Who doesn’t love pizza? What better place to savour this cheesy delight than right from the Home Place of Pizza? But other than several pizzerias dotting the place, there are a lot of beautiful places to visit in Naples. Located on Southern Italy’s west coast, Naples is a beautiful and bustling harbour city offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, world-class cuisine, picturesque colourful towns, renowned archaeological sites, and marvellous architecture.
Naples also provides the easiest access to the Amalfi Coast, a world-famous tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage site, which boasts an old-world charm. Let’s check out the best places to visit in Naples so that you can make the most of your time in Italy’s third-largest city.
Top Places to Visit in Naples
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Pompeii
Pompeii is an important archaeological site and ancient Roman city in Italy, in the Campania region, 14 miles southeast of Naples. In 79 A.D., the city and its inhabitants got completely covered in 6m of ash due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. But Pompeii remains well-preserved and attracts tourists in large numbers. It is among the best places to visit in Naples.
Things to do in Pompeii
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Embark on a group tour of Pompeii guided by an archaeologist in groups of about 20 people.
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Spend your afternoon exploring the ruins, followed by an intimate lunch and wine-tasting session.
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Learn about the eruption and its victims’ bodies that got calcified after being buried 6m deep, protected by a shell of ash.
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Mount Vesuvius
The only volcano to have erupted in the previous century in mainland Europe, Mount Vesuvius stands at 4,203 feet. It’s famously associated with the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Its last known eruption was in 1944. Today, the areas surrounding it have the highest population density among the volcanic regions of the world. It’s one of the best places to visit in Naples.
Things to do at Mount Vesuvius
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Embark on a day-long guided tour of Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.
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Explore the hiking trail. After reaching the top, you could even walk around the crater!
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Visit the Vesuvio National Park.
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Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea)
Travel back in time as you explore this hidden city that lies 40m beneath Naples, best known for its squares and streets built by the Greeks and Romans. Experience the lives of the city’s ancient inhabitants first-hand by immersing yourself in its rich history.
Things to do in Napoli Sotterranea
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Enjoy a guided tour of the underground city.
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Descend underground (136 steps) to see the ancient Greek-Roman Aqueduct.
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Witness the devastating effects of war, and visit the bomb shelters of Italy’s most frequently bombed city during the Second World War.
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Naples Catacombs
Want to explore the darker side of Naples? Venture into this underground world of ancient burial sites from the 2nd Century. The catacombs of San Gennaro in the La Sanità district are 4.4 km away from the city of Naples. It's known to be one of the top places to visit in Naples.
Things to do at Naples Catacombs
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You can opt for a guided tour of the underground museum.
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Examine the detailed frescoes in the catacombs that narrate the life stories of those buried.
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Visit the underground Catholic cemeteries and experience a different era.
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Amalfi Coast
A world-famous holiday destination known for its beautiful coastline, seaside cliffs and vibrant locales, the Amalfi Coast is a must-see destination for anyone travelling across Europe's southern coastline. There's a ferry, a train and a bus route from Naples or Sorrento to reach the coastal towns.
Things to do on Amalfi Coast
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Visit Amalfi town and stroll along the mellow streets, shop and visit the Amalfi Cathedral.
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Drive along the spectacular Amalfi Coast. You can rent a vintage car or a Vespa scooter.
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Visit the Blue Grotto, a sea cave and an essential part of the Capri itinerary, on a rowboat.
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Head to Positano and enjoy authentic Italian food and cocktails on terraces illuminated by the sunlight.
Best Time to Visit Naples
Naples is enjoyable year-round. Although summer (July - August) has soaring temperatures, it’s the most crowded and expensive at this time, with cultural events, siestas and parties all across town. The climate is pleasant and dry in the spring (March - June), considered the best season to visit Naples, with May being the best month, with fewer crowds and resultantly lower travel and accommodation costs.
Visit Pompeii by April to escape the usual crowds and the scorching sun. September and October are ideal if you plan to visit the islands along the Bay or vacation along the Amalfi Coast.
Travel Insurance for Naples
After finalising your list of Naples places to visit, it’s time to think about making your journey a worry-free experience. Travel insurance is mandatory for those who need a Schengen Visa to travel to Naples.
Travel insurance for Naples is crucial for safeguarding your trip. It covers unexpected situations like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen incidents. Investing in travel insurance provides peace of mind while you enjoy Naples's cultural richness and scenic beauty.