The 26 best things to do in Naples for 2025

What is it? The Archaeological Museum houses Naples’s most significant collection of Roman remains and displays much of the loot uncovered during the Pompeii and Herculaneum digs.  

Why go? It may hold a treasure trove of ancient artefacts and statues, which when taken together, laid the foundations for the western canon of art as we know it today, but it’s the erotic art from Pompeii hidden in a tucked-away room that’s the real draw here.

🤫 Insider tip: Book tickets online to ensure immediate entry and avoid longer lines at the box office. The museum is closed every Tuesday, and entry is free on the first Sunday of each month (but expect massive crowds even in the earliest hours).

Address: Piazza Museo 19, 80135 Naples, Italy

What is it? Over in the west of the city, a spacious piazza is home to the almost brutalist-looking façade of a church called Gesù Nuovo. Take some time out and explore its ridiculously opulent interiors.

Why go? Learn more about Dr Giuseppe Moscati, who dedicated his career in the early 19th century to healing the poor. Thanks to a miracle or two, he was made a saint in 1987.

🤫 Insider tip: Look closely for Saint Giuseppe Moscati’s chapel inside the main church, where his tomb and preserved quarters rest with his original personal belongings and medical instruments on display. 

Address: Piazza del Gesù Nuovo 2, 80134 Naples, Italy

What is it? Well, only the best pizza in the entire world, according to our 2025 global pizza ranking. 

Why go? Unsurprisingly, there’s plenty of pizza in Naples (and a lot of it is insanely good). But if you want to try a simple but perfect pizza pie, we suggest starting with the small but mighty Pizzeria da Attilio, a third-generation pizzeria that’s been around since 1938. Order the margherita with San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte, parmesan and basil, and be prepared to sound something like that lady from Eat Pray Love when she took her own first bite. After that, you should try five more. Click ‘read more’ for our best pizzerias in the city. 

What is it? A meeting point for the young and thirsty of Naples, this bar-lined square bubbles over with students, locals and tourists come aperitivo time (and beyond). There are some ancient ruins left casually unprotected – and often covered in rubbish – at the square’s centre.

Why go? The walls at Intra Moenia are covered with rows upon rows of vintage postcards and curios. Buy one to send home, then claim a table outside to sit back and tipple as the crowds gather.

🤫 Insider tip: Don’t fall for an overpriced spritz at any bar. On the piazza’s edge, morning coffee shop Caffè dell'Epoca transforms into an afternoon cocktail bar called Peppe & Giulio Spritz. Head over for the €4 spritzes and take part in of one of the most electric crowds in Naples. 

Address: Piazza Bellini, 80138 Naples, Italy​ 

What is it? What once was an old parking lot with a discoloured mural dating back to the 1990s in Naples’s historic neighbourhood, the Quartieri Spagnoli has transformed into a cultural symbol and restored mural that celebrates the city’s deep bond between the legendary Argentine footballer, Diego Armando Maradona, and the city of Naples, where Maradona played with Napoli Calcio in the 1980s, leading the team to win two historic championships. 

Why go? Venture to the top of Via Emanuele de Deo and experience the energetic scene of Diego fan pilgrimage of visitors from all over the world. Snap a picture in front of the mural, venture into the small square selling Maradona merchandise, and grab a €2 spritz at one of the bustling corner bars blaring Neomelodic music. 

Address: Via Emanuele de Deo 60, 80134 Naples, Italy

What is it? Escape the city noise and climb up to the Capodimonte district where you’ll find the Capodimonte Museum. Surrounded by a luscious green park, this Bourbon palace was initially built for King Charles of Bourbon in the 18th century. Over time, it has become a central hub for art and culture, where you can enjoy one of the most exclusive art collections in Europe. 

Why go? This museum is a two–for–one since not every museum is housed in a royal palace. It offers a glimpse of life in Naples during the Bourbon era with masterpieces from renowned artists like Caravaggio and Titian. The hilltop location offers sweeping views of the entire city and the Bay of Naples.

Address: Via Miano 2, 80131 Naples, Italy

What is it? You know about Pompeii already, of course, but it is genuinely overwhelming in real life. The town’s perfectly preserved streets remain eerie despite rivalling the footfall of Oxford Circus on a Saturday.

Why go? Always nice to be reminded that humans are ultimately at the mercy of Mother Nature. Few things say carpe diem like the plaster cast of a corpse of a Pompeiian who’d been looting a jewellery shop. The more things change...

Address: Piazza Esedra 1, 80045 Pompeii, Italy

What is it? At the less-heralded end of Via Tribunali in the Forcella district, you’ll find the dinky chapel of Pio Monte della Misericordia, home to one of the only Caravaggio paintings still left in situ. 

Why go? Compete with your travelling partner to spot the ‘seven acts of mercy’ depicted in Caravaggio’s most famous Neapolitan work. Or work together; the world has enough competitive anger, after all.

Address: Via dei Tribunali 253, 80139 Naples, Italy

What is it? In good Neapolitan fashion, each morning should start with something sweet, so indulge in the city’s most iconic and notable pastry treat: sfogliatella. For nearly 100 years, Sfogliatelle Attanasio bakery has been the ultimate spot to eat these flaky pastries with rich, creamy filling. 

Why go? A few steps away from the Garibaldi train station, Sfogliatelle Attanasio is conveniently located. Noted for freshness and quality, the bakery turns fresh sfogliatella out of the oven and into the hands of customers every ten minutes. Expect one hot with intoxicating aromas of orange zest. 

Address: Vico Ferrovia 1/2/3/4, 80142 Naples, Italy

What is it? Beneath the heat and bustle of Naples’s streets is an old quarry that became a burial site in the 17th century when a plague wiped out 250,000 of the city’s residents. Though the Fontanelle cemetery’s piles of bones are undeniably unnerving, the local tradition of caring for a lost soul’s skull lends the place a very spiritual feel. 

Why go? Watch for the odd Italian nonna on her way to tend to her designated skeleton in the hope of releasing its soul to heaven in return for a wish.

Address: Via Fontanelle 80, 80136 Naples, Italy