Naples is a very interesting city full of contrasts. On the one hand, we have beautiful architecture here, and on the other, garbage at every turn. You will either love it here or hate it. However, you will also find the best pizza in the world and a lot of good food here. You can climb Mount Vesuvius, visit Pompeii or spend time by the sea on the Amalfi Coast. These are the top things to do in Naples.
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How to get to Naples
You can get to the main train station Napoli Centrale or Garibaldi by public transport. Metro line 1 also passes through there, which will take you to most of the main attractions in the city.
You can park your car right next to this station, from where you can take the metro to all important places. We are not sure about the prices, as we were not there by car. However, we read that they range around €15/day.
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How to get to city from airport
1. Bus S3 (the cheapest)
This is a local bus that will take you to the city at the best price. The trip to Napoli Centrale will cost you only 1.1€. But it will take 30 minutes. The bus should run every 30 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. You can buy a ticket directly from the driver.
2. Alibus (the best)
The Alibus journey from the airport to the city takes only 15 minutes. This bus also goes to the local port. It runs from about 6:45 to 11:20 approximately every 20-30 minutes. The ticket costs €5. You have to buy it at the airport in a separate booth near the bus platform. If you are going from the city, you can buy it from the driver. You can also pay by card in Alibus. Alibus stops HERE (map) at the airport. .
3. Taxi
The journey by taxi will take only 10 minutes, but it will cost you around €20. The price depends on where exactly you need to get to.
About Naples
The city of Naples is full of surprises. There is a lot worth visiting here. You will also be charmed by several places in its surroundings. At the same time, however, it is full of garbage (it is said that the local mafia has a hand in it). There is also a lot of crime here so keep an eye on your things. There is a metro in the city, which will make transportation during the day easy. The cheapest accommodation is around the main train station. So let’s take a look at the specific must-see places and things to do in Naples.
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15 Top things to do in Naples
1. Quarteri Spagnoli
This is my favorite part of the city. Unlike the rest, there is not so much mess and garbage here. You will find a huge number of narrow streets. Between them are stretched lines on which the locals dry their washed clothes. There are plenty of local caffes and restaurants with great food. Definitely try the fresh seafood! It’s a delicacy. And here you will also find a few bars where you can have an Aperol Spritz or Limoncello for only €1 – €2.
2. Piazza del Plebiscito
A huge square that will amaze you during the day and at night. You will find this beautiful Basilica di San Francesco di Paola on it. During the day it is crowded with people. At night, an interesting and colorful light show awaits you. Nearby, Via Toledo street is full of cafes, restaurants, gelateria and souvenir shops.
3. Via dei Tribunali - the best pizza in city
It is said that Naples has the best pizza in the world. Who knows what’s their secret. In the area of Via dei Tribunali you will find many pizzerias at one spot. Gluten-free pizza is also available. The employees will try to get you and lure you to their pizzeria. With so much competition, you have a huge choice. We didn’t try the pizza here. Instead, we decided to visit the oldest pizzeria in the world. More on that below.
4. The oldest pizzeria in the world - Antica Port d'Alba
With so many pizzerias in the city, one does not even know where to go to eat. We decided on the oldest pizzeria in the world, Antica Port d’Alba. It has been operating since 1738. You can choose from an incredible 70 different pizzas. If you want to secure your place, reserve a table in advance HERE. We advise you to go through the menu as well, otherwise you will be choosing for more than an hour :D. More on their web.
5. Try local gelato
In Italy, you will find tasty and irresistible ice cream or gelato at every turn. It is no different in Naples. So don’t hesitate and try different options! We will probably always remember Mennella Il Gelato on Via Toledo. And it’s not because of the ice cream, but because of their whipped cream. With 2 scoops of ice cream for €2.50, you also get a generous portion of their homemade whipped cream. I’ll tell you, I’ve never eaten better whipped cream in my life! Try it and judge for yourself. You can find them HERE.
6. The harbor and Lungomare (promenade)
Lungomare is a 2.5 km long promenade by the sea. It is a great spot for evening relaxation or a drink at sunset over the sea. The busy harbor is also worth a visit, from where you can take a ferry to the nearby islands of Capri, Procida or the city of Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast.
7. Metro line 1
Metro line number 1 in Naples boasts a number of unique and interesting art installations. Probably the most prominent of them is the Toledo station. It will definitely amaze you. The walls there have beautiful blue-silver color with unique details. The whole thing is supposed to make you feel as if you are descending from the ground below the sea level. The metro here is very cheap and one ticket costs only 1.2€. You can usually buy tickets from machines at the station. Unfortunately, they do not always work. However, they are also available in stalls. Do not forget that the subway only runs from 6:00am to 11:00pm.
8. Fontana del Nettuno
Fontana del Nettuno is truly unique. In its center there are beautiful sculptures. The interesting thing about it is that it was moved 8 times. It is located near Via Toledo or Castel Nuovo. If you will be nearby, definitely go see it.
9. Castel dell' Ovo
Price: free
Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm, Sunday 9am – 1pm
This is the oldest preserved Roman fort in the city. It is located on the coast of Naples. Legend has it that within the walls of the fortress, the poet Virgil hid a magical egg. That’s why this place is called „Egg castle“. Entry here is completely free. Opening hours can be found HERE.
10. Castel Nuovo
Price: 6€
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 1pm
An interesting fortress near Via Toledo. It consists of 5 high stone towers and massive walls. The entrance fee is €6. We personally are not so attracted to monuments of this style, so we did not go inside. Opening hours can be found HERE.
What to see nearby
11. Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius rises above Naples and the entire Amalfi Coast. The last time it erupted was in 1944. But the eruption from 79 is more famous, when lava flooded the surrounding villages, including Pompeii. Visiting it is a great experience. I was here in 2019 together with my grandmother and sister. You can read more about how to get here and how much it costs in this article. Or take a look at the tours below!
12. Pompei
Pompeii, along with Herculaneum, once prosperous Roman cities, were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The lava that flooded the entire city and houses had incredible power. In the city you can find petrified statues of people who were buried alive in lava. The area is huge. You can visit Pompeii as part of a tour or completely on your own. More about this trip in this article.
13. Herculaneum
Heruclaneum has the same history as Pompeii. Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum is much better preserved. The buildings are in better condition and it’s easier to understand how this city worked. It is smaller and at the same time less visited than Pompeii.
14. Amalfi coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful and romantic in all of Italy. It boasts with beautiful beaches and cities built on cliffs. Buses run along the entire coast and transportation between cities is very easy. The cities of Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi are definitely worth a visit. If you want to enjoy your Amalfi coast trip without stressing about anything else, take a look at this Amalfi coast day tour.
15. Capri and Procida islands
The islands of Capri and Procida can only be reached by boat from, for example, Naples, Sorrento and Positano. From Naples there are slower (80 min) and faster boats (50 min) from 2 different ports. More info HERE. There you will find beautiful beaches with clear turquoise water, steep rocky cliffs jutting out of the sea and lots of good bars and restaurants. There is also a great website capri.com where you can find all the information about visiting the island.
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