Best Things to Do in Naples

Getting Oriented

Not many visitors put Naples on their list and, instead, opt to bypass the city for the posh Amalfi Coast or ruins of Pompeii. But Naples is worth a visit of its own, as an energetic port city known for its music culture, Neapolitan pizza, and passionate people. Don't miss a stroll down Via Tribunali, a street lined with pizzerias, bakeries, and coffee shops. And to get the most out of your time (and save your energy), tour the city from top to bottom, from Vomero Hill to the sea. 

Naples also makes an excellent hub if you want to hike Mt. Vesuvius or spend a day exploring the ruins of Pompeii or sailing to Capri. You can also use it as a base and spend a few days on the Amalfi Coast or the Sorrentine Peninsula. Regardless, there's always something to do while staying in the city, but make sure you visit when you can spend ample time outside. Discover the best time of year to visit Naples and the rest of Southern Italy.

Things to Do

Food is at the heart of Naples, and it's almost a rite of passage to enjoy an entire pizza to yourself while in the city. Discover some of Naples' other staples with a street food tour and a seafood dinner while exploring the main sites and landmarks. 

Naples Street Food Tour with Pizza

Food and culture go hand-in-hand in Naples, so a city tour combining historic landmarks and street food is the perfect way to discover the Neapolitan essence. Join a local foodie and explore churches and palaces while tasting some of the local staples, such as Buffalo mozzarella, Neapolitan salami, Taralli (small bagels with almonds and black pepper), Ziti pasta, and much more! There's a reason why Naples is known as the "city of good food," and you'll quickly understand why as you chat with restauranteurs at their cafes and sellers at the lively street market of Pignasecca. Along the way, visit sites like Piazza Gesù Nuovo, Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, Piazzetta Nilo, Via San Gregorio Armeno, and more. Read More

Vertical Naples Tour

Naples is hilly, so the best way to explore the city (and save your energy for pizza!) is to walk from top to bottom. Follow a popular “urban trekking” path through the city, starting from Vomero Hill at Belvedere San Martino's scenic viewpoint. Enjoy sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius before heading down the stairs of Pedamentina, a 14th-century ancient footpath. Walk along the historic main street, Spaccanapoli, and make your way to Pignasecca Market, the biggest marketplace in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End the tour by perusing craft shops and sipping an espresso with your guide. Read More

Afternoon Glow Naples Tour & Seafood Dinner

Believe it or not, when it comes to food, Naples is more than just pizza! Because it's a lively port city, you can also enjoy some of Italy's best seafood. To work up an appetite, take an afternoon walking and driving tour as the sun starts to set. Your guide will lead you through the historic center and up to some of the city's best viewpoints to capture the sun melting into the sea and illuminating the buildings. Then sit down at a seafood restaurant beloved by locals to enjoy some of the regional cuisine and wine. Read More

Day Trip from Naples

With Mt. Vesuvius looming over the city, Naples is the perfect hub for exploring Pompeii and Herculaneum, the two cities preserved after the infamous eruption in 79 CE. 

Pompeii and Herculaneum Tour

Walk through the impressive ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum with an archeologist. First, stop at Pompeii, one of the last cities to offer visitors a true image of ancient Roman settlements. Your guide will share the history of the town, explain how the Romans lived, and lead you to the most important public buildings and private houses. The city had a complex water system, theater, gymnasium, baths, and a substantial population, all buried under layers of ash for hundreds of years. Then head to Herculaneum, a city that was buried even deeper than Pompeii and offers even more treasures. Read More

Hiking Mt. Vesuvius

Why simply look at Mt. Vesuvius when you can hike the famous volcano’s epic crater and enjoy the views of the Gulf of Naples?! Mount Vesuvius is one of only two active volcanoes in Continental Europe and stands about 4,200 feet (1,281 m) tall. Set within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the volcano includes the caldera of Mt. Somma and the Grand Cone of Mt. Vesuvius. The trek only takes about 25 minutes, but you’ll follow some steep ascents. Your efforts are rewarded, as the view from the top is truly breathtaking at over 3,000 feet (1,000 m) high. Read More

How Does Naples Fit into an Italy Itinerary?

Although you can spend at least 2-3 days in Naples alone, it's best to give yourself a little more time to enjoy its beautiful natural surroundings. Most visitors pair the city with trips to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius or Capri and the Amalfi Coast. But Naples also connects well with other major Italian cities, especially Rome leading to the north and Bari as a gateway to the south. Learn how to best allocate your time in Italy, whether you're building a northern winery excursion or a beachy southern vacation.

Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following trips that include Naples:

• Naples & the Amalfi Coast - 6 Days
• Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 12 Days
• Highlights of Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples - 14 Days