Naples
Western Europe · Italy
Did you know?
- Pizza traces its birthplace to this city.
- Greek, Roman, Norman and Spanish influences overlap in the city's history.
- Funiculars join a transport network that includes the Circumvesuviana railway.
See also
Overview
Naples carries layers of Greek, Roman, Norman and Spanish history. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre offers a place to explore that layered past.
Languages: Catalan, Italian
Why go?
Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage site with an ancient history spanning Greek, Roman, Norman, and Spanish influences. It offers incredible art, architecture, and cuisine at lower prices than Rome or Milan. The nearby archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as the Amalfi Coast, make it an ideal base for day trips.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Naples has an extensive metro system with two lines, plus funiculars and commuter trains like the Circumvesuviana. Traffic can be heavy, but the metro is efficient. A single metro ticket costs around €1.20. For bike rental, Mary Moto offers electric bikes at €5 per hour.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Naples International Airport (NAP) is 7 km northeast of the center; an Alibus shuttle runs to Piazza Garibaldi (€5, ~30 min). The main train station is Napoli Centrale (Piazza Garibaldi), with high-speed trains from Rome (1h10, from €20). Ferries from Sicily, Sardinia, and the islands dock at Stazione Marittima. Long-distance buses arrive at Metropark or Piazza Garibaldi.
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When to go
Naples has a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year. Summers are hot and long, winters mild. Snowfall is rare. The best times are spring and autumn to avoid peak heat and crowds. Beware of heavy rain in autumn.
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Where to stay
Accommodation is cheaper than in Rome. Hostels like Hostel of the Sun (dorm bed €18) and 6 Small Rooms Hostel offer budget options. For B&Bs, Piazza Bellini Hotel starts at €58. The historic centre is ideal for proximity to attractions.
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Food and drink
Naples is the birthplace of pizza. Must-try places include L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele (pizza and soft drink €6-7) and Pizzeria Starita. Local specialties include mozzarella di bufala, sfogliatelle, and babà. For coffee, Gran Caffè Gambrinus is iconic.
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Things to do
Top attractions include the Naples National Archaeological Museum (€20), the Royal Palace of Capodimonte (€10), and the underground Napoli Sotterranea. Free sites include Castel dell'Ovo and the churches of Santa Chiara and Gesù Nuovo. Don't miss the Sansevero Chapel with its Veiled Christ (€12).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Petty crime is common in tourist areas. Avoid carrying a handbag; instead wear it across your chest. Be cautious around Piazza Garibaldi and avoid the Spanish Quarters and Sanità at night. The Camorra mafia does not target tourists.
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Connect
Naples has 4G from Iliad and 5G from other carriers. Free public Wi-Fi is available at the seaside and Palazzo delle Arti, limited to 2 hours per day.
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Budget
A daily backpacker budget might be around €50-70, including dorm accommodation (~€18), meals (pizza €6-7, other meals €10-15), and metro tickets (€1.20 each). Museum entries range from free to €20.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include Pompeii (25 km, 40 min by Circumvesuviana), Herculaneum (13 km), Mount Vesuvius, the Royal Palace of Caserta (37 km), and the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Also nearby: Solfatara crater at Pozzuoli.
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Go next
Fast express trains run to Rome and other cities. Ferries connect to Sicily and the islands. The Circumvesuviana line goes to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
120 Grammi Spaghetti Takeaway
It's a combination of street food and pasta, with an intense taste: you can choose between a variety of spices.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Casetta Rossa di Orsi Francesco
Known for its good seafood. Also if not very easy to reach it offers one of the best dishes of Mediterranean cuisine.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Decumano 31
Regional street food in a street with character. Here you can try the Neapolitan frittini.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Di Matteo
Il presidente, Sorbillo, and his sister, a few doors away (informally known as "la vecchia", the old lady, from the owner of the pizzeria, a very small place with only 4 or 5 tables, that looks like a pizzeria of 50 years ago - very hard to find, but it's worth it.) You can get pizzas to eat on the go.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Drago d'Oro
Asian cuisine in a cheap and informal Chinese restaurant close to Via Toledo.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Gran Bar Riviera
Excellent sweet specialties, including zeppole, sfogliatelle and babà.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Happy Rock Cafe
Mexican and fusion cuisine in a mid-range pub specialized in fondue.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Honzen Japanese Restaurant
Excellent mid-range sushi restaurant in Posillipo district.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi at the seaside for 2 hours/day; 4G/5G available.
Culture
Naples is loud and lively; locals are friendly but direct. Dress modestly when visiting churches. Tipping not expected but appreciated.
Entry
Schengen visa rules apply.
Food
Pizza margherita from €4-7; street food like cuoppo.
Health
Tap water is safe to drink. Public hospitals available; European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) accepted for EU citizens.
Language
Italian and Neapolitan; English spoken in tourist areas.
Local transport
UniTicket for metro/bus/funicular (€1.20) or day pass (€4.50). Validate when boarding. Taxis are white with official signs; agree on fare or use meter.
Money
Accommodation is cheaper than in Rome; a hostel dorm costs around €18.
Safety
Petty crime is common; be careful around the train station and avoid Spanish Quarters at night.
Transport
Metro single ticket €1.20; Circumvesuviana to Pompeii €2.80.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking. As part of Italy (Schengen Area), most non-EU visitors need a Schengen visa.