10 Things To Do In Naples, Italy - Updated 2024

things to do in naples
Andrew
Andrew 
Updated
| 6 min read

Nobody can visit Naples and go home empty-handed without gifts, souvenirs, or great memories. This Italian city is famous for its great attractions sprawling from the gulf coast to the entire city. It’s a fact that tourists spend a lot of time searching for the best things to do in Naples. Indeed, they are spoilt for choice from visiting Pompeii, exploring Herculaneum, and drinking like the locals in Piazza Bellini to watching a match at the San Paolo stadium. Moreover, its large body of water provides several good spots for fishing pursuits. We have explored this largest city in Southern Italy and picked the most fun and amazing things you can do. Scroll down and check out the top things to do in Naples, Italy.

1. Climb Mount Vesuvius

Vesuvius from Pompeii (hires version 2 scaled)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Morn the Gorn used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you’re a nature lover, get to climb and explore Mount Vesuvius famously known as the volcano which erupted in the Roman era and buried Pompeii, and devastated Amalfi Coast. The climbing experience starts just before the entrance, where you find several restaurants, and bars, just in case you want to grab something. After paying for your ticket, it is a 15 to 20-minute grind-up with a wide gravel path towards the hut where a guide will take you through a 10-minute tour explaining anything you need to hear. There is no lava lake but its sulfur gases and beautiful views of Naples Bay and the city make the experience worthwhile. The journey ends at the edge of the cater.

Mount Vesuvius

Address: 80044 Ottaviano, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

Website: Mount Vesuvius

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2. Unwind at the Parco Virgiliano (from USD 64.0)

Want to relax after a long season of working? Unwind at the Parco Virgiliano for an amazing experience and outdoor activities. This hill has three associated attractions which include two parks and the tomb of Roman poet Virgil. The experience starts at the base of Posillipo Hill, with a winding path leading to the top of the hill with green plantation on each side and the view of the Gulf of Naples is just amazing. The small stadium at the park hosts several summer events so be sure of added entertainment. There is also a restaurant in case you want to dine.

While in the area, why not make the most of your visit by exploring other attractions? Naples Zoo is just a short 15-minute drive from here if you wish to spot some animals. The scenic bay of Baia Trentaremi and the beautiful beach of Spiaggia della Gaiola are also nearby for a taste of the salty breeze.

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Naples Seaside Bike Tour

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

10 reviews

3. Shop till your feet hurts at Galleria Umberto I

Napoli, Galleria Umberto I (2)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Palickap used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Join Segway tours of Naples and take a turn through Galleria Umberto I shopping center. Galleria Umberto I is one of the most beautiful buildings located in one of the most vibrant areas of Naples and a popular gathering place for Neapolitans and tourists. Not even the inclement weather can stop most tourists from strolling the elegant shopping arcade. Here, you will find endless high-end clothing and accessories, cosmetics, books, and gourmet treats and you can also opt for a combined tour of all bright flavors and sightseeing in Naples such as Pompeii Archaeological Park, Via San Gregorio Armeno, Church of Santa Chiara, and Piazza del Gesù.

Galleria Umberto I

Address: Via San Carlo, 15, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy

Website: Galleria Umberto I

Opening hours: Open 24hrs

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4. Click pictures of the Castel Nuovo (from USD 204.0)

Spend a memorable holiday in Naples city and take a breathtaking tour to the Castel Nuovo locally known as Maschio Angioino. This castle is one of the key buildings in Naples and is home to the city’s Civic Museum. With the help of qualified assistance, you will tour the castle’s courtyard and halls discovering the 14th-century Palatine Chapel which is filled with fragments of frescoes decorated from the Giotto school, and Museo Civico and visit additional places such as the Royal Palace and Castel dell'Ovo and Royal Palace. You can also opt to combine a visit to Castel Nuovo with a tour of the archaeological sites of Naples and Pompeii.

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Procida Small-Group Tour from Naples

Duration: 8 hours

5. Watch an opera performance at San Carlo Theatre

San carlo panoram
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pask00 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

If you’re a broadway fan, Teatro San Carlo in Naples will be your favorite spot in the city. It is one of the most amazing opera theatres in Italy that showcase breathtaking performances. Book your tickets and enjoy all live acts including the Pagliacci by Leoncavallo and Verdi’s masterpieces, the winter immortal Bohemian of Puccini and the La Traviata and Nabucco with Anna Pirozzi playing the Abigaille. Towards the end of the year attend the Nutcracker festivals perfect for old and young people. The Midsummer Night’s Dream and Swan Lake are just what you can’t afford to miss, and you will also get to enjoy the famous Pulcinella on the music of Stravinsky.

San Carlo Theatre

Address: Via San Carlo, 98, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy

Website: San Carlo Theatre

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6. Visit the Royal Palace of Naples (from USD 17.0)

Get to explore the Royal Palace of Naples for the great experience of its scenic sites. Naples Cathedral which is the most important church in Italy is a must-visit place. A tour guide takes you through explaining all the artistic and historic importance of the church and through the catacombs. Join the Naples historic walk and explore the Piazza Trieste e, Trento, visit the most famous space in Italy lined by an amazing sweep of Doric columns, and beautiful Palazzo Reale for more discoveries. Wrap up with walking down the historic Teatro di San Carlo, then the most ancient opera building in Europe.

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Skip the Line: Royal Palace of Naples Entrance Ticket

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

31 reviews

7. Admire the architectural work of Cappella Sansevero (from USD 85.0)

Explore the Cappella Sansevero and discover all the breathtaking architectural work. Join the Naples walking tour and visit the Naples’ paleo-Christian Catacombs of San Gennaro which were used as a Christian burring site. Tour the Piazza del Plebiscito which is the largest public space in Italy and the starting point for all Segway, walking, biking, and food tours towards the historic centers like San Carlo Opera House. Wrap up your tour by visiting the Castel dell'Ovo one of the most famous monuments in Naples and walk through the castle to Ethno-Prehistory museum and enjoy the amazing views of Mount Vesuvius.

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Naples in one day: Cappella Sansevero, Decumani, Toledo Station, Royal Palace

Duration: 6 to 8 hours

8. Explore the Naples National Archaeological Museum (from USD 573.0)

Looking forward to a memorable adventure in Naples? Try the Naples National Archaeological Museum and experience an amazing tour of the ancient city of Herculaneum, with a full immersion in the habits of the time. A driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to Ercolano and from there a qualified assistant will lead you to the Archaeological Museum of Naples where you will discover several amazing things such as the beautiful collection from Greek, Roman, and Renaissance times, the Ptolemaic bowl made of sardonyx agate, the Farnese Cup and Marbles. The qualified assistant is always ready to answer questions to make your visit more educational. 

Another Naples pride and prime attraction that you can explore is Naples Botanical Garden, which is only a 15-minute drive from this museum. This educational sanctuary features more than 25,000 varieties of flora, representing roughly around 10,000 species of plants.

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Herculaneum ruins and Naples National Archaeological Museum private tour

Duration: 7 hours

9. Have a look at the ancient tunnels and caverns (from USD 15.0)

Looking for something special to do in Naples? Try the Naples underground entrance ticket offering a candle-lit section of the underground tour. This 130-feet (40 meters) tour allows you to enjoy endless fun away from the Naples crowd, traffic and heat. Visit all of Naples’ historic places such as the amazing subterranean air-raid shelters, and enter the Roman theatre through what was once Emperor Nero’s private dressing room for more Naples discoveries. You can also visit the Greek-Roman aqueducts, walk past the Naples caves and themed garden and capture all the amazing views.

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Naples Underground Entrance Ticket

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

6 reviews

10. Visit the ruins of Pompeii (from USD 148.0)

Pompeii is one of the biggest tourist attraction sites in Italy. The Apollo temple, which is one of the oldest religious buildings in the city of Rome, is a must-see at Pompeii. With the venue’s plenty of space. the list of things to do is endless including a full guided tour from Naples to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii, exploring all key houses like the Basilica, thermal bath, and forums. At Mount Vesuvius, you will get to enjoy a three-course lunch and do the six wine tastings at the winery. In a small group tour, explore the city of Pompeii and discover all preserved streets and a lot more.

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Capri in luxury gulet : tour of the island with lunch on board and snorkeling

Duration: 7 to 8 hours

Discover all the gems in Naples, Italy

During your vacation in Naples, Italy, you are guaranteed that you can never get bored. Naples has a wide variety of fun activities that you can indulge in during your stay. For the best Ideas on what to do when you are in Naples, Italy, check out the list above. Enjoy!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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