Ultimate travel guide for Naples: Top Things to Do and Best Places to Stay | Discover the top picks personal experience
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“Ultimate Travel Guide for Naples Italy: In this blog, we’ll give you all the tips you need to plan your trip to Naples—what to do there, the main tourist attractions, and where to stay. If you stay near the marina, there are lots of nice walks in town and on the Amalfi Coast, where you can take boat trips. There’s Pompeii, there’s Vesuvius—you name it!
It’s an incredible city and well worth visiting on your trip to Italy. Ultimate Travel Guide for Naples Italy will also help you explore the best experiences in the region. Guys, yes, it is! I still think that for a first trip, if you only have a few days, Rome is still ahead, Florence is still ahead, and Venice too. But if you have one, two, or three days available in your itinerary, Naples is an incredible region.
Travel Guide for Naples: Best Things to Do
- Explore the National Mall
- Tour the Smithsonian Museums
- Visit the White House
- Wander through Georgetown
- See the Memorials and Monuments
Travel Guide for Naples: Best Things to Do
What differentiates Naples from the others? Naples is much more like Italy—you know, it’s much more Italian than those other cities, which are more touristy. You really get that Italian energy. The streets are narrower, people shout everywhere (which is the Italian way), cars are honking—it’s chaotic, but it’s the chaos of Italian culture!
And, of course, there’s the best pizza in Italy! Gastronomy, beer, lots of good food—everyone says Naples has the best pizza in the world. So there are plenty of reasons to stay in Naples. It’s messy, guys, but it’s a lot of fun!
People sometimes get a bit confused about safety. You see the photos—narrow streets, clothes hanging on clotheslines—it looks a certain way, but that’s just their way of life. Security isn’t bad at all. In fact, the safety index is even better than in Rome, Florence, and other big cities. So, it’s actually a very safe city for tourists. However, it is chaotic!
One of the best tips is to take a stroll through the streets, enjoy the chaos, visit restaurants, and immerse yourself in the culture. You’ll get to know a lot about Naples and truly absorb its atmosphere.
And here’s a really cool tip—we’re going to mention some tours you can do from Naples in a single day. These are round trips to incredible places! For example, you can visit the island of Capri or Positano, which is on the Amalfi Coast. There are lots of great day trips from Naples!
Best Hotels and Location Tips for Naples Stay
So, let’s get started with location, because that’s key if you want to stay in a good spot. Naples is a big city, and if you stay too far away, it’ll take you a long time to get around. But here’s the good news—you can get a very nice hotel at a great price!
First tip: Hotels in Naples are cheaper than what you’ll pay in Rome or Venice, which are more touristy cities. In Naples, you can stay in a beautiful hotel at a great price. There are several hotels I’ll link in the description of this blog and in the pinned comments.
The hotel we stayed in was beautiful—it wasn’t expensive, and it’s located inside a historic palace! In Naples, they have this custom of revitalizing old palaces and churches, turning them into hotels, restaurants, and cafés. It’s a spectacle! Walking in, you feel like you’ve traveled back in time, surrounded by that imperial-style decor from centuries ago. It was an incredible experience, and I highly recommend checking it out!
Now, speaking of location, where is the ideal place to stay? You’ll want to be close to the tourist center but not too far away. I’ll show you on a personalized map—the Pizzofalcone area (we read it as Pizzit, but they pronounce it Peetoh—but I’ll just call it Pizzit because that’s what I’m used to!).
In this area, there’s the Royal Palace, the Basilica, and the Castel dell’Ovo nearby. It’s a very nice area with lots of hotels to choose from. It’s a prime area for tourists and close to everything. If you stay in this area, you’ll be in the best possible location—close to the marina and the city’s main marina.
Book Hotels in Naples: Best Deals & Tips
Why is this good? So that you can do all those tours I’m going to tell you about, which are must-dos, of course!
So, if you stay in this area, guys, to make it even easier, I’ll put a link down in the blog description. I made this personalized map on a hotel booking website, which is the largest one in the world (I’m sure you know it too—we always make our reservations there). I’ve customized this map for you. If you click on the link when the map opens, just put in the dates of your trip in the search engine, set it to search, and then click on the map.
It will show you only well-rated, value-for-money hotels. We’ve already set all the filters we use, with dates and prices for your trip, so you can choose a good hotel!
A good tip about this website: we use it a lot—not only is it very large, reliable, and have great prices, but it also offers free cancellation. This is a strategy we use everywhere in the world, and it helps us save a lot on accommodations.
Why book hotels early? The earlier you book, the cheaper you pay. As rooms fill up, the hotels’ automatic system will raise the prices. So, you go in, see a good hotel in Naples, book it, and if you need to later, you can cancel with just one click. No bureaucracy, and you don’t pay anything.
I’ll leave the link below, and now let’s talk about what to do in Naples. Before we dive into the city, let me quickly mention the tours because they were the most amazing tours we’ve ever done in all of Italy! I think it’s really worth it.
top 10 hotels in Naples
Grand Hotel Vesuvio
- Location: Lungomare Caracciolo, Naples
- Facilities: Spa, rooftop terrace with sea views, gym, restaurants, free Wi-Fi
- Cost: $250–$400 per night
Hotel Romeo
- Location: Via Cristoforo Colombo, Naples
- Facilities: Rooftop pool, spa, gourmet restaurants, gym, free Wi-Fi
- Cost: $220–$350 per night
Hotel Palazzo Caracciolo Napoli
- Location: Via Carbonara, Naples
- Facilities: Historic building, restaurant, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms
- Cost: $150–$250 per night
Hotel San Francesco Al Monte
- Location: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Naples
- Facilities: Rooftop terrace with views, swimming pool, restaurant, free Wi-Fi
- Cost: $170–$300 per night
NH Napoli Panorama
- Location: Via Medina, Naples
- Facilities: Roof terrace with panoramic views, restaurant, gym, free Wi-Fi
- Cost: $150–$230 per night
The Britannique Hotel
- Location: Via Partenope, Naples
- Facilities: Rooftop bar, fitness center, breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi
- Cost: $200–$300 per night
Hotel Excelsior
- Location: Via Partenope, Naples
- Facilities: Sea-view rooms, restaurants, bar, free Wi-Fi, fitness center
- Cost: $250–$400 per night
Hotel Miramare
- Location: Via Cristoforo Colombo, Naples
- Facilities: Rooftop terrace, free Wi-Fi, bar, and restaurant
- Cost: $100–$200 per night
Palazzo Turchini
- Location: Via Medina, Naples
- Facilities: Free breakfast, lounge bar, meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi
- Cost: $130–$200 per night
Hotel Napolit'amo
- Location: Via Mezzocannone, Naples
- Facilities: Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, bar, central location near shops and restaurants
- Cost: $100–$150 per night
Day Trips from Naples: Capri, Amalfi & More
Naples is just down the road from Rome—it’ll take you about an hour and a half, depending on whether you’re traveling by train or car. Naples isn’t far at all. It’s actually halfway between Rome and the Amalfi Coast, so you can use it as a base if you want to visit the Amalfi Coast but don’t want to stay there. You can stay in Naples and leave from the port, which is close to your hotel if you stay in that area.
You can go on several night boat trips that leave from the port and go to the island of Capri. The excursion to Capri is very nice—it’s a boat ride that picks you up at the Port of Naples and takes you there. The boat ride is very pleasant, and you’ll get to see the islands, get off on the island of Capri, explore the island, have lunch, visit the Blue Grotto (which is beautiful), see the whole island, and then return to Naples.
These tours aren’t very expensive, and they’re incredible, guys! It’s a really nice experience. Many people choose to stay in Naples because it’s cheaper and do these tours instead of staying on the island of Capri, which is much more expensive.
So here’s a nice tip: I’ll leave a link down below in the blog description to the website where we buy all of our tickets, tours, and excursions throughout Europe. It’s the biggest website in Europe, and they’re very reliable. We’ve been using them for years, and they have the best prices. Take a look, because they offer lots of great tours. If you go to their site and type in “Naples,” you’ll see all the tours that leave from Naples.
These boat trips are fantastic. For example, there’s the one to the island of Capri, and there’s also an excursion to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. It’s called the Sorrento and Amalfi Coast tour. You start in Sorrento, the first town, then you go to Positano, which is another important and beautiful city on the coast, and you finish the day in Ravello. You’ll practically cover the whole itinerary!
I always recommend a tour of the Amalfi Coast in one day, with transportation included. It’s a very nice experience and well worth it for those who want to get to know the Amalfi Coast more quickly. If you’re thinking of visiting the Amalfi Coast, check out our blog on the cheap and practical itinerary for the Amalfi Coast, which is the most cost-effective way to see everything quickly and economically.
Explore Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, and Naples Tours
Then, there’s the perfect itinerary along the Amalfi Coast where you can stop off in various cities, stay in Positano, and explore Amalfi, which are beautiful places well worth seeing.
To round off these tours, there’s a third tour I think is very worthwhile for anyone staying in Naples, and that’s a visit to Pompeii. Pompeii is a city that’s marked the history of all of Italy due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This giant mountain, which you can see from afar, erupted centuries ago and devastated the entire city with ash. Thousands and thousands of people were killed—not directly by the volcano, but by the ash that covered them.
In fact, there are even museums in Pompeii where you can see plaster casts of the people who were caught in the eruption. While it might seem a bit strange, it shows what the inhabitants looked like after the disaster. The city was excavated after years of being buried by ash, and it was preserved. What’s amazing is that Pompeii has kept its original form, unlike Naples, Rome, or Florence, where new buildings were constructed, and old buildings were renovated. In Pompeii, you’ll see Italy as it was centuries ago. It’s an incredible experience, and it’s only about 30 minutes from Naples.
On this website, there’s also an excursion to Pompeii and Vesuvius. It’s affordable, and there’s transportation to take you there. The guide will explain everything, which makes a huge difference.
Now, let’s talk about what to do in the city of Naples! As I’ve already mentioned, the coolest thing is the pizza. The pizza in Naples is legendary. So, during your stay, make sure to try a few different pizzerias over two or three days!
Different places have different flavors, and it was one of the best pizzas in the world. It’s really worth getting to know! The coffee in Naples is also very good; people praise it a lot and say it’s very strong. The coffee of Naples is famous across Europe, so make sure to stop by and have an espresso. Enjoy some of the local cafés while you’re there.
Top Tourist Attractions in Naples: Piazza & More
The tourist sites in this area are close to everything. One of the key spots is Piazza del Plebiscito, which is a large square that reminded me a lot of St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, with a dome behind it. It was inspired by the Pantheon, another tourist attraction in Rome. In the middle of the square, there’s a Pantheon-like structure, and the square itself has a similar feel to the Vatican surroundings. It’s a very large, beautiful square.
There’s also the famous Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Royal Palace, which was where the Neapolitan royal family lived during the reign of the Bourbons. It’s a very important place. The palace is beautiful, and the basilica is stunning. Take some time to wander around; it’s very pleasant.
A tip for you guys: On the website for tickets and excursions, which I will leave a link to below, there’s a tour called “The Free Tour,” which is a free city tour. You don’t pay anything for the tour. You can book it along with the other tours you’re going to buy. At the end of the day, a guide will take you around these sites and show you everything. Of course, if the guide has done a good job, it’s common for people to give them a tip (usually between 5 and 20 Euros, depending on the service).
It’s a really nice way to get to know the city. Maybe consider taking this free tour on your first day—it’s a great way to learn about the history and culture of Naples.
Another tourist attraction near the area where you’ll likely be staying is Castel dell’Ovo, a castle with a legend. It’s said that the castle remains standing because there’s a magical egg hidden inside. It’s a very quirky and fun story that we tried to understand better, but it’s a playful tale. The castle is well-preserved, and it’s surrounded by water, offering a beautiful view.
Visit Castel dell'Ovo & Gambrinus Café in Naples
It’s beautiful because you can see the sea all around. It’s an old castle, and the walls are kind of dark, but it’s really nice. The best part? Admission is free, so you can enter and walk around inside. If you go up to the higher levels, the view is stunning. It’s a very cool tourist spot, and the photos you can take there are beautiful too.
A must-try tip is the famous Gambrinus Café. It’s a café and restaurant where you can have some delicious coffee, cappuccinos, snacks, pastries, and cakes—everything typical of Naples. The place feels more like a hotel inside, but it looks like a palace—super beautiful, luxurious, and with an ancient scent. You’ll see from the photos to get a better sense of it. It’s hard to describe, but it’s an incredible place.
Here’s something important to note: In Italy, it’s common for places like this to have different pricing depending on whether you’re standing or sitting. If you order coffee at the counter and drink it standing, it’s cheaper (for example, 5 Euros). However, if you want to sit at a table, the same coffee might cost 15-20 Euros, as that’s the price for the experience of being served at a table. So, just be aware of that.
But even at that price, I think this particular café is worth sitting down at. Spend an hour enjoying the atmosphere, take some photos, make blogs—because it’s truly a unique place. It’s great for the full experience of sitting in what feels like a palace. Also, as you walk around the street, there’s a lot of shopping to do, and there’s a very nice gallery nearby, similar to the ones you might find in other major cities.
10 top restaurants in Naples
L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele
- Location: Via Cesare Sersale, 1, Naples
- Food: Famous for Margherita pizza and Marinara pizza
- Price: €6–€10 per pizza
Pizzeria Sorbillo
- Location: Via dei Tribunali, 32, Naples
- Food: Margherita pizza, Pizza del Padrino
- Price: €8–€14 per pizza
Trattoria Nanni
- Location: Via Tribunali, 10, Naples
- Food: Neapolitan pasta dishes, fried pizza
- Price: €10–€18 per person
Ristorante La Cantina del Gallo
- Location: Via Giovanni Nicotera, 4, Naples
- Food: Seafood pasta, Grilled fish
- Price: €15–€25 per person
Il Comandante
- Location: Via Francesco Caracciolo, 1, Naples
- Food: Gourmet seafood dishes, Foie gras
- Price: €60–€120 per person (fine dining)
Pizzeria Starita
- Location: Via Materdei, 27, Naples
- Food: Margherita pizza, Pizza Fritta (fried pizza)
- Price: €7–€12 per pizza
Trattoria Da Donato
- Location: Via Toledo, 23, Naples
- Food: Spaghetti alle Vongole, Lasagna
- Price: €10–€18 per person
Osteria Il Gobbetto
- Location: Vico Lungo Teatro Nuovo, 30, Naples
- Food: Neapolitan seafood dishes, Eggplant Parmesan
- Price: €15–€30 per person
La Piazzetta
- Location: Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 2, Naples
- Food: Pizza Marinara, Risotto with seafood
- Price: €8–€15 per pizza/pasta
Ristorante Umberto
- Location: Via Alabardieri, 30, Naples
- Food: Traditional Italian dishes, Pizza Margherita
- Price: €20–€40 per person
Explore Naples Underground & Shopping Tips
There’s a nice gallery in Milan with stores—it’s very nice for shopping. Do some research because there are plenty of stores around for shopping. Naples also has a lot going on, including a cool underground part of the city.
It’s one of the largest underground networks in the world, and there are museums and places to wander around if you’re interested in this type of tour. It’s definitely worth checking out the underground part of Naples—it’s very different and unique.
In the description below, in addition to the links I’ve mentioned, I’ll leave all the links we use to organize our trips. These are places we’ve discovered over the years that offer the best prices and services. I’ve included a guide with everything, including mandatory travel insurance for Europe. Don’t forget, it’s a comparison site—an incredible website that compares the prices of all insurers and often finds deals half the price of what travel agencies offer.
We use it for car rentals, train tickets, ferries, tours, and even global accounts so you can carry cash at a much cheaper rate, saving a lot on Euros. Everything is down there, so take a look, and you’ll be able to plan your trip much more easily with trustworthy services we know are the best.
top 10 shopping malls in Naples
Centro Commerciale Campania
- Location: Marcianise (about 20 km from Naples city center)
- Description: One of the largest malls near Naples, Centro Commerciale Campania features over 150 stores, a variety of restaurants, and entertainment options like a cinema and bowling alley.
- Key Stores: Zara, H&M, Nike, Sephora, and many Italian fashion brands.
Galleria Umberto I
- Location: Via San Carlo, Naples city center
- Description: A beautiful, historical shopping gallery in the heart of Naples, featuring high-end boutiques, cafes, and local shops. The architecture itself is stunning, with a glass dome and impressive design.
- Key Stores: High-end local and international boutiques, including luxury shops.
Vulcano Buono
- Location: Nola, Naples
- Description: This modern shopping center offers a vast selection of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. It is also known for its distinctive architecture, designed by Renzo Piano.
- Key Stores: Adidas, Calzedonia, OVS, and other Italian fashion brands.
La Reggia Designer Outlet
- Location: Marcianise (about 20 km from Naples)
- Description: A luxury outlet mall with discounted designer brands. Perfect for bargain hunters looking for premium fashion.
- Key Stores: Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and more luxury brands at discounted prices.
Napoli Est Shopping Mall
- Location: Naples, Eastern part of the city
- Description: A modern mall with a great selection of stores, restaurants, and services. It’s a little quieter than others, offering a more relaxed shopping experience.
- Key Stores: Unieuro, Calzedonia, and local Italian fashion stores.
Centro Commerciale Auchan
- Location: Via Argine, Naples
- Description: A large shopping mall offering a wide range of stores, supermarkets, and dining options. A great spot for both shopping and grocery needs.
- Key Stores: Leroy Merlin, H&M, and electronics shops.
Centro Commerciale "Le Ginestre"
- Location: Sant’Anastasia, near Naples
- Description: A medium-sized shopping mall with a variety of fashion, electronics, and home goods stores.
- Key Stores: H&M, Mediaworld, and local brands.
Ipercoop (Shopping Mall)
- Location: Via P. Martucci, Naples
- Description: Known for its large supermarket and a variety of stores offering clothing, electronics, and household goods. A great spot for all-in-one shopping.
- Key Stores: Coop supermarket, OVS, and household stores.
City of Naples Shopping Mall
- Location: Via della Libertà, Naples
- Description: A newly designed shopping center offering both high-end and more affordable brands. The mall also has a cinema and food court for a complete experience.
- Key Stores: Benetton, Pandora, and sportswear brands.
Plaza Shopping Center
- Location: Via Cristoforo Colombo, Naples
- Description: A smaller but very convenient shopping center in the city with a variety of fashion stores, restaurants, and cafes. Great for a quick shopping trip.
- Key Stores: Sisley, Calzedonia, and a selection of Italian boutiques.
Best public transport in Naples
Metro (Line 1 & Line 2)
The Naples metro is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. Line 1 connects popular areas like the city center, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Vomero district. Line 2 connects the city center to the suburbs, including the port.
- Cost:
- Single ride: €1.10
- Day pass (unlimited rides for 24 hours): €4.50
- 10-ride ticket: €10.00
Funicular (Funicolar)
The funicular is a great way to reach higher areas like Vomero and Posillipo, offering scenic views as you ascend. There are four funicular lines in Naples (Central, Chiaia, Montesanto, and Mergellina).
- Cost:
- Single ride: €1.10
- Day pass (for unlimited rides on all funiculars and metro): €4.50
Metro (Line 1 & Line 2)
The Naples metro is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. Line 1 connects popular areas like the city center, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Vomero district. Line 2 connects the city center to the suburbs, including the port.
- Cost:
- Single ride: €1.10
- Day pass (unlimited rides for 24 hours): €4.50
- 10-ride ticket: €10.00
Funicular (Funicolar)
The funicular is a great way to reach higher areas like Vomero and Posillipo, offering scenic views as you ascend. There are four funicular lines in Naples (Central, Chiaia, Montesanto, and Mergellina).
- Cost:
- Single ride: €1.10
- Day pass (for unlimited rides on all funiculars and metro): €4.50
Buses
Naples has a wide bus network that serves all areas of the city, including neighborhoods that are not accessible by metro. Buses are a good option for traveling to locations like the beaches or the outer districts.
- Cost:
- Single ride: €1.10
- Day pass (unlimited rides for 24 hours): €4.50
- 10-ride ticket: €10.00
Trams
Trams run along major roads, including routes to areas like the city center and the harbor. They are slower than the metro but can be a scenic and relaxing way to travel.
- Cost:
- Single ride: €1.10
- Day pass (unlimited rides for 24 hours): €4.50
Taxis
Taxis are available in Naples, though they are more expensive than public transport. It’s a convenient option if you have heavy luggage or if you’re traveling in a group.
- Cost:
- Starting fare: €3.00
- Price per km: €1.10–€1.50 (depending on the time of day)
- Additional charges: €1.50 surcharge for nighttime trips (from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.)
Ferries (for trips to islands like Capri and Ischia)
Ferries are a great way to explore the nearby islands such as Capri, Ischia, and Procida. The Port of Naples offers several ferry routes.
- Cost:
- Naples to Capri: €20–€25 (one-way)
- Naples to Ischia: €20–€30 (one-way)
Naples Public Transport Cards:
UNICO Campania Card: This card allows unlimited access to all public transport (metro, buses, funicular, trams) for a set number of days.
- 1-day card: €4.50
- 3-day card: €12.50
- 7-day card: €25.00
Making the Most of Your top Washington DC Travel Guide Information
That’s it, guys! I hope you liked the blog. If you did, please don’t forget to give us a like and follow my instagram more updates because it really helps us a lot. Also, don’t forget to watch our other blogs—they’re very good! I’ll leave you with the one on how to travel cheaply to Italy. It’s great and teaches you how to plan your entire trip at the lowest possible price. You’ll also find a playlist with all our other Italian blogs.
Thank you so much, and have a great trip!
Thank you, and that wraps up Ultimate Travel Guide for Naples Italy. Do you agree with the places we chose, or is there somewhere you visited that you feel should be on the list? leave us a comment.
You can find me on Instagram: @dreamytravelersofficial/.
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frequently asked.
Is Naples worth visiting?
Yes! Naples is an incredible destination with stunning coastal views, historic landmarks, and world-famous food, including authentic Neapolitan pizza. It’s also a great base for exploring Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri.
What is the best time to visit Naples?
The best time to visit Naples is in spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) when the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists compared to the summer months.
Where should I stay in Naples?
For first-time visitors, staying near the historic center, Chiaia, or the marina is recommended. These areas offer easy access to major attractions, restaurants, and transportation hubs.
What are the must-visit attractions in Naples?
Some top attractions include:
- Piazza del Plebiscito
- Castel dell’Ovo
- Naples Underground
- Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius
- Capri & Blue Grotto
What are the best day trips from Naples?
- Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius
- Capri
- Amalfi Coast
