Best Things to Do in Naples: Explore The Historic Town

Naples is a full-blown sensory experience. The streets are loud, the espresso is strong, the history is everywhere, and the food? Let’s just say you’ll never look at pizza the same way again. If you’re after the best things to do in Naples, think ancient ruins one minute, sea views the next, and a glass of bold local wine somewhere in between. This is the kind of place where even getting lost feels like part of the plan. Whether you’re hopping from Campania wineries through volcanic vineyards or wandering the backstreets in search of your new favorite trattoria, Naples delivers chaos, charm, and flavor in equal measure.

What are the best things to do in Naples?

Explore Piazza del Plebiscito

There’s no better place to start your Neapolitan adventure than the vast, spectacular, and unashamedly charming Piazza del Plebiscito. You’re flanked by the Royal Palace on one side and the Duomo of San Francesco di Paola on the other, with vast open spaces in between to relax (or dodge the scooters, depending on the day). Grab an espresso at a local café, find a comfortable ledge to sit on, and let the city unfold around you.

Visit the Royal Palace

Right on Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace of Naples is where Naples’ royal past still flexes a little. Once home to King Robert of Naples and other rulers who clearly loved a bit of drama, the palace is all grand staircases, velvet-draped rooms, and ceiling frescoes that beg for a neck massage after you’re done staring. Don’t miss the mini royal theatre tucked inside, it’s like Versailles had a Neapolitan cousin. If you’re into history with a side of wow, this stop is worth every marble tile.

Wander through the National Archaeological Museum

Packed with mind-blowing finds from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and beyond, this place will have you staring at mosaics and statues like they’re rockstars. Roman, Greek, Egyptian, you name it, it’s here, and probably older than you thought possible. Even if museums aren’t usually your thing, this one hits different. It’s a crash course in ancient drama, luxury, and the weird stuff people used to keep in their homes.

Walk to the Veiled Christ in Cappella Sansevero

Walk into Cappella Sansevero expecting a pretty chapel. Walk out wondering how someone sculpted silk from marble. The Veiled Christ doesn’t just impress, it messes with your sense of reality. The folds of the veil are so delicate, the body beneath so hauntingly human, you’ll swear it’s breathing. It’s quiet in there, but the kind of quiet that hits deep. You don’t need to be an art lover or a history buff to feel it, just step in, look close, and try not to get chills.

Stroll through Galleria Umberto I

Right next to the San Carlo Theatre, the Galleria Umberto I is part shopping arcade, part architectural flex. With its soaring glass dome, marble floors, and iron-framed ceilings, it feels more like a palace than a mall. Come to admire the design, grab a coffee under the light-flooded roof, or pretend you’re in a 19th-century fashion film. It’s a quick stop, but a glamorous one that reminds you Naples has serious style when it wants to.

Enjoy a real pizza fritta

You haven’t really been to Naples until you’ve burned your fingers on a hot slice of pizza fritta. This deep-fried beauty, stuffed with ricotta, salami, and pure joy, is the messier, richer cousin of the classic pie, and it’s a must. Head into a no-frills spot in the Centro Storico, where the locals know what’s up and the oil is always bubbling.

Uncover layers of history in Naples underground

Beneath the buzz of scooters and the scent of pizza, Naples hides a secret world. The Naples Underground tour takes you deep into a tangle of ancient tunnels, Roman aqueducts, and crumbling Greek ruins that sit right beneath your feet. It’s like peeling back the city’s layers, with stories carved into every stone. If you’ve got a curious streak and love a bit of mystery, this is one of the wildest and most unexpected things to do in Naples.

Relax at Castel dell’Ovo on the waterfront

Right on the waterfront and wrapped in legend, Castel dell’Ovo is the oldest castle in Naples, and hands down one of the most scenic spots in the city. Set on its own little island, it’s the kind of place where you can wander at your own pace, soak in views of Mount Vesuvius, and pretend you’re in a historical drama (minus the drama).

Visit Santa Chiara and its cloisters

Tucked away from Naples’ buzz, the Santa Chiara complex is like hitting the pause button. Beyond the basilica, you’ll find stunning majolica-tiled cloisters where citrus trees, hand-painted tiles, and quiet arcades invite you to slow down. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in a bustling city. Perfect for architecture lovers, peaceful wanderers, or anyone needing a breather between pizza stops.

Stroll Via San Gregorio Armeno

A walk down Via San Gregorio Armeno feels like stepping into a tiny, handcrafted world. This famous street in the heart of Naples is packed with artisan workshops turning out intricate nativity figurines, miniatures, and quirky characters (yes, even modern celebs get a clay makeover). It’s festive year-round, delightfully chaotic, and unforgettable. The perfect place to pick up a souvenir, or three, that feels like Naples.

Admire Teatro di San Carlo

If you’re even slightly into the arts, a night at San Carlo Theatre is a must. Draped in velvet, glittering with gold, and crowned by a massive chandelier, this place doesn’t just host operas, it puts on a whole royal experience. As Europe’s oldest working opera house, it’s where Naples flexes its cultural muscle. Even if you’re not an opera buff, just stepping inside feels like opening a jewel box from another era.

What are the best things to do around Naples?

Sip through Naples with a local wine tour

If you’re craving a deeper taste of Naples, Napoli Wine Tours serves up the perfect pairing of sightseeing and sipping. Led by passionate locals, these tours guide you through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods while introducing you to handpicked wines from Campania. From full-bodied Aglianico to crisp Falanghina, each glass tells a story of the region’s volcanic soil and centuries-old traditions. Along the way, you’ll stop at historic wine bars, enjoy authentic aperitivo snacks, and soak up the real Neapolitan atmosphere, one toast at a time.

Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii

The legendary Roman city frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Just a 30-minute ride from central Naples by train or car, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of southern Italy’s most powerful and unforgettable experiences. As you walk its stone-paved streets, peek into ancient villas, and marvel at vivid frescoes and temples, it’s easy to imagine life before disaster struck. The hauntingly preserved ruins offer a rare and moving glimpse into Roman daily life.

Don’t waste more time, visit Pompeii in Italy to complete your trip!

Visit the slopes of Mount Vesuvius

Just 40 minutes from the heart of Naples, the slopes of Mount Vesuvius offer more than a dramatic view, they hide a flavorful secret. Here, the volcanic soil gives life to some of Campania’s most distinctive wines, like the legendary Lacryma Christi. Beyond the vineyards, this region offers a full sensory escape: stroll through terraced hillsides, enjoy hearty local cuisine, and take in panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples. Many small family-run estates welcome visitors for tastings and cellar tours that feel intimate and deeply rooted in tradition. It’s the perfect day trip for mixing nature, history, and a glass (or two) of something unforgettable.

Good to know before visiting Naples