Top 10 Things to See in Naples – The Ultimate Guide
Is Naples worth a visit?
Naples is a city in southern Italy with a history that goes back thousands of years, all the way to ancient Roman times. It’s famous for its amazing history, exciting culture, and yummy food. When you walk around Naples, it feels like you’re in a big museum where every street and building has a story.
One of the coolest parts of Naples is its old town, which is so special that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are narrow streets that lead to really old churches and ancient ruins. You can see and learn about how people lived a long time ago. The Naples National Archaeological Museum is like a treasure chest full of things from places nearby like Pompeii and Herculaneum.
And let’s talk about food! Naples is where pizza was born, so you can find some of the best pizza in the world there. But it’s not just pizza – they also have delicious dishes like pasta with potatoes and a yummy pastry called sfogliatella.
Sure, Naples can be busy and sometimes you might see some litter, but the city has a really fun vibe and so much history to explore. Whether you’re into old buildings, trying new foods, or just soaking up the Italian culture, Naples is a place you’ll remember.
So, if you’re looking for an adventure filled with history, tasty food, and lots of fun, Naples is definitely worth a visit!
Naples Underground Tour: All You NEED To Know & Review
What is the Prettiest Part of Naples?
Have you ever wondered where the prettiest places are in Naples, Italy? Let me tell you about some amazing spots you can explore!
One of the most beautiful parts of Naples is called Posillipo. It’s on a hill that looks over the Gulf of Naples. From there, you can see the sparkling sea and the city below. The streets in Posillipo have big, fancy houses and beautiful gardens. It’s so peaceful and pretty there!
Another awesome place is Spaccanapoli, which is in the old part of Naples. It’s a long, straight street that goes right through the middle of the city. Along Spaccanapoli, you’ll find old buildings with colorful shops and cute cafes. It’s like stepping back in time!
If you like interesting buildings and lots of action, check out the Quartieri Spagnoli, or Spanish Quarters. This neighborhood has narrow streets with bright, colorful buildings and a lively atmosphere. It’s a fun place to explore and see how people live in Naples.
And don’t forget the Lungomare Caracciolo, which is a fancy name for Naples’ waterfront. It’s a long walkway along the bay where you can see Mount Vesuvius and boats in the water. It’s a favorite spot for people to take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful views.
Naples is full of so many pretty places to discover. Whether you’re exploring the hilltop views of Posillipo, walking through the historic streets of Spaccanapoli, checking out the vibrant Spanish Quarters, or enjoying the sea breeze at Lungomare Caracciolo, each part of Naples has its own special beauty just waiting for you to explore!
Top 10 Things to See in Naples – The Ultimate Guide
1. The Historic Center of Naples
Let me tell you about the awesome historic center of Naples, Italy! It’s super special because it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That means it’s one of the oldest and busiest old towns in Europe. You can walk through the whole thing on a cool street called Spaccanapoli. It cuts right through the middle and splits the old town into two parts. Along Spaccanapoli, there’s another street called Via San Gregorio Armeno. It’s famous for workshops where artisans make traditional nativity scenes called “presepe.”
When you’re exploring, take a break in Piazza San Domenico Maggiore or Piazza del Gesù Nuovo. You can grab a strong espresso, a sweet pastry called sfogliatella, or try some yummy street food!
Outside the main area called the Decumani, there’s a busy street called Via Toledo. It’s the best place for shopping in Naples! It takes you to cool places like Piazza Plebiscito, Galleria Umberto I , and the San Carlo opera house. If you go up the narrow streets that branch off from Via Toledo, you’ll find a neighborhood called Quartieri Spagnoli, or the Spanish Quarters. It’s a bit gritty but has a cool atmosphere.
And don’t miss these three awesome places in the historic center: Naples Underground (where you can explore tunnels and caves), the “Veiled Christ” statue in the Sansevero Chapel (it’s mysterious!), and the beautiful Cloister of Saint Claire.
Exploring Naples’ historic center is like stepping into a really old storybook full of exciting places to see and yummy things to eat!
2. Naples Underground
Did you know there’s a secret city hidden under the streets of Naples? It’s called Naples Underground, and it’s like a giant maze of ancient tunnels, rooms, and passages right below the historic center. This underground network is one of the biggest and most complete in the whole world, stretching for over 40 miles!
Long ago, the Greeks dug these tunnels to get stones for building when Naples was just starting to grow. Later, the Romans and then the Bourbons made the tunnels bigger. They used them as water pipes to bring water to the people who lived in the city. As time went on, the tunnels were also used for storage, as secret escape routes, and even as a shelter during bombings!
Today, you can take a special guided tour of Naples Underground. You’ll explore these ancient tunnels with a guide, and they light up the way with candles. It’s a bit spooky but super cool! The entrance to Naples Underground is on Via dei Tribunali, right in Piazza San Gaetano.
If you love adventures and exploring hidden places, Naples Underground is a must-visit when you’re in Naples. Who knows what secrets and surprises you might find beneath the streets!
3. The Veiled Christ (Sansevero Chapel)
When you’re exploring the old part of Naples, make sure to visit the Chapel of Sansevero. Inside, you can see something really amazing called the Veiled Christ. It’s a marble statue made by an Italian artist named Giuseppe Sanmartino in the 18th century. This statue shows Jesus covered in a cloth, so you can’t see his face. People think it’s one of the best sculptures from that time because it looks so real and detailed!
The Veiled Christ was made for a special reason. A rich man called the Duke of San Severo asked the artist to make it. The Duke was also into alchemy, which is like magic and science mixed together. When you see the statue, it’s so lifelike that it might make you stop and stare!
In the same chapel, there’s another famous statue by Sanmartino called the Anatomical Mannequin. It shows what the inside of a human body looks like. Some people think it represents the Duke’s brother who was killed.
Visiting the Chapel of Sansevero is like stepping into a museum full of surprises. You’ll be amazed by these incredible sculptures and the stories behind them! The Sansevero Chapel: Opening Hours and Information
4. Santa Chiara Monastery
If you’re looking for a peaceful place away from the busy city of Naples, you should visit the Monastery of Santa Chiara. This monastery was built in a gothic style way back in 1313! It was a big center for learning and culture, where people studied and made art.
Today, you can visit the monastery and see lots of cool things. Inside, there’s a museum with art and stuff from the 1300s. There’s also a library with over 30,000 books! How cool is that? But the best part is the gardens. They have beautiful hand-painted tiles all over the walls and benches. It’s like a colorful, peaceful paradise!
Visiting the Monastery of Santa Chiara is like going back in time and seeing how people lived long ago. You can learn about history, see amazing art, and relax in the pretty gardens. It’s a great place to explore when you’re in Naples!
5. The Royal Palace of Naples and Piazza Plebiscito
Let me tell you about two really famous places in Naples that you should visit.
The first is the Royal Palace, also called Palazzo Reale. It’s one of the oldest and biggest buildings in Europe! They started building it way back in the 17th century. Inside, there are lots of important paintings and sculptures. It’s like a huge museum!
Next to the Royal Palace is a big square called Piazza del Plebiscito. This square is super important in Naples’ history. In 1860, the people here voted to make Italy one country instead of lots of small ones. It was a really big deal! That’s why the square is named after that vote.
Today, Piazza Plebiscito is a popular place for concerts and other events. It’s a big, open space where lots of people come together. Visiting the Royal Palace and Piazza del Plebiscito is like stepping into history and seeing where important things happened. You can learn a lot and have fun exploring these famous landmarks in Naples!
Visit the Royal Palace in Naples
6. Castel dell’Ovo
It’s called Castel dell’Ovo, and it’s one of the most famous sights in Naples. People love taking pictures of it because it looks like it’s right out of a postcard! The castle sits on a little island just off the coast of the city, and you can walk to it on a bridge.
There’s a fun story about Castel dell’Ovo. Legend says that a long time ago, the poet Virgil put an egg under the castle when it was being built. He said it would make the castle really strong! Whether that’s true or not, Castel dell’Ovo has been around for hundreds of years. It’s been through wars and earthquakes and still stands strong.
You can visit Castel dell’Ovo and take a guided tour inside. They sometimes have cool exhibitions, too, where you can learn even more about the castle and its history.
Visiting Castel dell’Ovo is like stepping back in time and exploring a real-life castle with a magical story. It’s a great place to visit when you’re in Naples!
7. Capodimonte Museum
Hey kids! Let me tell you about a really awesome museum called Capodimonte in Naples.
Capodimonte is one of the best museums in Italy! It’s in a huge palace that was built a long time ago by Charles III, Duke of Bourbon. Inside, you can see lots of amazing things like paintings from the Renaissance (that’s a long time ago!), beautiful porcelain, and sculptures.
Imagine seeing paintings by famous artists like Caravaggio, Rubens, Titian, Rembrandt, and Raphael! They’re all there for you to admire and learn about.
After you’ve seen all the cool stuff inside, you can go outside and walk through the museum’s garden. From there, you can see spectacular views of Naples! It’s like looking down at the city from above.
Visiting Capodimonte Museum is like going on a magical journey through art and history. It’s a great place to visit if you love learning about famous artists and seeing beautiful things.
8. Catacombs
Let me tell you about something really fascinating in Naples called the catacombs.
The catacombs of Naples are like a big maze of underground tunnels and rooms. Long ago, people used these places to bury their loved ones. There are three main catacombs you can visit in Naples: San Gennaro, San Gaudioso, and the Fontanelle Cemetery.
The Catacombs of San Gennaro are the biggest and most famous. They’re named after San Gennaro, who is the special saint of Naples. A long time ago, his body was buried here, though now it’s in the city’s old Duomo. These catacombs are really old, from way back in the third century AD!
The Catacombs of San Gaudioso were made in the fifth century AD. They’re named after San Gaudioso, who was one of the first bishops of Naples. Inside these catacombs, you can see the remains of over 20,000 people and lots of cool art and buildings.
The Fontanelle Cemetery is a newer catacomb, built in 1656. People were buried here during plagues and wars. Today, it holds the remains of about 40,000 people from Naples.
Visiting these catacombs is like going on a spooky adventure through history. You can learn a lot about how people in Naples lived a long time ago and see some really interesting things. It’s a cool place to visit if you like history and exploring mysterious places!
9. The Naples National Archaeological Museum (MANN)
Let me tell you about a really awesome museum in Naples called the National Archaeological Museum, or MANN for short.
MANN has one of the coolest collections of ancient stuff from Greece and Rome in the whole world! Inside, you can see thousands of things that were found during excavations of Pompeii and other ancient places nearby. There are also important artifacts from Egypt.
Imagine seeing over 20,000 pieces of history right in front of you! If you love learning about ancient civilizations, this museum is a must-see. You can see how people lived a long time ago, their art, and even what they used in their daily lives.
Visiting MANN is like going on a big adventure through time. You’ll learn so much and see things that are thousands of years old. It’s a really cool place to visit if you’re curious about history and ancient cultures!
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Naples
10. Mount Vesuvius
Let me tell you about Mount Vesuvius, which you can see from Naples. It’s a big, rumbling volcano that’s really special because it’s the only active volcano on the mainland of Europe. The last time it erupted was in 1944!
You can go up to the top of Mount Vesuvius to see amazing views of the Bay of Naples. From there, you can also look down into its huge crater where steam comes out. It’s like looking inside a giant volcano!
You can visit Mount Vesuvius by yourself or go with a group tour from Naples. Either way, it’s a super cool adventure to see such a powerful volcano up close. Just imagine standing on top of a volcano and feeling the excitement of nature!
Visiting Mount Vesuvius is a great way to learn about volcanoes and see breathtaking views. It’s something you won’t forget!
11. Pizzafest in Naples, Italy: A Celebration of the World’s Favorite Dish
Naples, Italy, where pizza was born, holds a special celebration every year called Pizzafest. This lively festival isn’t just about food—it’s a cultural celebration that draws pizza lovers from around the world. Pizzafest honors the beloved dish with enthusiasm and joy, showcasing the city’s rich culinary heritage to visitors near and far.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
1. When is the best time to visit Naples?
The best times to visit Naples are in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these times, the weather is nice and not too hot, and there are fewer people visiting, so you can explore without big crowds.
In the summer, it can get very hot in Naples, and there are lots of tourists, which can make some places crowded. Winters are usually mild, but it can rain sometimes. So, if you want to enjoy pleasant weather and see Naples without too many people around, spring and fall are the best times to visit!
- Locally made ceramics and pottery: These are colorful dishes and bowls that are handcrafted by artists in Naples. They’re really pretty and can be used for eating or as decorations in your room.
- Limoncello: It’s a yummy lemon-flavored drink that’s famous in Naples. It comes in a bottle, and you can drink it at home to remember your trip!
- Handmade pasta: Naples is famous for its delicious pasta, so you can bring home a package of handmade pasta to cook with your family. It’s fun to make and tastes really good!
- Pizza-related items: Since Naples is the birthplace of pizza, you can find cool things like pizza cutters (to slice pizza at home) and aprons (to wear when you’re cooking).
3. Are there beaches in Naples?
Yes, Naples has some beautiful beaches along its coastline. Some popular ones include Posillipo Beach and Lido di Napoli. You can relax, swim, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun during your visit.
4. What day trips can I take from Naples?
From Naples, you can go on day trips to nearby places such as the Amalfi Coast (with pretty coastal towns like Positano and Amalfi), the island of Capri, the ancient ruins of Pompeii, and the breathtaking Sorrento Peninsula.
Naples : Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Lots of History and Cool Stuff: Naples has ancient ruins, museums full of neat things, and exciting arts like music and theater. | 1. Busy and Crowded: Sometimes Naples can be really busy with cars and people, especially during busy times. It might be tricky to get around. |
| 2. Yummy Food: Naples is where pizza was born! You can also try tasty Italian dishes, seafood, and yummy pastries. | 2. Staying Safe: Some parts of Naples can feel a bit unsafe at night or in quiet areas. It’s important to be careful and stay with grown-ups. |
| 3. Beautiful Beaches: Naples is right by the Mediterranean Sea, so you can see amazing views and go to beaches like Posillipo and Sorrento. | 3. Trash Troubles: Naples has had problems with trash in the past, which can sometimes make parts of the city look messy. |
| 4. Beautiful Beaches: Naples is right by the Mediterranean Sea, so you can see amazing views and go to beaches like Posillipo and Sorrento. | 4. Language Challenge: Not everyone speaks English in Naples, so it might be harder to talk to people if you don’t know Italian. |
| 5. Real Italian Feel: Naples isn’t as busy with tourists as places like Rome or Venice. You can meet local people and see how they live. | 5. Weather Worries: Summers can get super hot, and winters might be rainy. Spring and fall are the best times to visit for nice weather. |
Conclusion
Naples, Italy, is an amazing city full of history, fun, and yummy food that kids will love! It sits near a beautiful bay with a huge volcano called Mount Vesuvius in the background. You can see ancient cities like Pompeii and Herculaneum, frozen in time by a big volcano eruption long ago. Naples itself has old castles, churches with fancy decorations, and cool palaces to explore.
If you love art, Naples has awesome museums with ancient Roman stuff and paintings from hundreds of years ago. And if you’re a foodie (someone who loves food!), Naples is famous for its pizza, seafood, and delicious desserts like Neapolitan pastries. The markets in Naples are bustling with lots of things to see, hear, and smell!
Naples is also full of energy, with music in the air, people laughing, and the yummy smell of coffee everywhere. Visiting Naples will give you memories to last a lifetime, where you can learn about history, enjoy different cultures, and try amazing food in a beautiful place by the sea. If you enjoyed this post and want to read more like it, here are some recommendations that I think you’ll find enjoyable.