Best Things to See in Naples, Italy

What are the first few things that come to mind whenever someone mentions Italy? Most likely, your answer will be the Italian Alps, an endless coastline with pristine beaches, iconic historical monuments, and delicious food. Well, all these things undoubtedly paint the right picture of Italy, but this country is known for plenty of other things as well. The beauty of this place goes far beyond the standard list of things that most people are familiar with. Italy is a country that also boasts a rich legacy of both art and architecture. Despite its small size, the country is home to a total of 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which is more than any other European country in the world. Out of these 55 sites, 50 are cultural and five are natural. For all these reasons, Italy enthralls a large number of tourists throughout the year. With over 65 million international visitors every year, it is the fifth most visited country in the world.

There are several amazing places to visit in Italy, with Naples being one of the most sought-after ones. Often referred to as Napoli, this is a beautiful city, located at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano. Being the third most populous city in the country, Naples is mainly known for its abundance of natural beauty. However, its vibrant nightlife and thriving culinary scene are also important factors that make this place a tourist magnet. In addition to this, being home to a number of archaeological sites, it is very popular among history enthusiasts as well. In short, Naples is one of those places that one shouldn’t miss on a trip to Italy!

Things to Do in Naples, Italy

When you visit a place as enchanting as Naples, it is natural to find yourself lost in the sea of options for activities to try and attractions to cover. For your convenience, here is a list of some of the best things to do and see on your trip to Naples, Italy:

• Visit the National Archaeological Museum
• Explore the Ruins of Pompeii
• Visit the Christmas Alley
• Enjoy a Performance at the Teatro San Carlo
• Visit the Santa Chiara Religious Complex
• Climb to the Summit of Mount Vesuvius

Visit the National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is one of the most visited attractions in Naples. This museum was originally built as a cavalry barracks in 1585. But at the end of the 18th century, it was turned into a museum by King Charles VII. Currently, this awe-inspiring museum displays a large collection of Roman remains. In addition to this, it also exhibits several ancient artefacts and statues that were found during excavations in Pompeii and Herculaneum. Other major highlights of this place are Farnese marble, Roman copies of classical Greek sculptures, and the ancient Roman bronzes from the Villa of the Papyri. If you’re someone who is interested in learning more about the history of this place, going to this museum is one of the best things to do in Napoli (Naples), Italy.

Explore the Ruins of Pompeii

In 79 CE, Mount Vesuvius erupted, unleashing poisonous gases and rocks. This eruption was huge enough to completely destroy the thriving city of Pompeii. The volcanic debris trapped thousands of people alive and turned them into ashes. Over the years, those decomposed bodies hardened and became evidence of the massive destruction that the eruption caused. Several years later, an Italian archaeologist, Giuseppe Fiorelli, decided to create casts of those skeletons using plaster. Currently, that place serves as an expansive archaeological park. For history enthusiasts, visiting the ruins of Pompeii is definitely one of the best things to do in Naples, Italy. Located approximately 25 kilometres from the main city of Naples, Pompeii is an easily accessible location. You can either take a train or book a taxi to get there.

Visit the Christmas Alley

If you’re planning a trip to Italy around the time of Christmas, going to this place is undoubtedly among the best things to do in Naples. This Italian city has a 1000-year-old tradition of presepi (nativity scenes) as a part of the Christmas celebration. Every year on December 8, families prepare a presepi with statues of the Holy Family (Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus) as well as the animals and townspeople of Bethlehem. So, you can enjoy the festivities while admiring the skills of traditional presepe artisans. However, you can find these figurines at any time of the year. So, if you want to bring back a part of this fascinating city with you, you can purchase these statues. After all, any trip is incomplete without some souvenir shopping.

Enjoy a Performance at the Teatro San Carlo

If you are an art lover who wants to spend a quiet evening enjoying some good performance, this is undoubtedly among the best things to do in Naples for you. The Teatro San Carlo is the oldest opera house in the world that is still active. Connected to the Royal Palace, this opera house was first opened in 1737, and since then it has been hosting world-class performances for art lovers. To add an extra touch of luxury to your experience, you can book a gilded box seat and feel like a royal yourself.

Visit the Santa Chiara Religious Complex

The Santa Chiara religious complex is a popular tourist attraction that you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Naples. It was built by Queen Sancha of Majorca and her husband King Robert of Naples between 1313 and 1340. This complex covers a large area and includes the Baroque-style Basilica di Santa Chiara, a monastery, several tombs, and an archaeological museum. Another major highlight of this complex is its peaceful garden, the Cloister of the Clarisse. Transformed in 1742 by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro, this garden is currently home to a number of citrus fruit trees and offers a refreshing vibe. If you’re fascinated by Italian history and want to spend a day away from the chaos, you should definitely include this place in your Naples itinerary.

Climb to the Summit of Mount Vesuvius

Although Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano, climbing to its peak is absolutely safe and one of the best things to do in Naples, Italy. If you’re someone who loves thrilling activities but doesn’t have much time at hand, this is an option you can consider. The summit of this volcano offers spectacular views of the Bay of Naples. This hike is moderately steep, and it takes only 1.5–2 hours for a round trip. There are several hiking trails that you can use, but the Gran Cono Trail is the most commonly used one.

With this detailed guide on the most exciting stuff to do in Naples, Italy, planning a trip will become a lot easier. Or, you can choose from Veena World’s extensive collection of Naples tour packages that have been designed to meet the diverse needs of all kinds of travellers. From travel arrangements to accommodation booking and itinerary planning, our team takes care of everything so that you can make the most of your time in this fascinating city.