24 Beautiful Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Naples (Napoli)

July 31, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 5042 Views 0 Comments

Naples or Napoli is a city in Italy and the capital of the Campania administrative region. It is the third largest city in Italy, preceded by Rome and Milan. Some of the best things to do in Naples, Italy include exploring architecture and artwork by renowned creators in palaces, churches, museums, castles, and other historical buildings. Like many cities in Italy, Napoli is also associated with famous monarchs. artists and patrons such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Victor Emmanuel III, Domenico Scarlatti, Parthenope, Virgil, Lucius Coceius Auctus, Tiberius Julius Tarsos, Romulus Augustus, Michelangelo Caravaggio, and so on. The majority of ancient and renaissance art contributions were done to churches. Owing to these artworks, their architecture, and their cultural significance; these churches are among the best places to visit in Naples.

The history of Naples goes all the way back to the 1st millennium BC. The city was established by the Greeks and remains one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Many popular things to see in Naples exhibit heavy Greek and Roman influence. The city was under the Dutchy of Naples followed by the Kingdom of Naples until the unification of Italy in 1861. Although the majority of Naples’s tourist spots popular today were developed between the 16th and 19th centuries. The Renaissance and Post-Renaissance periods saw the rise of many artists and patrons who graced the city with their work. Naples sightseeing can also be seen as a tour of an art gallery.

The cultural aspects of the city are equally if not more interesting. The city has its own iterations of landmark Italian preparations like Pizza and Pasta varieties. There is a lot of stuff to do in Naples along the city’s coast as well. The beaches are beautiful and the ocean is adventurous. There are a few submerged historical sites that can only be explored through scuba diving tours. You also get to explore some pristine natural landmarks off the coast of the city. You can explore these and more when you visit Naples with boat cruises, sailing boats, and speedboat rides.

This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn a small part of the commission and for that, you do not need to pay any extra amount.

Table of Contents

Top 24 Tourist Places to Visit in Naples in 5 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Spaccanapoli

This street runs through the historic center of the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Naples for a leisurely stroll combined with sightseeing. You will come across historical buildings, shops, cafes, houses and restaurants while walking this street. You would need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore this street.

You can also go for a Guided Tour of Spaccanapoli.

2. Pio Monte della Misericordia

This beautiful church is well known for its architecture and the artwork bestowed upon it by several artists. The Seven Works of Mercy by Caravaggio which hangs above the church’s high alter is one of the most famous things to see in Naples. The church is adorned by artworks by Carlo Sellitto, Luca Giordano, Fabrizio Santafade and Battistello Caracciolo. You will need about an hour to tour the church.

I suggest you should book a 3D Tour of Pio Monte della Misericordia: Caravaggio in advance.

3. Naples Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli)

Also known as Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta and Duomo di San Gennaro, this large medieval cathedral is known for its incredible gothic architecture and intricate artworks. This is one of the most popular Naples tourist attractions for its historic and cultural significance as well. The church was originally built in 4th century A.D. but was damaged, developed, renovated and reconstructed over the years. The church has 100 granite columns in its large nave, these columns were brought from Africa and the Far East. You will need about an hour from Naples travel to tour this cathedral.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Naples Cathedral in advance.

4. Church of the Girolamini (Chiesa dei Girolamini)

This church was built between the 16th and 17th centuries. It is built in the Florentine Renaissance style of architecture. The church is also included among Naples attractions for its picture gallery, art collection and library. Well-known artists like Gaetano Pandolfi, Polidoro di Caravaggio and Giuseppe Sammartino have contributed to the interior decor of frescoes and statues of this church. You will need about an hour from Naples sightseeing to explore this church.

5. Naples Underground Geothermal Zone (Napoli Sotterranea)

These underground tunnels hail from the time of the Roman Empire. Exploring this labyrinth of tunnels is among the most fun things to do in Naples as you get transported back in time and also into the land of fables. These tunnels are associated with historic events, myths and legends. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour these tunnels. The tour will tell you about the tunnel’s origins, and their purpose in Greek, Roman, Medieval and Modern times.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Naples Underground with an Entry Ticket in advance.

6. Via San Gregorio Armeno

This is one of the liveliest streets you will come across when you visit Naples. This cobbled stone street is famous for its art studios and for artworks, souvenirs, decorative items and accessories about the scenes of nativity. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this street.

7. Cappella Sansevero Chapel

Also known as the Chapel of Santa Maria della Pietatella and is shrouded in legend. It is said that an imprisoned man saw the image of Virgin Mary and when released he built this chapel at the very place the image was seen. It is also one of the top Naples tourist spots for the church’s collection of 18th-century artworks and sculptures, the most well-known among them being Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino. You will need an hour or so to tour this church.

8. National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli)

This museum holds artworks and archeological artifacts collected from Napoli region as well as from Pompeii, Stabiae and Herculaneum. It is one of the most interesting places to go in Naples. Some of the highlight exhibits of this museum include the engraved Farnese Cup, Ptolemaic Bowl, Treasure of the Magnificent, greek statues, mosaics, frescoes and artifacts from Pompeii. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour this museum when you visit Napoli.

I suggest you should get an Entry Ticket of Naples National Archaeological Museum in advance.

Day 2

1. Church of Gesù Nuovo (Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo)

Also known as Trinita Maggiore, this church was built between 1584 and 1601. It is one of the most wonderful places to see in Naples. The church features a facade of small pyramids and altar stones. It is associated with legends of stonemasons. This church is also home to precious artworks by renowned creators. You will need about an hour to tour this church during Napoli travel.

2. Museum Complex of Santa Chiara (Complesso Museale di Santa Chiara)

This church was built by Robert of Anjou in 1328 for Queen Sancha who became a nun. The church was built in Gothic style, but its interior was changed to baroque style during the 1700s. The church is recognized as one of the most beautiful things to see in Napoli for its architecture, interior decor and collection of artworks. The church caught fire in 1943, the museum exhibits artifacts that were recovered from the fire. The Majolica Tile Cloisters of the church are an attraction by themselves. You will need about 2 hours from Napoli sightseeing to tour the church and the museum.

3. Church of St. Anne of the Lombards (Sant’Anna dei Lombardi / Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto)

Also known as Sant’Anna dei Lombardi, this church dates back to 1411and it is known among Napoli tourist attractions for housing incredible works of art by great creators like Guido Mazzoni, Benedetto da Majano, Giovanni da Nola, Pedro Rubiales and Giorgio Vasari. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

I suggest you should get an Entrance Ticket of Monumental Complex of St. Anne of Lombardi in advance.

4. Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)

This castle was built in 1279, when Charles I moved the capital of the kingdom to Naples. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Napoli for its historical significance, royal history, defensive architecture and art. Being the house of royalty, several parts of this castle have been adorned with masterful artworks by renowned painters and sculptures. You will need 2 hours to tour this castle during Naples travel.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of Castel Nuovo in advance.

5. Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale di Napoli)

This palace was built under the reign of Spanish King Philip III during the 1600s. It then served as residence to Kings of Spain, Austria, Bourbon and Savoy. The palace is included among the best things to do in Napoli for its history, architecture, interior decor, fine arts, historical artifacts, royal family artifacts and so on. You will need about 2 hours to tour this palace when you visit Naples.

I suggest you should get an Entrance Ticket of the Royal Palace of Naples in advance.

6. Piazza del Plebiscito

This 19th-century square is named after the referendum which made Naples a part of Unified Italy in 1863. Then King of Naples began this square as a tribute to Napoleon. But Napoleon’s defeat, Bourbon King was restored to the throne and he continued building this square. The square is surrounded by many important things to see in Naples. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this public square.

Day 3

1. Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno)

This fountain was created in 1601 and has a long and storied history of the journey that begins at the port of Arsenal. The fountain was moved, repaired, renovated and relocated several times until 2014. It is one of the most beautiful Naples tourist attractions. You will need half an hour or so to admire the intricate sculpting.

2. Galleria Umberto I

This shopping mall is developed in a historic building that is known for its Latin Cross layout and glass ceiling. The mall has several shops, entertainment centers and food joints. There is a place for fun stuff to do in Naples and you can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the mall.

3. San Carlo Theatre (Teatro di San Carlo)

This opulent theatre was built in 1737 as a part of the Royal Palace during the reign of King Charles of Bourbon. The theatre is adorned with wonderful pieces of art including paintings, sculptures and frescoes. It is also one of the best places to visit in Naples to witness marvelous performance art in music, drama, dance and so on. You will need about an hour to explore this place.

4. Ovo Castle (Castel dell’Ovo)

Also known as the Egg Castle, this fortified structure was built during the 12th century under the reign of Roger the Norman. The castle got its name from the legend of Virgil who buried an egg in a Jar under the castle and said the that castle will fall the day the egg breaks. It is one of the largest Naples attractions and will require at least 2 hours of time to explore.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Ovo Castle.

5. Via Caracciolo e Lungomare

This waterfront promenade stretches for 3 km and is connected to several Naples tourist spots including an aquarium, antique market, concert spaces and sports areas. You also get wonderful views of Mount Vesuvius. You will need about an hour to explore this promenade.

Day 4

1. Church of San Domenico Maggiore (Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore)

This church was completed in 1737 and was built in honor of San Domenico di Guzman, the establisher of the Dominican Order. The church was designed by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro. This church has incredible frescoes, paintings and statues created by well-known artists like Francesco Solimena, Cosimo Fanzago and Pietro Cavallini. You will need an hour from Naples sightseeing to explore this church.

2. Church of St. Gregory of Armenia (Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno)

This 10th-century baroque church was by a group of nuns who had escaped from Byzantine rule of Greece. The church houses relics of Saint Gregory, the Bishop of Armenia. It is one of the most important religious places to see in Naples. You will need an hour to explore this church.

3. Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum – MADRE Museum (Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina – Museo Madre)

Also known as MADRE Museum, this museum houses works of contemporary arts by renowned artists like Francesco Clemente, Jeff Koons, Anish Kapoor, Luciano Fabro, Richard Sierra and many more. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

Day 5

1. Archaeological Park of Pompeii

Pompeii was a Roman city which was demolished by a volcanic eruption in Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The eruption led to the city, buildings, streets, homes, frescoes, infrastructure and even people being frozen in time. It is a macabre sight to see people burnt to stone as they tried to escape the volcano. It is one of the best places to visit near Naples. You will need 3 to 4 hours to tour this archeological site.

I suggest you should get a Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket of Archaeological Park of Popmpeii in advance.

2. Mt. Vesuvius

This is the infamous volcanic mountain which led to the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The volcanic eruption has created a crater atop the mountain. The volcano is considered safe to visit at present, but it is still an active volcano, the last one in continental Europe. You can explore the mountain by car or by following a hiking trail on foot. It is one of the best things to do in Naples and will require 3 to 4 hours of time to explore.

I suggest you should get an Entrance Ticket of Mt. Vesuvius National Park in advance.

If you are looking for more top things to do in Naples check out the section below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities you can explore in and around the city.

Things to do in Naples

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Naples

Naples National Archeological Museum
Castel Nuovo
Ovo Castle
Royal Palace of Naples
Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte
San Carlo Theatre
Museo Cappella Sansevero
Napoli Sotterranea
Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara
Castel Sant’Elmo
Catacombe di San Gennaro
Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum
Galleria Borbonica
Cimitero Delle Fontanelle
Complesso Monumentale San Lorenzo Maggiore
Certosa e Museo di San Martino
Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa
Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore
Chiesa del Gesu Nuovo
Duca di Martina National Ceramic Museum
Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro
Basilica Reale Pontifica San Francesco da Paola
Sito Archeologico di Cuma
Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano
Cite des Sciences de Naples
Catacombe di San Gaudioso
Pio Monte della Misericordia
Catedral de Napoles
Museo Pignatelli
Parco Archeological del Pausilypon
Anfiteatro Flavio Neroniano
Palazo delle Arti Napoli
Villa dei Papiri
Macellum Temple of Serapis
Cloister of the Clarisses
Museo Civico Gaetano Filangieri
Chiesa San Gregorio Armeno
MAV – Virtual Archeological Museum
Underwater Archeological Park of Baia
Palace of Portici
Aragonese Castle of Baia
Castel Capuano
Palazzo dello Spagnolo
Galleria Borbonica
Palace of Capodimonte
Complesso Monumentale Sant’Anna dei Lombardi
Antro della Sibilla
Purgatorio ad Arco
San Giovanni a Carbonara
Casina Vanvitelliana
Museo del Corallo
Archeological Museum of Campi Flegrei
MUSA – Museo Universitario delle Scienze e delle Arti
Complesso Monumentale
Chiostri di San Martino
Porta Capuana
Biblioteca Nacional de Napoles
Museo dell Archivio Storico del Banco di Napoli
La Statua del Nilo
Fondazione Morra Greco
Chapel of St. Januarius Cathedral of Naples
Compresso Archeologico delle terme di Baia
Porta Nolana

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Naples

Mount Vesuvius
Plegraean Fields
Vesuvio National Park
Gaiola Island
Lake Avernus
Marine Protected Area Gaiola Underwater Park
Mount Solfatara
Nisida Islet
Cape Miseno
Gulf of Naples
Riserva Naturale Cratere degli Astroni
Lucrinus Lacus
Fusaro Lake
Monto Nuovo
Spiaggia della Gaiola
Mount Somma

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Naples

Galleria Umberto
Parque de Capodimonte
Villa Comunale
Parco Virgiliano
Jardin Botanico de Napoles
Edenlandia
Naples Zoo
Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn
Parco Vergiliano a Piedigrotta

Shopping in Italy

Galleria Umberto
5th Avenue South
Chiaia District
Waterside Shops
Via San Gregorio Armeno
Via Filangieri
A’Curreia
Via Toledo
Oblomova
Fanta Universe
Antignano Market
Via Pignasecca
Galleria Principe di Napoli
Mercato Caramanico a Poggioreale
Resina Market
Arte in Movimento de Maria
Via del Corso

Beaches in Naples

Bagno Elena
Arienzo Beach
Lungomare di Napoli
Lido Schiaccheiello
Spiaggia del Castello di Baia
Marina Grande Beach
Lido Enea
Fornillo Beach
Gaiola Beach
Lido Virgilio
Maronti Beach
Lido Tourist
Leranto Beach
Posillipo Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Naples

Hiking
Mountain Climbing
Scuba Diving
Boat Cruise
Sailing

Sightseeing in Naples

Piazza del Plebiscito
Chiaia District
Via San Gregorio Armeno
Via Toledo
Via dei Tribunali
Piazza Bellini
Molo Beverello
Borgo Marinari
Via Pignasecca
Santa Lucia

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Naples

Rasolino
Scaturchio
Gino e Toto Sorbillo
Pasticceria Poppella
La Cantinella
Carraturo
Starita
Pasticceria Colmayer
Cavoli Nostri
La Sfogliatella Mary
La Masardona
Pintauro
Zio Jack Griglieria
50 Kalo
La Cantina dei Lazzari
Antica Pizzeria di Matteo
Marino
Pizzeria Oliva da Carla e Salvatore
La Terrazza
Pizzeria Concettina ae Tre Santi
Da Ettore
Mergellina
Eat and Walk Italy
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Where to Stay in Naples?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Naples. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Naples.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Naples

How to Reach Naples?

By Air

Naples is served by Capodichino Airport. You can get direct flights to visit Naples from Athens, Dublin, Casablanca, Sharm el Sheikh, Paris, Riga, Vienna, Bucharest, Turin, London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Geneva, Lyon, Milan, Nice, Palermo, Tel Aviv, Dubrovnik, Edinburgh, Ibiza, Manchester, Dusseldorf, Helsinki, Dubai, Oslo, Madrid, Birmingham, Glasgow, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Copenhagen, Zurich, Lisbon and many more cities in Europe and Asia.

The airport is connected to the city by buses and cabs.

By Road

You can get direct trains for Naples travel from Rome, Venice, Florence, Pompei, Milan, Paris and several other European cities. You can also get a connecting train from almost any major city in Europe. The bus network connects Naples to several cities, towns and villages in Italy.

If you are planning to reach Naples by road, you should head for highway routes A1 or E45.

By Water

The port of Naples serves several cruise ships and is also connected by passenger ferries to and from Sardinia, Corsica, Tunisia and Sicily.

Image Reference

Spaccanapoli – Helena Volpi / PixaBay
Pio Monte della Misericordia – IlSistemone / Wikimedia Commons
Naples Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli) – Andrea S / Flickr
Church of the Girolamini (Chiesa dei Girolamini) – Pablo Cabezos / Flickr
Naples Underground Geothermal Zone (Napoli Sotterranea) – Dominik Matus / Flickr
Via San Gregorio Armeno – John Keogh / Flickr
Cappella Sansevero Chapel – dalianera / Flickr
National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli) – John Karwoski / Flickr
Church of Gesù Nuovo (Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo) – mweav31 / Flickr
Museum Complex of Santa Chiara (Complesso Museale di Santa Chiara) – CpaKmoi / Flickr
Church of St. Anne of the Lombards (Sant’Anna dei Lombardi / Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto) – Baku / Wikimedia Commons
Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino) – Mrdidg / PixaBay
Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale di Napoli) – Francisco Anzola / Flickr
Piazza del Plebiscito – Neil Howard / Flickr
Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno) – Tony Tomlin / Flickr
Galleria Umberto I – Richard Mortel / Flickr
San Carlo Theatre (Teatro di San Carlo) – Anna & Michal / Flickr
Ovo Castle (Castel dell’Ovo) – Richard Mortel / Flickr
Via Caracciolo e Lungomare – Enzo Abramo / Flickr
Church of San Domenico Maggiore (Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore) – damian entwistle / Flickr
Church of St. Gregory of Armenia (Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno) – Giuseppe Guida / Flickr
Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum – MADRE Museum (Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina – Museo Madre) – Amedeo Benestante / Wikimedia Commons
Archaeological Park of Pompeii – D Bray / PixaBay
Mt. Vesuvius – H. Raab / Flickr