What to see in Naples: top sights, neighbourhoods and practical tips
Quick answer
Naples' must-sees are the historic centre with Spaccanapoli, the National Archaeological Museum (MANN), the Sansevero Chapel, the Royal Palace and Piazza del Plebiscito, the seafront and, nearby, Pompeii (€20). Two days cover the essentials; with one day, stay in the historic centre and the MANN.
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More Naples guides
- Naples in 1 dayWhat to do in Naples in one day: a walking itinerary from Plebiscito to the seafront, with Spaccanapoli, Sansevero, pizza and the Archaeological Museum.
- Naples in 2 daysWhat to do in Naples in 2 days: historic centre, MANN and Sansevero on day one, Pompeii and the seafront on day two. Hours, tickets and tips.
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Naples' top sights
Naples is intense, loud and wonderfully authentic. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is best explored on foot; save the longer excursions for another day.
- 1
Centro Storico
Spaccanapoli and the historic centre
The straight street that cuts through the city's Greek and Roman grid. Churches, nativity-scene workshops on Via San Gregorio Armeno and pizzerias at every corner.
- 2
Piazza Museo
National Archaeological Museum (MANN)
One of the world's best collections of Roman art: mosaics and frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum, plus the Farnese collection. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
- 3
Via Francesco de Sanctis
Sansevero Chapel
A Baroque chapel with Giuseppe Sanmartino's Veiled Christ (1753), a marble sculpture with an almost translucent veil. Book ahead.
- 4
Port area
Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace
The city's grandest square, with the basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Royal Palace. Castel Nuovo and the Galleria Umberto I are nearby.
- 5
Lungomare
Seafront and Castel dell'Ovo
A promenade with views of Vesuvius to the oldest castle in the city, on the islet of Megaride. Perfect at sunset.
- 6
Capodimonte hill
Capodimonte Museum
A Bourbon palace with Titian, Caravaggio, Bruegel and Parmigianino, set in a large park. Take a bus from Piazza Museo.
- 7
Train excursion
Pompeii and Vesuvius
About 35 minutes on the Circumvesuviana. The basic Pompeii ticket costs €20; allow at least half a day.
Neighbourhoods to explore
- Centro Storico: the monumental heart, with Spaccanapoli, the cathedral and Via dei Tribunali.
- Quartieri Spagnoli: narrow streets, hanging laundry and Maradona murals.
- Chiaia: elegant, with shops, the Villa Comunale and the seafront.
- Vomero: a residential hilltop district with Castel Sant'Elmo and great views.
- Sanità: local and less touristy, with the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
Practical tips
- Watch your phone and wallet in crowded areas and on public transport.
- Cross streets with confidence: scooters won't stop, but they will go around you.
- Wear comfortable shoes: basalt cobblestones are slippery in the rain.
- With the AnyArt app you can point at a sculpture or monument and hear its story, no audio guide rental needed.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Naples?
Two days is ideal: one for the historic centre and the MANN, another for Pompeii or Capodimonte. With a single day, stay in the historic centre.
What is Naples most famous for?
Its historic centre, its pizza, the National Archaeological Museum, the Veiled Christ in the Sansevero Chapel and its proximity to Pompeii and Vesuvius.
Is Naples safe for tourists?
Yes, with normal big-city precautions: watch bags and phones in crowded areas and avoid displaying valuables.
How do you get from Naples to Pompeii?
By Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Garibaldi to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri, in about 35 minutes.
When are Naples museums free?
State museums such as the MANN, Capodimonte and Pompeii are free on the first Sunday of every month, but expect larger crowds.