We didn’t really know what to expect from Naples. Everyone we talked to had an opinion – some said it was magical, others said it was “too much.” But once we arrived, we instantly understood why it’s both. Naples is pure energy – loud, chaotic, and messy in the best possible way. It’s not everyone’s cup of espresso.. but for us, it was unforgettable.
If you’re wondering what to do in Naples, Italy, here’s everything we loved (and learned) about this chaotic, charming city – from must-see spots and hidden gems to food, transport, safety, and tips only locals seem to know.
We’ve also added a map at the end of the blog to help you find everything easily!
⏰ Only have a short time in the city? Check out our guide on how to make the most of one day in Naples – from the best sights to must-try pizza and local tips!
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First Impressions: The Chaos That Somehow Works
Napoli hits all your senses at once. Scooters flying through tiny streets, laundry swinging between balconies, church bells ringing, someone shouting your favorite Italian word – ciao! – and the smell of pizza around every corner.
At first, it feels overwhelming. But the longer you stay, the more you realize that the chaos has a rhythm. It’s messy, but full of life. Every street tells a story, every piazza hides a surprise, and the locals have their own quirky traditions that make the city feel even more alive.
People touch statues for luck, rub them for wishes, and carry all sorts of little superstitions with them – Naples is very superstitious, and it’s fun to watch how much these traditions shape everyday life.
And the food.. oh, the food. The pizza alone is a reason to visit – honestly, we can’t eat pizza anywhere else and feel the same after tasting it here. The streets are full of fried pizza, fresh seafood, pastries, and snacks you won’t find anywhere else, all at very good prices.
Wandering through the alleys with a slice in hand, grabbing a quick street snack, or stopping at a tiny bakery feels like part of the city’s pulse. Naples is chaotic, but it’s delicious chaos.
What to Do in Naples, Italy – Our Favorite Things
We started our trip with a free walking tour around the historic center, and honestly, it was the perfect introduction. It lasted about two hours and took us through the main streets, underground tunnels, and hidden corners while we learned about the city’s wild history (did you know it was influenced by Greeks, Romans, Spanish, and even Vikings?!).
Here are the main spots you can’t miss when exploring Napoli:
Spaccanapoli & Centro Storico
This narrow street literally cuts through the old town and gives you that “classic Napoli” vibe – loud, full of life, and packed with shops, bakeries, churches, and locals shouting across balconies. Just wander and let the city happen to you.
Duomo di Napoli (Naples Cathedral)
An absolute must-see. It’s one of the most beautiful churches in Naples, famous for the miracle of San Gennaro’s blood (the city’s patron saint). The inside is stunning, with marble columns and dramatic art everywhere.
Gesù Nuovo Church
Located right in the heart of the city, this church has a really unique stone façade and a golden, jaw-dropping interior. Even if you’ve seen hundreds of churches, this one will still impress you.
Castel Sant’Elmo
Take the funicular up to Vomero and climb to this fortress for a panoramic view over the city, the sea, and Mount Vesuvius. We went at sunset and it was magical – one of our favorite memories from Naples.
Piazza del Plebiscito
One of the most iconic squares in Naples – wide, elegant, and surrounded by some of the city’s most impressive buildings, like the Royal Palace and San Francesco di Paola Church. It’s perfect for an evening stroll, often with street musicians playing in the background.
Right nearby, grab a pizza or gelato and just enjoy people-watching – this is Naples at its most cinematic.
Lungomare & Castel dell’Ovo
When you need a break from the chaos, head to the seaside promenade. The views over the bay are unreal, and watching the sunset here with a slice of pizza in hand feels like a movie moment.
Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground)
An incredible tour beneath the city where you can explore ancient Greek-Roman tunnels and WWII shelters. It’s one of those experiences that really shows how many layers Naples has.
Galleria Umberto I
A gorgeous 19th-century shopping gallery with a glass dome — it feels a bit like a mini Milan Galleria, but with more local flavor.
Rione Sanità & Catacombs of San Gennaro
A raw and authentic part of Naples that we absolutely loved. The catacombs are both eerie and fascinating, and the neighborhood around is buzzing with life, colors, and markets.
Parco Virgiliano
If you have time, take a short trip here. It’s on a hill with amazing sea views, far from the tourist crowds. A great spot for a peaceful picnic or just to breathe after a day in the city.
The Food: Naples on a Plate
Let’s be honest – food is the main reason we came to Naples. And it did not disappoint. Everything we ate was packed with flavor, freshness, and love.
We’ll never forget that first pizza. Huge, soft, slightly charred from the wood oven, fresh basil melting into mozzarella – and it only cost around €6. We’re still dreaming about it.
A few places we think are worth visiting (if you can manage the lines):
- L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele – The legendary spot from Eat Pray Love. Only two pizza options (Margherita or Marinara), both perfection.
- Gino e Toto Sorbillo – Another classic, right on Via dei Tribunali. It gets super busy but the pizza is incredible.
- Trattoria da Nennella – Loud, chaotic, funny, and full of energy – very “Napoli.” Go for the pasta and the experience.
- Sfogliate e Sfogliatelle – For sfogliatella. You’ll smell it before you see it.
- Mozzelato – Our favorite gelato spot. Creamy, fresh, and a lot of unique flavors.
Insider Tips for Eating in Naples
This one’s important – most popular restaurants in Naples don’t take reservations. Instead, you’ll usually write your name in a little notebook when you arrive. Then, you wait outside until they call you.
If you go during peak time, expect to wait 30–60 minutes (sometimes more). Locals often go super early to avoid lines, or they write their name down, take a walk, and come back when it’s almost their turn. Totally normal here – and worth it every single time.
Also, bring cash – a lot of smaller trattorias don’t take cards.
Pro tip: Don’t just stick to sit-down restaurants. Naples is a paradise for street food lovers. While exploring, you’ll find all sorts of amazing options: fried pizza, fried seafood mixes (they call it frittura di mare), arancini, crocchè, and so much more. Grab a snack from a street vendor while wandering through Spaccanapoli or the markets – it’s part of the full Napoli experience.
Is Naples Safe?
This is probably one of the first questions people ask when they’re planning their trip. We wondered the same thing. And the short answer: yes, Naples is safe – if you use common sense.
Sure, it can look a little rough around the edges, but that’s part of its charm. We never felt unsafe, even walking through the old town at night. Just keep your valuables close (especially near the train station and on public transport) and stay alert when crossing streets – scooters are everywhere.
Avoid dark alleys late at night, and stick to lively areas like Spaccanapoli, Chiaia, or Lungomare after sunset.
Getting Around
If you’re asking yourself how to get around Naples, the answer is: walk as much as you can. You’ll see and feel so much more that way.
But here are some tips:
- Metro Line 1 is the most useful, especially to get to Vomero.
- Funiculars connect the upper parts of the city. They’re easy and scenic.
- Taxis are fine, but always check the fare before starting the ride or use apps like Free Now.
- Don’t rent a car. Just.. don’t. The traffic is pure madness and parking is impossible.
Pro tip: Don’t rely too much on bus schedules or station signs – they can be very misleading.
We once waited almost an hour for a bus that was supposed to come every five minutes. No one around spoke much English, so we had no idea what was going on. Turns out, the bus number had changed, and we accidentally jumped on a completely different one. A few friendly Italians tried to help us with hand gestures and bits of Italian, and somehow, we made it to our destination.. just an hour later. Let’s call it a fun local adventure. 😄
Where to Stay in Naples
Choosing where to stay really depends on your vibe:
- Centro Storico – For the full Napoli experience. Loud, fun, authentic, and full of character.
- Chiaia – Calmer, by the sea, with a more elegant touch.
- Vomero – Great views, quieter at night, and easily connected with the funicular.
We stayed in this amazing hotel in the center and loved being close to the action, but next time we might pick something closer to the sea for those evening walks.
Below, you can pick your hotel in Naples from the platform we always use — super reliable, easy to use, and full of great options for every budget.
Hidden Gems We Loved
Once you’ve seen the main sights, don’t miss these smaller spots:
- The tiny alleys around Via dei Tribunali – grab a coffee and people-watch.
- Mercato di Porta Nolana – full of locals buying seafood and fresh produce.
- The Spanish Quarter for its murals and street life.
- Random pasticcerie – just pick one and order whatever catches your eye. You’ll never go wrong in Naples. Our favourite one was Sapori di sfogliatella!
Here’s a handy map with all the spots mentioned in this guide. You can also click the top right corner to open it directly in Google Maps and use it on the go.
Useful Tips Before You Go
- Best time to visit: April–June or September–October – warm, lively, but not too crowded.
- Opening times: Museums and churches usually open around 9am and close by 6–7pm. Many restaurants close in the afternoon.
- Cash is king: Always carry some, especially for smaller spots.
- Watch out for scooters: They zoom everywhere, even through narrow streets, so stay alert when walking.
- Maradona is everywhere: Murals, shrines, and tributes to the football legend are all over the city.
- Go to restaurants before 7 PM: Otherwise, you’ll likely wait a long time, especially at the most famous spots.
- Try the fried pizza: Naples is full of amazing street food, and fried pizza is a must-try.
- Eat a lot of pizza: This is the birthplace of pizza, so indulge!
- Superstitions & touching statues: Locals often touch statues or sacred objects for luck or wishes – you’ll see it everywhere. It’s a fun tradition to observe, and if you want, you can join in respectfully.
- Day trips: From Naples, you can easily visit Pompeii, Vesuvius, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast – all just a short train or ferry ride away.
Here are the top-rated day trips from Naples if you want a more planned and hassle-free experience.
Final Thoughts: Napoli, You Wild Beauty
Naples is one of those cities that leaves a mark. It’s chaotic, loud, sometimes dirty, but completely full of life. It’s not trying to impress anyone – it just is.
For us, it was one of the biggest highlights of our Italy trip. The food, the views, the energy – everything felt real.
So if you’re wondering what to do in Naples, Italy, our advice is simple:
Eat everything. Walk everywhere. Don’t overplan. Let the city surprise you.
Because that’s when you’ll really feel the soul of Napoli. ❤️
