Navigating Naples: What To Do in Naples Italy

The third largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan, Naples has plenty of things to discover. The history of Naples of long and varied, and dates back to Greek settlements around 2nd millennium BC. Naples is steeped in ancient charm and boasts a wealth of archaeological wonders. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, vibrant markets, and Baroque architecture. Looking for what to do in Naples Italy? In this blog, I’ve listed 8 things to do and discover on your next trip to Naples. It’s worth noting that I won’t be discussing any of the big tourist attractions like Piazza del Plebiscito or Ovo Castle

Naples Weather

It’s no secret that southern Italy gets very hot during the summer, making it almost miserable during the summer months. Fall and spring tend to be the best seasons to visit Naples, due to the moderate yet still sunny weather.

The best times to visit Naples are between March and May or September/October. However, the Almafi Coast is a hotspot in the summer so you might find yourself in Naples despite this advice. Many people still visit Naples during the summer, so if you do visit, make sure to come prepared for crowds and hot weather. Like most European countries, the hottest months are July and August, hovering around 88ºF/31ºC.

I visited Naples in April and the weather felt just right and the crowds weren’t bad at all. Below are some temp highs and lows of the typical months people visit Naples:

• March: High of 63ºF/17ºC and low of 46ºF/8ºC
• April: High of 68ºF/20ºC and low of 50ºF/10ºC
• May: High of 75ºF/24ºC and low of 57ºF/14ºC
• June: High of 82ºF/28ºC and low of 64ºF/18ºC
• July: High of 88ºF/31ºC and low of 70ºF/21ºC
• August: High of 86ºF/30ºC and low of 73ºF/23ºC
• September: High of 81ºF/27ºC and low of 64ºF/18ºC
• October: High of 73ºF/23ºC and low of 57ºF/14ºC

Looking to travel during the off-season, when you’re more likely to score a deal? November through February is Naples’ least touristy season. It is also Naples’ rainy season, but there are still plenty of sunny days. Come prepared for an occasional rain shower, and you’ll find that Naples is still a great visit during this time. Christmas in Naples tends to get a lot of visitors, so beware if you’re looking for travel deals or to avoid crowds.

Transportation in Naples

We used a mix of walking, metro, and taxis during our trip to Naples. Naples city center is extremely walkable, so if you find lodging somewhere near the city center you probably won’t have to use the metro as much as we did. If you don’t mind taking the metro, we stayed in Vomero, in this bed and breakfast specifically, for about €75 a night.

To get from the airport to Naples, there were 2 different transportation options available: taxi or bus (aka the Alibus Shuttle). Taking a taxi will be the most convenient, and there is a flat fee of €16 to go from the airport to the city center. The bus option goes directly to Piazza Garibaldi and costs €5 one way. You can read more about the Alibus here and about the taxi system from the airport here.

Naples Metro

The metro in Naples runs from 6am to 11pm, with 2 lines running throughout its network: line 1 and line 6. Line 6 is currently under construction, though it is rumored to open in June 2024. We typically bought single tickets whenever we needed to use the metro, which cost €1.10 each. There is an option to purchase a day ticket, which costs €4.50 for unlimited use of the metro, bus, and funicular systems.

Line 1 stops at many key points in the city, such as the Garibaldi train station (Garibaldi station), the National Archaeological Museum (Museo), and the Duomo di Napoli Cathedral (Duomo). Once renovation work is completed in 2024, it should also commute to the airport.

Ubers, Taxis, and Other Ridesharing Apps in Naples

Does Uber exist in Naples? Well… yes and no.

From my experience (and our visit was in April 2022), Uber did exist in Naples and we even used Uber to get to our departing flight. You’ll see all types of discourse online on whether Uber exists or not in Naples. From Reddit threads to personal blogs up to Uber’s official site — you get a lot of mixed signals after a quick search on whether or not Uber is available.

Uber does work in Naples, however, it just books a taxi for you (this is what happened to us). The app works, but it is likely better to use the Goxgo app, the official app for taxis in Naples. This way you’ll have access to all the taxis available vs. only the taxis that are dually registered with Uber. We ended up just hailing a taxi whenever we needed one, but I see this app being recommended across forums. While we didn’t use it ourselves, you might find better luck if you have trouble booking a taxi via Uber!

What To Do in Naples Italy – 8 Things To Do in Naples

#1 Eat Pizza

Did you know Naples is the birthplace of pizza? The blueprint for pizza as we know it today is the Margherita pizza, created in 1889 by pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito. Flatbreads with various toppings can be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, so, depending on how you define pizza, it can be challenging to pinpoint the specific date of invention.

Naples has long been recognized as the birthplace of pizza, despite debate. So what to do in Naples other than grab a slice of this iconic dish? The city’s pizzerias craft pizzas with a thin, chewy crust, flavorful San Marzano tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil. Eating pizza in Naples isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of culinary heritage, essential for any trip to Naples.

Need inspo on where to get the best pizza? Check out this blog by The Italy Edit.

#2 See the Veiled Christ & Cappella Sansevero

The Veiled Christ, sculpted by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753, is in the Cappella Sansevero (Chapel of Sansevero) in Naples’ historic center. The search for What To Do in Naples Italy doesn’t always include The Veiled Christ, which is a shame. I felt it was one of the most interesting things we saw during our trip!

The sculpture captures the intricacies of a translucent marble veil draped over the figure of Christ. What makes the sculpture so interesting is how realistic it looks, with the veil having every natural pleat and wrinkle that you would have in real fabric. The veil seems almost transparent; beneath it, you see all the human pain in Jesus’ body and expression. The sculpture is a poignant representation of Christ’s suffering and the delicate balance between the spiritual and the material. Sanmartino’s Veiled Christ is a testament to the ability of art to evoke profound emotions and provoke contemplation on the intersection of faith and artistic mastery.

A fun fact to know is there is quite the superstition around the Veiled Christ that locals follow. If you haven’t graduated yet, you can’t visit otherwise you won’t graduate! When we visited, our local friends stayed back for fear of not finishing their degrees.

You can book tickets to see the Veiled Christ directly on Cappella Sansevero’s site. For an enhanced experience, there are also guided tours of Naples that include the Veiled Christ. I’ve listed a few options below:

• Naples: Downtown, Veiled Christ & Cloister of St Clare Entry ($42.41)
• Naples: Old Town and Veiled Christ Tour ($46.19)

#4 Go On a Street Food Tour

Naples is known for their street food, but navigating where to go and what to eat can be stressful. I visited Naples with a friend who was also a local, so he showed us where to go and what to eat. However, if I didn’t have him, I think I would’ve been overwhelmed! Below I’ve listed a few street food tours that line up with many of the foods I had when I visited Naples. Bonus: I’ve only chosen the tours with overwhelmingly positive reviews.

• Naples: Street Food Tour with Local Guide (€38, vegetarian options available only if you let them know ahead of time)
• Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert ($47, vegetarian options available)
• Naples Street Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience ($69, vegetarian options available only if you let them know ahead of time)

#5 Walk Along Naples Boardwalk & Visit Castel dell’Ovo

Walking along Naple’s expansive boardwalk is yet another beautiful addition on this What To Do in Naples Italy list. 3km long and running along the bay from Mergellina to the end of Via Partenope, this is a great spot to end the day and catch the sunset.

If you stay around the Lungomare area, you can easily walk to Castel dell’Ovo, which is a historic seaside fortress and Naples’ oldest castle. While there isn’t much to visit inside, the top of the castle has a great view of Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. Bonus: there is no entrance fee, so it is completely free to visit!

Update: as of March 2023, the castle is closed for renovations.

#6 Visit Procida, an Italian Island Off the Coast of Naples

Procida is an island in the Bay of Naples that makes for a great day trip and escape from the bustle of Naples. Unlike more crowded tourist destinations, Procida provides an authentic Italian experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local culture.

The charming architecture, characterized by pastel-colored buildings and historic sites like Terra Murata, adds to the island’s allure. Quaint fishing villages, including Marina Corricella, showcase traditional maritime life and offer delightful seafood dining by the waterfront.

It is also worth visiting the Terra Murata, a fortified area with a medieval castle that has panoramic views of Procida. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in delicious local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and traditional Italian dishes. The island’s relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for a tranquil getaway, whether wandering through charming streets or enjoying a quiet meal by the sea. Procida is a hidden gem that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and an authentic Italian experience, making it a delightful off-the-beaten-path destination.

You can only get to Procida by boat, which takes about 30 minutes by ferry. If you’re looking for a more guided experience, you can also book a boat tour once you arrive in Procida. Below I’ve listed out some options and their prices. Note: these excursions do not get you to Procida, but are a way to experience the island once you arrive.

• Procida: Boat Tour w/ Swimming Stops and Underwater Photos (2 hours – $48.26)
• Boat trip with lunch or aperitif in Procida with Eraora Boat (6 hours – $54.65)

#7 Via dei Tribunali

For those wondering what to do in Naples, Italy, Via dei Tribunali is a gastronomic paradise. Authentic Neapolitan cuisine takes center stage, with renowned pizzerias like Da Michele and local bakeries serving delights such as sfogliatella and pizza margherita. The street is a living canvas of local life, bustling with markets, shops, and street performers, creating an immersive experience for all.

Explore the markets for unique treasures, savor the authentic flavors of Neapolitan dishes, and witness the vibrant street culture. If you book a street food tour, you can knock out two birds with one stone because I guarantee they’ll be visiting this iconic street. Via dei Tribunali encapsulates the essence of Naples, offering not just a stroll through history but a sensory celebration of the city’s soul.

#8 Visit Pompeii

Once a booming city with over 20,000 residents, this ancient Roman city is now preserved under layers of volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius’s catastrophic eruption in 79 AD. The volcanic ash served as a protective covering, creating a sort of natural time capsule. This layer encapsulated the structures, artifacts, and even the remains of the inhabitants, shielding them from the elements and decay. Over time, the ash solidified and compacted, forming a durable and stable layer that preserved the details of the city.

Pompeii provides a vivid snapshot of daily life during the Roman times. The ash preserved homes, temples, theaters, and public spaces with intricate frescoes and mosaics depicting scenes from daily life and mythology.

Beyond its historical significance, Pompeii has a great view of Mount Vesuvius, the volcano responsible for the city’s demise, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those intrigued by the mysteries of the past. You can go to Pompeii on your own by train, but most like to book some sort of guided tour to better understand the ruins and history. Below I’ve listed a few tours to consider:

• Pompeii: Entry Ticket and Guided Tour with an Archaeologist ($55.13)
• Pompeii Small Group tour with an Archaeologist ($63.18)
• Pompeii, Horses & Wine ($162.97 – well worth the price jump, this tour combines a guided tour of the ruins of Pompeii with a wine-tasting lunch and guided horseback ride through Mt. Vesuvius National park)