Things to do in Naples
From museums and underground sites to views and walks.
Culture
Museo Archeologico Nazionale
One of Europe's most important archaeological museums. It holds many of the finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as the Farnese collection.
Worth seeing before you visit Pompeii, so you better understand what you're looking at there.
Cappella Sansevero
A small chapel with the famous Veiled Christ (Cristo Velato) sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino.
Capacity is limited. Check in advance whether booking is needed.
Duomo di Napoli
The city's cathedral, dedicated to Saint Januarius (San Gennaro), patron saint of Naples.
Inside you'll also find the Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro, richly decorated.
Teatro San Carlo
Naples' opera house, the oldest continuously active opera house in the world (1737).
If you can't catch a performance, check whether guided tours are available.
History & underground
Napoli Sotterranea
A guided tour beneath the city: ancient Greek-Roman aqueducts and World War II air-raid shelters.
Wear something warm. It's cool down there even in August.
Cimitero delle Fontanelle
A striking ossuary inside old caves. Not for everyone, but quite unlike anywhere else.
Combine it with the Sanità neighborhood and the Catacombe di San Gennaro.
Views
Castel dell'Ovo
The city's oldest castle, on a small island connected to Borgo Marinari. Great for sunset with a view over the bay.
Go up shortly before sunset for the best photos.
Castel Sant'Elmo & Certosa di San Martino
From the Vomero hill you can see the whole city, the bay and Vesuvius. The Certosa also has a museum and beautiful cloisters.
Go up by funicular or metro. Much easier than walking.
Walks
Spaccanapoli & San Gregorio Armeno
A walk along the historic street that cuts through the centre, and the neighborhood known for its traditional nativity-scene craftsmen.
The nativity-scene workshops operate all year round, not just at Christmas.
Piazza del Plebiscito & Palazzo Reale
The city's grand square, with the church of San Francesco di Paola and the royal palace.
Very close to Galleria Umberto I and Teatro San Carlo.
Galleria Umberto I
A 19th-century glass-domed gallery, one of the most beautiful spots for a short stop.
Look up. The ceiling is the main attraction.
Lungomare Caracciolo
A long seafront promenade with views towards Vesuvius, good for an afternoon walk.
Continue on to Castel dell'Ovo, about 20-30 minutes at a walking pace.
Opening hours and ticket prices change. Check the official websites before you go.
Stay close to what you want to see
Pick a neighborhood based on your plans.