Why Stay in Naples
Naples — Napoli to Italians — is one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, founded by Greek settlers around 2,800 years ago as Neapolis, the "New City." Today it is anything but a museum piece. It is loud, layered, intense, and utterly alive — a city where Baroque churches stand shoulder-to-shoulder with motorcycle repair shops, where laundry dries on lines strung across medieval alleyways, and where the best pizza on Earth costs less than a cappuccino at a London railway station.
The entire historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walking through Spaccanapoli — the razor-straight ancient street that splits the old city in two — is to walk through 25 centuries of continuous civilisation. Underground, the Napoli Sotterranea reveals Greek-era aqueducts and Roman cisterns carved 40 metres below the modern street level. Above ground, the National Archaeological Museum (MANN) houses the finest collection of Roman antiquities anywhere in the world, including mosaics, frescoes, and household objects recovered from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The setting is cinematic: the city cascades down hillsides to a sweeping bay framed by Vesuvius to the east and the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida to the west. The waterfront Castel dell'Ovo — perched on the tiny Megaride island — dates to the 12th century and is the city's oldest fortification. Inland, the narrow lane of San Gregorio Armeno is crammed year-round with artisan workshops producing hand-crafted nativity figures (presepi), a Neapolitan tradition stretching back to the 18th century.
Naples is also the essential gateway to southern Italy's most famous destinations. Pompeii and Herculaneum are under 30 minutes away by local train. The Amalfi Coast is 90 minutes by bus or car. Ferries depart hourly for Capri (45 minutes) and Ischia (1 hour). Staying in Naples means putting the entire region at your feet — and returning each evening to some of the best food on the planet.
Naples at a Glance
Getting the Most from Your Stay
Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP) sits just 6 km north-east of the city centre. The Alibus shuttle runs every 15–20 minutes to Napoli Centrale station and the ferry terminal at Molo Beverello (tickets €5, journey 15–25 minutes). Taxis to the centre use a fixed fare of €16 (zone tariff displayed inside the cab).
If you are arriving by train, Napoli Centrale is a major high-speed hub. Frecce trains from Rome take just 1 hour 10 minutes; Florence is 3 hours away; Milan about 4 hours 30 minutes. The station sits on Piazza Garibaldi, which connects directly to Metro Line 1 and Metro Line 2.
Metro Line 1 is itself a tourist attraction. Several stations were designed by internationally renowned architects and artists as part of the Stazioni dell'Arte project. Toledo station — with its shimmering blue-mosaic descent into the earth — has been voted the most beautiful metro station in the world by multiple design publications. A single metro ticket costs €1.10.
The best areas to base yourself depend on your priorities. Centro Storico puts you in the atmospheric heart of ancient Naples, steps from churches, pizzerias, and markets. Chiaia and the Lungomare offer an upscale waterfront experience with elegant cafés, designer shopping on Via dei Mille, and sunset views over the bay. Vomero, the hilltop district reached by funicular, rewards with panoramic views, the Castel Sant'Elmo, and a residential calm rare in central Naples. Near Stazione Centrale is ideal for transport convenience and budget-friendly options along Corso Umberto I.
For day trips, the Circumvesuviana train departs from the lower level of Napoli Centrale. It reaches Pompeii (Pompei Scavi station) in 25 minutes, Herculaneum (Ercolano Scavi) in 20 minutes, and Sorrento in about an hour. Ferries from Molo Beverello serve Capri (45 minutes), Ischia (1 hour), and Procida (40 minutes). The SITA bus to the Amalfi Coast departs from Sorrento or from Salerno — a 40-minute train ride from Naples.
Where to Stay — Neighbourhoods
Centro Storico
The UNESCO-listed core of Naples. Spaccanapoli cleaves through the district's tight grid of Greek-era streets, flanked by ornate churches (Gesù Nuovo, Santa Chiara with its majolica cloister), street-food stalls, and artisan workshops. San Gregorio Armeno, the famous nativity-craftsmen lane, runs off the main axis. Accommodation ranges from restored palazzo B&Bs to boutique hotels on leafy piazzas. Expect noise, character, and unbeatable atmosphere. Walking distance to MANN, Cappella Sansevero, and dozens of legendary pizzerias.
Chiaia & Lungomare
The most polished face of Naples. Via Chiaia and Via dei Mille are lined with high-end boutiques; Piazza dei Martiri is the social centre. The Lungomare waterfront promenade stretches from Castel dell'Ovo past the Villa Comunale gardens to Mergellina, offering evening passeggiata with views of Vesuvius turning pink at sunset. Hotels here tend toward the five-star bracket, and the dining scene favours elegant seafood restaurants. Excellent for couples and anyone who wants beauty without the chaos.
Vomero
Perched on a hill above the city, Vomero is reached by three funicular lines or Metro Line 1 (Vanvitelli station). The district centres on Piazza Vanvitelli and the pedestrianised Via Scarlatti shopping street. Its chief draws are Castel Sant'Elmo — a star-shaped fortress with 360° views — and the adjacent Certosa di San Martino, a 14th-century Carthusian monastery turned museum. The neighbourhood has a residential, family-friendly feel and is quieter than the centro. Ideal for travellers who want views and space.
Stazione Centrale
Piazza Garibaldi and the blocks around Napoli Centrale are gritty, busy, and practical. Corso Umberto I — the wide boulevard running south-west toward the university — has improved significantly in recent years. This area offers the widest range of budget hotels and B&Bs, and you are directly connected to high-speed trains, the metro, and the Circumvesuviana for Pompeii. Not the prettiest neighbourhood, but hard to beat for convenience and value.
Hotels in Naples
Legendary waterfront luxury since 1882. Sea-view suites overlook Castel dell'Ovo and Vesuvius. Rooftop restaurant, spa, and impeccable old-world service.
Book with IMPT →Five-star elegance next door to the Vesuvio. Rooftop restaurant La Terrazza offers panoramic dining with views across the bay. Refined rooms with Murano glass details.
Book with IMPT →A converted 16th-century noble palace with a serene interior courtyard. Modern rooms inside Renaissance walls, walking distance to the Archaeological Museum and Porta Capuana.
Book with IMPT →Boutique hotel on one of Naples' most charming piazzas, surrounded by cafés and bookshops. 16th-century palazzo with minimalist modern interiors. Rooftop terrace with Vesuvius views.
Book with IMPT →Modern budget-friendly chain hotel minutes from Napoli Centrale. Clean, functional rooms with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and breakfast included. Ideal base for Circumvesuviana day trips.
Book with IMPT →Design-forward hotel in the heart of the Spanish Quarters. Industrial-chic aesthetic with exposed stone walls, curated art, and a roof terrace. Steps from Via Toledo and the metro.
Book with IMPT →Things to Do in Naples
1. Pompeii Archaeological Park
The world's most famous archaeological site needs little introduction. Buried by Vesuvius in AD 79 and frozen in time, Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that takes at least 2 hours to explore properly — though a full day is better. Just 25 minutes from Naples by Circumvesuviana train (Pompei Scavi station). Arrive early to beat the tour-bus crowds.
2. National Archaeological Museum (MANN)
Home to the Farnese collection, the Secret Cabinet, and the most extensive collection of Roman mosaics, frescoes, and everyday objects recovered from Pompeii and Herculaneum. The Alexander Mosaic and the Farnese Hercules alone justify the visit. Allow 2–3 hours. Located in the centro storico on Piazza Museo.
3. Spaccanapoli
The ancient decumanus that splits (spacca) Naples in two. Walk its entire length from Via Benedetto Croce through Via San Biagio dei Librai and you pass Baroque church facades, artisan workshops, bookshops spilling onto the pavement, and some of the city's best street food. This is Naples at its most unapologetically dense and theatrical.
4. Castel dell'Ovo
Rising from the tiny island of Megaride, this 12th-century Norman castle is the oldest fortification in Naples. Entrance is free. Walk the ramparts for views of Vesuvius, the Lungomare, and the boat-filled Borgo Marinari harbour below — now home to a cluster of excellent seafood restaurants.
5. Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea)
Descend 40 metres below Piazza San Gaetano into a network of Greek-Roman tunnels, aqueducts, and cisterns that were used as air-raid shelters during World War II. Guided tours (available in English) last about 90 minutes and include narrow passageways — not for the claustrophobic.
6. Cappella Sansevero
A small chapel housing one of the world's most extraordinary sculptures: the Cristo Velato (Veiled Christ) by Giuseppe Sanmartino (1753). The marble veil draped over Christ's body is so lifelike it defies comprehension. The chapel also contains the enigmatic Anatomical Machines in the crypt. Book tickets online — it gets extremely busy.
7. Castel Sant'Elmo & Certosa di San Martino
Take the Montesanto funicular to the hilltop Vomero district and walk to this star-shaped medieval fortress. The 360-degree panorama from the ramparts — city, bay, Vesuvius, islands — is the finest viewpoint in Naples. Adjacent, the Certosa di San Martino is a stunning 14th-century Carthusian monastery with a magnificent cloister, a world-class nativity collection, and paintings by Caravaggio and Ribera.
8. San Gregorio Armeno
This narrow lane between Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali is the epicentre of Naples' nativity-figure (presepe) tradition. Workshops sell hand-painted figurines year-round — not just shepherds and angels but caricatures of footballers, politicians, and celebrities. Even if you do not buy, the sheer artistry and spectacle make it worth a detour.
9. Via Toledo & Toledo Metro Station
Naples' main shopping street, running from Piazza Dante to Piazza del Plebiscito, is packed with shops, cafés, and street performers. Below it, Toledo metro station is a destination in its own right — descend through Robert Wilson's LED light panels into Oscar Tusquets Blanca's mosaic-clad platforms, a shimmering journey from land to sea rendered in millions of blue tiles.
10. Mount Vesuvius
The only active volcano on mainland Europe. From Naples, take the Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi, then a shuttle bus (Vesuvio Express or EAV) to the car park at 1,000 m. From there, a 1 km trail (30-minute ascent, moderate difficulty) leads to the 1,281 m crater rim. The views — down into the steaming crater and across the entire Bay of Naples — are extraordinary.
Walks in Naples
Spaccanapoli to Piazza del Plebiscito
Distance: 2 km · Time: 1.5 hours (with stops) · Difficulty: Flat
Start at Via dei Tribunali (grab a pizza fritta at Di Matteo) and walk the full length of Spaccanapoli through Via San Biagio dei Librai and Via Benedetto Croce, past Cappella Sansevero, Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, and the church of Gesù Nuovo. Emerge onto Piazza del Plebiscito — Naples' grandest public square, flanked by the Royal Palace, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola (modelled on the Pantheon), and the Palazzo della Prefettura. End with a caffè at Gambrinus, the city's most storied café since 1860.
Lungomare Walk
Distance: 3 km · Time: 1 hour · Difficulty: Flat, fully paved
Begin at Castel dell'Ovo and follow the seafront promenade west along Via Partenope (passing the grand hotels), through the Villa Comunale gardens, and on to the fishing harbour at Mergellina. The route is pedestrianised on Sundays and offers uninterrupted views of Vesuvius across the water. Stop at Chalet Ciro for a lemon granita at the midpoint.
Vesuvius Crater Trail
Distance: 1 km (from car park to summit) · Time: 30 minutes ascent · Difficulty: Moderate (steep gravel path)
The trail begins at the ticket office at 1,000 m elevation and climbs steadily on a wide gravel track to the 1,281 m crater rim. The path is exposed — bring sun protection and water. At the top, peer into the steaming crater and take in a panorama stretching from the Sorrento Peninsula to the islands of Capri and Ischia. Guides are available at the summit.
Read More About Naples
📅 Best Time to Visit Naples — Season-by-Season Guide 🍕 Naples Food Guide — Pizza, Pastry & Street Food 🏛️ Things to Do in Naples — Complete Visitor's GuideNearby Cities in Campania
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naples safe for tourists?
Yes, Naples is generally safe for tourists who take standard precautions. The main tourist areas — Centro Storico, Chiaia, Lungomare, and Vomero — are well-policed and busy throughout the day and evening. As with any large city, be aware of pickpockets on crowded buses and in busy markets. Keep valuables secure, avoid poorly lit side streets at night, and use licensed taxis or the metro. Millions of tourists visit Naples safely every year.
How many days do you need in Naples?
Three to four days is ideal. Spend two days in the city itself — covering the historic centre, the National Archaeological Museum, underground Naples, and the waterfront — then dedicate one or two days to day trips. Pompeii and Herculaneum are both under 30 minutes away by Circumvesuviana train, and ferries to Capri and Ischia take under an hour. If you want to include the Amalfi Coast, add another day.
What is Naples famous for?
Naples is the birthplace of pizza — specifically the Margherita, created in 1889 at Pizzeria Brandi for Queen Margherita of Savoy. It is also famous for its UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, the National Archaeological Museum (home to treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum), the dramatic backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, Baroque churches, nativity artisans on San Gregorio Armeno, the vibrant street life of Spaccanapoli, and its role as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Pompeii.
When is the best time to visit Naples?
April to June and September to October. Spring brings warm weather (18–24°C), fewer crowds, and the Maggio dei Monumenti festival. Autumn offers similar temperatures, harvest-season cuisine, and lower hotel rates. July and August are hot (30°C+) and crowded but great for island hopping. Winter (December–February) is mild (8–12°C) with spectacular Christmas traditions on San Gregorio Armeno.
How to get from Naples to Pompeii?
Take the Circumvesuviana commuter train from Napoli Centrale (lower level, Garibaldi station) to Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri. The journey takes about 25 minutes and trains run every 20–30 minutes. A single ticket costs around €3.60. Alternatively, take the Campania Express (faster, reserved seating, April–October) or drive via the A3 motorway (25 km, about 30 minutes).