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Naples, Italy (not to be confused with Naples, Florida) is a historic city that has many claims to fame such as being the birthplace of pizza. For foodies, there are plenty of restaurants to try the delectable local cuisine as well as copious gastronomic experiences. Lovers of history and architecture should also be pleased as Naples's skyline features enough castles and seaside villas to delight your eyes.
If you want to know more about the best things to do in Naples, Italy, look no further for the best activities and travel tips to make the most of your time. From the oldest pizzeria in the world to the best viewpoints in the city, we’ll cover everything you might need to know and more.
Whether you’d rather hit up the nearby beaches or hike up to Mount Vesuvius, Naples has something for every traveler. If you want to be in the center of it all, stay in trendy neighborhoods like Centro Storico (the historic center), Quartieri Spagnoli (the Spanish Quarter and Naples's most quintessential area), Santa Lucia (a seaside neighborhood filled with seafood restaurants), Vomero (upscale with outstanding viewpoints) and Chiaia (best for shopaholics like myself). Regardless of where you stay in Naples, you can rest assured the iconic city is going to delight and enchant you. Andiamo!
1. Eat gelato in Piazza del Plebiscito
Undoubtedly the most gorgeous public square in Italy, Piazza del Plebiscito is also the largest in the city, often used for open-air concerts by the likes of Elton John, Muse, Bruce Springsteen, and Maroon 5. The piazza and its church’s construction began in the first half of the 19th century under the orders of the King of Naples, Murat (AKA Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother-in-law) who planned to use them as a tribute to the French Emperor.
However, when Napoleon was eventually exiled, the semi-circular piazza and its main building were repurposed and completed by Ferdinand I, King of Naples and King of Sicily as a church in honor of Saint Francis of Paolo. Erected from the volcanic rock found at Vesuvius, Piazza de Plebiscito was named after the plebiscite (referendum) that unified the nation into the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. It’s also the perfect place to begin your trip in Napoli and get used to the pulse of the city as it’s located right in the middle of Old Town and close to many other landmarks, such as the Palazzo della Prefettura (Prefecture Palace) to its north.
Want to blend in with the Neapolitan locals? Help yourself to gelato just around the corner at either Mennella Il Gelato or Casa Infante, who constantly battle it out for the title of ‘‘Best Ice-cream Parlor in Naples’’ (I’ll let you decide). Then, enjoy your scoop on the steps of the piazza as you people-watch, only to find everyone else doing the same. Buon appetito!
When you’re all done, turn around to head to our next destination…
2. Get spiritual at Basilica Reale Pontificia San Fracesco di Paolo
This 19th-century church was constructed in conjunction with Piazza de Plebiscito and stands as an impressive feat of Neoclassical architecture that borders the west of the plaza. Nearly resembling the Pantheon in Athens, Greece, San Francesco di Paolo Basilica has a portico facade that was designed by Leopold Laperuta (the Neapolitan architect also behind the nearby Prefecture Palace) and is wedged between lines of one Ionic pillar and six, white columns on each side. It’s one of the biggest churches in Naples, with a dome spanning 53 meters tall, and was engineered by Swiss architect Pietro Bianchi.
The basilica’s interior is circular with two chapels, one on each side, decorated with religious altarpieces dedicated to Saint Francis and other important figures. There are also numerous statues, such as those commemorating Saint Mark, Saint Matthew, and Saint John the Evangelist. Saint Francis himself was a 15th-century friar born in the Kingdom of Naples and named after Francis of Assisi, his parents’ spiritual guru around the time of his conception.
Committed to a friary at age 13, Saint Francis would go on to found many monasteries under his order, the Minims, before being called to France by King Louis XI on his death bed. Francis was revered for his wisdom by Louis XI and his successor, King Louis XII, the latter of whom refused to allow him to return home even as he grew older and Francis would end up spending his last three months in solitude before dying in France. These days, San Francesco di Paolo is the patron saint of boatmen, mariners, and naval officers, an apt guardian for a coastal city like Naples, and his church is open from about 10AM-3PM daily, come hell or holy water.
FUN FACTS: Saint Francis was one of the only saints never to be ordained as a priest. He was also a vegan, and one of his order’s vows was not to consume animal flesh or animal-derived products. No wonder he lived to be 91 in the Middle Ages! ·#blessed
3. Learn something new at Castel Nuovo
Built by Charles I of Anjou, King of Sicily, this medieval behemoth has decorated Naple’s skyline since 1282 after he moved the capital from Palermo to Naples. However, Charles I would never get to live in Castel Nuovo (the newest of the royal castles at the time) since a war (War of the Sicilian Vespers*) engulfed the western Mediterranean Sea from Catalonia to Sicily the same year the castle was completed. The new fortress would remain empty for the next three years until Charles I died in 1285, but, through the next centuries, Castel Nuovo would remain as the seat of power for the kingdoms of Naples, Aragon, and Spain until 1815.
Although the original structure was designed by French architect Pierre de Chaulnes, the majority began being heavily rebuilt by Guillen Sagrer, a Mallorcan sculptor/architect under the direction of the new King of Sicily, Alfonso V of Aragon (AKA Alfonso the Magnanimous). By 1479, when the massive remodeling project was completed, the Angevin fortress had been expanded and redone with Catalan-Majorcan Gothic influences, incorporating five round towers as well as the main gate with a Neapolitan Renaissance triumphal arch. Like Charles I, Alfonso VI, wouldn’t get to see the fruits of his labors either since he died in 1458.
These days, the castle features an irregular trapezoid floorplan from its 15th renovation along with three chapels, an armory hall, a civics museum, subterranean vaults that doubled as prisons, and a library dedicated to the Neapolitan Society of Homeland History. Open to the public Monday to Saturday from 8:30AM-15h for around 6€, this Neapolitan fixture shouldn’t be skipped by travelers wanting to explore the heart of Old Town.
4. Take a tour of the city
Scenic squares and massive monuments abound in Naples but, without a guidebook, it can be hard to contextualize their relevancy in Italian history. Thus, a guided walking tour of the city’s most prominent landmarks might be perfect for you, and all the best if it’s free! There are plenty of tour operators offering everything from walking tours where you only have to tip if you feel like it to full-day excursions whose cost includes transportation and food.
For thriftier travelers, free walking tours typically start around 10AM and last at least two hours as you wind through Naple’s narrow streets and learn the most interesting historical tidbits. Operators like That’s Amore, Experience Napoli and Napulè Tours provide various tours year-round, including street food tours that go by some of Naples's most famous pizza parlors.
If you don’t mind spending dough, you can also do the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour, the ideal way to zip between Naple’s most popular hubs, or try a sightseeing tour by bike or by Vespa. Prefer not to lead with a crowd of other tourists? You can also take yourself on a self-guided tour/scavenger hunt around the city as you unlearn hidden gems and local legends. Whether you’d rather splurge or save, Naples has tours for every price point. Andiamo!
5. Get archeological at the MANN
If you’re interested in uncovering more of Neapolitan history, this iconic museum should be one of your first stops in Naples. Founded in 1777 by King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, the Museo Archeologica Nazionale di Napoli (MANN) is the biggest archive of artifacts and relics in the city and one of the largest in the country. With collections that were initially dedicated to the Bourbon dynasty, the MANN eventually developed into an encyclopedic museum for different institutions, such as the Royal Library and an astronomical observatory.
Nevertheless, after the unification of Italy in 1860, the galleries were expanded to house the findings from excavations throughout Campania and the rest of southern Italy. These vestiges include the ruins of cities buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD as well as exhibits donated by private collectors. In 1957, all the museum’s paintings were moved to the Museum of Capodimonte, solidifying the MANN’s role as an archeological museum.
Currently, the MANN is home to several collections and exhibitions, notably those highlighting Egyptian and Roman artifacts. It also has an impressive collection of mosaics, many of them taken from the ruins of Pompei and Heraculem, along with collections of sculptures, medieval coins, and ancient epigraphy. If you’re planning to visit any ruins near Naples, make sure to stop by the MANN first since it holds many relics from these sites in its vast archives. Open to visitors every day except Tuesdays from 9AM-7:30PM (admission starting around 13€), don’t miss out on your chance to delve into Naples's most important cultural center, especially with a guided tour.
BONUS TIP: Besides the MANN, the Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum is worth a visit for its eclectic showcases of modern art.
6. Please your palette with hand-tossed pizza
The birthplace of pizza, Naples is no slouch in the cuisine department and that certainly shows in the number of pizza parlors that take up much of the city. Deriving from the Greek word, ‘‘pita,’’ the doughy sustenance originating from the first settlers in Naples, pizza eventually evolve to include various toppings, thus taking the world by storm. Some local staples include L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (made famous for Julia Robert’s appearance in Eat, Pray, Love), Gino Sorbillo, 50 Kalo, di Matteo, Starita and Concettina ai Tre Santi. Pick your favorite eatery but make sure to show up early since there are sure to be the around-the-clock queues where it might take over a half hour just for a slice.
Naples is also home to the oldest pizzeria in the world, Attica Pizzeria, established in 1738 and located right by Port’Alba. In Naples, pizza is meant to be eaten whole and on the go so try the pizza fritta to chow down like a local. Nearly every restaurant serves pizza but in case you get sick of it (how could you?), stop into eateries like A Taverna Do Re Di Francesco Parrella (for succulent seafood), Trattoria da Nennella (for warbling waiters), Tandem (for perfect pasta) or Antico Forno delle Sfogiatelle Calde Attanasio (for delectable desserts). Need a coffee after all that food? Grab a hot cup of joe (or an espresso, like a proper Italian) at Caffe Gambrinus to fight off your food coma.
7. Wander the Royal Palace of Naples
This destination is right next to Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples’ largest public square, where it’s stood for nearly three centuries. Built on the site of the former residence of the Marquis of Villafranca, the Palazzo Reale was initially designed by Italian architect Domenico Fontana as a temporary home for Philip III of Spain (AKA Philip II, King of Portugal, Naples, Sicily, and Sardinia). However, the king never made the journey to Naples so the domicile was instead inhabited by the Count of Lemos when the palace was completed in the 1610s.
By 1616, the southern facade had been added and by 1620 the interior had been frescoed by Italian artists such as Giovanni Balducci, Belisario Corenzio, and Battistello Caracciolo (the latter two being active members in the deadly Cabal of Naples). When the Spanish Bourbons came to power as rulers of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in the 18th century, the palace became the royal residence of King Charles III of Spain and its expansions and renovations continued throughout the centuries despite a fire in 1837.
Nowadays, the palace and its vast grounds house the National Library and Teatro di San Carlo (more on that in a bit). Travel back into time as you wander through the palace’s extensive chambers, envisioning the lives of royal families long past. The facilities include a majestic throne room and private theatre plus several royal apartments intricately decorated with antique furniture, captivating sculptures, and lavish artwork. See the splendor for yourself every day except on Wednesdays from 9AM-8PM for around 6€, which is practically a steal for all that glimmering gold.
NOT-SO-FUN FACT: The Cabal of Naples was a secret society that sought to assassinate and disappears non-Neapolitan painters to get rid of outside rivals. Talk about some stiff competition!
8. Go shopping at Galleria Umberto I
A mere stone’s throw away from Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the most enchanting public shopping galleries in all of Italy, Galleria Umberto I. Situated just across the street from Real Teatro di San Carlo, the five-story, cross-shaped complex was built in the late-19th century during the risanamento, Italy’s period of reconstruction following its unification, and designed in Stile Umbertino (a Renaissance Revival style) by Emanuele Rocco. The architect wanted to model the layout after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan yet the gallery was named for Umberto I, the King of Italy at that time.
Once constructed as a commercial center containing everything from businesses to bistros, the gallery has retained its original purpose for over a century despite decades of damage and decay. Currently, the gallery is still one of the busiest hubs in central Naples, featuring an elegant glass dome and four gilded wings that open up to the city streets. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is open to the public around the clock and entirely free to visit so stop by here to take its ornate aesthetics while you’re in the area.
9. Explore the treasures at the Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro
If you’re a lover of shiny objects like me, you’ll get a thrill out of this next stop. Home to some of the best and brightest cachés in the entire nation, the Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro was established in 2003 in the Old Town. The museum’s treasure comprises various artworks, bejeweled trinkets, and religious ornaments collected over the past seven centuries by kings, emperors, popes, celebrities, and everyday folks. Thanks to the efforts of the Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, an ancient society formed in 1527, the collection’s unblemished riches are still on display to the public who can fawn over the gilded, devotional relics.
The museum is situated right next to the Cathedral of Naples and houses nearly unrivaled exhibitions of gold, silver, bronze, and jeweled artifacts along with exhibits showcasing some of the previous popes' fanciest robes and hats. The site also provides guided tours of the masterpieces, some dating back to the 14th century. When you’re done ooh-ing and aah-ing over the unparalleled treasure trove, head to the gift shop to buy your very own sparkly bauble to take home as a souvenir, seven days a week from 9:30AM-6PM.
https://tesorosangennaro.it/en/home-en/
FUN FACT: According to studies by experts, the worth of the museum’s collections is even wealthier than the Queen of England and every former Russian Tzar.
10. Raid some tombs at the catacombs
Not to give in to stereotypes, but Italy is essentially one big lasagna made up of layers from various empires come and gone and Naples is no exception. Thus, it should come as no surprise that has a wealth of underground chambers (some of which we’ll cover later) just lying beneath the surface of the bustling city. Many are tombs remaining from antiquity when it was the most pious way to bury the dead and no catacombs were more revered than those of San Gennaro.
Named after the city's patron saint, the Catacombs of San Gennaro span around 5600 meters squared right under Naple’s Capodimonte Hill, making it the largest burial site in southern Italy. Originating in the 2nd century, the site expanded well into the Middle Ages, becoming a popular pilgrimage stop by the 9th century, and, at its peak, held thousands of corpses, mostly of affluent Neapoltinas.
However, the aforementioned are far from the only catacombs in Naples, with the Catacombs of San Gaudioso definitely worth a visit. Named for a 5th-century bishop who founded a monastery in the area, his tombs were nearly lost to time for centuries until the 16th century as the nearby villages expanded. This need became even more evident as a plague epidemic swept through Europe in the 1650s, necessitating the use of more graves. These catacombs are a must-see for their macabre frescoes and bones embedded in the artwork.
Although the latter catacombs are located a bit further away to the north of Naples, a single entry ticket gives you access to both within a year of each visit, meaning you get more bang for your buck. Visits also include guided tours so you won’t miss out on the most morbid mysteries and details. The Catacombs of San Gennaro are open every day from 10AM-5PM and the Catacombs of San Gaudioso welcome guests every day from 10AM-1PM for travelers curious enough to plunder their depths.
11. Get subterranean at Underground Naples
Apart from various catacombs, Naples features plenty more buried treasure so prepare to be transported to a world forty meters below the surface. A thrilling activity not recommended for the claustrophobic or travelers afraid of the dark, Underground Naples is a must-do if you want to uncover the city’s greatest mysteries. Two main operators offer guided tours, Napoli Sotteranea Percorso Ufficiale and Napoli Sotterranea, which last around 90 minutes to an hour and a half, respectively. The former’s facilities can be found near Castel Capuano while the latter’s are close to Piazza del Plebiscito, with each offering their unique twist on Neapolitan life since the Pre-Roman era.
Napoli Sotteranea Percorso Ufficiale is undoubtedly the more popular option due to its vast network of underground tunnels that were built by ancient Greeks in the 4th century BC and later used as aqueducts by the Romans until the 5th century AD. During World War II, these secret tunnels were used as bombed shelters during bomb raiders, saving hundreds of thousands of lives. More colloquially referred to as Underground Naples, this experience is available daily every other hour from 10AM-6PM (last admission at 4PM). Simply show up about 10 minutes beforehand to get your ticket or reserve your spot in advance.
Napoli Sotterranea is another great option thanks to its proximity to other landmarks and its winding route beneath the streets of the Spanish quarter down to the Royal Palace. From Monday to Friday, tours are available from 10AM-4:30PM and on weekends and holidays from 10AM-6PM. You can show up at their offices about ten minutes before your tour or book your spot in advance via email. Both tours cost about the same (around 10€) so you can choose which works best for your travel itinerary or opt to try both if you have the time. Let me know which you preferred in the comments!
BONUS TIP: Want to see more hidden treasures? Try another venture underground at Galleria Borbonica, which guides visitors through Ferdinand II of Bourbon’s secret bunker.
12. Yolk around at Ovo Castle
This imposing, coastal fortress is the oldest in Naples, situated on the former island of Megaride, currently a peninsula near the Port of Naples. Although its first inhabitants date back to the 6th century BC, the first castle wouldn’t be erected until the 12th century when Roger the Norman conquered the city and made Castel dell’Ovo his seat of power. Ovo Castle’s name stems from a legend about Virgil, the renowned Roman poet, who had a reputation for being a powerful sorcerer and clairvoyant in the Middle Ages. According to the legend, the poet placed a mystical egg within the foundations of the fortress to strengthen it. His bones would eventually join the egg but, if the latter had ever broken, the castle would’ve been destroyed, only to be followed by a series of disasters throughout Naples (talk about a bad break!).
After Charles I of Anjou constructed Castle Nuovo, the significance of Castle Ovo began to wan but the predecessor still underwent several renovations during the reign of the Spanish Bourbons decades later. Its architecture is more reminiscent of Aragonese influences than Neapolitan, sporting a rectangular floorplan measuring about 200 meters by 45 meters plus a tall round tower to the southeast. A 100-meter-long walkway connects the castle to the mainland, a popular vantage point for brides and grooms to take wedding photos.
By the 19th century, a small village had grown to the east of the castle’s walls which over time developed into the current-day marina and home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the city. After your free tour of the castle (yes, free), which is open Monday to Friday from 9AM-6:30PM and Sundays from 9AM-2PM, stop at Borgo Marinari for a delectable meal with a view of the impressive medieval fortress in the distance at establishments like Donna Luisella, Officina del Mare and La Scialuppa. You won’t be disappointed!
13. Let yourself be enchanted by the art at Museo Cappella Sansevero
Sansevero Chapel is akin to ethereal sculptures as the MANN is to archeological artifacts. The museum is one of Naples's crown jewels, boasting a collection dedicated to baroque art and beauty that has been gathered over several Italian dynasties. The chapel-turned-museum is also the site of several famous masterpieces like the Veiled Christ (marvel at its uncanny realism) and the Statues of the Virtues plus many frescoes and religious relics. The chapel was founded in 1593 and doubled as a mausoleum until it was converted into a museum for public display.
When you arrive, don’t be fooled by Museo Cappella Sansevero’s modest outward appearance for inside it holds a wealth of artworks promoting Naples’ artistic heritage, including two anatomical machines. The museum is open every day except for Tuesdays from 9AM-7PM (last entry at 6:30PM) with tickets starting around 8€. I’d highly recommend using an audio guide or hiring a guide to get the full context behind each of the magnificent pieces. You’ll be glad you did!
14. Stop over in Capri
Capri, a luxurious island frequented by celebrities and global elites, is situated less than an hour away from Naples by ferry. Floating in the Bay of Naples, it boasts some of the most elegant hotels and chicest restaurants for travelers desiring to run shoulders with the most famous Who’s Whos. Its rugged landscape provides plenty of hiking opportunities to scenic vistas and its upscale beach clubs make for the perfect places to spend the afternoon sunbathing in splendor.
Expect to see many million-euro yachts lining up its ports come summer as the world’s richest flock to its sandy shores in droves. While Capri might be a bit touristy (and pricey) for some visitors, it’s unarguably one of Italy’s most beautiful islands, combining natural beauty with lavish sophistication. It’s also home to four grottos, appropriately named for the colors of their waters or stones and many tour operators provide boat rides to each, even with Happy Hour. There’s the Blue Grotto (the most famous and costly), the Green Grotto (feel free to dive in), the White Grotto (climb up the rock ladder to see the Madonna), and the Grotto of Matermania (not accessibly by boat). You can also opt to take a tour around the island directly from Naples to ensure smooth sailing ahead, with food and drinks included.
Even if you can’t afford to spend the night in Capri, it makes for the perfect day trip from Naples to live in the lap of luxury if only for a while. Try beach clubs like Bagni di Tiberio (Marina Grande), Da Gioia (Marina Piccola) or Lido del Faro (Anacapri) or dine at restaurants such as Ristorante da Gemma (Marina Grande), Risorante La Piazzetta (Marina Piccola) or Restaunt Il Riccio (Anacapri). Just don’t be surprised by the total on your receipt.
BONUS TIP: Make sure to watch your head while going through the grottos on the boats as low-hanging rocks in the ceiling tend to come out of nowhere. You’ve been warned!
15. Take a cooking class
What better souvenir to take away from Naples than learning to make pizza like an Italian grandmother? Although the ingredients may seem simple enough, sometimes the whole is more than the sum of its parts yet it may be hard to get the recipe just right. Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, there are many cooking classes on offer throughout Naples where all levels are welcome. Why not your spin on Neapolitan pizza while mastering the art of making fresh dough using locally-sourced ingredients?
Moreover, you can also learn to make pasta from scratch or even tiramisu while you’ll get to know the secrets of cooking like an Italian. Classes usually last about two or three hours and are taught by professional Italian chefs seeking to share their culinary expertise with enthusiastic pupils. The best part of these courses is that you get to eat your homework with a glass of wine. Yum!
16. Prance over to Pompeii or hop over to Herculaneum
Settled by Greek colonists around the 6th century BC, Pompeii eventually fell under the rule of the Romans, becoming a prosperous trading village thanks to its port. All that would change when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD, burying the surrounding area in rubble and ash. While experts debate how many inhabitants were able to escape the active volcano (between 75-90%), Pompeii and Herculaneum along with several other neighboring towns were swallowed by layers of rock, trapping stragglers within their tombs for the next several centuries.
The name and location of the entombed towns were lost as more eruptions further covered the area in the 5th and 6th centuries, with Pompeii being rediscovered in the 17th century and Herculaneum in the 18th century. Even though Pompei is the more popular of the two (only because it was uncovered first), both sites have been meticulously preserved, with Herculaneum winning out for being smaller yet much less crowded.
Trains to the archeological sites depart from Naples’ Garibaldi Train Station (best to buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines) and take around 45 minutes. Aim to buy your return ticket at the same time to save you the hassle of getting it later, with trains typically running between 9AM-6PM. Entry tickets to Pompeii and Herculaneum are available at their ticket offices but online reservations will save you time unless you want to also purchase an audio guide. I say that hiring a guide might be the best option to get the full context of the ruins from experts on the subjects. Most walking tours are reasonably priced so you won’t have to dig too far into your pocketbook to enjoy these archeological finds to the fullest.
17. See the light at Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (AKA Il Duomo)
Although the most famous Il Duomo in Italy is located squarely in Milan, Naples also holds a worthy contender in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary (AKA Naples Cathedral). Functioning both as a cathedral and basilica, the church is also the seat of the archdiocese of Naples and houses the royal chapel of the Treasury of San Gennaro. Naples Cathedral is also the largest religious building in the city, hosting rites dedicated to the city’s patron saint three times a year.
The site of the current church had already established long ties with the early Christian communities and the erection of the sacred building was commissioned by Charles II of Naples (son of Charles I) in the 13th century. Construction took almost 30 years and was first completed in 1313 but several earthquakes over the centuries would cause parts of the cathedral to collapse (like the ones in 1349, 1688, and 1732), allowing it to be rebuilt in a neo-Gothic aesthetic with a Baroque-influenced interior.
Unlike its counterpart in northern Italy, this duomo is entirely free to visit and open to the public outside of mass every day from sun-up to sun-down. The cathedral also houses vials of the blood of San Gennaro which are showcased three times a year with much fanfare from the locals (we got lucky enough to join in on the celebrations) to see whether or not the saint will bless Naples. If the nearly 1500-year-old samples turn liquid, then they bring good tidings, however, if they stay solid, a period of bad luck falls over the city. Don’t ask me how it works but the Neapolitans are notoriously superstitious and swear by its accuracy. Considering that the last time the blood didn’t liquefy was in 2020 (and we all know how that year ended up), maybe they’re onto something.
FUN FACT: The cathedral’s bells are apparently made from a bronze equestrian statue created by Virgil with witchcraft to have the power to heal ailing horses. A superstitious cardinal thus had it melted down and repurposed.
18. Visit the world’s oldest opera
For the uninitiated, opera originated in Italy in the 16th century and continued to gain popularity over the centuries, leading to the construction of several opera houses across the country and the world. The Real Teatro di San Carlo, right across from Galleria Umberto I, was first established in 1737, thus making it the oldest functioning opera house in the world which still hosts shows to this day. The regal building was named for Charles III, the Bourbon king who commissioned the project, and it first opened its door on his name day, November 4th.
Although the theater’s exterior decoration might seem a bit plain compared to the gallery across from it, the inside is gilded in gold, sporting a dazzling auditorium that could hold over three thousand spectators (nowadays, it has 1386 seats). It’s also the oldest, existing horseshoe-shaped auditorium on the planet and was sued as the model for many of the other opera theatres built around Europe.
If you’re a fan of the performing arts like me, the opera season usually lasts from late January to mid-May whereas the ballet season takes over from early April to early June. Buy your tickets well in advance since they tend to sell out quickly in case you want to watch the opera, the ultimate art form.
19. Check out the views at Castel Sant’Elmo
The best views in Naples are undeniably at Castel Sant-Elmo, the highest vantage point in the city. The largest castle in the city, the medieval fortress is perched on Vomero Hill about 250 meters above sea level and is named for the previous 10th-century church dedicated to Saint Erasmus (the patron saint of sailors and violinists). Construction began on the original castle began in 1329 during the reign of Robert I of Anjou-Sicily but wasn’t completed until 1343 when his granddaughter, Juana I of Anjou-Sicily, ruled.
Castel Sant’Elmo would survive many sieges while changing many hands, particularly when it was sold by Juana II of Anjou-Durazzo to Alfonso V of Aragon in 1416. When Charles I of Anjou’s death split the Kingdom of Sicily into two hemispheres in 1285, the castle became a source of contention between the Anjou dynasty and the one in Aragon. Eventually Charles V the Holy Roman Emperor would rise to power and the castle would be remodeled into its present-day six-pointed star-shaped at his behest in 1537. However, exactly fifty years later, a lightning strike would ignite a powder keg, destroying most of the building, heavily damaging the city, and killing hundreds. Again, the castle was rebuilt by 1610 and then intermittently used over the centuries as a prison until the 1960s.
Finally, after much restoration effort, Castel Sant’Elmo was opened to the public in 1988. At the time of its construction, it was a unique feat of 16th-century military architecture, criticized at the time for its lack of turrets, yet this allowed it to be multi-functional. These days, the castle houses a museum, Museo Napoli Novecento 1910-1980, to commemorate Neapolotian 20th-century painters, sculptors, and other artists. The facilities are open every day except Tuesdays from 8:30AM-7:30PM (the museum from 9:30AM-5PM) so make sure to explore places like Hermit’s Grotto, the Church of Sant’Erasmus, and Plaza de Armas. Then check out the view of the Gulf of Naples and its various islands for the most breathtaking lookout in the city, hands down.
20. Visit Vesuvius
Anyone who has ever heard of Pompei has also certainly heard tell of Mount Vesuvius, the active volcano that buried the area in the 1st, 5th, and 6th centuries. Much of the area has been excavated since then and these days the active volcano looms in the background of Naples's horizon, towering over the neighborhoods currently surrounding its base. Seismic experts monitor the mountain's rumblings and emissions around-the-clock and the last large-scale eruption happened in 1944 towards the end of World War II.
Since the volcano isn’t due to erupt again for (hopefully) a couple more hundred years, adventurous travelers are welcome to make their way to its top. Avid hikers would do well to tackle this behemoth since the trail upward is fairly easy for more experienced trekkers. Not that into hiking? No sweat as there are lots of tour operators that would be happy to shuttle you up a thousand meters practically right to the mountaintop (you’ll still have to wander through its national park another 200 more meters). Take in the jaw-dropping panoramic views from the edge of the crater before getting some snapshots for a truly unforgettable experience. Just don’t fall in!
Speaking of unforgettable views…
21. Enjoy the nightlife in Naples
If there’s anything that Neapotilans do well (besides pizza), it’s socializing, therefore it’s not surprising that there are plenty of bars and restaurants to share a round of drinks or two. Some of the best areas to go out on any given night are Piazza Bellini and Piazza San Domenico, both located right in the heart of Old Town mere minutes away from each other.
The former is home to the Hotel Piazza Bellini, a 16th-century palace turned into a boutique hotel, along with a plethora of establishments like Pepi Vintage Room (chic decor and even better cocktails) and Bar Lemmelemme (nice terrace to enjoy good weather). Just a stone’s throw away you can also stumble upon local fixtures like O Barret (specialized in Italian cocktails, coffee, and pastries) and Archeobar (an intimate bar with creative cocktails). Closer to Piazza San Domenico, there are bars like Shanti Art Musik (an eclectic cocktail bar with open-air seating), Beer Bar (which has a vast selection of craft beer), Mamamu Bar (great if you enjoy live music), and Liquid Spirit Art Bar (great atmosphere for a laidback night).
If you can, plan your trip to Naples for when the locals are celebrating their patron, San Gennaro, as the city never comes more alive. Prepare yourself for parades, street performances, and plenty of peppy partygoers flocking through the jam-packed, buzzing streets. The main festival is on September 19 (the day he was martyred) but they are two smaller versions throughout the year in case you can’t make in it autumn. The next celebration is on December 16 (the day he became Naple’s principal saint) or on the first Sunday in May (the day his relics were reunified). Gather in front of Naples Cathedral to see whether his ancient blood liquefies in its vials (bringing great luck) or remains solid (protending doom). Hopefully, for you, it will be the first option but get ready to bar-hop like a local in either case!
FUN FACT: San Gennaro is also the patron saint of Little Italy in NYC which celebrates his day with a street fair.
Final Thoughts
Naples is full of wonders and mysteries that are sure to keep you entertained no matter the time of year that you visit. Around San Gennaro’s celebrations, the city can get quite crowded so make sure to plan your arrangements well in advance. In addition to cathedrals, catacombs, and castles (oh my!), the city has lots more attractions like the Roman Theater of Neapolis (constructed in the 1st century BC), Chiostro di Santa Chiara (a gorgeous, 14th-century Gothic complex), and Complesso Monumentale San Lorenzo Maggiore (one of the city’s oldest basilicas).
Moreover, Certosa e Museo di San Martino should be on the itinerary for lovers of history and architecture since the 14th-century monastery also houses a beautiful Baroque church and impressive art museum. For fans of interior design, you can marvel at the splendor of Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano, a 17th-century Baroque palace that has been meticulously preserved and contains an artwork museum. To really be transported back in time, walk through some imposing ancient gates such as Porta Nolana and Porta Capuana (both first constructed in the 15th century) or Port d’Alba (built in the 16th century). Toledo Subway Station is also worth a stop for its grand design and medieval relics.
Neapolitans may be a bit superstitious at times, preferring to hold onto long-engrained traditions, but it’s only because they’re so passionate about their heritage and you will be too. Write me when you get there!
May you get lost in the wonder,
M