Naples Tours

Naples is one of Italy’s most beloved destinations for its rich history, art, culture, and delicious cuisine. Here are some top things to do in Naples:

• Visit Pompeii, a once-thriving ancient Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash for centuries after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins and learn about life in ancient times.
• Check out the Naples National Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other archaeological sites. It's a great place to deepen your understanding of the region's history.
• Enjoy picture-perfect views of the Bay of Naples from Castel dell'Ovo, a picturesque medieval castle and one of the oldest standing fortifications in the city.
• Explore the Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro), a stunning building dedicated to the city's patron, St. Januarius. The cathedral houses a vial of the saint's blood that miraculously liquefies during special ceremonies.
• Wander through the narrow streets of Naples' historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with beautiful architecture, churches, and local markets like the colorful open-air Pignasecca.
• Try an authentic Neapolitan pizza in one of the city’s many traditional pizzerias. Naples is the birthplace of this beloved dish, after all!
• Shop your way through Galleria Umberto I. This stunning 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcade is a beautiful place to stroll, shop, or enjoy a coffee in one of the elegant cafes.
• Head to scenic Posillipo Hill for breathtaking views of Naples, the bay, and Mount Vesuvius. It's an excellent spot to capture some memorable photos.
• Enjoy the local cuisine! Naples is so much more than just pizza, as you’ll learn on our Ultimate Naples Food Tour.

Naples is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide array of delicious and unique dishes. And your first order of business when it comes to typical foods in Naples is, without a doubt, pizza.

As the birthplace of pizza, Naples is renowned worldwide for pizza Margherita, made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and olive oil. One bite and you’ll immediately understand why it’s a global phenomenon, as it’s so much more than the sum of its simple parts. But Margherita isn’t the only pizza in Naples worth trying. For a quick on-the-go bite, grab a pizza fritta (fried pizza), one of the most popular Neapolitan street foods.

Another street food staple in Naples is the cuoppo, or a paper cone stuffed with all sorts of fried deliciousness. Think everything from arancini (rice balls) to the freshest catch of the day from the nearby Mediterranean.

Of course, this is Italy, so pasta is likely near the top of your list. Try it with the famous local ragù napoletano, a slow-cooked meat and tomato sauce. Or savor it with fresh local seafood in the form of spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), another regional specialty.

Last but not least, be sure to save room for something sweet! You can’t leave Naples without trying the iconic sfogliatella pastries: crispy, flaky shells typically filled with sweet ricotta cheese and a hint of orange or lemon. Another fantastic option is babà, a rum-soaked sponge cake.

Hungry already? Check out our Ultimate Naples Food Tour, during which we’ll try many of the above typical bites in just one delicious morning. There’s no better (or more delicious) way to explore Naples!

Naples is a fantastic base for exploring further afield in southern Italy thanks to its convenient transportation options. There are plenty of fantastic options for day trips from Naples, from historical and archaeological wonders to stunning coastal landscapes and even island escapes.

The most popular day trip from Naples is an excursion to Pompeii. Nowhere else in the world can you explore ancient life so thoroughly, wandering through homes, shops, streets, and more that appear frozen in time.

For the adventurous, you can even hike up the infamous Mount Vesuvius and peer into the crater. The views from the top are truly once-in-a-lifetime.

Another excellent option for a day trip is to take a scenic drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast. Take your time popping in and out of picturesque towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the dramatic cliffs lining the way.

While not officially part of the Amalfi Coast, a worthwhile stop nearby is the charming coastal town of Sorrento. Home to stunning views, local limoncello, and a fascinating historic center, it's a great place to wander the narrow streets and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere.

Finally, consider exploring one of southern Italy’s stunning islands, many of which are accessible by ferry from Naples. Capri is the most popular choice, with its charming old town and awe-inspiring Blue Grotto. For a more off-the-beaten path option, consider checking out Procida or Ischia.

Naples certainly has an edge to it, and its unrepentantly raw, gritty personality makes it one of Italy’s most compelling cities. This less-than-glamorous sheen has unfortunately given it a bit of a bad rap among would-be visitors. However, the truth is that Naples is an incredibly safe, enjoyable city if you follow the same precautions you would in any other bustling metropolitan area.

As is the case in many other large cities, petty crime and pickpocketing are prevalent in Naples. Be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas, public transport, train stations, and busy markets. If possible, try to avoid carrying flashy valuables or large amounts of cash.

Some travelers have qualms about visiting Naples due to its association with the Mafia, and it is true that the Camorra crime organization is active in the city. However, their activities are highly unlikely to harm or affect visitors to the city.

When it comes to booking accommodation, do your research to be sure you choose a safe neighborhood. Luckily, many of the areas closest to Naples’ top attractions fall into that category. Consider the historic center, the Spanish Quarter, or the residential yet vibrant Chiaia and Vomero areas as a home base.

If for nothing else other than peace of mind, be sure to familiarize yourself with emergency numbers in Italy. Call 112 for general emergencies and 113 for police assistance.

Getting to Pompeii from Naples is easy and inexpensive. There are several different options available—simply choose whichever best suits your schedule and budget.

• Train: The Circumvesuviana train is the most popular and cost-effective way to get to Pompeii from Naples, departing regularly from Piazza Garibaldi Station. The train journey takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station.
• Bus: Several bus companies operate services from Naples to Pompeii. You can catch a bus from Naples' main bus terminal, Piazza Garibaldi. The journey usually takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
• Private Transfer: For a more comfortable and convenient option, you can arrange a private transfer or hire a taxi to take you directly from Naples to Pompeii. If it’s in your budget, this option allows you to have more control over your sightseeing schedule.
• Car Rental: If you're comfortable driving in Italy, you can rent a car in Naples and drive to Pompeii. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, but keep in mind that parking near the archaeological site can be limited.

You can have an enjoyable experience in Naples no matter when you visit. Here's a breakdown of what to expect throughout the year:

• Spring (March to May) is a wonderful time to visit Naples, with mild and pleasant weather and temperatures ranging from 15–25°C (59–77°F). The city starts to come alive with blooming flowers, and it's a great time for sightseeing and exploring the historic sites. The tourist crowds are not as overwhelming as in the peak summer season.
• Summer (June to August) is peak tourist season in Naples. The weather is hot and can get quite humid, with temperatures ranging from 25–30°C (77–86°F) and sometimes even higher. It's a popular time for beachgoers and other tourists, so be prepared for larger crowds, higher accommodation prices, and longer lines at popular attractions. That said, you can’t beat summer if you’d like to combine your time in Naples with a trip to the Amalfi Coast or Capri.
• Fall (September to November) offers pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 18–25°C (64–77°F). The summer crowds start to thin out, making it a more relaxed time to explore Naples and its surroundings. September is also the harvest season, offering opportunities to taste local wines and culinary specialties and therefore making it an especially great option for foodies.
• Winter (December to February) is Naples’ off-season. The weather is cooler, with temperatures averaging between 8–15°C (46–59°F). While it's not as cold as northern European cities and snow is rare, you might encounter some rain. That said, winter is a great time to enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds, along with the beautiful decorations that adorn the city during the Christmas season.