Naples Travel Guide 2026

The largest city in southern Italy and one of the oldest in Europe, Naples, Italy (Napoli in Italian) is renowned worldwide for its stunning 4th-century cathedrals and centuries-old architecture that visually represent its history through medieval, Gothic, Baroque and traditional Neapolitan styles. A popular destination for famous ruins, food and wine, Naples blends past and present for an unforgettable trip that exposes you to a rich tapestry of culture.

If you want to taste a classic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, admire iconic sculptures and Italian masterpieces, and stroll along cobblestone streets past the Bay of Naples with ancient catacombs beneath your feet, then Naples is your perfect destination. In this travel guide to Naples, we’ll explore the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat and all the tips you need to make the most of your Napoli getaway.

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When you're traveling to Naples, walking is always the preferred way to get around—nothing beats a stroll to see the breathtaking architecture, smell the wood-fired pizza, feel the cobblestones under your feet and pop into quaint shops along the way. Renting a car isn’t advised with heavy traffic in the city center, but here are alternative ways to get around the city.

The Naples Metro, or Metropolitana di Napoli, is an underground subway that connects Naples and the city center to Campania and outlying communities with two lines that run every 8-10 minutes. Use the Metro to access some of the most popular attractions, then explore on foot.

The bus and tram systems in Naples connect areas outside the city center. They travel between Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Vittoria (Tram Line 1) or San Giovanni to Piazza Vittoria (Tram Line 4). You can include bus and tram fare for convenience with a Naples City Pass. The Cumana Railway is convenient to reach the beaches near Naples, like Lucrino Beach. Trains run every 10 minutes.

Rideshare services like Uber, SIXT, and FreeNow are available in Naples. Official licensed taxis with fixed fares can be hailed or called for pickup. Shuttles, like the ALIBUS airport shuttle, travel between the airport and Naples.

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For mild weather that’s ideal for sightseeing, abundant activities, and reasonable crowds, the best time to visit Naples is between March and June. The spring and early summer months are dry, pleasantly warm, and a time to see Naples in full swing. You’ll avoid the busiest and hottest months, July and August, by visiting during this spring and early summer season.

With highs in the mid-60s to upper 70s, two-to-seven days of rain each month on average, long sunshine hours for more exploring, and low humidity, March through June is ideal for sightseeing and spending time strolling the city’s extravagant piazzas (public squares) and streets. Crowds that are smaller than the summer make for the best Naples experience overall.

Make plans to check out some of the major events and festivals this time of year, including:

Visiting in winter sees even smaller crowds and can be perfect to see the holiday lights, markets, and decor on a Christmas Walking Tour in Naples. The city boasts mild winter weather with highs that rarely dip below the mid-70s.

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Tour the Centro Storico, venture underground, taste your way through the city on a tour, visit museums and take in the sights on the back of a Vespa for the quintessential Naples trip. If you want to do it all, consider booking a 4-Day Circuit Naples Tour—a stay at a boutique hotel in the city center and daily guided tours to the best attractions in and around the city, like Napoli Centro Storico, underground Naples, Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast.

If you’d rather hand-pick the sightseeing and adventures for your trip to Napoli, here’s a look at the best things to do in Naples.

The Naples City Center, or Napoli Centro Storico, is the heart and soul of the city. Stroll the Spaccanapoli (the city’s most ancient section, traveling along the shoreline of the Bay of Naples) and Via Toledo on a Naples Historic Walking Tour to see iconic architecture and historic landmarks like:

In the layout, you’ll still be able to make out the original orthogonal, right-angled grid from its Greek roots as the city of Neapolis. Look for shining examples of architectural styles, including medieval, baroque, Gothic, Gothic Revival and traditional Neapolitan buildings, as you walk the cobblestone streets.

Descending 40 meters under the streets to tour the Napoli Sotterranea, or Underground Naples, is one of the most incredible things to do in the city. Take a Naples City Center Walking Tour With Underground Naples if you want to see the dimly-lit ancient catacombs and stone tunnels of the Napoli Sotterranea.

With over 5,000 years of history, it’s one of the most popular activities and attractions in the city. You might consider grabbing a Naples Underground Skip the Line Ticket to jump ahead of the crowds and take a guided tour of the subterranean world beneath the streets of Naples.

Naples is known around the world for many of the original and classic dishes that hail from the city and the Campania region. On a food tour of the city, you can savor wood-fired Neapolitan pizza topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and basil; indulge in spaghetti alla puttanesca with a rich sauce of anchovies, olives, and capers; and treat yourself to delectable pastries filled with ricotta cheese.

Not sure where to start? Take a Naples Street Food Tour with a Local Expert to guide your taste buds through the flavors of the city, or opt for a Walking Wine Tour in Naples to sample local red wines while you explore landmarks and architecture. A Naples by Night Food and Wine Tasting is the best of both worlds for a taste of the city after dark.

You can’t visit Naples without spending an afternoon at the Naples National Archaeological Museum, or the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli. Filled with ancient artifacts uncovered in archaeological digs around the city, you’ll find items dating back to Greek, Roman, and Renaissance periods arranged in intriguing exhibits that invite you into the storied past of Napoli.

A Private Tour of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples is the best way to experience the historical significance of the artwork, artifacts, and exhibits in these hallowed halls. Make sure to tour the museum before you take a day trip to Pompeii or the Herculaneum during your trip—seeing artifacts predating the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD makes the experience so much more fulfilling.

What’s more Italian than touring the country on a Vespa? While Naples’ winding streets and heavy traffic in tourist areas can make it difficult to navigate on your own, a Private Sightseeing Tour by Vespa offers the same experience in a much more convenient way.

Climb on a vintage Vespa to zip around Naples and view some of the most iconic sights and landmarks in the city, from the church of San Francesco di Paola and Castel Dell'Ovo to the historic city center, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore on foot to grab a coffee or pastry and discover the wonders of Naples with more freedom than a car or bus can offer!

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Naples boasts an array of hotels and accommodations located in walkable areas that position you just steps away from historic architecture, bustling squares and shops, and views of the bay. Use your budget and itinerary to decide which hotel will be the perfect fit for your trip! These are the best hotels in Naples.

Eurostars Excelsior is among the nicest hotels in Naples, offering high-end comforts and amenities in a secluded area sitting just off the coast of the Gulf of Naples. From your window, you’ll spot the nearby island of Capri. Reaching attractions like the 18th-century Teatro di San Carlo takes minutes on foot. With special touches like Italian marble bathrooms, a rooftop restaurant, and silk-paneled walls, this is the hotel to envelop yourself in the richness of Naples.

Mercure Napoli Centro Angioino sets you up for proximity to everything in the city with a metro station just steps away, connecting you to sites and destinations all over the city. If you plan to be out and about, Mercure Napoli makes an excellent base. Enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby Castel Nuovo from your sophisticated room with a minibar and balcony, or splurge on a day trip with your location being just five minutes from ferry docks to Capri, Sicily and Sorrento.

Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterraneo offers a convenient location in the Napoli Centro Storico, putting you close to the incredible architecture of the cathedrals, opera hall, and historic buildings in the city center. You’ll find the Toledo metro stop just steps away and enjoy the comfortable rooms with sitting areas and dining rooms in suites. Bay views, top-notch service, a rooftop terrace, and an onsite restaurant make this one of the best hotels in Naples.

Ibis Styles Napoli Garibaldi is a hotel located conveniently in the Napoli Centro Storico, making many of the most popular landmarks, museums and cathedrals just a short walk from your door. Soundproofed rooms offer privacy and seclusion in the otherwise bustling setting, located ideally near the Centrale station to reach Naples’ best attractions. The rooms are comfortable, clean, and fully outfitted for your Neapolitan stay.

For a familiar taste of home, choose the Holiday Inn Naples. Located just a few kilometers from the airport, the Naples National Archaeological Museum, and landmarks like the Sansevero Chapel Museum, sightseeing is convenient and easy from this area. Rooms are well-appointed and contemporary in style with minibars, work desks and living areas in suites. Hang out on the terrace or in the lounge and enjoy the American-style breakfast buffet each morning.

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Whether you’re looking for Naples’ classics, like flaky pastries, wood-grilled pizzas, tender meats and seafood, and sumptuous pasta dishes, or inventive global cuisine done with a Neapolitan twist, dining in the city is a distinctly Italian treat. Discover the best restaurants in Naples to add to your trip below!

Terrazza Calabritto Napoli features a relaxing but upscale atmosphere with its Mediterranean Sea views and traditional Napoli flavors. Sit down for course after course of fresh seafood, enjoy drinks from the cocktail bar, and establish a standard by which to measure all other dishes you taste in the city with offerings like tempura-battered shrimp, Granseola crab spaghetti, and rucola pesto risotto. This restaurant is one to create a lasting impression of the culinary prowess Naples is known for.

Antonio & Antonio might have a bit of repetition in the name, but you’ll find innovative offerings on their laid-back menu of wood-fired pizzas and stuffed calzones. If you want a great Neapolitan pie while you’re in town, this is the place! Crisp salads and house-made desserts punctuate the incredible menu, which you’ll enjoy as you overlook the Mediterranean Sea with views of nearby Castel dell'Ovo.

Casa Vittoria Ristorante has a prime location in the center of Piazza Vittoria, making it the perfect place to stop for a bite while you explore the square’s architecture. Chef-created food, from artichoke alla Mamma Elena to inventive cod and octopus on a bed of fluffy potato cream, adorn the menu. You’ll want to stay for dessert: house-made pistachio ice cream! The restaurant started with a project to support children with Down Syndrome and operates its own vegetable garden.

Capitolo Tre is synonymous with fine dining in Naples, offering a wide variety of traditional Neapolitan and Mediterranean dishes and a locally-famous signature cocktail list. Come on weekends for live DJ performances to set the tone, and enjoy classic to innovative takes on fresh seafood, unctuous meats, and perfectly-made pasta that add to your Naples trip in the most delicious way.

The Vesuvio Roof Bar & Restaurant by Una Cucina may be named for nearby Mt. Vesuvius, but is centrally located right in Naples with an extensive wine list and regional specials that feature fresh, local ingredients. The chef creates new dishes weekly, like pasta with vongole and sea bass, with ever-changing specials that reflect the season, so no visit is a repeat—but every meal is an event!

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The varied architectural styles, ancient ruins, scenes of daily life and picturesque squares make Naples the perfect place to practice your photography skills. You’ll come away with pictures that draw you back into the feel of this buzzing, historic city long after you’ve returned home. Here are the best places to get masterful shots around Naples!

Tip: One of the best ways to hit all the best photo spots in Naples with expert tips to nail your shots is by taking a photo and street food walking tour, or opting for a private photographic experience in Naples.

Porta Napoli: The “Naples Gate” opens up to the Arco di Trionfo di Lecce and has welcomed people to the city since the 16th century, making it an incredible place to get photos that capture the soul of Naples in its ornate baroque style.
Spaccanapoli: The most ancient section of the city makes for great photos and connects to one of the original Ancient Greek roads from the city’s earliest roots. Snap pictures of historic cathedrals, palaces, cobblestone streets, fountains, and more.
The Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo interior: This stunning baroque church is covered in pyramidal protrusions that lend it a unique appearance, but the real breathtaking place to get photos is inside. Photograph barrel-vaulted ceilings, massive frescoes, and intricate details that make the church one of the coolest in Naples.
The Naples Cathedral: This is more in line with what you’d expect to be an excellent photography subject in the city with its iconic French Gothic appearance. Home to an underground crypt and Miracles of the Blood festivals, shutterbugs shouldn’t miss this.
Mercato della Pignasecca: If you’d like to capture daily life scenes featuring locals intermingling with tourists, this street market delivers. From grandmothers shopping for fresh vegetables to feature in tonight’s stew to restaurateurs stocking up on meat and produce, unlimited photo opportunities present themselves here.

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Naples is located close to some of Italy’s best destinations, so it’s the ideal base for a day trip during your stay! Visiting in warm weather makes it perfect to tour the Amalfi Coast, while nearby ruins in Pompeii and spending a day in Rome can be intriguing options for a memorable trip.

1. Tour the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy, and you can reach destinations along the coast in under 2 hours from Naples! Take a tour, like Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi Day Trip from Naples with Pick Up in Naples, Italy, to cruise the coast and see the picturesque views from the rocky cliffs and beaches that hug the coast. Set your sights on Positano for quaint villages, eateries, and beaches, or head to the Path of the Gods hiking trail to wander into Nocelle and the small mountain village of Bomerano. Cooking classes, lazy lunches enjoyed on terraces, and scenic boat trips.

2. Visit Mt. Vesuvius, Herculaneum, and Pompeii Ruins

Naples is very close to the ancient Roman ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii, two sites of immense disaster following the violent eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Volcanic ash and pumice rained down on both cities, blanketing them in meters of debris that left entire villages of people frozen in place at the time of their demise. See the plaster casts of the people of Pompeii and skeletons remaining in Herculaneum, along with the mighty volcano that set off this catastrophic chain of events on a Day Trip to Pompeii Ruins & Mt. Vesuvius from Naples in Naples, Italy.

3. Spend a Day in Rome

Rome is roughly an hour’s bus ride or 2-hour car ride from Naples, making it an unexpected but excellent day trip idea if you want to see more of Italy during your visit! Book private transportation, like this Naples to Rome with Stop at Herculaneum, to get there easily and spend a day sightseeing, eating, enjoying wine, and visiting bucket list destinations. With the Rome in a Day Group Tour, you can visit the Vatican Museums, Saint Peter's Basilica, the Roman Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon with enough time for a Roman meal before heading back to Naples.

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There are a variety of ways you can trim your expenses down and save money without sacrificing fun on your Naples trip! It’s possible to visit Naples on a budget with a little preparation and research. These are the most useful tips to save money on your trip.

Go during the off-season: March through June is the best time to visit Naples, but November through February is much more affordable and features smaller crowds. The weather is cooler, but not cold, and you may be able to see holiday lights and decor in November and December.
Use your AAA membership to save. AAA members get vehicle discounts along with deals on tickets and hotels. You’ll be able to save up to 50% on admission to popular attractions just by being a member!
Choose street food and trattorias. Food stalls and trattorias, or simple Italian restaurants, offer the most affordable meal options when you want to dine out. Be sure to try Neapolitan classics, like pizza fritta (fried pizza bites) and Cuoppo Napoletano, a cone filled with light and crispy fried zucchini, eggplant and prawns!
Walk or use public transportation. Naples is a very walkable city, and strolling is always free! The metro and buses offer low-cost ways to get around if your feet get tired, and both options will save you the cost of parking.
Venture beyond the tourist areas. Some of Naples’ most affordable food, produce, and shopping is just beyond the main tourist streets, so seek out traditional markets and small, locally-owned shops to get what you need at a lower price.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Naples trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.