The 30 best things to do in Naples Italy – Everything you need to know

What’s in this article

When people mention Italy, the first cities that spring to mind are Venice, Rome, Florence, and Milan, all of which are beautiful. But Naples is different.

Naples is a city of contrasts. It combines the urban and the rural, the ancient and the modern, the cultural and the commercial.

Naples is a wonderful city where art and history coexist with city traffic and people’s screams.

It’s a city with a thousand facets: chaotic, folkloristic, colorful, energetic. I could go on and on with adjectives, but to fully appreciate it, you must be able to observe it, understand it, and avoid being swayed by bias. 

Naples is one of the world’s most fascinating cities, it’s rich in monuments, history, and culture.

It’s also one of the oldest cities in the world.

Its historic center is Europe’s largest, and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

When you consider that you can eat really well while spending less than the national average, this city becomes the ideal destination to include on your itinerary if you’re a foodie like me and are willing to discover the best pizzerias.

But of course, pizza is not the only thing you can eat in Naples, nor the only attraction Naples has to offer.

If you’re stuck for ideas on what to do in this incredible city, I’ve got you covered.  

There are so many tourist attractions in Naples, and here I’ll break them down for you.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Naples, read on!

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Things to do in Naples: The main attractions

Naples, as previously stated, is a city rich with sights to see. It’s an extremely large city, and you could spend weeks exploring all the nooks and crannies of this fantastic place. 

There are hundreds of historical sites, museums, galleries, gardens, and churches that offer a huge variety of activities for you to enjoy.

To get a sense of this incredible and colorful city, you should know that Naples is made up of an infinite network of streets and alleys that connect the city’s many neighborhoods (quartieri). The neighborhoods are sections of the city, and each has its own personality that will not fail to surprise you. 

Here, I’ll be focusing on some of the major tourist attractions in Naples, beginning with the historical center and the many amazing sights that you can’t afford to miss during your stay here.

Alley in Naples’ historical center

The Historic Center (Centro Storico)

Naples’ historic center is the largest in Europe and the city’s most touristy, authentic, and historically rich area. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. 

It’s unquestionably the best place to begin exploring the city, maybe with a guided tour, or even a free tour!

Sample the city’s best pizzerias on Via Dei Tribunali

The historic center is a maze of colorful and bustling streets steeped in history and tradition.

Here are some of the most famous and popular streets in the city, such as Via dei Tribunali, which is one of the busiest streets in the old town.

It’s a street lined with churches and monuments from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.

Here you will find the entrance to “Napoli Sotterranea” (Naples underground) as well as several stores selling local handicrafts, fryers, and the city’s oldest pizzerias.

As a matter of fact, people looking for authentic Neapolitan pizza should come here.

Stop Into The Duomo di Napoli (Naples Cathedral)

Walking along Via dei Tribunali, you will come to Via Duomo, where you will see the cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, a 13th-century cathedral that is the Duomo of Naples. 

The cathedral’s interior is a mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles. 

Here you’ll find the Basilica of Santa Restituta, the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte, the Chapel, and the Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro, which preserves the blood of Naples’ patron saint.

Did you know that September 19, the day we commemorate San Gennaro, Naples’ patron saint, is a significant date for Neapolitans? 

Three times a year, a vial containing what is supposed to be the dried blood of St. Gennaro is displayed in the city’s cathedral, where people gather to pray and witness it liquefy.

The event is referred to as the “Miracle of San Gennaro.”

While it is still considered a bad omen, it is regarded as less serious on the other two occasions (December 16th and the Saturday before the first Sunday in May).

However, if the blood doesn’t liquefy on the saint’s feast day, September 19th, people get more concerned since it is a bad omen for the city.

Entrance to the Cathedral of Naples is free and available at the following times:

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily

If you’re willing to visit the museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro, you’ll find updated information here.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Duomo di San Gennaro

Visit Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground)

Continuing on Via dei Tribunali and a few steps from San Gregorio Armeno, you’ll find the entrance to Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground). It’s in Piazza San Gaetano, n.68.

A local expert guide will accompany you on the underground journey, rich in history and linked to the rediscovery of a rare and unique heritage. 

You’ll walk among the ruins of the ancient Greek-Roman aqueduct, pass through World War II air-raid shelters, and see the War Museum and the Greek-Roman Theater. 

The guided tour lasts about two hours, and I recommend that you arrive early because the line is often very long. Reservations are not required for groups of less than ten people.

The cost of the ticket is ten euros per person. 

The hours of entry are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Excursions leave every hour with an Italian guide and every two hours with an English guide. More info here.

Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground)

Grab A Souvenir On Via San Gregorio Armeno, The Street Of Cribs In Napoli

Via San Gregorio Armeno is a well-known street known as “Via dei Presepi” (street of the cribs). 

This street is the heart of Neapolitan crib art, which is displayed and sold all year. 

The best way to explore this area is to get lost in the colorful streets, discover the local shops, and be immersed in the unique atmosphere. 

Avoid visiting Via San Gregorio Armeno during peak tourist hours, as it can become overcrowded.

Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, Italy, also known as the street of the cribs.

Visit the Ospedale delle Bambole (The Dolls Hospital)

One of Naples’ most unique attractions, Ospedale delle Bambole (Hospital of the Dolls), is located just a short distance from Via San Gregorio Armeno (the Crib Street). 

It’s on Via San Biagio dei Librai, also known as “Spaccanapoli,” the street that perfectly cuts Naples in two from north to south. 

Since 1800, it has been caring for children’s dolls and toys from all over Naples and Italy, carrying on a unique craft tradition. 

Aside from the workshop, you can also visit the small museum dedicated to a narrated multimedia experience that will introduce you to this fantastic world.

Visit the Cappella San Severo and The Cristo Velato

The Chapel of San Severo, located in the heart of Naples, just a few steps from Via Dei Tribunali, is one of Italy’s internationally recognized jewels of artistic heritage.

What makes this chapel famous is the wonderful masterpiece of the “Cristo Velato” (Veiled Christ), a sculpture made in 1753 by Giuseppe Sanmartino.

The work that depicts Jesus Christ, covered by a transparent marble shroud, is carved from a single block of stone, without the help of any alchemy, as it was once thought.

It’s regarded as one of the world’s greatest sculptural masterpieces, both for its beauty and for the artist’s use of marble to achieve the veil effect.

To visit the San Severo Chapel, you need to make a reservation well in advance. 

Here’s a link to all of the information.

Cappella San Severo

Stroll down Spaccanapoli in Old Town

As previously mentioned, Spaccanapoli is a long street in Naples’ historic center that cuts the city in half.

It’s the heartbeat of the city, some of the city’s most important churches and chapels can be found along and around the street.

The Monastery and Church of Santa Chiara, the Church of Gesù Nuovo, and the complex of San Domenico Maggiore are all located here.

A Spaccanapoli tour is a journey through the city’s thousand-year history and is certainly one of the best things to do in Naples.

Along with the old buildings and churches, you will find tales and the unique scents of Neapolitan food. 

There is no other location in the city that will give you a better understanding of the soul of Naples.

Spaccanapoli is the essence of Naples.

Admire intricate designs at the Chiostro di Santa Chiara (Santa Chiara’s Monastery) 

One of the things to do in Naples, Italy, for history buffs and art lovers, is visit the Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara, also known as “The Chiostro di Santa Chiara.” 

The Complex is located in the city’s chaotic center, but away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Here you will find an atmosphere of peace and calm. 

The complex was built in 1310 at the request of King Robert of Anjou and his wife, Sancha of Majorca. It also includes a church with a simple facade and an ancient pierced rose window.

The enchanting garden’s avenues are lined with blossoming orange trees and pillars covered in brightly colored majolica tiles.

The majolica pillars are linked together by seats depicting scenes from daily life of the time. The walls of the cloister’s four sides are completely covered in 17th-century frescoes.

Chiostro di Santa Chiara

Stop Into The Chiesa Del Gesù Nuovo

The Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo is one of Naples’ most scenic and elegant churches, built at the end of the 1500s. It is located in the Piazza del Gesù, directly across from the Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara.

The church is one of the things to do in Naples because of its unique facade made of diamond-shaped ashlar. 

In addition to the church, which I recommend you visit, there are also beautiful noble palaces in Piazza del Gesù, such as Palazzo Pignatelli di Monteleone, which was built in the sixteenth century, and Palazzo Pandola. 

At the center of the square stands the 30-meter-high Immaculate Conception obelisk.

Stroll Along Via Toledo & Visit Toledo Metro Station

A walk through Via Toledo is another stop that should be added to your list of the best things to do in Naples.

It’s a famous street in Naples with shops, restaurants, and cafes on both sides. 

Along with Corso Umberto, it’s ideal for those looking to do some shopping. 

Do not miss a visit to the Toledo metro station, which has been dubbed “the most beautiful station in Europe” by the Daily Telegraph. 

It was built in 2012 and designed by Spanish architect Oscar Tusquets.

You’ll feel as if you’re in an underwater world thanks to Robert Wilson’s work “Relative Light,” and you’ll be amazed by the extraordinary play of light in the color range of blues. 

To be honest, I believe that entering any of the Naples metro stations, also known as the Art Metro, is like entering a real museum of contemporary art.

At each station, you’ll find the work of a contemporary artist, and you can admire them with a metro ticket, only €1.10.

Can you believe it?

Toledo Metro Station

Stroll Through The Spanish Quarters (Quartieri Spagnoli)

The neighborhood around Via San Gregorio Armeno has long been a hub of Neapolitan life, and it’s an ideal place for a leisurely walk.

Here you can find craftsmen working alongside churches, palaces, and museums. (You’ll also spot plenty of antiques shops.)

When you’re done strolling, refuel at one of the many bars & pizzerias lining in this area.

Spanish Quarters in Naples Italy

Shop in style at Galleria Umberto I

The Galleria Umberto I is a shopping mall and leisure complex located in central Naples, Italy.

The Galleria was built by king Umberto I of Italy and was opened to public on May 19, 1889.

It was designed by architect Gaetano Genovese along with engineer Giuseppe Lucchini who were also responsible for designing Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, another early 20th century shopping mall.

Tour The San Carlo Opera House

The San Carlo Opera House in Naples was built in 1737 at the request of King Charles III of Bourbon, and its foundation precedes the Scala theater in Milan by 41 years and the Fenice Theater in Venice by 55 years, making it Europe’s oldest theater and one of the largest in Italy.

Since that time, it has become one of Italy’s most famous and treasured theaters.

Tours are available every day of the week, with guided tours available from 10.30 a.m. to 17.00 p.m.

Stroll Around Piazza del Plebiscito

Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples’ largest square.

It is partially surrounded by a large semicircular colonnade, from which emerges the neoclassical dome of the basilica of San Francesco di Paola, which is located directly across from Naples Royal Palace, which has statues of the monarchs of Naples on its façade.

While you’re in the area, you could chill off at “Caffè Gambrinus,” an Art Nouveau café with sculptures and really elegant paintings.

Piazza Del Plebiscito

Walk Through The Royal Palace Gardens

After the break, you could spend a few hours walking through the Royal Palace of Naples’ gardens and courtyards, which are located near the large Piazza del Plebiscito.

Originally, only royals and their guests were allowed inside its gates, but it’s now open to anyone who wants to wander along tree-lined pathways or enjoy postcard-worthy views of Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples.

Naples Royal Palace Gardens

Visit The Iconic Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)

After seeing the royal palace, walk around the perimeter to the national library and then to the Castel Nuovo, or Maschio Angioino, as it is known locally, which reflects the various rulers of Naples.

It was built in 1279–82 by Charles I of Anjou and expanded by Alfonso I of Aragon, who added a Triumphal Arch between 1453 and 1467 to celebrate his victorious entry into the city.

The hall is now used for events and expositions, but it can still be seen at times.

Also open are the southern courtyard, the Charles V Hall, and the Sala della Loggia.

Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino seen from the Royal Palace Gardens

Unwind on Lungomare Caracciolo

It’s time to unwind on the seafront along Via Partenope and Via Caracciolo, taking in one of the world’s most unique promenades. 

Along the way, you’ll pass by the Fountain of the Giant and shortly arrive at Borgo Marinai, where you’ll see Castel Dell’Ovo.

Naples seaside promenade

Admire Castel Dell’Ovo & Borgo Marinari

Castel Dell’Ovo is the oldest castle in Naples, dating back to the 12th century, is perched atop a small island-turned-peninsula of Megaride and overlooks the Gulf of Naples. 

Today, it is home to the Campania Regional Direction for Cultural Heritage. 

In addition to Castel Dell’Ovo, on the Megaride’s islet, there is also a small marina known as Borgo Marinari, which is very popular with locals during the summer for its sea breeze and drink options.

Borgo Marinari has a plethora of restaurants and bars with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples from their terraces.

The entrance to Castel dell’Ovo is free, but it’s often closed for private events.

Castel dell’Ovo

Explore The district of Chiaia

Chiaia is the city’s most elegant area, not only for its art, historic buildings, and luxury hotels, but also for its clubs, lounge bars with a wide range of aperitifs, and luxury stores. 

It’s bounded by Via Toledo, Piazza del Plebiscito, and the waterfront, also known as the Mergellina area.

Walking through this neighborhood is definitely one of the best things to do in Naples.

While you’re in this area, look for Palazzo Mannajuolo, which is a private Art Nouveau building, and be amazed by its staircase, which is also one of Naples’ most photographed “hidden” views.

Go beneath the surface at the Galleria Borbonica

If you have time, don’t forget to stop by the Bourbon Tunnel in via Domenico Morelli.

It’s an ancient passage with a fascinating history and a one-of-a-kind collection of abandoned cars and motorcycles from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, as well as statues and relics from World War II that have been discovered inside the gallery and can be seen during guided tours.

There are several tours to choose from; I’ve included a link to the official website for more details.

Galleria Borbonica (Bourbon Tunnel)

Posillipo 

Posillipo is a residential neighborhood on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Naples. 

Here, you may discover a different Naples, one of unparalleled natural beauty and relaxation. 

There are various palaces in Posillipo, including Palazzo Donna Anna, as well as very magnificent villas, such as Villa Rosebery, one of the three official residences of the President of the Italian Republic.

Here you can also find the famous Villa Volpicelli, or Villa Palladini, which became well-known among locals and Italians thanks to the Italian television drama, “Un Posto al Sole.” 

I also recommend you go to the Gaiola archaeological park, the Baia di Trentaremi, and the spectacular Roman theater. 

A lovely spot in Posillipo is the nearby Marechiaro, where you can dine in one of the many restaurants.

Vomero 

Vomero is a neighborhood that is as elegant as Chiaia. It’s a residential area located on a hill.  Here you will find beautiful boulevards and shopping streets, a vibrant nightlife, and a breathtaking view of the entire city.

You can also wander down Via Scarlatti and the Parco Floridiana, but a must-see on this hill is Castel Sant’Elmo and the lovely Cartosa Di San Martino.

There are three funiculars to reach the Vomero:

The central funicular, which departs from Piazzetta Augusteo (via Toledo),

The Chiaia funicular, which starts from Piazza Amedeo and the Montesanto funicular.

Castel Sant’Elmo

Castel Sant’Elmo is a medieval castle on the hill of Vomero, overlooking Naples.

It was built by Charles II of Anjou and is easily one of Italy’s most impressive castles.

It’s surrounded by a spacious park and offers both a panoramic view of Napoli as well as picturesque sea views.

In 2017, a railing with braille describing the view was placed on the panoramic terrace of Castel Sant’Elmo. Paolo Puddu created this one-of-a-kind piece titled “Follow the shape.”

Inside the castle, you can see the Museo Napoli Novecento and a small church dedicated to Sant’Erasmo.

To get to Castel Sant’Elmo, continue along Via Toledo until you reach the Montesanto funicular railway, which will take you to the castle. The funicular station is directly behind the well-known Pintauro pastry shop.

Castel Sant’Elmo is located right next to the Certosa di San Martino, making for an ideal afternoon activity.

View from Castel Sant’Elmo

Take In The View From Certosa & Museo di San Martino

The Certosa di San Martino is the only surviving example of a great 18th-century Carthusian monastery in Italy, and is one of Naples’ most imposing sights. 

The church and monastery were founded in 1325 at the request of King Charles of Anjou.

The facade was added 500 years later, around 1590, and the neoclassical cloister dates from 1826.

The church is worth seeing because it houses Neapolitan cultural and artistic masterpieces. 

Not to be missed is the Sala della Carrozza, which houses the famous Carrozza degli Eletti. 

The famous Cuciniello Crib, considered the most important and famous crib in Naples, is also located here. 

It’s said to be made of up to 800 individual pieces of exceptional craftsmanship.

But what makes this place amazing is the breathtaking view: from its terrace, you can see the long street known as Spaccanapoli, the Gulf of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius in the distance. 

It’s best to visit at sunset.

You may take the famous Pedamentina monumental stairway from the San Martino square to go down to the Spanish quarters or into the city center in about 15 minutes.

Visit Rione Sanità & Capodimonte Museum (Museo Di Capodimonte)

Rione Sanità is a popular, folkloristic neighborhood known for being the birthplace of the famous Totò (Italian actor, comedy writer, and poet) and is one of Naples’ most authentic neighborhoods. 

In this district, you can admire the Palazzo dello Spagnuolo, and you can visit the Cimitero delle Fontanelle, the Catacombe di San Gennaro, the Catacombe di San Gaudioso, and the Catacombe di San Severo.

From here, moreover, it’s possible to reach the Museum and Real Bosco di Capodimonte by walking along Corso Amedeo di Savoia.

The Capodimonte Museum is yet another outstanding example of Naples’ artistic legacy.

In 1738, Charles of Bourbon chose to convert his hunting lodge into a Royal Palace Museum in order to house the Farnese Collection, which he had received from his mother. 

Here you’ll find some of Italy’s best art, including works by Michelangelo, Rubens, Titian, El Greco, Velázquez, and Tintoretto, as well as Caravaggio’s “Flagellation of Christ”.

Museo and giardino di Capodimonte

Visit San Gennaro Catacombs

The Catacombs of San Gennaro are definitely one of the things to do in Naples, Italy.

Visiting the Catacombs of San Gennaro is like traveling back in time, where you will encounter gigantic underground basilicas and magnificent murals and mosaics that tell a thousand-year-old story. 

San Gennaro’s catacombs are the largest in southern Italy and are carved into the tuff of the Capodimonte hill.

But don’t expect to find the cramped spaces typical of Roman catacombs. Here you will find yourself in enormous spaces and feel as though you are in a great underground cathedral dug out of the tuff.

San Gennaro’s catacombs entry is near the Basilica del Buon Consiglio in Via Capodimonte 13, often known as “Little San Pietro,” which I recommend you visit, and are open for tours every hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The ticket price is 9 euros. After your visit, don’t throw your ticket away because it is valid for 12 months to visit the San Gaudioso catacombs.

Check out the MANN – Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

The Naples Archeological Museum was founded in 1816 and is currently one of the world’s most important museums due to the high quality and number of exhibits on display.

It contains an immense collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, including material from Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The museum also hosts the Farnese collection, which fills this room with paintings, sculptures, and gems that originally adorned the Farnese family’s palace in Rome.

Finally, you shouldn’t miss the wonderful collection dedicated to ancient Egypt, second only to that of Turin in Italy and the oldest in Europe.

It’s a certain hit for history buffs and an ideal rainy day visit.

Check out this private tour to see if it’s of interest to you!

National Archeological Museum

Things to do in Naples: Suggested 1 day itinerary

If you only have one day in Naples, here is an itinerary I recommend you follow to get a sense of the city and its essence: 

Morning:

Start your day in Spaccanapoli, considered the city’s soul. Here you will find the above-mentioned monuments that are symbols of the city, as well as the San Severo Chapel Museum, which houses the Veiled Christ. Then visit Naples’ Duomo, which houses the Treasure of San Gennaro. 

Lunch:

For lunch, I recommend taking advantage of the excellent Neapolitan street food available throughout the city, my fave is the pizza a portafoglio. Pizza a portafoglio is a conventional pizza folded in a unique way that makes it portable and easy to eat with your hands, and it resembles a wallet. “Portafoglio” is the Italian word for “wallet.”

Afternoon:

Then continue your walk through the historic center, first to Via San Gregorio Armeno, with its nativity scene district, and then to Via Toledo, where you can visit the Toledo Metro Station, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Head to the Quartieri Spagnoli and, if time allows, take an exploration tour. Finally, make your way to Piazza del Plebiscito, going through the Galleria Umberto I, the San Carlo Theatre, and the Royal Palace. 

Evening:

In the evening, take a stroll along the Lungomare (seaside promenade) and dine at one of the restaurants in Borgo dei Marinai, which also houses Castel dell’Ovo.

Things to do in Naples: Where to eat

Among the things to do in Naples, I couldn’t leave out a list of the top places to eat. 

Neapolitan cuisine is rich and flavorful, extending from first and second courses to desserts, various side dishes and fried foods, and, of course, pizza.

The only risk here is being spoiled for choice!

Here are some of my favorite spots to eat whenever I go to Naples.

Where to eat pizza

Pizza is good almost everywhere in Naples, but these are my favorite pizzerias:

Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Antica Pizzeria da Michele

What I like best about Antica Pizzeria da Michele is that it only serves two types of pizza: Margherita and Marinara. The only other option is a margherita with double mozzarella; their motto is “no weird pizzas.” 

The pizza is delicious, and the service is friendly, but there is often a huge line, especially at busy hours. 

However, I can guarantee you that the pizza is well worth the wait. 

The Antica Pizzeria da Michele is located on Via Cesare Sersale 1, a side street off Corso Umberto I.

Starita a Materdei

Pizzeria Starita in Via Materdei is one of Naples’ oldest pizzerias, having been in business since the 1950s. There are many different types of pizzas available here, but I recommend you try the “pizza fritta,” (fried pizza), which is one of the best in Naples. This is definitely one of those spots that you shouldn’t miss.

50kalo

The pizza here is not only delicious but it’s also light and easy to digest, one of the tastiest I’ve ever had!

The location is also fantastic: it’s located in Piazza Sannazaro, close to Mergellina and the Caracciolo promenade, making it ideal for an after-dinner stroll.

Concettina Ai Tre Santi

Another spot I recommend is Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi in Naples’ Sanità area, which is a must-visit if you like pizza. 

Here you can even order a high-quality tasting menu.

However, you might need to queue here as well, and you can’t book in advance.

If you don’t want to queue up, the nearby restaurant, run by the same owner’s father, serves street food such as pizza a portafoglio, pizza fritta, frittatina alla genovese, and many other specialties.

Where to eat in Naples – Other places I recommend:

La Masardona

It’s an incredible place where you can eat very well and, above all, enjoy a great fried pizza, one of the best in Naples, which is light and flavorful.

Trattoria Da Nennella

“Da Nennella” is a restaurant in Quartieri Spagnoli, a true Naples tradition.

The cuisine here offers simple, traditional dishes at reasonable prices.

Their pasta with provola cheese, potatoes, and smoky bacon is delicious.

You can’t book here either, so make sure to get there early unless you want to be stuck in a never-ending queue. 

However, while you wait, you may enjoy a spritz for only 1 euro at Bar Cammarota, which is right next to the restaurant.

Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo

If you like street food, this pizzeria is for you, as it serves a variety of take-away delicacies as well as superb pizzas. It is located on Via dei Tribunali 32, which is home to some of the city’s best pizzerias.

Where to get a traditional dessert

Naples is also spoiled for choice when it comes to desserts. 

If you want the best “babà” in town, go to “Sfogliatelle Mary”, and if you want the best sfogliatelle, either go to Scaturchio, Pintauro, or Attanasio. 

Then you should try Pasticceria Poppella’s “Fiocco di neve” (snowflake). It’s a little dough ball filled with a creamy mixture made of ricotta and whipped cream.

Fiocco di neve (snowflake) Poppella Pastry shop

The main pastry shop is located on Via Arena alla Sanità n.28/29, in the center of the Sanità district.

Another shop can be found at via Santa Brigida n.69/70, near the Maschio Angioino, Galleria Umberto I, and Teatro San Carlo.

Then treat yourself to a tasty “gelato” (ice cream). My favorite is Gelateria Casa Infante on Via Toledo, 258.

Things to do in Naples Italy: Where to stay

The first thing to remember while looking for accommodation in Naples is that the city is best explored on foot, and it’s best to get around the city with public transportation, especially since driving to the city will require you to either pay for parking or look for accommodation with parking facilities. 

If you just have a few days to spend in Naples, the ideal spot to stay is in the historic center. 

You’ll be in the heart of things to see and do, and you’ll find many b&b’s and hotels that are less expensive than in areas closer to the sea.

And you’ll also be able to quickly reach the metro stations at Piazza Dante, Toledo, and Materdei stops. 

If you want to stay in Naples’ historic center, I suggest the “Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel”

or the “Decumani Hotel De Charme.”

If you like to stay in a hotel by the sea with a panoramic view and don’t have a tight budget, I recommend staying in Borgo di Santa Lucia, the city’s most romantic neighborhood, or in the Chiaia district. 

Here you will find the best luxury hotels in Naples, with breathtaking panoramic views.

Grand Hotel Vesuvio facade during Christmas

I recommend three of the most luxurious, all of which are located directly in front of the small island of Megaride, which also houses Castel Dell’Ovo and Borgo dei Marinari: 

Eurostars Excelsior Hotel 

Grand Hotel Vesuvio  

The Royal Continental Hotel 

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In conclusion, Naples isn’t just another Italian city. It’s unique. 

And even if you’re not planning to visit, I hope you still enjoyed reading about what makes this part of Italy so special.

Ciao & safe travels!