BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAPLES AND SURROUNDING
A COMPLETE GUIDE FROM A LOCALAre you considering visiting “The City of the Sun” and wondering what the best things to do in Naples are? Look no further! Naples is overall not an expensive city, and if you are low on a budget, you can still enjoy an unforgettable holiday. In this article, I will do my best and suggest the best experiences suitable for any pocket! The capital of the Campania Region is often considered the capital of Southern Italy, with its breathtaking landscapes and tempting food. Moreover, Naples and its surrounding are one of those places that has something for everyone. Whether you want to admire its artistic and cultural heritage, taste the incredible food or visit one of the many beaches and enjoying the nightlife, you are going to love this city. As Goethe said, you can’t die without seeing what he identifies as the most artistically beautiful city in the world. After growing up in Naples and still visiting it at least once a year, I hope to help you find your way in the Southern city by accompanying you through your journey and suggesting some of the adventures you absolutely can’t miss!
“See Naples and die.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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Hiking Mount Vesuvius
Considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, Mount Vesuvius overlooks the Bay and City of Naples. Venerated and feared at the same time, Mount Vesuvius is the symbol of Naples, and it’s responsible for the destruction in 79AD of the city of Pompeii.
Hiking to the top of the active Vulcano (1281meters!) is one of the most popular activities and will give you the chance to take amazing pictures and collect unforgettable memories. In addition, you can admire the crater from the top and visit the Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio (Vesuvius National Park).
Imagine the scene: adventuring on the top of an active volcano, admiring the breathtaking landscape while being immersed in nature… What an experience!
Despite being an uphill hiking (even if you decide to take the bus, you do have to climb the last bit by yourself), the sense of accomplishment once at the top is definitely worth the effort, trust me!
Now, you have different options.
You can take the VesuvioExpress from the Ercolano train station (the station of the circumvesuviana, connected with Pompeii, Sorrento and Naples city centre). Be careful! The price is €10 per adult, but I read so many reviews about tourists being asked for more! To avoid unpleasant surprises, better to buy the ticket online.
Another warning I cannot omit is that the bus is often late and very slow and it can make you spend a significant amount of time before actually getting there. It is, however, the cheapest option.
You could hike all the way to the top, but… Don’t! Many paths have now closed gates and the road reserved for cars and buses can be dangerous and exhausting.
You could also reach Mount Vesuvius by car, but you would have to park it in the lower parking lot and then walk to the top for an hour.
If you are visiting the Vesuvius from Naples and want to avoid spending so much time on public transports, the best-organised option would be a tour. But I know what you’re thinking: it’s definitely more expensive. However, some tours include transportation from Naples to Mount Vesuvius AND the visit to Pompeii, so it’s worth having a look at them.
Price to see the crater: €10
Time: 30/90 minutes.
Editor’s note: Hiking Mount Vesuvius can be a bit tiring (I was exhausted!). I would definitely recommend comfortable shoes and a bottle of water. To enjoy the hike to the fullest, check out my guide for more detailed info on transportation, routes and tours!
Discover The Neapolitan Beaches
Are you looking forward to a relaxing holiday? Naples and surrounding offer that too. There are numerous choices but, in my opinion, the best Neapolitan beaches are in Sorrento.
The “Baia di Ieranto” is one of the most iconic beaches of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Immersed in the wild nature, cliffs and caves contribute to the landscape’s charm. The legend says the Bay was once home to the Sirens that enchanted Ulisse and, if you pay attention, you can still hear their echo.
It’s not easy to reach the Bay, but trust me, you will not regret it. You can reach the astonishing beach by boat or trekking for 3.5km (medium level!), starting from Nerano. To get to Nerano, you can easily catch a bus for a few euros from Sorrento (accessible from Naples with the Circumvesuviana).
There are also some tours, like this one, which includes transportation from and to Naples and the visit to Capri island and the Bay. For more info, check my article to find out more about day trips from Naples.
Required time (if visiting without a tour): 3/5hours
Another famous beach loved by the locals (and one of my favourites) is “La Gaiola”. Here you can enjoy the crystalline waters and explore the Gaiola Submersed Park. Yes, an archaeological park. Under the sea. How cool is that?!
You can decide whether to admire the submersed park on a beautiful glass-bottom boat or, if you have a diving licence, feel free to adventure yourself! Book all the activities on the official website.
To get there, you can easily catch the bus from the city centre (n.140).
Ticket price for the archaeological park: €12
Want more beaches suggestions? Here I list all the best beaches of Naples and surrounding and how to reach them.
Eat Pizza In Its Modern Birthplace
That’s right. Naples can be considered the modern birthplace of pizza. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love pizza?
Pizza became really famous when Queen Margherita di Savoia visited Naples and asked a local pizzaiolo to bake a pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, inspired by the colours of the Italian flag. Thus, the birth of the Pizza Margherita!
To be honest, pizza in Naples is delicious in almost every “pizzeria”. However, you absolutely have to try “Sorbillo”, in the heart of Naples since 1935, and “La Figlia Del Presidente”, where you can have the famous pizza fritta, a fried pizza filled with tomatoes and mozzarella, or basically whatever you want inside. Oh, that’s so delicious! Both are really cheap, and you can find them in “Via dei Tribunali”, in the city’s historic centre.
The “City of the Sun” is also famous for the “pizza al portafoglio”, a folded pizza with tomatoes and mozzarella that you can eat while walking around the city. Another must-try!
Now, I know I am biased, but seriously: Neapolitan food is good as only a few other things in the world.
So go on and get lost in the alleyways full of street-food shops, where you can try the babà (the typical Neapolitan dessert), the cuoppo (a paper cone filled with fried seafood, meat or veggies), the sfogliatella (another typical dessert) and much more.
And if you really love gastronomic trips, here you can find all the must-try Neapolitan food and some food tours that will leave your stomach full of delicious food. You can also learn how to make proper Neapolitan pizza, thanks to some recognised pizza chefs that hold several pizza classes that can transform you into a pizza maker in less than two hours!
Discover The Amalfi Coast
The “Costiera Amalfitana” is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. And there is a good reason for that. With its paths on a peak on the sea offering breathtaking landscapes, it is one of the most memorable Italian destinations. The coast is made of many small characteristic villages, and all of them are worth a visit if you have enough time for it.
Suppose you like trekking and want to live a unique visual experience. In that case, I genuinely suggest you go explore the “Sentiero Degli Dei” (“The Path of the Gods”), a spectacular trek that allows you to enjoy fantastic views you will not forget. For more details on the path, check my guide on walking the Amalfi Coast!
Price: Free
Time: 7 hours (return)
Another option to visit Amalfi is renting a car and exploring it yourself (if you are not scared too of the two-way narrow roads!). If you are low on a budget, there are public transports that, for a few euros, allow you to visit the coast. To get there, take the Circumvesuviana from Naples to Sorrento, and then catch the bus. The bus stops in the most spectacular villages, and you can take off whenever you want, but remember: buses in Naples are not always on time and are often overcrowded!
Otherwise, if you don’t want to waste so much time on public transports, you can find some of the tours here.
Visit Pompeii Ruins
Proof of Roman civilisation, in the 79 AD Pompeii was entirely buried by the lava coming from the explosion of the Vesuvius. However, it was rediscovered after centuries of darkness, and it is now a very touristic attraction. The city has remained intact since the explosion, and here you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily life of the people of that period.
I have visited Pompeii at least five times and, I have to say, every time is always suggestive and fascinating. So I definitely suggest you take a day to visit the ruins, it’s definitely worth the effort and you will not regret it!
If you decide to go for it, you have two options: buy the entrance ticket and explore the ruins by yourself (obviously the cheapest option), hire an audio guide or choose one of the many tours. I would strongly recommend visiting the site with a guide, which would explain the history behind everything you see and make everything more suggestive.
You can reach Pompeii from Naples with the Circumvesuviana, getting off at “Pompei Scavi”. Otherwise, there are some organised day trips from Naples to Pompeii, which include the visit to Mount Vesuvius.
If you want more info about Pompeii and skip-the-line tickets and tours, have a look at my article about the best attractions and tours in Naples!
Entrance ticket price: €16 (€2 if under 25yo)
Time: 5/7 hours
Explore Capri Island
Are you looking towards having a romantic holiday with your loved one? Well then, Capri is for you. Despite being a bit expensive, it is definitely one of the most romantic places I have ever been to. Capri has a unique character with its iconic Faraglioni (three towering rocks not far from the island’s coast) and its numerous sea caves. In fact, if you decide to visit this enchanting island, I really suggest you visit the famous “Grotta Azzurra” (Blue Grotto), which takes the name from the otherworldly blue light that characterises it.
Besides its natural beauty, Capri is also recognised for its delicious cuisine and shopping, so take some time to explore its characteristic streets and try its delights.
If you are staying in Naples and decide to visit the island, you can take the ferry from Naples (departing from Molo Beverello) for €22- €23. Otherwise, check here for detailed info about day tours
Admire Naples’ Art & Culture
Naples is a city full of art and history, so be sure you’ll have plenty of things to see!
Underground Naples
One of the most exciting things to see is Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples), situated in the heart of the town. Here you have the chance to adventure yourself into the city’s catacombs while learning its myths and legends. The visit usually lasts for two hours, with the English tour starting every two hours, while the Italian one starts every hour. However, if you are claustrophobic is better to avoid it and go visit something else, as the visit includes walking in really narrow and small paths underground.
Price: €10 (€8 for students).
Time: 2 hours
Piazza del Pebiscito
An iconic symbol of Naples is Piazza del Plebiscito, which is definitely worth a visit. The big square is bounded by the Royal Palace and the Church of San Francesco di Paola. The famous square is not free of legends. One of the most loved by the locals tells the story of the evil Queen Margaret. She, once a month, offered her prisoners one day of freedom if they were able to walk with a band on their eyes from the entrance of the Royal Palace to the middle of the two equestrian statues. The myth says that nobody ever succeeds because of Queen Margaret’s course. But I dare you to try!
Price: Free
Neapolitan Castles and Lungomare Caracciolo
Castel Nuovo and Ovo Castle will not leave you unsatisfied. Both situated in the city’s heart, you can admire spectacular views from the medieval castles’ top.
Ovo Castle, in particular, is located on a peninsula on the Gulf of Naples. The seafront castle is accessible from the Lungomare Caracciolo, a historic super romantic seaside almost 4km long, from where you can admire Mount Vesuvius and enjoy an amazing landscape.
Price: €6 (for Castel Nuovo) / Free (for Ovo Castle)
Time: 90 minutes (for Castel Nuovo) / 30-60 minutes (for Ovo Castle)
National Archeological Museum
If you have time and enjoyed visiting Pompeii, take a few hours to visit the Naples National Archeological Museum, well-known for its ancient Roman artefacts from Pompeii. The museum is located in the historic centre and hosts artworks from Greek, Roman and Renaissance times.
Price: €10 (€2 for under 25yo)
Cappella Sansevero and Cristo Velato
Very well-known to the art passionates is the Cristo Velato, one of the world’s most exceptional sculptures. It is hosted by the Cappella Sansevero, a chapel located in the city’s historic centre. The life-sized marble sculpture was created by Sanmartino in 1753 and represents Jesus dead and covered with a shroud carved in the marble. It’s definitely an impressive work worth a visit.
Price: €8 (€5 for under 25yo)
San Gregorio Armeno
San Gregorio Armeno is a picturesque street where you can observe the Neapolitan tradition of the Presepe. At Christmas, the locals create artworks representing the Holy Family, and the narrow streets are crowded on both sides with original artisan shops. This Christmas atmosphere is visible not only in December but the whole year! San Gregorio is one of the most characteristics streets of Naples, where you can truly understand the local culture. So make sure you don’t miss it!
Quartieri Spagnoli
One of the most vibrant Neapolitan districts is the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters), where you can actually observe the locals’ lifestyle and immerse yourself in Naples’ culture and tradition. Get lost in the typical narrow alleys and stop for lunch in one of the many typical local restaurants (like Trattoria ‘Nennella, a historic restaurant and one of my favourites!).
I wrote an entire article about the best city tours, attractions and city pass in Naples! So make sure you have a look at it to get the best out of your holiday!
How To Visit Naples City Centre
The city’s buses can be very crowded, and most of the time they don’t respect the schedule, so you could actually lose a lot of time waiting for those. The metro is an excellent alternative as it connects all the city centre pretty well. Moreover, it’s really cheap. However, it’s really crowded too, and it can often run late.
The best way is to explore the city walking around if it’s not too hot!
However, if you don’t feel like walking too much, an easy way to explore Naples is with the “hop-on and hop-off” bus, which allows you to visit all the city’s main attractions. The ticket is around €20 per person, and it’s valid for 24 hours, giving you the chance to get on and off wherever you like.
There is also the option of buying a city pass, which includes unlimited access to public transports and the entry tickets of 3 attractions of your choice (valid for 3 days).
If you are planning on visiting Naples and its surroundings and you are going to spend at least 7 days in the city, the Campania card is the perfect option for you. It includes the entrance fee of 5 sites of our choice throughout all the region, plus all the public transports you need, for 7 days.
Visit The Royal Palace Of Caserta
Situated in Caserta is another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Royal Palace.
It hosts many works of art, and its English gardens and the Great Waterfall contribute to the spectacular view. The Palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and, if you decide to visit both the Palace and the Gardens, make sure to take the entire day, because it’s really huge and it can take a while!
A curiosity? It is the largest Palace built in Europe during the 18th century, and some of the rooms appear in famous movies like Star Wars, Angels and Demons and Mission Impossible!
You can reach the Reggia by taking the train from Naples or plan an organised day trip with a guide.
Check this article for more info!
Price: €14
Time: 5/6 hours
Try The Authentic Espresso Coffee
How could I not talk about coffee?!
Yes! The authentic espresso is Neapolitan, and it is served “ristretto” and in a small boiling cup. It has a very strong flavour, and locals drink it even 6/7 times a day!
For the people of Naples, espresso is not only a drink but a way to socialise. Most Italians would meet in front of a cup of espresso and talk for hours!
Naples is full of cafes, but I really suggest you pay a visit to the Gran Caffè Gambrinus, one of the most famous in the city. It is situated very close to Piazza Plebiscito, in the city centre, and its interior looks more like an art gallery than a typical cafe`.
In the past, the cafe` has seen between its frequent visitors Wilde, Hemingway, D’Annunzio and many other intellectuals and artists.
Watch our video on the best things to do in Naples!
Do you have further questions about travelling to Naples? Feel free to drop a comment below or email me at contact@kikkasvoyage.com!
Kikka
EDITOR IN CHIEF