Naples: what to see and do
Naples is the capital of Campania and lies beside the Gulf of Naples. This page goes through the historic centre, the seafront, the museums, the food and the trips you can make from the city.
The historic centre
The historic centre of Naples was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995. Neapolis was founded by people from Cuma and built on a Hippodamian grid plan.
Spaccanapoli, the Cappella Sansevero and the Pio Monte della Misericordia
Spaccanapoli is called that because it splits the ancient city cleanly between north and south, and its route is described as dividing the old city in two. The Cappella Sansevero is known for the Cristo velato by the Neapolitan sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino. The Pio Monte della Misericordia is a charitable institution, still active, founded in 1602 by seven Neapolitan noblemen.
There is a walking tour of Spaccanapoli with street food and limoncello. It lasts 3 hours. Included: a licensed professional guide throughout, a tasting of fried pizza or folded pizza, a limoncello tasting, a Neapolitan espresso, a sfogliatella or baba pastry, and a panoramic ride by bus or van with commentary from a guide.
Castel dell'Ovo and Piazza del Plebiscito
Castel dell'Ovo stands on the islet of Megaride, made of two rocks joined by a large arch. Piazza del Plebiscito took its name after 1860.
Museums
King Ferdinand I of Bourbon decided in 1777 to create the museum. After the Unification of Italy, the museum became the National Archaeological Museum in 1871. It holds Farnese sculptures, including the Hercules, the Flora and the Farnese Bull. The historic park of Capodimonte covers about 134 hectares.
Food and the underground
A street food walking tour and a guided food tour of the Pignasecca market take in the food of Naples. The street food walking tour lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes. Included: a guided walk with an expert local guide throughout, food tastings at every stop, and entry to selected food shops and suppliers. The Pignasecca market tour lasts 2 hours. Included: an expert local guide throughout, a welcome aperitivo with a board of mixed cured meats and mozzarella, a pasta frittata tasting, a savoury tarallo tasting, a cone of fried seafood from a local fish shop, a tasting of meatballs in sauce, a traditional Neapolitan dessert of your choice, and a toast with Sorrento limoncello or artisan gelato. For the city below the streets, there is a guided underground tour with an ancient water museum. It lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes. Included: a professionally guided visit to the Submerged Decumanus, access to the Water Museum, use of the archaeological lift, entry to the Sala della Luna, Sala dei Racconti and Sala dei Bombardamenti underground rooms, and lighting and multimedia installations along the route.
Tours to Vesuvius, Pompeii, Sorrento and the Phlegraean Fields
From Naples there is a guided tour of the Vesuvius crater and a half-day private tour to the ruins of Pompeii. There is also a private full-day tour of Sorrento, Pompeii and Vesuvius and a private tour of the Phlegraean Fields from Naples, which goes to Pozzuoli and Cuma. The Vesuvius crater tour lasts 4 hours and 30 minutes. Included: a licensed professional guide throughout and lunch at a local restaurant in Pompeii. The private tour to the Pompeii ruins lasts 5 hours. Included: transport from Naples and back, a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, admission to the Pompeii archaeological site, and flexible exploration of the site on your own. The private tour of Sorrento, Pompeii and Vesuvius lasts 8 hours. Included: a private vehicle and driver throughout, with transport between Sorrento, Pompeii and Vesuvius. The private Phlegraean Fields tour lasts 8 hours. Included: a private driver throughout, a comfortable private vehicle, and flexibility to adjust the itinerary on the day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cappella Sansevero known for?
The Cappella Sansevero is known for the Cristo velato by the Neapolitan sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino.
Why is Spaccanapoli called that?
It splits the ancient city cleanly between north and south, and its route is described as dividing the old city in two.
Can I visit Pompeii from Naples?
Yes: there is a half-day private tour to the ruins of Pompeii from Naples, and a private full-day tour of Sorrento, Pompeii and Vesuvius.
When was the historic centre of Naples inscribed on the UNESCO list?
In 1995. Neapolis was founded by people from Cuma and built on a Hippodamian grid plan.
What can I see in the National Archaeological Museum?
Farnese sculptures, including the Hercules, the Flora and the Farnese Bull. King Ferdinand I of Bourbon decided in 1777 to create the museum.
