Is Naples Worth Visiting? 13 Reasons To Visit & Practical Tips [2025]

Naples is somewhat controversial because the city doesn’t have the best vibe when you step out of the airport or a train station (at least, that’s how I felt). But then I walked around and ate the best pizza in the world, and my opinion about Naples quickly changed.

I haven’t spent enough time in the city to judge and tell you what to do there, so I’ve asked my friend Sara, who has extensive experience with Naples and has visited it many times, what she thinks of it.

She says Naples has authentic and amazing spots, including the best pizza and limoncello, the underground tour, above-ground streetlife, easy day trips to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, and so much more!

So, in this article, we’ll reveal why Naples is worth visiting and what you can’t miss during your stay!

Is Naples Worth Visiting? Answered!

Yes, Naples is worth visiting if you dive deeper into the city, explore it more thoroughly, and enjoy the food scene.

While Naples gets a bad rap, there’s so much more to it than meets the eye. When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it – let’s face it, the main city area is a bit more gritty than other gorgeous towns in Italy due to its spotty history.

However, once I went exploring, I was so happy I visited! From the food to the views of Vesuvius by Castel dell’Ovo, historic churches, shopping areas, and gelato shops, I definitely want to make a return stop.

Is Naples Worth Visiting In Winter?

Winter is a great time to visit Naples, and has both pros and cons. Whether it’s the best time in your schedule, or if you’re looking to avoid the high prices, crowds and summer heat, Naples is chill in the winter – but not too chill, as it usually doesn’t see much snow.

The downsides to winter in Naples is the rain, shorter daylight hours and low temperatures, usually around 14°C/57°F while the sun is out and 5°C at night, on average. Winter lasts from November-February in Naples.

Yet, if you don’t mind the weather, you’ll enjoy Naples even in the wintertime with everything is offers.

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Visiting Naples

Here is a list of pros and cons of visiting Naples to give you a clear picture of the city so you know what to expect.

13 Reasons To Visit Naples & Best Things To Do

Now that you know what to expect from Naples, let’s focus on the reasons why you should stay at least a few days.

Naples has so much to offer, and it’s a unique experience from other well-known areas of Italy, such as Florence.

It’s the birthplace of pizza, has amazing architecture and street life. You’ll want to have your camera on hand for historical sites, nearby islands and archaeological sites that are bucket-list items, amazing views, coffee, and so much more! 👉 Keep reading for details.

Here is a quick list of 13 reasons why you should visit Naples:

1. Birthplace Of Pizza = Best Pizza In The World
2. Photographer’s Paradise
3. Naples’ Underground
4. Cathedrals
5. Cultural Hub
6. Coffee Culture
7. Piazza Del Plebiscito
8. Lungomare Francesco Caracciolo
9. Great Shopping
10. Day Trip To Ischia
11. Visit Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius
12. Day Trip To Capri
13. Explore The Amalfi Coast

1. Birthplace Of Pizza = Best Pizza In The World

When I first ate pizza in Naples, I was crying out of happiness and had to come to eat it in the same shop the next day. The guy next to me ordered 3 pizzas, and I completely sympathized with him after he told me it was his last day in Naples.

The pizza in this city is out of this world! So prepare your stomach because you’ll probably eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and the city is filled with historic pizzerias where you can enjoy this Italian dish in its most authentic form! Places I recommend include:

🍕 Pizzeria Sorbillo offers a rare treat with its gluten-free options
🍕 Pizzeria Brandi, the birthplace of Pizza Margherita, connects diners to culinary history
🍕 Pizzeria da Michele and Pizzeria di Matteo are must-visits for their classic Neapolitan pizzas
🍕 Pizza Fritta is a local favorite, and it is best experienced at places like Teresa Iorio, where deep-fried pizza is a delicious twist on tradition.

NOTE: Be prepared to wait in line. My tip is to come in an unusual hour outside of lunch/dinner times (at 10:00 am, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm, or 5:00 pm) as you won’t have to wait such a long time. You can also order takeaway, which goes quicker.

2. Photographer’s Paradise

Naples is a haven for photographers with its mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, fabulous views, photo-worthy cuisine, and grungy street life with colorful buildings, alleyways, and historical monuments.

The Marina & Piazza Marinari offers stunning waterfront views, while Piazza del Plebiscito showcases spacious public areas surrounded by historical buildings.

The city’s oldest street and neighborhood, Spaccanapoli, provides a window into Neapolitan life. Every corner of Naples offers a photo opportunity; I couldn’t stop snapping photos because I always found amazing angles, colors, and subjects!

3. Naples’ Underground

From my experience, touring Underground Naples was an amazing way to escape the heat, find out little known history going back 2,400+ years, and see for myself the continuous inhabitation of this amazing city, with apartments literally built into an ancient colosseum that are still used today!

The tour reveals layers of history from ancient Greek foundations to World War II bunkers. It’s super interesting and I highly recommend adding it to your list of things to do in Naples.

➡ Join the guided tour of the Naples’ underground here

4. Cathedrals

The religious architecture in Naples is as diverse as it’s breathtaking. Naples Cathedral is a monumental site of worship and history.

At the same time, the Basilica of Santa Chiara is renowned for its serene cloisters. The Church of St. Gregory of Armeno is a church and monastery built in 1574 that is one of the most important examples of Baroque architecture in Naples.

The Church of San Domenico Maggiore is known for being the original University of Naples, where Thomas Aquinas taught and other well-known people, and for many architectural and artistic elements. Gesù Nuovo is a square, and it is also the name of a church.

There are also more landmarks in the square, including the Church of Santa Chiara and the spire (guglia) of the Immaculate Virgin. The Church of Sant’Eligio Maggiore was originally built in 1270 and is known for its history and architectural elements.

👉 READ ALSO: Italy In Summer: What To Do & Where To Go By An Expert

5. Cultural Hub

Naples has both modern and historical sites that showcase its culture in the present-day as it continues from historical times. It’s one of many cities in Italy where the continuous habitation since ancient times makes it a place you won’t want to stop exploring! Places to see include:

🔅 The San Carlo Theatre, one of the oldest continuously active venues for public opera in the world, was originally built in 1737.

🔅 The Royal Palace of Naples provides a glimpse into the luxurious lives of former monarchs from the 17th century with a museum.

🔅 The seaside fortress of Castel dell’Ovo, which features breathtaking views and fascinating legends, and the oldest castle in Naples.

It’s a great place to learn about Italian history and immerse in the life of locals.

6. Coffee Culture

In Naples, coffee is more than a drink; it’s a cultural institution. It’s been around since Bourbon rule in the late 1700s and is known for serving up the best-tasting coffee, the most consistently throughout the city.

It’s especially known for the Cuccumella, also known as Cuccuma, which is the unique Neapolitan coffee maker with two pots and two handles, plus a filter on top. The coffee pot flips upside down once the water boils.

Here are some places to go for the best coffee in Naples:

☕ Gran Caffè Gambrinus is a historic café that has been serving locals and luminaries alike for over a century. From experience, this is a place worth visiting for the coffee and desserts, as well as the history, interior decor, and art.

☕ Caffè Mexico: There are three locations in Naples with 60s-era decor, and many people have said it has the best coffee in Italy and the entire world. You’ll just have to see for yourself!

7. Piazza Del Plebiscito

Piazza del Plebiscito is one of Naples’ largest and most historic squares. Walking around the piazza will give you the break you need from the narrow streets of Naples by giving you a sense of spaciousness on your way to amazing views near Castel dell-Ovo!

Surrounded by monumental buildings such as the Royal Palace and the Church of San Francesco di Paola, the piazza is a grand open space that hosts concerts, political events, and social gatherings. Its vast area and impressive architecture make it a central point for both tourists and locals to soak in Neapolitan culture.

➡ Book a free walking tour to explore Naples with a local here.

8. Lungomare Francesco Caracciolo

The Lungomare Francesco Caracciolo stretches along the scenic waterfront along the coast of Naples, offering spectacular views of Mount Vesuvius and the Tyrrhenian Sea. This promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls after long days of sightseeing and taking in the sunset over the ocean.

You can see places like Santa Lucia (with the church di Santa Lucia a Mare), the harbor near Borgo Marinaio, Castel Dell-Ovo, shopping, restaurants, and bars.

Sitting at a restaurant across from Castel Dell-Ovo, eating fantastic pizza, and sipping limoncello while enjoying the sunset are some of my favorite Naples memories!

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9. Great Shopping

Naples is a shopper’s paradise for any budget. You can explore several streets that offer all types of goods.

📍 Via Toledo is a historic street dating back to the 1500s where you can find all types of shopping along with historical monuments. 

📍 Galleria Umberto I is a historic and beautiful indoor public shopping gallery located across from the San Carlo Opera House, that is in the Stile Umbertino architecture and that is part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Naples.

More shopping areas that offer everything from fashionable attire to artisanal Italian souvenirs include:

📍 Via Chiaia
📍 Via San Gregorio Armeno
📍 Via Luca Giordano

10. Day Trip To Ischia

Naples is the perfect place to use as a base for day trips to islands like Ischia (the emerald island), which is known for its thermal spas, gorgeous gardens and stunning beaches.

You can reach Ischia on a ferry in just 50 minutes, and it’s very budget-friendly! Once there, you can go on a boat tour around the island as well as exploring on land by bus. 

It’s a local hot spot and one of the best islands in Italy!

➡ Book this day tour to Ischia with return ferry tickets from Naples.

11. Visit Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius

I took a day trip to Pompeii by train and booked a tour with a guide, which I highly recommend! It’s a huge archaeological site that was frozen in time due to the volcano’s eruption, preserved by the ash.

You’ll see and learn about the town, daily life, villas, businesses, and more artifacts. When I return, I plan to visit Herculaneum as well, which is a lesser-known but better-preserved town closer to Mt. Vesuvius.

You can see what day-to-day Roman life was like. It was frozen in time due to the volcanic eruption, and Pompeii was so extensive you could spend weeks exploring!

I also highly recommend visiting Mt. Vesuvius volcano, which caused the eruption and covered Pompeii in ashes. Several tours will take you on a day trip from Naples. It’s an incredible experience, and the views are breathtaking.

➡ Join this tour to visit Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius in 1 day with a local guide.

➡ Book skip-the-line tickets to Pompeii (incl. local guide) here. – if you want to visit by yourself

12. Day Trip To Capri

A day trip to Capri is just a short ferry ride from Naples. It has breathtaking landscapes, upscale shopping, and the famous Blue Grotto sea cave, which will give you a break from gritty Naples when you want to return to that quintessential Italy experience!

You can also find ancient ruins and more sites here to explore, including the historic Villa Jovis, the residence of the Roman Emperor Tiberius, which has amazing views of the Bay of Naples. You can also visit Villa San Michele, a hidden gem with beautiful gardens and art collections.

The Gardens of Augustus is another spot to check out for its panoramic views of the island’s cliffs overlooking the ocean, plus the garden itself. Unlike Ischia, Capri is a popular and upscale island that celebrities have visited in the past and present day!

Don’t miss out on visiting Anacapri town, which is my favorite place in Capri. Take a cable car to Monte Solaro for breathtaking views.

➡ Join this day tour to Capri from Naples (incl. lunch and optional Blue Grotto)

13. Explore The Amalfi Coast

The famous Amalfi Coast is just a day trip away from Naples, and you can choose to stay here or just visit by train, especially if you’re on a budget! 

The coast is perfect for amazing postcard-worthy views of what’s hailed as the most beautiful coast in Italy, as well as hiking, going to the beach, and eating and sipping limoncello! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can also opt for a group tour or private driver to explore the towns, including Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano. My tip is to take a ferry to one of the towns and avoid driving because you’ll be stuck in a traffic jam most of the time.

Positano has steeply stacked houses in warm hues mixed in with boutiques and seaside cafes. Amalfi has a rich maritime history with ancient architecture, including the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Ravello is located high above the coast, which gives it amazing views.

➡ Join my favorite day tour of the Amalfi Coast from Naples.

👉 READ ALSO: How To Make A Day Trip From Rome To Amalfi Coast: Full Itinerary

Practical Tips For Visiting Naples For First-Timers

To help you plan your visit to Naples even more, I have further tips for you. See when the best time to visit is, where to stay, and how to plan your visit.

When Is The Best Time to Visit Naples?

The best time to visit Naples is March, April, and late September. These months have the best weather to avoid the sticky, hot summer heat and the rainy fall-winter season.

In addition, crowds are thinner, and prices are cheaper. You’ll be able to spend more time seeing outdoor sites, as well as waiting less time and getting into places easier! 

The temperature ranges from the 60s to the 70s, and there may be some rain, so it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella or rain jacket. You can also find local events and festivals without peak season prices, including Festa della in April and Festa di San Gennaro in May.

How Many Days In Naples Is Enough?

Without adding in day trips, 2 full days can be enough to squeeze in all the main sites in Naples, but 3-4 days is best to not feel too rushed. 

Beyond that, you might want to add more days for trips to places like Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, or the islands of Capri and Ischia. 

5-6 days is ideal to leave room for some day trips! And, if you’re planning on working remotely or taking rest days, it’s always a good idea to tack on an extra day or two as needed.

Where To Stay In Naples For First-Timers

If you’re a first-time visitor to Naples, staying in central areas is the easiest way to be closer to the main sites and restaurants, get around, and enjoy your trip! These areas include Chiaia and the Historic Center.

The Historic Center is best if you’re looking to immerse yourself in historical sites and street life. At the same time, Chiaia provides a more upscale experience with stunning sea views and proximity to luxury shopping. 

Both of these areas are safe, well-connected, and filled with cultural landmarks, so you’ll get the best of Naples during your visit.

I recommend staying in one of these hotels within these 2 areas:

BEST HOTELS IN THE HISTORIC CENTER:
✅ Anticaglia24 – budget-friendly apartments – book here
✅ Xenia Neapolis – mid-range apartments – book here
✅ Grand Hotel Oriente – luxury hotel – book here

BEST HOTELS IN CHIAIA:
✅ Daily Napoli – Lungomare – budget-friendly apartments – book here
✅ Relais Castel Nuovo – mid-range apartments – book here
✅ Grand Hotel Santa Lucia – luxury hotel – book here

Is Naples Safe To Visit?

Like many large cities, Naples has safer areas than others; overall, it’s safe for tourists if basic precautions are taken. I never felt unsafe so much as noticing this city is grungier compared to others.

I learned while there that Naples gained its reputation from the late 20th century when it used to be unsafe due to organized crime and socio-economic instability. During this time, the Camorra, the local mafia, had a significant influence, leading to higher crime rates in certain neighborhoods.

However, since then, the government and local law enforcement, plus community initiatives, have greatly improved the situation with urban renewal projects, infrastructure, and more to enhance safety for locals and tourists.

While the city remains gritty in many areas compared to other cities in Italy, it’s not unsafe overall. Make sure to take normal precautions as you would in any city, like watching your belongings, staying vigilant in crowded spaces or at night, and in the Central Station.

Popular tourist areas are well-patrolled, and I always felt safe, even when eating out after dark.

Is Naples Expensive To Visit?

Naples is one of the more affordable cities in Italy, especially compared to the most popular tourist destinations like Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast. Everything is reasonably priced here. Prices also shift depending on season and location, so you can go off the beaten path for local restaurants to get amazing food for lower prices.

The budget you can count on is $50-$200 per day, depending on accommodation.

If you’re in a hostel, $40-$50 per day is possible, and up from there for hotels in various budget ranges. You can easily do meals at an Airbnb with market groceries really cheap, plus pizza and pastries for meals, and get by extremely cheap. From there, it’s a mix of free sites and exploring, plus some tickets and tours.

The metro is 1.50 per ride, so if you get an Uber, it also raises the price well. For day trips, ferries and the train are also extremely cheap.

As a mid-range traveler, you can spend around $120 per day, including everything.

FAQs

We’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions about Naples. Check our answers below:

Is Naples A Good Tourist Destination?

Naples is a great tourist destination for anyone who appreciates history, culture, and cuisine, plus its proximity to beautiful island getaways and archaeological sites. Naples is one of the oldest cities in Italy, which means it is unique in its history, especially with the ancient ruins close to Mt. Vesuvius, cathedrals, and museums.

The grittiness and street life are unique and an experience you won’t find in the more popular cities. In addition, Naples has authentic cuisine, including being the birthplace of pizza, famous for its coffee culture, and for its limoncello production.

Additionally, the authentic culture of Naples is unique because it’s not as polished as a tourist city, which gives visitors a unique and memorable experience.

What Is So Special About Naples?

Naples is special for many things, including its deep historical roots and cultural heritage, which blend in with everyday life. It’s also the birthplace of pizza, making it a good enough reason to visit in itself, plus the amazing coffee culture, history, and limoncello production.

You can also find impressive art and music history here, including one of the oldest opera houses in the world, Teatro di San Carlo, and the historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with amazing architecture!

You’ll find authentic culture and daily life here, less as impacted by heavy tourism as popular Italian destinations.

Is Naples Worth Visiting For A Day?

If you only have a day in Naples, it’s definitely worth a visit!

While you can do more than can fit into a day here, one day is enough to experience many major attractions, including the historic center, authentic Neapolitan pizza, the National Archaeological Museum or other museums and cathedrals, and the Opera House or Castel dell-Ovo with the amazing views over the ocean and Mt. Vesuvius!

You can also opt to go on an underground tour, tour a limoncello factory, or many other sites during a one-day visit.

Is Naples Worth Visiting In February?

Visiting Naples in February, while most likely to be rainy, still has its merits. The city is less crowded, and prices are lower, so you’ll have a more relaxed visit to museums and historical sites without so many people and without the heat.

You can escape the rain with an underground tour, or, if it’s not too rainy, go on walking tours while enjoying the cooler weather.

February also has local festivals, including Carnival celebrations, which you can only experience during this month. You may not want to visit island beaches, but you can enjoy authentic pizza, coffee, Castles, and more sites!

Is Naples Dirty?

Yes, Naples has a reputation for being dirty, especially in the past. Certain areas in the city still feel grittier compared to other Italian cities, while others are clean and tourist-friendly (though I think even the grungier areas are interesting to explore!). 

The city has made strides to clean up the city from the past, so it will feel more like other large cities with some grime, but it isn’t too bad. 

If you need to get out of the gritty part of the city, you can head to the Piazza area, among others, and take a day trip to nearby islands and archaeological sites!

WRAP-UP: Is Naples Worth Visiting?

This is Naples, with its beauty and the ugly side. The only main disadvantage is the chaos on the streets and the grittiness you’ll feel in some areas, especially after you arrive. If you explore a bit more, you’ll soon find Naples is about the experiences and not so much about views and beauty as you experience in other Italian cities. So be prepared to be a bit dirty and not so beautiful, but expect to return enriched with new experiences from Naples.

It’s very similar to Helsinki in Finland in this sense.

If you have any questions or need help planning your trip to Italy, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!

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