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The 16 Best Things to Do in Naples in 2025
Updated: 2025-07-01Things to Do in Naples in 2025 offer an unforgettable mix of ancient history and vibrant city life. Imagine exploring the Herculaneum and Pompeii ruins, strolling through culturally vibrant towns, and taking in breathtaking views of the coast. For a truly enriching experience, discovering the right places to go and sights to see makes all the difference.
Table of Contents
- 1. Things to do in Naples - best activities in Naples
- 1.1 Pompeii
- 1.2 Naples National Archaeological Museum
- 1.3 Piazza Bellini
- 1.4 Gesù Nuovo
- 1.5 Pio Monte della Misericordia
- 1.6 Fontanelle Cemetery
- 1.7 Teatro di San Carlo
- 1.8 Mount Vesuvius
- 1.9 Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea)
- 1.10 Royal Palace of Naples
- 1.11 Castel dell’Ovo
- 1.12 Museo Cappella Sansevero
- 1.13 Amalfi Coast (as a nearby attraction)
- 1.14 Herculaneum
- 1.15 San Carlo Theatre
- 2. Naples itinerary- What to see in Naples, Italy
- 3. Naples travel tips- Naples sightseeing
- 4. Conclusion
This Naples travel guide combines must-see highlights and off-the-beaten-path secrets. Use it to confidently plan your Naples itinerary and make the most of your time in this thrilling city.
Things to do in Naples - best activities in Naples
Pompeii
Pompeii is a globally renowned archaeological park that provides a vivid look into Roman life, preserved under volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius' eruption in 79 AD. Explore bathhouses, fresco-covered villas, amphitheaters, and bakeries that tell stories of everyday Roman citizens. Be sure to explore the best-preserved ancient ruins of Pompeii for a deeper understanding of life before the eruption.
Naples National Archaeological Museum
Home to the world’s most significant collection of Roman antiquities, this museum features artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other excavations. Marvel at the Farnese Collection, mosaics, and bronze sculptures.
The Naples National Archaeological Museum attracted a record 673,000 visitors in 2019, and even after recent drops, it still drew 553,000 in 2023.
Source: Apnews.com
Piazza Bellini
A trendy square in the heart of Naples, Piazza Bellini is where Roman history meets modern nightlife. Beneath the pavement lie preserved sections of the ancient Greek city walls, visible from the square itself. Enjoy live music, aperitivo culture, and late-night hangouts at surrounding bars.
Gesù Nuovo
Located in the heart of Naples’ Centro Storico, Gesù Nuovo is famous for its diamond-patterned volcanic stone facade and opulent Baroque interiors.
- Elaborate frescoes by Giovanni Lanfranco
- The Chapel of St. Giuseppe Moscati, the doctor-saint of Naples
Pio Monte della Misericordia
This chapel and charitable institution houses Caravaggio’s iconic painting, The Seven Works of Mercy. The art is deeply connected to the building’s mission of compassion. It’s one of the few places where spirituality and high art are so intimately intertwined.
Fontanelle Cemetery
There are hundreds of Neapolitans buried in Fontanelle Cemetery, a magnificent ossuary in a tranquil tufa cave. It’s deeply tied to the heartfelt tradition of the ‘anime pezzantelle,’ reflecting a unique local reverence for the souls of the anonymous dead.
I found this site especially moving, not only for its eerie atmosphere but for the way it reveals Naples’ unique blend of faith, superstition, and respect for the dead. Go with a local guide if you can; the stories tied to this place are as memorable as the visuals.
Teatro di San Carlo
The Teatro di San Carlo, a historic icon of Neapolitan culture, opened its doors in 1737 and is the oldest opera house still in operation in Europe. Its grand design and acoustics continue to attract major productions and audiences. The theater reflects the city's long-standing dedication to music and performing arts.
Mount Vesuvius
Climb to the crater of one of the world’s most famous volcanoes. The hike rewards visitors with stunning views over the Bay of Naples and geological insights into the forces that shaped this region.
For a full day of discovery, consider a guided day trip from Rome to Pompeii, where Mount Vesuvius' majestic presence shapes the landscape and enriches the cultural memory of the entire region.
Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea)
Under Naples, this system of aqueducts, tunnels, and air-raid shelters demonstrates more than two millennia of urbanization and engineering. Ancient Greek foundations, Roman reservoirs, and WWII history are all highlighted during tours. The underground city enhances the underground of Naples and its layered construction.
Royal Palace of Naples
Situated on Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace showcases Baroque and neoclassical interiors, historic artwork, and opulent royal chambers. Court theatre, grand staircase, and royal apartments.Ideal for architecture fans, European monarchy enthusiasts
Castel dell’Ovo
The oldest and most charming castle in Naples, Castel dell'Ovo, is perched gracefully on the glittering beachfront and has a rich Roman and Norman past.. Local legend adds a touch of mystery, claiming the city's destiny is safeguarded by a magical egg hidden within its ancient walls. It offers expansive views of the Gulf and is linked to Naples’ maritime defense.
Museo Cappella Sansevero
This small chapel is home to Giuseppe Sanmartino’s “Veiled Christ,” one of the most delicate and lifelike marble sculptures in Europe. The chapel’s anatomical studies and symbolism make it a highlight of Naples’ baroque artistry.
Amalfi Coast (as a nearby attraction)
Just 90 minutes from Naples, the Amalfi Coast offers dramatic cliffs, coastal roads, and picturesque villages like Positano and Ravello. It's an ideal extension for those combining urban exploration with seaside relaxation and UNESCO-listed beauty.
Herculaneum
Smaller and more compact than Pompeii, Herculaneum was also buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD but remarkably preserved with intricate details that bring ancient life vividly to view. Visitors can explore intact wooden structures, frescoes, and upper-floor remains rarely found in other ancient Roman cities. If you're looking to complement your trip to Pompeii, visiting both ancient excavation sites in a single tour can offer a deeper historical contrast.
San Carlo Theatre
San Carlo Theatre is an icon of Naples’ artistic prestige and the oldest functioning opera house in Europe. Known for its neoclassical façade and ornate interior, it continues to host international ballet and opera. Beyond performances, guided tours reveal its royal boxes, stage machinery, and musical legacy.
Naples itinerary- What to see in Naples, Italy
|
Destination |
Describe |
|
Spaccanapoli |
Explore the core of Naples’ UNESCO-listed Centro Storico |
|
Napoli Sotterranea Tour |
Guided tour of ancient underground tunnels and aqueducts |
|
National Archaeological Museum |
Find treasures from Roman antiquity and the Pompeii ruins. |
|
Piazza del Plebiscito |
See the San Francesco di Paola church and the Royal Palace. |
|
Piazza Bellini |
Lively nightlife meets ancient ruins |
Naples travel tips- Naples sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit Naples: April to June and September to October offer ideal weather and fewer tourists.
- Getting Around: Use Metro Line 1 and funiculars to reach major sites. Walking is ideal in the historic center.
- Buy in Advance: Book tickets for Pompeii, Veiled Christ, and Teatro di San Carlo ahead of time.
- Safety Tip: Stick to busy, well-lit streets in the evening. Watch your belongings in crowded areas.
- Save with Naples Pass: Get discounts on public transit and museums.
- Enjoy Nightlife: Don’t miss Piazza Bellini and the Chiaia district for bars and live music.
Conclusion
Naples in 2025 is a city of contrasts ancient ruins beside lively piazzas, solemn churches near buzzing pizzerias. With so much to explore, having a well-rounded itinerary will help you discover both the famous landmarks and hidden gems.
Dream Tourism is available to assist you with your travel arrangements. Naples awaits you to stroll its streets, eat its pizza, and experience its thrill.
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