Naples travel guide
Best Things to Do in Naples: Essential Sights and Experiences
Discover the essential things to do in Naples, from the historic centre and major museums to underground sights, food and waterfront walks.
The best things to do in Naples are not confined to a single monument or district. The city works as a mix of historic streets, churches, archaeology, underground spaces, museums, viewpoints, food and neighbourhood life.
Explore the historic centre
The old city is the natural starting point for a first visit. Walking through its narrow streets connects many important sights while also giving you a sense of daily Naples between them.
Go underground
Naples has several subterranean experiences tied to the city's long history. They are among the attractions where advance planning and ticket availability can matter most.
See the archaeological collections
The relationship between Naples and the archaeological sites around Vesuvius is central to understanding the region. A museum visit can add context before or after a trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum.
Make time for neighbourhoods, not just sights
Some of the strongest memories of Naples come from moving between the historic centre, Spanish Quarter, Chiaia and the waterfront rather than ticking off individual attractions.
Eat as part of the day
Food should be treated as one of the city's core experiences. Use our Naples food guide when planning where to stop between sights.
Choose excursions separately
Pompeii, Capri and Vesuvius are not in central Naples and deserve their own planning. Compare them in day trips from Naples rather than trying to fold them into a city sightseeing list.
Use the Naples map to understand where the major city areas sit, and see our one-week Naples itinerary for a way to combine them over several days.
Keep planning
Build the rest of your Naples trip
Use the core planning guides to connect where you stay, what you do and the day trips that are worth the travel time.