🌋 Naples Travel Guide to Italy’s Most Underrated City
Naples is a city that sweeps you up in its energy. You are enveloped by its grit and beauty. Its unapologetic personality shines through. It makes it one of Italy’s most compelling destinations. Before you go, I recommend watching, reading or listening to Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend -series. It is a wonderful depiction of Naples and you can get this whole series here in my affiliate Amazon link. Naples is loud, chaotic, historic, delicious, and absolutely unforgettable. Here is a curated list of Naples top 10 places that capture the city’s spirit.
🍕 1. Historic Center (Centro Storico)
The beating heart of Naples is a maze of narrow streets, buzzing scooters, laundry lines, and centuries-old churches. You might even spot Maradona’s presence here in souvenir shops and football shirts. It is chaotic in the best way. Wander Via dei Tribunali, grab a slice of pizza, and soak in the raw authenticity that makes Naples so magnetic.
🏛️ 2. The Royal Palace of Caserta
The Royal palace is easily accessible by train from the main train station. The palace is beautiful with its gold interior and art. It is the largest former royal residence in the world and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Also parts of the Star Wars Episodes I and II were shot there. The Palace of Versailles has been the model for this grand royal palace.
🌋 3. Mount Vesuvius
The volcano that shaped the region’s destiny is surprisingly accessible. You can hike to the crater’s edge and look into the heart of the mountain that buried Pompeii. The views over the Bay of Naples are spectacular.
🏺 4. Pompeii
A short train ride away, Pompeii is a hauntingly preserved ancient city frozen in time. Walking its streets feels like stepping into a 2,000-year-old world. Homes, bakeries, spas, frescoes, and even graffiti are still intact. You can spend several hours in Pompeii just because the ancient town is so vast in size. There is an amphitheater right in the end but it is quite the hike. Next to it is the museum and as a curiosity, you can find a very charred bread in the museum.
🏛️ 5. Herculaneum
Often overshadowed by Pompeii, Herculaneum is smaller but better preserved. We actually went here first before Pompeii, so we were better able to see the structures. Wooden furniture, vibrant frescoes, and multi-story buildings survived the eruption. You can even find the remains of a street food kitchen.
It is quieter, more intimate, and equally fascinating. Both Herculaneum and Pompeii are easily accessible by train.
🌊 6. Castel dell’Ovo
Sitting on a small island connected by a causeway, this seaside castle offers some of the best views in Naples. It is peaceful, photogenic, and perfect for a sunset stroll along the waterfront.
🎨 7. Cappella Sansevero
Home to the breathtaking “Veiled Christ,” this chapel is a masterpiece of Baroque art. The sculpture’s delicate marble veil is so lifelike it feels impossible. It is one of Naples’ most awe-inspiring sights. Make sure you book a visit in advance or it might not be possible to enter.
🛍️ 8. Galleria Umberto I
This grand 19th-century shopping arcade is a stunning architectural gem. It is close to the city square. Its glass dome, mosaic floors, and elegant atmosphere make it a lovely place to wander, shop, or enjoy a coffee. We had gelato there as we just escaped the rain, running inside from the square. The square Piazza del Plebiscito is worth the visit.
🏞️ 9. Posillipo Hill
For panoramic views of the city, the bay, and Vesuvius, head to Posillipo. It is a quieter, more residential area with scenic overlooks and romantic vibes. Perfect for photographers and sunset lovers.
🍝 10. Spaccanapoli
This long street separates the historic center in two. You can walk from the main railway station. Enjoy the area around you all the way from Via Tupputi to Via Pasquale Scura. Spaccanapoli is not just one street. It is a combination of several streets. These include Via Pasquale Scura, Via Maddaloni, Via Domenico Capitelli, Piazza Gesù Nuovo, Via Benedetto Croce, Piazzetta Nilo, Via San Biagio dei Librai, Via Vicaria Vecchia, Via Giudecca Vecchia, and Via Tupputi. It is packed with life. You will find street food stalls, artisan shops, churches, and hidden courtyards. It is the essence of Naples in one walk. Do not forget to try Sfogliatelle pastry on your way or experience authentic Napolitan pizza.
If you have good trainers on, you can walk all the way to the modern shopping street of Via Toledo. You can get the metro back from the awesome Toledo metro station. The escalators and the art there are a must-see.
Accommodation and Food in Ercolano and Naples
We actually stayed in Ercolano on our stay. It was calmer than the noisy city. We took the local train everywhere from the Ercolano Scavi station. The hotel was a former Palazzo Hotel Miglio d’Oro Park.
The breakfast was great with cappuccino served at the table. The swimming pool was nice and clean in the Palazzo’s beautiful park.
There was a group of tourists during the weekend. The hotel offered them entertainment with a band. We enjoyed the italohits show as well. The hotel can be booked here on Hotels.com. There are restaurants in Ercolano and we had a small dinner of risotto and pasta in Rosçìr Cafè. I recommend this friendly place, if you do not need a big dinner and you are staying in Ercolano. If you are hungrier, then enjoy a meal either at the Pappamonte or Tubba Catubba. We enjoyed both.
In Naples, there are plenty of wonderful restaurants and bars. You can even have your “Eat, Pray, Love” -moment in the l’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. This is where Julia Roberts enjoyed her lovely pizza in the movie.
🍋 To Round Up
Naples is a city of contrasts. You will find ancient ruins beside modern chaos. There is refined art next to street markets. Volcanic landscapes are paired with sparkling coastlines. It is not polished, and that is exactly why it is unforgettable. I definitely want to go back.
As a slight opposite to Naples, you can read about Rome in our latest post.
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