10 Best Things to Do and See in Naples
Exploring Naples on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Naples, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Naples. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Piazza del Plebiscito
Piazza del Plebiscito is one of Naples’ great landmark squares in Italy, and a must-see place to grasp the scale of the city. Vast and open, it offers a monumental view framed by remarkable buildings, including the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, recognizable by its majestic portico. Visitors come here to stroll, admire the architecture, enjoy the open space, and soak up the lively atmosphere of Naples’ historic and administrative center. It is also an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding area on foot.
2. Sansevero Chapel
The Sansevero Chapel, in the heart of Naples' historic center, is a small Baroque masterpiece that attracts visitors with the richness of its artworks and the very special atmosphere of the place. Inside, you will discover remarkable sculptures, including the famous Veiled Christ, as well as a refined decorative ensemble blending marble, frescoes and enigmatic symbols. The interior, both solemn and spectacular, offers an intense cultural experience, ideal for anyone who wants to admire one of the city's most unique artistic gems.
3. National Archaeological Museum of Naples
The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is one of the city’s must-see places for discovering the richness of ancient Italy. It is especially known for its remarkable Greco-Roman collections, sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, and many everyday objects from ancient sites in the region. The museum also showcases famous pieces from Pompeii and Herculaneum, offering a vivid glimpse into life in the Roman world. A visit here provides a deeper understanding of the history, art, and culture of ancient Campania in a prestigious setting.
4. Castel dell’Ovo
Castel dell’Ovo, the iconic fortress on Naples’ seafront, offers a pleasant walk combining history and panoramic views. As you explore its surroundings and the areas open to the public, you’ll discover sweeping views over the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the coastline. The site is appealing both for its maritime setting and its old-world atmosphere, with its walls, passageways, and viewpoints. It is a must-see stop to admire the city from the water and experience the charm of Naples’ seafront.
5. Castel Sant’Elmo
Dominating Naples from the Vomero hill, Castel Sant’Elmo is an imposing fortress that offers above all a remarkable panorama over the city, the bay, and Mount Vesuvius. As you walk along its ramparts and interior spaces, you discover massive military architecture, courtyards, and passageways that bear witness to its defensive role. The site also hosts exhibitions and is a wonderful place to understand the Neapolitan landscape while enjoying a pleasant visit, combining history, sweeping views, and a peaceful atmosphere.
6. Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo, an emblematic fortress of Naples, draws the eye with its massive towers and the marble triumphal arch that marks the entrance to the monument. A visit reveals medieval architecture altered over the centuries, historic halls, and a solemn atmosphere that reflects the site’s importance in the city’s history. Located not far from the waterfront and the lively city center, it also offers a great viewpoint to admire Naples’ urban landscape and the richness of its local heritage.
7. Underground Naples
Beneath the bustling streets of Naples, Underground Naples invites visitors to explore a vast underground network where galleries, passageways and remains carved into volcanic tuff intertwine. The tour reveals traces of the city’s history, including ancient aqueducts, cisterns, tunnels and spaces used in different eras. The atmosphere is unique, with silence, cool air and raw stone, offering a fascinating glimpse into the hidden Naples, very different from the one seen above ground.
8. Capodimonte Museum
The Museo di Capodimonte, in Naples, is one of Italy’s major art museums. Housed in a vast palace surrounded by a park, it offers a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the modern era. Visitors can admire major Italian works as well as pieces from other European schools. The visit is appealing both for the quality of the collections and for the elegant atmosphere of the site, which provides a beautiful glimpse into Naples’ artistic heritage.
9. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Naples
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Naples, also called the Duomo di Napoli, is one of the city’s most iconic religious landmarks. Inside, visitors discover a vast nave, richly decorated chapels, sacred artworks, and a solemn atmosphere that reflects the site’s importance in Neapolitan life. The whole building blends different architectural styles and invites you to admire the details of the marble, frescoes, and altars. Located in the heart of the historic center, it offers an essential cultural and spiritual stop in Naples.
10. Church of Gesù Nuovo
The Church of Gesù Nuovo, located in Naples’ historic center, stands out for its distinctive diamond-point stone façade, instantly recognizable among the city’s landmarks. Inside, visitors discover a vast Baroque space with rich decoration, marble, stucco, and frescoes that create a solemn atmosphere. The building is also appreciated for its side chapels, religious artworks, and the contrast between its austere exterior and sumptuous interior, a hallmark of many churches in Naples.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
