Naples walking tour & city guide
The birthplace of pizza, under the shadow of Vesuvius.
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Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, chaotic, passionate and full of life. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its bay is framed by Mount Vesuvius, and it gave the world pizza. Few cities feel as alive on foot.
The historic center
The heart of Naples follows the grid of the ancient Greek city of Neapolis. Spaccanapoli, a long straight street that 'splits Naples' in two, and Via dei Tribunali are packed with churches, workshops, pizzerias and laundry hanging from balconies. Via San Gregorio Armeno is famous for its nativity scene workshops, open all year.
Underneath the streets, guided tours of Napoli Sotterranea explore Greek and Roman tunnels and cisterns. The Cappella Sansevero holds the astonishing Veiled Christ, a marble sculpture so delicate the veil seems transparent.
Royal Naples and the seafront
The vast Piazza del Plebiscito is flanked by the Royal Palace and a church modeled on Rome's Pantheon. Nearby, the elegant Galleria Umberto I and the Teatro di San Carlo, the oldest continuously active opera house in Europe, reflect the city's royal past. The National Archaeological Museum holds treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Along the seafront, Castel dell'Ovo sits on a small island, and the promenade of Via Caracciolo offers views of Vesuvius across the bay. The hilltop Vomero district and Castel Sant'Elmo provide panoramic views over the whole city.
Day trips
Naples is the gateway to Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Roman towns buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD, as well as the islands of Capri and Ischia and the Amalfi Coast. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, and enjoy the city's energy rather than fighting it.
Top sights in Naples
- 1
Spaccanapoli
The lively street that cuts through the old city.
- 2
Cappella Sansevero
Home of the remarkable Veiled Christ sculpture.
- 3
National Archaeological Museum
Treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
- 4
Piazza del Plebiscito
A grand square beside the Royal Palace.
- 5
Napoli Sotterranea
Ancient tunnels and cisterns beneath the city.
- 6
Castel dell'Ovo
A seaside castle with views of Vesuvius.
Food markets & where to eat in Naples
Forcella and Spaccanapoli
The historic center is packed with classic Neapolitan pizzerias.
Via dei Tribunali
A street lined with famous pizzerias and fried street food.
Pignasecca Market
A lively street market with fried snacks and fresh produce.
Chiaia and the seafront
Cafés and restaurants in the elegant seafront district.
Food to try in Naples
Pizza napoletana
Soft, charred crust with tomato and mozzarella.
Sfogliatella
A shell-shaped pastry filled with ricotta.
Pizza fritta
Fried pizza, a classic Neapolitan street food.
Babà al rum
A rum-soaked sponge cake.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Naples
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in NaplesCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Naples.
- eSIM for ItalyStay online from the moment you land.
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