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Things to Do in Napoli — Naples Travel Guide

Mount Vesuvius rising above the coastline of Naples, seen across the calm blue waters of the Gulf of Naples.

Things to do in Napoli begin with exploring one of Italy’s most fascinating cities. From lively historic streets and extraordinary architecture to Mount Vesuvius, the Mediterranean Sea and beautiful day trips, Naples, Italy has something for every traveler.

I live in Napoli, and I love sharing the places, viewpoints and little discoveries that make this city memorable. Benvenuti a Napoli — una città piena di vita, storia, colori e bellezza. This compact travel guide includes attractions, transport prices, day passes and Google Maps.

Things to do in Napoli: panoramic view of Naples Italy with colorful buildings, historic rooftops and distant mountains
Napoli from above · Photography by Kifi Studio

1. Getting Around Napoli

Exploring central Naples is easiest on foot, with the metro for longer distances. The two lines visitors use most are Linea 1 and Linea 2. They are operated by different companies.

Metro Linea 1 — ANM

Linea 1 runs from Piscinola through Vomero and the historic centre to Garibaldi and Centro Direzionale. Useful tourist stops include:

  • Garibaldi: Central railway station, airport bus connections and trains to Pompeii.
  • Duomo: Cathedral and historic centre.
  • Università: Piazza Bovio and access towards the port.
  • Municipio: Castel Nuovo, port, Galleria Umberto I and Piazza del Plebiscito.
  • Toledo: Via Toledo, Quartieri Spagnoli and Maradona’s mural.
  • Dante: Spaccanapoli and the historic streets.
  • Museo: National Archaeological Museum and interchange for Linea 2 via Cavour.
  • Vanvitelli: Vomero, cafés, shopping and access towards Castel Sant’Elmo.

Don’t miss Stazione Toledo, famous for its blue architectural design and public art. Anche la metropolitana può diventare un’attrazione da fotografare!

Toledo Metro Station · Google Maps ↗

Metro Linea 2 — Trenitalia

Linea 2 crosses Naples via Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Cavour, Montesanto, Piazza Amedeo, Mergellina and Campi Flegrei. It is particularly useful for reaching the western side of the city.

Unlike Linea 1, it is a Trenitalia rail service, so a standard ANM-only day ticket is not valid. Use a suitable Trenitalia ticket or an integrated UnicoCampania ticket.

Pozzuoli connection: The Linea 2 section between Napoli Campi Flegrei and Pozzuoli Solfatara has been affected by a railway interruption. Check Trenitalia before travelling. For Pozzuoli, the EAV Cumana from Montesanto is a useful alternative.

Other Transport: Linea 6 and Funiculars

Linea 6 links Municipio with Chiaia, Mergellina and the Mostra/Fuorigrotta area, but may operate with shorter hours. The funiculars are particularly useful for reaching the hills of Vomero.

For a beautiful city view, travel towards Castel Sant’Elmo and the Belvedere di San Martino.

2. Metro Tickets and Day Passes

Naples transport tickets are affordable, but choosing the right operator matters. Here are the useful adult fares for visitors.

Ticket Price
ANM Metro Linea 1 / Linea 6 — single €1.50
Trenitalia Metro Linea 2 — urban single €1.60
ANM urban bus / funicular — single €1.30
Integrated UnicoCampania — 90 minutes €1.90
ANM-only city day ticket €4.50
Trenitalia-only urban day ticket €4.80
Integrated UnicoCampania day ticket €5.70
Alibus — airport connection €5.00

Which day pass? If you only use ANM metro, buses and funiculars, choose the €4.50 ANM day ticket. If you want both Linea 1 and Linea 2, the €5.70 integrated day ticket is more suitable for eligible urban journeys. Day tickets are valid until midnight, not for a rolling 24 hours.

Check before travelling: ANM fares ↗ · UnicoCampania ↗ · Trenitalia Linea 2 ↗

3. Naples Airport to the Centre

From Napoli Capodichino Airport, the Alibus connects the airport with Piazza Garibaldi and the port at Molo Beverello. The single ticket costs €5.

Allow approximately 15–25 minutes for Garibaldi and 30–45 minutes for the port, depending on traffic. The regular urban day pass does not replace the special Alibus ticket.

Official Alibus information ↗ · Airport to Central Station ↗

4. Top Attractions in Napoli

Cosa vedere a Napoli? These are some of the most beautiful and interesting places to explore in the city.

Piazza del Plebiscito

Naples’ monumental square, surrounded by magnificent historic architecture and the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola.

Google Maps ↗

Palazzo Reale & Teatro San Carlo

Discover Naples’ royal history and one of Europe’s most celebrated historic opera houses, both near Piazza del Plebiscito.

Google Maps ↗

Galleria Umberto I

A grand shopping gallery with elegant architecture and an impressive glass dome.

Google Maps ↗

Via Toledo

A lively shopping street filled with architecture, cafés, people and one of Napoli’s most beautiful metro stations.

Google Maps ↗

Quartieri Spagnoli

Colorful historic streets, balconies, street art and authentic Neapolitan atmosphere.

Google Maps ↗

Spaccanapoli

The historic street route that cuts through the heart of old Napoli, connecting churches, piazzas and small shops.

Google Maps ↗

Via San Gregorio Armeno

Famous for traditional handmade nativity scenes, artisan workshops and Christmas craftsmanship.

Google Maps ↗

Napoli Sotterranea

Explore Naples underground through guided tours of ancient tunnels, aqueducts and historic spaces.

Official location and visit information ↗

Cappella Sansevero

Home to the extraordinary Cristo Velato sculpture. Book a timed entry in advance.

Official tickets ↗

Duomo di Napoli

Naples Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and associated with the city’s patron saint, San Gennaro.

Google Maps ↗

Museo Archeologico Nazionale

The MANN museum holds important Greek and Roman collections, including discoveries from Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Google Maps ↗

Castel Nuovo

Also called Maschio Angioino, this dramatic medieval castle stands close to the port and Piazza Municipio.

Google Maps ↗

Castel Sant’Elmo & San Martino

Some of the best panoramic viewpoints above Naples, perfect for skyline and Mount Vesuvius photographs.

Google Maps ↗

Castel dell’Ovo & Borgo Marinari

A beautiful seafront castle and picturesque harbour. The waterfront remains worthwhile even when interior castle access is restricted.

Google Maps ↗

Lungomare Caracciolo

Walk beside the Gulf of Naples, admire Vesuvius and enjoy one of the city’s most beautiful seaside promenades.

Google Maps ↗

Piazza Dante & Piazza Bellini

Historic squares close to cafés, old streets, bookshops and lively local meeting places.

Google Maps ↗
Long exposure sunset over the Naples waterfront with boats, a lighthouse and calm Mediterranean sea
Il mare di Napoli
Historic Quartieri Spagnoli streets in Naples Italy with buildings and Mount Vesuvius in the distance
Quartieri Spagnoli · Napoli

5. Maradona and the Soul of Napoli

In Napoli, football is more than a sport. Diego Armando Maradona remains an important symbol of pride, belonging and the city’s football history. His famous mural in the Quartieri Spagnoli has become a place where visitors and supporters gather.

A Napoli, Maradona non è soltanto calcio. È storia, passione e identità. If you want to understand how deeply football is connected to the city, visit Largo Maradona, near Via Emanuele De Deo.

Maradona Mural · Google Maps ↗

6. Best Day Trips from Naples

Napoli is also an excellent starting point for discovering the extraordinary history and landscapes of Campania, Italy.

Pompeii — The Ancient Roman City

Pompeii is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. Walk through ancient Roman streets, houses, theatres and the preserved ruins of a city buried by Vesuvius in AD 79.

How to get there: Take an EAV Circumvesuviana train towards Sorrento from Napoli Garibaldi and get off at Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri. Allow approximately 35–45 minutes.

Indicative fares: EAV train around €3.30 one way; archaeological park €20 standard city ticket or €25 extended ticket.

Train route ↗ · Official Pompeii tickets ↗

Mount Vesuvius — Il Vesuvio

Mount Vesuvius dominates the skyline of Naples. Visiting the Gran Cono crater trail is an unforgettable experience, with volcanic landscapes and spectacular views of the Gulf.

How to get there: Travel by Circumvesuviana to Ercolano or Pompei, then use an appropriate shuttle or bus connection towards the Vesuvius park entrance. Check departure times before leaving Napoli.

Crater admission: Approximately €11.68, purchased online from the official authorized ticket seller. Access depends on weather, safety conditions and timed entry.

Vesuvius · Google Maps ↗ · Official park information ↗

Mount Vesuvius overlooking the blue water of the Gulf of Naples, Campania Italy
Il Vesuvio · Golfo di Napoli
Pastel sunset over the Gulf of Naples with a ship, calm water and a coastal breakwater
Tramonto sul Golfo di Napoli

Pozzuoli — The Historic Seaside Town

Just west of Naples, Pozzuoli offers a different atmosphere, with an ancient Roman amphitheatre, a historic harbour, seafood restaurants and the fascinating Rione Terra.

How to get there: Take the EAV Cumana railway from Napoli Montesanto to Pozzuoli. This is often the simplest public transport option while the Linea 2 route to Pozzuoli is disrupted.

Important: Pozzuoli is outside the normal Naples urban fare area. Purchase the appropriate extra-urban ticket and check current connections.

Anfiteatro Flavio ↗ · Rione Terra ↗ · EAV trains ↗

Ercolano — Herculaneum

For another extraordinary ancient Roman site, visit Ercolano (Herculaneum). Its archaeological remains are especially well preserved and can make a rewarding half-day trip from Naples.

Take an EAV Circumvesuviana service that stops at Ercolano Scavi, then walk to the site. Not every train stops there, so check the service.

Ercolano Archaeological Park ↗

7. One or Two Days in Napoli

Day 1 · Centro Storico

Start at Piazza Dante, walk through Spaccanapoli, San Gregorio Armeno and the historic centre. Continue to Via Toledo, Quartieri Spagnoli and Largo Maradona. Finish at Piazza del Plebiscito and the waterfront.

Day 2 · Panoramas and the Sea

Explore Vomero, Castel Sant’Elmo and San Martino for panoramic views. Enjoy the Lungomare, Castel dell’Ovo and Borgo Marinari towards sunset. Or dedicate this day to Pompeii, Vesuvius or Pozzuoli.

Il mio consiglio: non avere troppa fretta. Napoli si scopre meglio passeggiando, osservando e lasciandosi sorprendere.

8. Eat Like a Neapolitan

A visit to Napoli would not be complete without enjoying its food. Try authentic pizza napoletana, a warm sfogliatella, a traditional babà and a proper Neapolitan espresso.

A Napoli, anche un semplice caffè può diventare un piccolo momento speciale.

9. Napoli in Motion

Photography captures one moment. Video reveals the movement, sounds and atmosphere around it. Here are two of my Naples videos, showing the city from different perspectives.

Fuochi d’artificio, luci, musica e l’energia di Napoli: una città che ama celebrare la vita.

Naples waterfront at twilight with a person sitting on rocks overlooking the sea and colorful evening sky
Un momento di silenzio · Napoli
Naples waterfront at night with illuminated buildings reflecting golden city lights across the dark sea
Napoli by night · Waterfront lights

10. Google Maps and Travel Links

Use these routes to plan your time in Naples, Italy. Google Maps can help you compare walking, metro and rail connections.

For current train schedules, attraction access and admission prices, always check the official operators before departure. Fares and routes can change over time.

Final Thoughts — Napoli, da Vivere

Naples is a city of extraordinary contrasts: ancient history and modern life, crowded streets and peaceful waterfronts, unforgettable food, remarkable art and beautiful sunsets.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer journey through Campania, I hope this guide helps you experience the city beyond its famous landmarks.

Napoli non è soltanto da vedere. È da vivere, fotografare e portare nel cuore.

Travel Stories & Photography — Kifi Studio

Napoli · Naples · Italy