescoes, marble sculptures, and an astonishing collection of silver and gold treasures donated by the people of Naples over centuries. It's not only a spiritual site but also a symbol of the city's resilience and identity—don’t miss the chance to step inside and admire one of Naples’ most sacred and artistically rich spaces.

👉 You can book online your ticket here. 

  • Underground Naples (Napoli Sotterranea): Beneath the bustling streets of Naples lies a hidden world: Napoli Sotterranea, a vast network of tunnels, caverns, and ancient ruins that reveal over 2,400 years of the city's history. This fascinating underground labyrinth was originally carved by the Greeks as a quarry, expanded by the Romans for aqueducts and cisterns, and later used as wartime shelters during WWII. Today, visitors can explore this fascinating underworld through guided tours departing from three key entrances:
  1. Piazza San Gaetano 68: The official entrance, located near the Basilica of San Paolo Maggiore, is marked by white and blue flags with the inscription “Napoli Sotterranea”.
  2. Vico Sant'Anna di Palazzo 52: Situated in the Spanish Quarter, this entrance leads to a different underground route, offering a unique perspective of the subterranean city.
  3. La Neapolis Sotterrata: Located beneath the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, this entrance provides access to archaeological sites, including a Greek-Roman theater and ancient cisterns.

👉 You can book ahead online a tour of underground Naples here. 

LungoMare

One of the most scenic and relaxing experiences in Naples is a stroll along the Lungomare, the city’s beautiful waterfront promenade stretching from Mergellina to Castel dell’Ovo. With panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and Capri in the distance, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to unwind.

  • Castel dell’Ovo: The oldest standing fortress in Naples, located on the seafront. Entry is free and the views over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius are spectacular.

👉 You can book a guided tour online Naples: Castel Sant'Elmo Entry Ticket with Audio Guide.

Naples cityscape and gulf

Quartieri Spagnoli

Tucked away in the heart of Naples, the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters) offer a raw and authentic glimpse into the city's soul. With their narrow alleys, colorful laundry hanging between balconies, and lively street life, these historic neighborhoods buzz with character. While once considered rough, today they are a vibrant mix of tradition, street art, and local pride—perfect for adventurous travelers eager to experience the real Naples beyond the tourist trails.

Colorful streets of Naples, Italy

No visit to the Quartieri Spagnoli is complete without stopping to see the iconic Maradona mural. More than just a piece of street art, it's a powerful symbol of devotion—both to the football legend who became a local hero and to the proud, resilient spirit of Naples itself. Surrounded by flags, shrines, and photos, the mural tells a story of passion, struggle, and identity that you can feel in the air. Even if you're not a football fan, it's a must-see cultural landmark. Naples lives and breathes football—it's woven into the fabric of daily life. All around the city, you'll spot striscioni (banners) not only celebrating Napoli's team, but also teasing or mocking rival clubs, reflecting the intense pride and emotion that define the city's football culture.

Santa Giulia church in Turin

After exploring the lively Quartieri Spagnoli, take a short walk to Piazza del Plebiscito, one of Naples' most beautiful and iconic squares, home to the majestic Royal Palace.

👉 A guided tour such as Naples: Royal Palace and Spanish Quarters Small Group Tour is a great way to fully appreciate the history and architecture of this area.

Piazza del Plebiscito with the facade of the church of San Francesco di Paola.

Naples Food

No visit to Naples is complete without talking about the food. While Italy is known for high-quality cuisine everywhere, Naples stands out with its deeply rooted food culture and incredibly affordable prices. The quality-to-price ratio here is truly exceptional—but only if you know where to go. It's true that you’ll eat well almost anywhere, but many spots are geared toward tourists and don’t reflect where locals really dine. If you want to eat like the Italians do (like I do!), check out my full guide on what and where to eat in Naples. 

👉 You can also opt for a guided tour that offers deeper insight into Naples' rich food culture:


Close up view of a Margherita Neapolitan style pizza with buffalo mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil.

POMPEII

A visit to Pompeii is an absolute must. Frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, this ancient Roman city offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into daily life nearly two thousand years ago. As you wander its remarkably preserved streets, homes, bathhouses, and even bakeries, you can almost hear the footsteps of the past. Pompeii is not just a historical site—it's an immersive experience that brings history vividly to life. Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds, and wear comfortable shoes—the cobbled streets can be uneven. Don’t miss the amphitheater and the Villa of the Mysteries for some of the site’s most stunning frescoes. 

🚆To reach Pompeii: the easiest way is by train. From Napoli Centrale Station, you can take a regional train to Salerno (about 45 minutes) and get off at the Trenitalia stop in Pompei. From there, it's just a short walk to the historic town center. Trains to Salerno run frequently, and most of them stop in Pompei. Alternatively, from Naples you can also take regional trains departing directly from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi Station, located in the historic center. This route is fast, with a travel time of around 41 minutes.

👉 If you prefer more flexibility or are traveling with a group, you can also take a guided day trip:






Planning a perfect day trip doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and considering your preferences, you can create an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, choose your destination, and get ready for an adventure!