We’ve been to Naples three times now, and each visit has been just a single day or night tacked onto the end of fantastic road trips through Puglia and Calabria. Even with just 24 hours each time, we’ve managed to pack a lot in.

Naples is a big city, full of character and full of things to see. If you’re happy to walk and make use of its handy metro system, you can cover a surprising amount in a short stay. For ideas on how exactly to spend a perfect single day here, check out our 24 hours in Naples itinerary (coming soon).

As you probably know by now, our blog is all about good food, and yes, we are massive pizza fans. So naturally, our trips to Naples have pretty much revolved around eating. That said, we’ve also discovered plenty of other brilliant things to do between slices.

Below you’ll find our favourite things to do in Naples, mixed in with a few extra suggestions we’ve come across in our research that are high on our list for next time.

Eat Loads of Pizza

Let’s be honest, you can’t come to Naples and not eat your bodyweight in pizza. This is the home of Neapolitan pizza, and it’s every bit as good as you’d expect.

Neapolitan pizza is all about the simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. The dough is soft and slightly chewy with that perfect blistered crust, cooked for just 60–90 seconds in a roaring wood-fired oven. The tomatoes usually come from the fertile soil around Mount Vesuvius, either San Marzano or Piennolo varieties, known for their sweetness and depth of flavour. The mozzarella is made with creamy buffalo milk from nearby Campania. That’s why even a humble margherita tastes like a little work of art.

When choosing where to eat, keep an eye out for the AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) logo. This is the official mark of approval for pizzerias that follow the traditional rules of Neapolitan pizza-making. Via dei Tribunali, nicknamed “pizza alley” is a buzzing street lined with famous pizzerias and has a great vibe, especially in the evening.

The AVPN logo to the left of the window

We like to keep it simple when ordering. A margherita or maybe something with just one or two toppings. In our experience, that’s when the quality of the dough and ingredients shines through.

Here are our top spots to get your pizza fix:

50 Kalò - One of only six pizzerias to have been included in Italy's Michelin Guide (Our favourite).
Gino Sorbillo — Hugely popular, you’ll see Sorbillo all over Naples and for good reason, their margherita with shaved smoked ricotta is incredible.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele — Made famous by Eat Pray Love, it’s a classic no-frills experience with just margherita or marinara on the menu.
Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria — Currently ranked the number 2 pizzeria in the world. Enough said. More of a restaurant experience
Attilio’s Pizzeria — featured on Ugly Delicious, known for its creative takes and signature star-shaped pizza.
Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo - We popped in but were put off by how the pizzas looked, however, it comes with incredible reviews, so we’re going to head straight here on our next trip.

Top tip: If you’re sharing, order just one to start with and then another when that arrives. That way, they’re always hot and fresh, and you get to try more!

Visit the Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli)

If you want to feel the true energy of Naples, head straight into the Spanish Quarter, or Quartieri Spagnoli. This maze of narrow streets just off Via Toledo is one of the city’s most authentic and vibrant areas.

The neighbourhood dates back to the 16th century when it was built to house Spanish troops. Over the centuries, it became densely populated and gained a bit of a rough reputation, but today it’s one of Naples’ most fascinating districts, full of colour, character and local life.

Wandering through, you’ll be greeted by scooters weaving between pedestrians, washing lines strung high across alleyways, and the scent of espresso drifting from tiny bars. The walls are covered with murals, religious shrines and football banners — a reminder of just how much locals here live and breathe their culture, faith and sport (Diego Maradona murals are everywhere).

It’s a brilliant place to simply walk around and soak it all up. Stop for a coffee at a corner bar, peek into old workshops, and don’t be shy about looking up, the balconies above tell just as much of a story as the streets below (really, make sure you do this!).

One thing to note: it can feel gritty, but that’s part of its charm. During the day, it’s lively and welcoming, and a great place to see everyday Neapolitan life unfold.

See the Diego Maradona Mural (Murale Diego Armando Maradona)

Even if you’re not a football fan, the story of Diego Maradona and Naples is one of the city’s proudest legends and you can see it come to life in a massive mural tucked away in the Spanish Quarter.

Maradona arrived at Napoli in the 1980s and led the team to two Serie A titles, forever endearing himself to the people of Naples. For a city that often feels overlooked compared to the north of Italy, his victories gave the locals something to celebrate and a hero to rally around.

You’ll find the Murale Diego Armando Maradona at Via Emanuele De Deo 60, right in the heart of the Spanish Quarter. The mural itself towers over a little square, with balconies and washing lines framing it perfectly. There’s also a shrine below, complete with candles, photos and scarves, showing just how much he still means to the people here.

Tip: Go early in the day if you want a quiet moment, as the square can get busy later on. And don’t forget to look for other Maradona tributes dotted around the area — his face pops up all over the Spanish Quarter and the city.

Stroll Along Via Toledo

One of the best ways to get a feel for Naples is by walking down Via Toledo, the city’s lively main street. It runs for over a kilometre from Piazza Dante to Piazza Trieste e Trento and is always full of energy.

The street is lined with high-street shops, old bakeries and plenty of bars where you can stop for an espresso or a sweet sfogliatella.

It’s a great spot for people-watching, with locals catching up on benches, kids playing, and street performers adding to the atmosphere. If you keep an eye on the side streets, you’ll also see glimpses of the Spanish Quarter and its colourful alleys.

👉 Tip: Head there in the late afternoon when the light is soft and the street feels even more vibrant.

Pop Into Toledo Metro Station

Even if you’re not planning to use the metro, make time to visit Toledo Station, halfway down Via Toledo. Often called the most beautiful metro station in Europe, it’s more like an art installation than a train stop.

The station is part of Naples’ “Art Stations” project and was designed by Spanish architect Óscar Tusquets Blanca. Its standout feature is the mesmerising blue mosaic tunnel, which gives the feeling of being underwater, complete with shimmering light effects.

There are also striking modern artworks scattered around the platforms and corridors.

👉 Tip: If you are taking the metro, this station connects you quickly to other parts of the city, including Piazza Garibaldi for the train station.

Explore the Centro Storico

The historic centre of Naples is a UNESCO-listed area, with a fascinating mix of ancient ruins, Baroque churches and lively piazzas. Walking these narrow cobbled lanes, you’ll hear church bells ringing, see craftsmen working in little shops, and smell freshly baked bread wafting from old bakeries.

It’s also where Naples’ nightlife is centred.

Some highlights in the Centro Storico:

Via dei Tribunali (Pizza alley) - As mentioned above
Via Nilo - A small street just off Via dei Tribunali with some lovely looking wine bars and restaurants
Via San Gregorio Armeno — The famous street of nativity scene makers, lined with tiny workshops selling handcrafted figurines.
Napoli Sotterranea — Ancient Roman aqueducts and tunnels beneath the city.
Duomo di Napoli — Naples’ cathedral, known for its ornate interior and the relics of San Gennaro, the city’s patron saint.

This part of town can sometimes feel a little chaotic, but that’s all part of its charm. Take your time, stop for a coffee in one of the squares, and soak up the atmosphere.

Try Neapolitan Street Food

If you’re still hungry after all that pizza, Naples is full of brilliant street food to snack on as you wander. It’s cheap, delicious and very much part of everyday life here. You’ll find plenty of shops and stalls all across Centro Storico and Quartieri Spagnoli selling all sorts of amazing goods. We’ve underlined the ones we think you abosultey must try.

Pizza a portafoglio — A classic margherita folded into quarters, perfect to eat on the go.
Frittatina di pasta — Deep-fried spaghetti and béchamel croquette, creamy and filling.
Pizza fritta (Fried pizza) — Pizza dough which has been deep fried into a delicious pillow with normal toppings (sometimes folded over like a calzone).
Sfogliatella — Flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta and orange zest.
Bomba — A pillowy doughnut filled with pastry cream or chocolate, indulgent and best eaten fresh (the pistachio filling was our favourite from Chalet Ciro)
Graffa — A warm, soft doughnut dusted with sugar, often sold from street carts.
Gelato — Creamy and refreshing, with plenty of traditional and seasonal flavours to choose from.
Crocchè — Mashed potato and cheese, breaded and fried into crispy little bites.
Cuoppo di mare — A paper cone filled with freshly fried seafood like calamari and prawns.
Fiori di zucca — Courgette flowers stuffed and fried until golden and crisp.
Babà — A Rum-soaked sponge cake, sticky, boozy and very Neapolitan.

Watch a Football Match

Football in Naples isn’t just a sport, it’s a passion, a way of life, and a huge part of the city’s identity. If you’re visiting during the season (August to May), you should try catching a Napoli match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The atmosphere in the stadium is electric. You’ll hear Maradona’s name sung like a hymn and feel the pride locals have for their club. Even if you’re not a huge football fan, it’s worth going just to soak up the energy and see how much it means to the people here.

The stadium is located in the Fuorigrotta district, west of the city centre, and is easy to reach by metro. Tickets are often affordable, especially for regular league matches, but it’s best to book ahead if you can. You can buy them online here.

👉 Tip: Wear something blue if you want to blend in with the Napoli faithful and leave plenty of time to get through the crowds before kick-off.

Take in the Views from Castel Sant’Elmo

For the best panoramic view of Naples, the bay and Mount Vesuvius, head up to Castel Sant’Elmo, a star-shaped fortress perched high above the city.

You’ve got a couple of options to get there. If you’re feeling energetic, walk up the winding stairways from the Spanish Quarter; it’s a bit of a climb, but full of charm and little glimpses into everyday life along the way. Alternatively, you can take the funicular from Montesanto, which is a fun (and much easier) way to reach the top.

Or, do what we like to do and mix it up by walking one way, riding the funicular the other.

Wander Around Vomero

While you’re up at Castel Sant’Elmo, don’t miss the chance to explore Vomero, the stylish hilltop neighbourhood that feels like a calmer, more refined side of Naples. (This is where we stayed during our last trip to Naples.)

Vomero has a very different vibe to the historic centre, the streets are wider, cleaner and lined with elegant buildings, leafy trees and plenty of shops. You’ll find a mix of high-street brands and small boutiques, as well as bakeries, gelaterias and cafés where locals gather for a relaxed espresso or aperitivo.

Fonoteca — A cosy, vinyl-lined bar with craft beers and great music, perfect for a laid-back evening or a coffee in the day.
Bar Mexico — A classic Neapolitan coffee bar serving strong, no-nonsense espresso the traditional local way.
Flanagan’s Rooms — A lively cocktail bar with outdoor and indoor seating.
Il Gelato Mennella — One of Naples’ best spots for creamy, rich gelato with seasonal flavours. (You must try them, they have a few places across Naples)

👉 Tip: After a walk around Vomero, you can hop back on the funicular for a quick ride down — or take the stairs for even more views on the way back.

Walk Along the Lungomare Caracciolo

For a more relaxed side of Naples, take a stroll along the Lungomare Caracciolo, the seafront promenade that runs from Mergellina to Castel dell’Ovo.

It’s a wide, pedestrian-friendly walkway with stunning views of the bay, Mount Vesuvius and Capri on a clear day. You’ll pass colourful fishing boats, grand hotels, little gelato stands and locals out for their evening passeggiata.

It’s especially lovely at sunset when the sky turns pink over the water and the city lights start to twinkle. You can even stop at one of the many seafood restaurants along the way for a plate of spaghetti alle vongole or a spritz with a view.

👉 Tip: Start near Mergellina and walk towards Castel dell’Ovo to end with a drink in the pretty Borgo Marinari area.

Historic Sites of Naples

Although our trips to Naples have been short and mostly focused on eating our way around the city, we couldn’t help but notice how many incredible historic sites there are here. Even just wandering between pizza stops, you stumble across grand churches, castles and hidden underground tunnels that remind you just how old and fascinating Naples really is.

Below is a list of some of the most interesting historic and cultural spots you can visit, perfect if you’ve got more time or want to mix a bit of sightseeing into your food-filled adventure.

Duomo di Napoli — The city’s cathedral, dedicated to San Gennaro, is known for its annual miracle of the saint’s blood.
Piazza del Plebiscito & Palazzo Reale — The grand central square, flanked by the Royal Palace and San Francesco di Paola church.
Galleria Umberto I — An elegant 19th-century shopping arcade with a stunning glass dome and lively atmosphere.
Catacombs of Naples — An atmospheric underground network of early Christian burial chambers and frescoes.
National Archaeological Museum — Home to one of the world’s finest collections of Roman mosaics, sculptures and artefacts from Pompeii.
Castel dell'Ovo — A picturesque seaside castle on a tiny island with sweeping views of the bay.
Santa Chiara Monastery — A peaceful cloister with beautiful majolica-tiled columns and a fascinating museum.
Cappella Sansevero ('Veiled Christ') — Famous for its incredible marble sculpture of the Veiled Christ, a masterpiece of Neapolitan art.
Cimitero delle Fontanelle — A unique cave cemetery housing thousands of anonymous skulls, steeped in local legend.
San Carlo Theatre — One of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful opera houses, still hosting performances today.
Certosa e Museo di San Martino — A former Carthusian monastery with a museum and one of the best viewpoints over Naples.
Capodimonte Museum & Park — A grand royal palace surrounded by parkland, housing an impressive art collection.
Castel Nuovo — A striking medieval castle by the port, known for its impressive entrance arch and city views.
Pio Monte della Misericordia — A small church famous for Caravaggio’s painting The Seven Works of Mercy.
Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina (MADRE) — Naples’ modern art museum, showcasing contemporary works in a bright, minimalist space.

Day Trips to Take From Naples

If you’ve got more than a day in Naples, it’s worth venturing beyond the city to explore some of the incredible sights nearby.

Pompeii and Herculaneum

Pompeii and Herculaneum are two ancient Roman cities frozen in time by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Pompeii is larger and more famous, while Herculaneum is smaller but better preserved, with vivid frescoes and wooden beams still intact. Plan at least half a day for each, or visit both if you start early.

www.pompeiisites.org

By train: Circumvesuviana from Napoli Garibaldi station (35 minutes to Pompeii and 20 minutes to Herculaneum)

By car: 30-minute drive

Mount Vesuvius

If you fancy a bit of adventure, climb Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano looming over the city. A winding road takes you most of the way up, and you can hike the final stretch to the crater for panoramic views of Naples and the Bay.

Allow at least 3–4 hours for the round trip and book your tickets in advance.

www.parconazionaledelvesuvio.it

By train: Circumvesuviana train to Ercolano or Pompeii, then catch a shuttle bus or taxi to the park entrance.

By car: 40-minute drive

The Amalfi Coast

For jaw-dropping coastal views and postcard-perfect villages, spend the day on the Amalfi Coast. The towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello are all stunning, with colourful houses clinging to cliffs and gorgeous sea views.

By train and bus: Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento (about 1 hour), then transfer to a SITA bus that runs along the coast to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. The buses are cheap and frequent, but can get very busy in summer.

By ferry: The easiest and most scenic way is by ferry. Boats leave from Naples’ Beverello port to Sorrento (about 40 minutes) and from there to Positano or Amalfi.

By car: If you’re comfortable with tight bends and traffic, you can drive from Naples to Amalfi or Positano in around 1.5–2 hours. Parking is limited and expensive, but it gives you flexibility to stop at viewpoints.

By direct bus: In summer, some companies (like FlixBus or private tours) run direct buses from Naples to Amalfi or Positano without needing to change in Sorrento.

Ischia, Capri and Procida

If islands are more your thing, hop on a ferry from Naples and spend the day on one of the three gems of the bay: Capri, Ischia or Procida.

Capri is famous for its glamour and the Blue Grotto, Ischia is loved for its hot springs and beaches, while Procida charms with its colourful fishing harbour and quieter vibe.

Ferries leave regularly from Molo Beverello port, with journey times ranging from about 40 minutes to an hour depending on the island.

Final Thoughts on Naples

That’s our round-up of the best things to do, eat and see in Naples, a city that never fails to surprise and delight us, even when we only have a day or two to explore.

Between the incredible food, lively streets and unforgettable views, Naples has a way of winning you over with its energy and charm.

Have you been to Naples before? Or are you planning your first visit? We’d love to hear what you think. Share your favourite pizza spots, hidden gems or day trip tips in the comments below.

We’re always looking for new ideas for our next trip!

Best Things to do in Naples, Italy