Ready to uncover the quirkiest side of Napoli? Naples isn’t just about pizza (though yes, it’s the best in the world) – it’s a city full of underground secrets, haunted legends, anatomical oddities, and eccentric local traditions that go way beyond the tourist trail.
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Naples has always done things its own way. And once you scratch below the surface (sometimes literally), it gets even more intriguing.
Ciao! I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger with a soft spot for places with a bit of grit and a lot of stories. I’ve explored Naples from the catacombs to the coffee bars – and here are ten of the most unusual, offbeat, and straight-up weird things to do in Naples Italy.
1. Descend into the Pharmacy of the Incurables 💊
This isn’t your average apothecary. The Antica Farmacia degli Incurabili is a jaw-dropping time capsule of medical history tucked inside a 16th-century complex, originally built to treat the city’s most hopeless patients.
Think ornate wooden cabinets, ancient remedies (yes, including powdered rhino horn), and rows of labelled glass vials that look like they belong in a wizard’s workshop.
Tours are by appointment only, but it’s worth the effort – the baroque decor and strange, sometimes spooky artefacts make this one of the most fascinating hidden gems in Naples.
👉 See more information here.
2. Ride the Escalators of Toledo Metro Station 🚇
Quite possibly the most beautiful metro stop in the world, Toledo Station is a trippy blend of art and architecture.
Designed by Oscar Tusquets Blanca, the walls are decked out in swirling mosaics that reflect the colours of sea and sky, and the massive “Crater de Luz” skylight floods the space with natural light.
Even if you’re not using the metro, swing by for a look (and some great Insta shots). It’s all part of the city’s “Art Stations” project, turning ordinary commutes into a full-blown gallery experience.
3. Venture into the Bourbon Tunnel 🛠️
Naples is practically hollow underneath – and one of the coolest places to explore this underground world is the Bourbon Tunnel (Galleria Borbonica).
Originally built in the 1850s as an escape route for King Ferdinand II, it was abandoned, rediscovered, and repurposed as an air raid shelter during WWII.
These days, it’s a time capsule of wartime relics, vintage scooters, confiscated cars, and eerie forgotten belongings. Tours range from standard walk-throughs to full-on adventure routes (think caving helmets and ropes).
👉 Book your Bourbon Tunnel tour here.
4. Get Creeped Out at the Naples Doll Hospital 🧸
Easily one of the most unusual things to do in Naples Italy – the Ospedale delle Bambole (Doll Hospital) is a mix of workshop, museum and low-key horror film.
Broken dolls from all over the world are sent here for repair, and the result is a wonderfully weird display of vintage toys, spare limbs and haunted expressions.
You’ll find it tucked behind Piazza San Domenico Maggiore – look for the painted sign and brace yourself for some serious uncanny valley vibes.
5. Tour the Underground City at Napoli Sotterranea 🕳️
Want to see what’s really going on beneath Naples? Head down into Napoli Sotterranea – a fascinating labyrinth of ancient Greek tunnels, Roman aqueducts, and WWII shelters, all hidden beneath the buzzing streets of the historic centre.
Expect candlelit passages, cisterns, and even an underground garden.
The contrast between the chaos above and the eerie calm below is surreal. It’s one of the most atmospheric experiences in the city.
👉 You can book tickets to Naples Underground here.
6. Stroll Among Skulls at Fontanelle Cemetery 💀
This one’s not for the faint-hearted. The Cimitero delle Fontanelle is a cavernous ossuary filled with thousands of human skulls and bones – a haunting but oddly peaceful space nestled in the Sanità district.
Locals once adopted a skull (known as a “capuzzella”) and prayed to it in exchange for spiritual favours. There’s something quite moving – and very Neapolitan – about this blend of faith, folklore, and a touch of the macabre.
7. Discover Wax Anatomies at MUSA Museum 🧠
If body parts in jars and wax models of internal organs are your thing (who’s judging?), then MUSA – the Museum of Anatomy – is a must.
Housed inside a former monastery, this is one of the oldest anatomical museums in the world. It’s oddly beautiful in places, and definitely unusual.
The collection includes brains in jars, preserved foetuses, and a wax model of the nervous system that is both fascinating and horrifying. Augmented reality guides help bring the science to life.
8. Visit the Cursed Island of Gaiola 🏝️
Off the coast of Posillipo, you’ll find the eerie little Gaiola Island – a pretty pair of rocky islets linked by a narrow stone bridge… and allegedly cursed.
Past owners have faced mysterious deaths, ruin, and disappearances, earning it the nickname “l’isola maledetta”.
Today it’s part of a marine park and nature reserve. You can view it from the mainland or kayak around its waters (but maybe don’t move in).
Map of unusual things to do in Naples Italy.
The map below shows all the things to do in Naples (in southern Italy) as listed in this post. To use the map, click the blue icons to see more information about each place. Click the star to add to your own Google Maps.
FAQs About Unusual Things to Do in Naples Italy 💡
A few quick answers to help plan your weird and wonderful Naples itinerary:
What is the weirdest attraction in Naples?
Probably the Fontanelle Cemetery – an ossuary full of skulls that locals used to “adopt” for blessings. It’s spooky, sacred, and deeply Neapolitan.
Can I do all of these unusual things in two days?
You can do most with good planning! I’ve included several in my 2-day Naples itinerary if you want to squeeze the best in.
Are guided tours necessary for these spots?
Some are DIY-friendly (like Fontanelle Cemetery), but others – like the Pharmacy of the Incurables or Naples Underground – require guided tours. I’ve added booking links where available.
Is it safe to explore the underground parts of Naples?
Yes, all official underground tours are safe and guided by professionals. Bring good shoes – and maybe a jumper, it gets chilly down there!
What’s the best time of year for exploring Naples?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal – not too hot for tunnels or city wandering. See Naples Travel Guide for more info.
Final Thoughts on Unusual Things to Do in Naples Italy ✨
If you love cities with layers – of history, mystery, and just the right amount of weird – Naples is going to steal your heart.
From underground tunnels and haunted islands to anatomy museums and broken dolls, these unusual things to do in Naples Italy show a side of the city most tourists miss.
It’s gritty, it’s chaotic, and it’s totally unforgettable. Don’t just eat the pizza – explore the oddities too.
Some quick links for Naples Italy:
- There is an interesting Naples Curiosity tour here.
- When in Naples, you must do a street food tour with the best pizza.
- Naples is a busy city. I recommend an anti-theft backpack.
- Here are the best deals on all Naples hotels.
- This is the best day trip from Naples.
- Book your Naples rental car here.
Related Reading for Unusual Things to Do in Naples Italy 📚
Planning your trip to Naples? Here are some other posts you’ll love for rounding out your itinerary:
🍕 11 Great Things to Do in Naples, Italy – The best of the city, from castles to coffee.
📅 2 Days in Naples Itinerary – How to fit in pizza, Pompeii, and the underground in just 48 hours.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Naples: 8 Neighbourhoods Compared – Find the perfect area for your vibe and budget.
🥘 Neapolitan Food Guide – What to eat, drink, and snack on while you’re in the city.
Pin It: Unusual Things to Do in Naples Italy 📌
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Tags: Europe, Italy, Naples
