1. Eat Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

Naples is the birthplace of pizza — UNESCO-recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. No trip is complete without trying the real thing.

Best places & styles:

• Pizza Napoletana – soft, thin, puffy cornicione
• Margherita – tomato, mozzarella, basil (classic)
• Marinara – tomato, garlic, oregano (no cheese)
• Da Michele – famous for just two types
• Sorbillo – legendary, long queues, very soft dough
• Starita – historic pizzeria in Spanish Quarter

2. Visit Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius

The ancient Roman city buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD — one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, just 30 minutes from Naples.

Highlights:

• Pompeii – preserved streets, villas, amphitheater
• Mount Vesuvius – hike to the crater rim
• Herculaneum – smaller, better preserved site
• Guided tours – bring history to life
• Views – Vesuvius overlooking the Bay of Naples

3. Explore Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea)

Naples has one of the largest underground networks in the world — ancient tunnels, aqueducts, WWII bomb shelters, and secret passages.

Highlights:

• Napoli Sotterranea – Greco-Roman ruins & WWII shelters
• Bourbon Tunnel – abandoned tunnel with vintage cars
• Catacombs of San Gennaro – early Christian tombs
• Aqueduct tunnels – ancient water system
• Spooky & fascinating – 40 meters below street level

4. Wander Spaccanapoli & Historic Center

Spaccanapoli — the narrow street that “splits” Naples — is the city’s historic soul, lined with churches, shops, street food, and everyday life.

Highlights:

• Via dei Tribunali & Via Benedetto Croce – main arteries
• Street food – cuoppo fritto, pizza a portafoglio
• Churches – Santa Chiara, Gesù Nuovo, San Lorenzo
• Markets & shops – presepi, limoncello, local crafts
• Authentic Naples vibe – laundry, scooters, vendors

5. Visit Naples’ Castles & Views

Naples has dramatic castles overlooking the bay and Vesuvius — perfect for history and panoramas.

Top castles:

• Castel dell’Ovo – seaside fortress on tiny island, free entry
• Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino) – medieval fortress with arch
• Castel Sant’Elmo – hilltop fort with sweeping city views
• Certosa di San Martino – monastery museum with best panorama

6. Try Street Food & Local Specialties

Naples is Italy’s street food capital — cheap, delicious, and everywhere.

Must-try street foods:

• Pizza a portafoglio – folded pizza to eat walking
• Cuoppo fritto – fried seafood or veggies in paper cone
• Arancini & frittatine – fried rice balls & pasta fritters
• Sfogliatella & babà – flaky pastry & rum-soaked cake
• Pasticceria Poppella – famous fiocco di neve pastry

7. Enjoy Neapolitan Coffee Culture

Naples takes coffee very seriously — strong, cheap, and served with flair.

Best spots & traditions:

• Caffè sospeso – pay for a stranger’s espresso
• Bar Mexico or Gambrinus – historic cafés near Plebiscito
• Espresso at counter – quick, standing, €1–1.20
• Caffè shakerato – iced coffee shaken with ice
• Coffee with view – Gambrinus or rooftop bars

8. Discover Naples’ Catacombs & Underground

Naples sits on layers of history — explore ancient tunnels, aqueducts, and burial sites beneath the city.

Top underground sites:

• Catacombs of San Gennaro – early Christian tombs
• Catacombs of San Gaudioso – skull-lined tunnels
• Napoli Sotterranea – Greco-Roman ruins & WWII shelters
• Bourbon Tunnel – abandoned 19th-century tunnel

9. Relax at the Waterfront & Castel dell’Ovo

Naples has a stunning waterfront with views of Vesuvius and Capri — perfect for sunset strolls.

Highlights:

• Castel dell’Ovo – seaside castle on tiny island, free entry
• Lungomare Caracciolo – scenic promenade along the bay
• Villa Comunale – historic park with aquarium
• Sunset views – Vesuvius glowing orange
• Seafood restaurants – fresh fish with views

Getting to Naples

Naples is well-connected by air, train, ferry, and car — easy to reach from anywhere in Italy or Europe.

By plane:

• Naples International Airport (NAP) – main airport, 7 km from center
• Alibus shuttle – €5, 15–25 min to Centrale station or city center
• Taxi – €18–25 fixed rate to center (ask for tariffa predeterminata)
• Private transfer or Bolt/Uber – €20–35

By train:

• Napoli Centrale – high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) from Rome (1 hr), Florence (2.5–3 hrs), Milan (4.5 hrs)
• Regional trains – slower but cheaper from Pompeii, Sorrento, Salerno

By ferry:

• Molo Beverello & Calata Porta di Massa – ferries/hydrofoils to Capri, Ischia, Procida, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast

By car:

• A1 motorway – from Rome or north
• A3 – from Salerno/Amalfi
• Parking – difficult in center; use park & ride or garages outside historic center