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They say, “See Naples and die,” but in 2026 the city is more alive than ever. From world-class pizza to hidden underground tunnels, there are so many incredible things to do in Naples that it can be hard to know where to start.
Naples is a beautiful contradiction: a place where baroque palazzos lean against graffiti-covered alleys, and where some of the world’s best pizza is served on paper plates beneath 400-year-old arches. Whether you’re descending into ancient Greek aqueducts, standing in front of a marble Christ that looks like it’s breathing under a veil, or sipping a Limoncello Spritz overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, this city demands your full attention. In this guide, we’re stripping away the stereotypes and showing you how to navigate the “New Napoli” like a pro.
Naples at a glance (2026):
Getting there: High-speed Frecciarossa trains from Rome take about 1h 10m into Napoli Centrale. From the airport (NAP), the Alibus shuttle is €5; a fixed-rate taxi into the centre runs about €21.
The “must-eat”: A Pizza Margherita at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (expect a wait) or a fried Pizza Fritta from Sorbillo. Don’t skip a sfogliatella pastry for breakfast.
Top sight: Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea) is the #1 bucket-list item — tours are guided-only and self-exploration isn’t permitted.
Day trip king: Pompeii and Vesuvius are about 30 minutes away by the Circumvesuviana train, though a guided shuttle is far more comfortable in summer heat.
Best time to visit: May–June for the best ferry weather to Capri, or December for the famous Nativity scenes (Presepe) on Via San Gregorio Armeno.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting three or more paid sites, the Campania Artecard is worth it — it bundles free entry to your first two or five attractions (depending on the version), discounted entry after that, and on the 3-day version, unlimited public transport.
The One Thing: Naples Underground
If you only do one thing in Naples, make it this. Descend 40 metres below the chaos of the streets above and walk through 2,400 years of history — Greek-Roman aqueducts, Roman theatre remains, and WWII air-raid shelters carved into the same tuff rock. Self-exploration isn’t allowed here; every visit is guided.
Best time: Book the morning slots (tours run roughly hourly, 10am–6pm) to avoid the afternoon crowds, and book online in advance — standard admission at the door is €10, but skip-the-line tickets are worth the extra few euros in peak season.
The Unmissables
Beyond the Underground, these four are the sights worth building your Naples days around.
Book Sansevero Chapel & Veiled Christ Tickets
Off the Beaten Path
If you want to escape the crowds around Spaccanapoli, these three are genuinely different from the standard Naples checklist.
Day Trips from Naples
Naples is the ultimate base camp for Southern Italy — both of these are genuinely doable without an overnight stay.
Pompeii & Vesuvius
Visiting Pompeii in 2026 can be overwhelming without a plan. To skip the worst of the midday heat and queues, book a guided day trip that combines skip-the-line entry with round-trip transport.
The Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi & Ravello
Skip the crowded SITA buses. A small-group tour with hotel pickup weaves through the iconic coastal curves and stops at the viewpoints the public buses can’t reach, with time in Ravello’s gardens above the sea.
Getting Around Naples
Naples’ historic center is best explored on foot, but for longer hops or hillside neighbourhoods, here’s what actually connects.
The Metro Line 1 (the “Art Metro”) is a masterpiece in its own right — Toledo station in particular is worth riding through even if you don’t need it. For the hill districts like Vomero, use the funiculars rather than a taxi. Avoid driving; Neapolitan traffic is best left to the locals.
For a stress-free arrival with luggage straight from the airport, pre-book a private driver rather than negotiating a taxi queue.
Where to Stay in Naples
Choosing the right neighbourhood in Naples is the difference between a chaotic stay and a curated one. For our readers, we recommend focusing on these two distinct vibes.
Chiaia & Lungomare (The Luxury Choice)
This is the “Upper East Side” of Naples — safe, sophisticated, and lined with designer boutiques along the seafront promenade.
Centro Storico (The Authentic Heart)
Stay here if you want to walk out of your lobby and straight into a 2,000-year-old street.
2026 is seeing record-high occupancy in Naples — book at least a few months ahead to secure these picks, especially in shoulder season.
Insider Tips: Food, Photos & Timing
Best photo spot: The Lungomare at golden hour with Castel dell’Ovo, or the panoramic view from Castel Sant’Elmo over the whole bay.
What to eat: A Pizza Margherita is the non-negotiable — this is the city that invented it. Try a cuoppo (a paper cone of fried street food) for lunch, and a sfogliatella pastry for breakfast. Most restaurants add a small “coperto” cover charge (usually €1–€3) for bread and service; tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up is appreciated.
Final tips: Book Naples Underground and Sansevero Chapel tickets several days ahead in peak season. Wear comfortable shoes — the cobblestones are unforgiving. Many churches close for riposo in the early afternoon. Best months to visit: May–June and September–October.
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