A perfect day in Naples
Many cities around the world are known for a particular type of cuisine, but Naples is famous for one signature dish: Neapolitan pizza. The secret is long-fermented dough, mozzarella made with the milk of cows (or buffalos), and San Marzano tomatoes grown in the volcanic soil around Mount Vesuvius.
Sure you could spend an entire day sampling pizzas or even learn how to make them yourself (nothing wrong with that), but there are many more reasons to visit Naples. The city has a 2,800-year history, so you’ll see everything from medieval castles to gleaming skyscrapers. The churches here may not be the largest or most impressive, but they are among the country’s most beautiful. We’ve heard all this directly from Tripadvisor readers, and we’ve incorporated their reviews and ratings below.
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MORNING: Stroll through the centuries
Start your morning at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, by far the best of the dozens of museums scattered around Naples. The intricate tile floors and many other treasures unearthed at Pompeii and Herculaneum—the cities buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD—are on display here. (Much of what you see at the museums in those archaeological sites are replicas.) A skip-the-line ticket is a must, as you’ll spend less time waiting around and more time with the Greek and Roman antiquities.
Walk 12 minutes south—stopping along the way for coffee at Intra Moenia—to the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, a cobblestone square surrounded by some of the city’s prettiest chapels. On the northern edge of the square is the Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo, an exuberant Baroque masterpiece in a city that leans toward austere Romanesque. Around the corner is the Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara, a massive cluster of Gothic buildings whose grand name is more than justified. Make sure to take a look at the cloister, the quietest spot in one of Naples’ busiest neighborhoods.
Grab a mouthwatering pastry at Scaturchio, then continue a few blocks east to Museo Cappella Sansevero. Dating from the late 15th century, this ornate church is home to the famous Veiled Christ statue. It’s hard to believe that sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino created it from a single block of gleaming white marble.
CENTRO STORICO TOUR OPTIONS
- In Naples, the Centro Storico is a maze of narrow streets. If you’re daunted by the idea of navigating it on your own, book a Best of Naples tour that hits all the sights in and around Piazza del Gesù Nuovo. The walking tour includes admission to the Museo Cappella Sansevero, too.
- When your time is limited, getting from one place to another can seem to take forever. That’s why the Naples Guided Bike Tour makes so much sense. You can cover more ground than on a walking tour, but you still get to take in the city’s sights and sounds.
- A bit of advice: Don’t book the Naples Street Food Tour right after lunch. You stop in a lot of eateries and sample so many local dishes that it’s best to have an empty stomach.
Travelers say: “Naples is truly remarkable. It is 100% different to the likes of Rome, Venice, Florence as it is raw and real. Naples doesn't have a Colosseum or a Grand Canal, but what it does have is the true Neapolitan culture and lifestyle. Walking the old town streets leaves you feeling like a local with scooters zipping past you and the smell of pizza wafting in the narrow streets.” —@Tom J
AFTERNOON: Pizza, plazas, and palaces
By this point, you’re probably wondering when we’re getting to the pizza. Don’t worry, there’s a string of pizzerias a few blocks north along Via dei Tribunali. Take your pick—the best ones will be standing-room-only—or head straight to Pizzeria Donna Sofia ai Tribunali. The name may be a mouthful, but it’s nothing compared to the meal you’re about to have. The wood-fired pizzas are perfectly prepared, and the price tag is very reasonable.
Even closer is Palazzo Petrucci Pizzeria, a local landmark in the bustling square of the same name. This is a sister restaurant to the Michelin-starred Palazzo Petrucci, so the pizzas here are the chef’s creative twist on the classics. The dining room is simple and elegant, but the place to be is the umbrella-shaded rooftop overlooking the square.
Take a stroll through the Naples Centro Storico (the historic center) toward the waterfront. On the way, stop for a photo op at the Castel Nuovo, an imposing fortress built in the 13th century. What looks like a cathedral trying to push its way between two towers is a four-story entrance topped by the Archangel Michael blowing his horn. It makes the façade an odd mishmash of architectural styles. Reserve ahead for free tickets to see the interior, including the magnificent 16th-century chapel and its gold-plated altar.
They started building Palazzo Reale in 1600 for King Phillip III, if he ever visited Naples—spoiler alert: he didn’t—and it was completely renovated in the 18th century by the Bourbons. Climb the magnificent stairway to the king and queen’s opulent audience chambers. Back then, the more important you were, the closer you got to the actual throne room. It’s a little ironic that the Royal Palace sits on the Piazza del Plebiscito, which translates to “Plaza of the People.”
EVENING: A walk along the waterfront
The Castel dell'Ovo dominates the coastline on a peninsula jutting into the Bay of Naples. It’s been closed off and on for renovation over the past several years, so it’s likely you won’t be able to peek inside. No matter, because the most eye-catching part of the castle is its handsome stone façade around sunset.
From here, join locals for the nightly passeggiata along the seafront promenade, Lungomare Caracciolo. It’s one of the most beautiful places to take in the sights of Naples, especially on clear days when Mount Vesuvius looms in the distance. Fishing boats bobbing in the water add to the charm.
If you haven’t had your fill of Neapolitan pizza, we suggest Impasto 55, tucked away just off the Lungomare Caracciolo. Crispy-edged pies are topped with unexpected ingredients, such as eggplant or squash blossoms. The dining room is lovely, but the tables on the terrace are the way to go. Want to learn a bit about the region’s wines? Make a beeline to Michelasso. Set in a dramatic archway, the wine cellar impresses before you’ve even had a sip. The tasting menus, focused on the earth or the sea, are definitely the best choice here. Give your compliments to the chef—he’s likely to stop by your table to see how you enjoyed your meal.
Know Before You Go
March to May and September to October are ideal times to visit Naples, as temperatures are mild and the humidity is manageable. Skies are generally sunny, so it's a good time for strolling around the city.
Museums and galleries are closed at least one day a week, usually on Tuesday.
In Naples, restaurants are usually open for lunch until mid-afternoon, then close until about 7 or 7:30 and stay open late. The exceptions are eateries that cater mostly to tourists, which tend not to close at all in midday. Many shops close for a couple of hours at lunchtime.
Centro Storico: Not far from the Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara and other museums in the Centro Storico, the Decumani Hotel du Charme is in a 17th-century palazzo that once belonged to the Archbishop of Naples. Guests rave that breakfast is served in a dazzling salon decorated with gold leaf from floor to ceiling. Modern and tasteful, the Dimora Duomo also gets enthusiastic reviews.
Longomare Caracciolo: Views of the Gulf of Naples are one of the attractions at the highly-rated Dormire a Napoli. Each of the suites in this boutique hotel is equipped with hot tubs and other spa-like amenities. It's close to the Longomare Caracciolo, where locals stroll in the evening.
Public transportation: In Naples, the public transportation system is completely confusing for newcomers. The good news is that first-timers are unlikely to have to navigate most of the complicated system of buses, trams, funiculars, and subway lines. The Metro's Line 1, which swings by the Centro Storico, is the most helpful for travelers.
By taxi: Uber and Lyft have made some inroads in Naples, but are not yet widely available. That means traditional taxis are the way to go, although there aren't nearly enough on the streets. There's a move in the government to issue more licenses to drivers.
Airport transfers: From just outside the arrivals terminal at Naples-Capodichino International Airport, buses depart for central Naples. Taxis are another option, although locals complain that the lines are too long. Your best option is probably a car service like the well-regarded one operated by Napoli Private Taxi.