Naples Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Naples

Naples rewards curious travellers with ancient streets, grand palaces and some of the world’s finest archaeological treasures, all within easy reach of the bay.

• Historic centre and Spaccanapoli — A UNESCO-listed maze of narrow lanes, churches and street shrines, cut through by the long, straight street known as Spaccanapoli.
• National Archaeological Museum — One of the world’s great collections of Roman art, including mosaics and frescoes recovered from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
• Pompeii and Herculaneum — The Roman towns buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, both reachable from Naples by regional train.
• Mount Vesuvius — The volcano that dominates the skyline, with a walking trail to the crater rim and sweeping views over the bay.
• Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace — A vast square framed by a colonnaded church and the former residence of the kings of Naples.
• Castel dell’Ovo and the seafront — A medieval castle on a small islet, linked to a waterfront promenade that is popular for evening strolls.
• Naples Underground — Guided tours of tunnels, cisterns and Greco-Roman passages hidden beneath the old city.

Best time to visit Naples

Spring, from April to June, and early autumn, from September to October, are the most pleasant times to visit, with warm, sunny days that suit walking the old town and exploring Pompeii and the coast. These months also bring comfortable sea temperatures for boat trips to the islands.

July and August are hot and humid, and the Amalfi Coast and islands are at their busiest, while many local residents leave the city for their own holidays around mid-August. If you visit in summer, plan sightseeing for the morning and late afternoon, and book ferries and accommodation well ahead.

Winter is mild but can be wet, and it is the quietest season for museums and archaeological sites. December is festive, as the street of San Gregorio Armeno fills with traditional handcrafted nativity scenes, and the city celebrates its patron saint, San Gennaro, with religious festivities several times a year, notably in September.

Getting from the airport

Naples International Airport, also known as Capodichino, lies only around 6 kilometres north-east of the city centre, making it one of the most conveniently located airports in Italy.

• Airport shuttle bus — A dedicated shuttle runs frequently from outside the terminal to the central railway station at Piazza Garibaldi in around 15 to 20 minutes, continuing to the port area for ferries to Capri and Ischia.
• City buses — Local bus lines also connect the airport with the central station and other districts, though they are slower and can be crowded.
• Taxi — Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall, and fixed fares apply to set zones of the city. The drive to the centre usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

From the central station, regional trains run towards Pompeii, Herculaneum and Sorrento, and the metro links the station with the historic centre and the seafront.

Where to stay

Naples has distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character, and the metro and funiculars make it easy to move between the hills and the waterfront.

• Centro Storico — The historic heart, ideal for first-time visitors who want churches, museums and pizzerias on their doorstep.
• Chiaia — An elegant district near the seafront with boutiques, cafés and evening bars, suited to couples and those who prefer a calmer base.
• Lungomare and Santa Lucia — The waterfront area beside Castel dell’Ovo, offering bay views and easy access to the port for island trips.
• Vomero — A residential hilltop district reached by funicular, with wide streets, shopping and panoramic views, good for longer stays.
• Near the central station — Practical for the airport shuttle and day trips by train, though the area is busy and less charming at night.

Travel tips

• Getting around — The metro, funiculars and buses cover most of the city. The historic centre is best explored on foot, but watch out for scooters in narrow lanes.
• Safety — Naples is lively and welcoming, but pickpockets operate in crowded areas, on public transport and around the station. Keep valuables close and avoid displaying expensive items.
• Payment — Cards are widely accepted, though small cafés, pizzerias and market stalls may prefer cash.
• Tipping — A cover charge often appears on restaurant bills. Tipping is not expected, but leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated.
• Etiquette — Dress modestly when visiting churches, with shoulders and knees covered. Coffee is usually drunk quickly standing at the bar.
• Entry requirements — Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality. Check the latest requirements with official sources before you travel.