Looking for a city that’s equal parts chaotic, charismatic, and packed with culture (and carbs)? Welcome to Naples. This southern Italian stunner is gritty in places, gorgeous in others, and never, ever boring. Here’s your full Naples travel guide – with practical tips, top sights, pizza stops and a few local secrets thrown in.
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I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger, and I have travelled solo throughout this region of Italy. The first time I visited Naples, I was immediately struck by its unique character, so I’ve written this guide to help you get the most out of your trip.
So, Where Exactly is Naples? 🌍
Naples (or Napoli) is in southern Italy, sitting on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s the capital of the Campania region and just an hour south of Rome by high-speed train. Mount Vesuvius looms in the background, and the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Capri are all within easy reach.
Naples Facts: Know Before You Go 📋
Here’s your cheat sheet of practical info to help you hit the ground running.
- Country: Italy (Campania region)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Italian
- Time zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Nearest airport: Naples International Airport (NAP)
- Famous for: Pizza, archaeology, wild street life
Landscape of Naples 🌋
A little wild, very real, and always full of life – Naples is a city that doesn’t tone itself down for anyone.
Naples is a city of contrasts. Expect elegant piazzas alongside chaotic alleys, crumbling palazzos next to lavish churches, and mopeds whizzing through labyrinthine streets.
The city sprawls along the Bay of Naples with views of Vesuvius, especially beautiful from the Vomero hill.
Getting to Naples & Getting Around ✈️
Whether you’re flying, training or sailing in, Naples is well-connected – and easy to navigate once you arrive.
✈️ Fly into Naples International Airport (NAP) – around 15–20 minutes to the city centre by taxi or Alibus.
🚆 High-speed trains connect Naples with Rome, Florence, and Milan (Napoli Centrale is the main station).
⛴️ Ferries arrive at Molo Beverello from Capri, Ischia, Sorrento, and more.
Getting Around:
- Naples is fairly walkable, especially the historic centre (Centro Storico).
- Use the metro (Lines 1 & 2), funiculars to reach hilltop areas, and buses for local travel.
- Taxis are fine, but agree on the price or make sure the meter is running.
Should You Drive in Naples? 🚗
Tempted to hire a car? Here’s why you might want to think twice (and what to do instead).
Unless you’re a confident, city-savvy driver, Naples’ traffic can be intense. There are also ZTL zones (limited traffic areas) and scarce parking. Public transport and your own feet will usually serve you better.
When to Visit Naples 🌸
Each season brings a different vibe to Napoli – here’s when to go for sunshine, festivals, or fewer crowds.
🌼 Spring (Mar–May): Warm days, fewer tourists – great for exploring ruins and wandering the streets.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and busy. Best for festivals and day trips to the Amalfi Coast.
🍂 Autumn (Sept–Nov): Gorgeous light, mild weather, and a great time for food lovers.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb): Cool but not freezing. Fewer tourists and lively Christmas markets.
Neighbourhoods of Naples 🌇
Not sure where to base yourself? Here’s a quick guide to Naples’ most famous (and fabulous) neighbourhoods.
Quartieri Spagnoli: Spanish Quarter – vibrant, noisy, authentic.
Centro Storico: UNESCO-listed heart of the city. Cobbled alleys, churches, pizzerias galore.
Vomero: Hilltop, posh, with great views and castles.
Chiaia: Upscale, elegant, near the sea.
Spaccanapoli: Narrow slice through the old town – lively, gritty, irresistible.
👉 Read more: Where to Stay in Naples: 8 Neighbourhoods Reviewed.
Top Sights and Must-Dos in Naples 🌄
From underground cities to hilltop castles, these are the things you simply can’t miss.
🚶 Spaccanapoli stroll – follow this narrow street for real Napoli energy.
🕳️ Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea) – eerie tunnels beneath the city.
🏺 National Archaeological Museum – artefacts from Pompeii & Herculaneum.
🏰 Castel dell’Ovo & Castel Nuovo – historic castles by the sea.
🏛️ Piazza del Plebiscito – the city’s grand central square.
🕊️Sansevero Chapel – home to the stunning Veiled Christ sculpture.
🌋 Day trip to Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius – unmissable!
👉 Read more: 11 Best Things to Do in Naples | Perfect 2 Day Naples Itinerary | 8 Unusual Things to do in Naples.
What to Eat & Drink in Naples 🍽️
Food was the sole reason I visited Naples the first time. After that, I came back for its character (and more food).
Come hungry – Naples is the birthplace of pizza and home to some of Italy’s most delicious street food.
🍕 Pizza Margherita: Naples invented it. Go to Da Michele or Gino Sorbillo.
🥐 Sfogliatella: Shell-shaped pastry, crunchy and creamy.
🍰 Babà: Rum-soaked cake, often shaped like a mushroom.
🍝 Seafood pasta, fried pizza (pizza fritta), arancini (fried rice balls).
☕ Espresso: Tiny, intense, drank standing up.
👉 Read more: Foodie’s Guide to Naples.
Quick Tips for Visiting Naples 💡
A few local tricks and must-knows to make your trip smoother and sassier.
🗣️ Learn a few Italian phrases (hello = buongiorno, thank you = grazie).
👟 Wear comfy shoes – cobbles everywhere!
🎒 Don’t flash valuables (watch for pickpockets).
☕ Try the coffee standing at a bar like a local.
🚶 Be bold crossing the street – traffic is… fluid.
Top Tours in Naples 🎟️
If you want someone else to handle the planning, these are the best experiences to book.
🚌 Pompeii & Vesuvius Day Tour – Explore iconic ruins and hike a live volcano.
🕳️ Naples Underground Tour – Discover the hidden city beneath the streets.
🍕 Pizza-Making Class – Learn from a pizzaiolo and eat your creation.
🥖 Street Food Tour – Sample sfogliatelle, fried pizza and local treats.
⛴️ Day Trip to Capri – Visit Capri & Anacapri by hydrofoil and funicular.
Sustainable Travel Tips for Naples 🌱
A few eco-friendly tips to help you tread lightly while supporting local life.
- Stay in locally owned guesthouses or B&Bs.
- Bring a reusable water bottle – many fountains in the city.
- Walk or use public transport to reduce emissions.
- Shop at local markets and eat seasonal food.
Map of Naples 🗺️
The map below shows the 8 main districts of Naples as listed in my Naples neighbourhoods post.
Naples Travel Guide FAQs 💡
Got questions? You’re not alone. Here’s everything first-time visitors usually ask.
Is Naples safe for tourists?
Naples is safe overall, especially in popular areas. But do take standard precautions like watching your bags and avoiding poorly lit streets at night- pickpockets are around.
How do I get from Naples to Pompeii or Amalfi Coast?
Take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii (30 mins) or a ferry/bus combo to Amalfi towns like Positano. Or see my post How To Get From Naples to Sorrento and then start my 4 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary from there,
What’s the best time to visit Naples, Italy?
Visit in spring or autumn for sunny days and fewer crowds. Summer is fun but hot!
Is Naples worth visiting compared to Rome or Florence?
Absolutely – it’s raw, real, and less polished. A must if you love food, archaeology and authentic Italian vibes.
How many days do I need in Naples?
2-3 days for city highlights, 4-5 with day trips. See my 2 Day Naples Itinerary for more.
Can I take day trips from Naples to the islands?
Yes – Capri, Ischia, and Procida are easy and beautiful escapes by ferry.
Is English spoken in Naples?
In tourist areas, yes. But a few Italian basics help a lot!
Where should I stay for a first visit to Naples?
Centro Storico or Chiaia offer charm, safety and central locations. I’ve rounded up 8 Naples neighbourhoods in my post Where to Stay in Naples.
Final Thoughts on Naples, Italy 🧳
Naples is messy, magical, and full of surprises. If you’re after somewhere soulful, affordable, and completely Italian, Napoli is calling.
Come hungry, come curious, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. 🇮🇹🍕
Pinterest Pins for Naples 📌
Save this Naples travel guide for later! You can also follow me on Pinterest.
Related Reading 📚
More posts to help you plan your Naples trip:
👉 11 Best Things to Do in Naples.
👉 8 Unique Things to Do in Naples.
👉 Naples 2-Day Itinerary.
👉 How to Get from Naples to Sorrento.
👉 Foodie’s Guide to Naples.
👉 Where to Stay in Naples.
👉 8 Brilliant Day Trips from Naples.
👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
Tags: Italy, Naples
