20 Essential Tips for Visiting Naples: Insider Guide to Italy’s Most Authentic City
Naples isn’t just a city—it’s a living, breathing story. We grew up in these alleys, dodged the Vespas, and ordered our espresso with a wink. You’re in the right place to get insider tips and make your vacation to Naples unforgettable. If you want to experience the real Naples, not just the postcard version, follow…
Naples isn’t just a city—it’s a living, breathing story. We grew up in these alleys, dodged the Vespas, and ordered our espresso with a wink. You’re in the right place to get insider tips and make your vacation to Naples unforgettable.
If you want to experience the real Naples, not just the postcard version, follow these tips, and you won’t be disappointed. Here’s our local guide to the 20 essential things you should know before you visit Naples, Italy.
20 Essential things to know before visiting Naples, Italy
Best time to visit Naples
Let’s start with the best time to visit Naples. If you want to avoid the thickest crowds and muggy heat, consider visiting Naples in late spring (April–June) or early autumn (September–October). Promise, the weather will still be nice, and the optimal temperature to stay out exploring all day long.
The city is lively all year round, so even in these periods, which are the shoulder seasons, you’ll have fun. We suggest avoiding Summer. Recently, the city has experienced a growing interest in tourism, with visitor numbers doubling every year.
Prices soar in summer, and winter will be very crowded. Instead, think about how Naples is in winter. Quieter, with the usual charm, and if you’re lucky, with nice weather too. After all, you are in southern Italy. During the festive season (From 20 December to 6 January), the city goes all out with nativity scenes and street markets.
Where to Stay: Best Neighborhoods
Centro Storico (Historic Center): The centre of action and heart of Naples. It is packed and might be more expensive than other areas. However, you’ll be there, and it’s ideal if you have only a short vacation in Naples. Naples Old Town accommodations are ideal for exploring the beautiful churches, getting your dose of pizza, and experiencing authentic vibes. Check options in Naples Historic Centre.
Chiaia: Upscale, elegant, and close to the seafront. If you have a budget, this is the ideal spot. Chiaia is quieter, perfect for families. It offers a wide range of options, including restaurants, cafes, and shopping. Chiaia accommodations here.
Sanita & Spanish Quarter: Lively and authentic, with easy access to Naples Oldtown. Be aware that you’ll get all the folklore of Naples, and it might be noisier and less polished. Stay in Sanita District or the popular Spanish Quarter if you have a low to mid-budget. Check options here.
We always recommend staying central if it’s your first time—walking distance to Spaccanapoli, the Duomo, and the Spanish Quarters makes all the difference.
Get an e-sim for Naples! Read our guide to the best e-sim card to travel to Naples, and stay connected all time.
Essential Sights & Experiences
Historic Center & Spaccanapoli: The centre of every itinerary to Naples. Lose yourself in the UNESCO-listed heart of Naples. In between, there are so many activities that you can count on: The Santa Chiara Cloister, narrow alleys, Maradona murals, San Gregorio Armeno (Nativity Scene Maker alley) and more.
Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea): Descend into ancient Greek and Roman tunnels, which were converted into WWII shelters and now serve as the main attraction for tourists to explore Naples beneath the surface.
San Gregorio Armeno: This narrow street is world-famous for its nativity scene artisans—visit any time of year for quirky statues and a slice of Neapolitan tradition.
Duomo di San Gennaro: The city’s main cathedral, home to the relics of Naples’ patron saint and the site of the famous blood miracle.
Cappella Sansevero: Marvel at the Veiled Christ, a marble sculpture so delicate it looks like real fabric. Book ahead—it’s always busy.
Royal Palace & Piazza del Plebiscito: The city’s grandest square, flanked by the Royal Palace and the San Carlo Opera House. A great spot for people-watching and immersing yourself in local life.
Museums: The Naples National Archaeological Museum is a must for ancient Roman and Greek treasures, especially if you plan to visit Pompeii.
Castel dell’Ovo & Castel Sant’Elmo: For sea views and a taste of Naples’ medieval past.
Food & Coffee Culture
Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and you’ll never taste a better Margherita than here. But don’t stop there—try sfogliatella (a flaky pastry), espresso at a stand-up bar, and pasta with ragù. Street food is a way of life: grab a cuoppo (paper cone) of fried seafood, a slice of pizza a portafoglio (folded to go).
We always say, follow your nose and the locals—if there’s a crowd outside a tiny pizzeria, join it.
Recommended places where to eat in Naples:
- Masardona (Pizza Fritta)
- Il Presidente (Frittatina)
- 50 Kalo or Da Michele (Pizza)
- La Locanda Gesu Vecchio
- La Fesseria Wine Garage
- La chitarra
What to know before travelling to Naples?
How many days to spend in Naples?
We suggest giving it to Naples for at least 3–4 days. The city is rich in history, diverse in cuisine, and full of character. If you plan day trips (Pompeii, Capri, Amalfi Coast), you’ll want even more time. Rushing through means missing what makes Naples unique.
How to get to Naples?
Naples has a well-connected international airport, which is easily accessible from the rest of Europe. EasyJet and Ryanair are the two major low-cost airlines. Flights from the UK depart from London, Leeds, and Manchester (Jet2), as well as from Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, New York, Montreal, Dubai, and other destinations. You can also get to Naples by train from Rome.
There is a high-speed train that takes just 50 minutes to get you to Rome and vice versa, and it costs only 10€. Check the tickets available and prices.
How to get around Naples?
Walk as much as you can—Naples is best explored on foot. We loved our tour of Naples Sanita District and the Spanish Quarter. It was epic, and we struck up a conversation with locals more than we thought.
Naples Metro is efficient and covers most of the historical sites. Tickets for the metro are affordable, and the system is easy to understand. For day trips out of the city, Trenitalia (Italy’s major train company) and Vesuviana (a Train Service passing through Vesuvius towns) are convenient and practical.
Getting from Naples Airport to the city centre
Naples Airport is conveniently just 6 km away from the heart of the city.
There isn’t a train connection yet; Plans are set to open in 2027. The Naples Alibus Airport Shuttle offers frequent bus services throughout the day. For just €5, you can catch the bus outside the arrival area; it stops at the Central Train Station (if you are staying in the Naples centre) and Molo Beverello Port (if you are taking the ferry to the islands).
Alternatively, you can take a taxi (note that Uber is not available in Naples). We also suggest planning your trip and booking a transfer from the airport to your hotel. BOOK YOUR CHEAP TRANSFER FROM NAPLES AIRPORT.
Currency and Money Tips
The euro is king. ATMs are everywhere, but avoid airport exchanges due to poor rates. Carry some cash for small purchases. Cards are widely accepted, but we found some issues with American Express Credit Cards. So, always carry a backup card with you.
For fee-free ATMs, the best bank to use for cards from the UK is Banco di Napoli. It’s usually green and pretty easy to spot.
LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAPLES?
– Naples One day itinerary by locals
– A Guide to Naples Spanish Quarter
Tipping in Naples
There is not a huge tipping culture in Italy, either in Naples. Some restaurants will charge you the “coperto” if you are sitting (indoors or outdoors). That’s their service charge. However, it’s customary to round up the bill to the nearest € or £ 5.
Sometimes, we use what we have, even if it’s just the coins left; this is much appreciated, even if it’s very little. Bars and cafes often have a “mancia” pot, where you can leave whatever you want.
The suspended coffee
As we provide only insider tips for the best holidays in Naples for first-timers, you should know this. The suspended coffee is a generous gesture. You’ll pay (If you ask) two coffees instead of your own. This second coffee is free for someone who can’t afford it.
It is called “Caffe Sospeso” and helps others without putting anyone to shame by simply asking for a donation.
Naples is safe
Naples is much safer than its reputation suggests. The city is very bustling, with traffic and streets always full of life. Apart from this craziness, the tourism sector is booming, making the city safer for newcomers.
As usual, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded places. Stick to well-lit areas at night, use licensed taxis, and trust your instincts. Emergency numbers: 112 (general), 113 (police), 115 (fire), 118 (medical).
The Metro: Art Underground
The Naples Metro is considered some of the best in the world, often referred to as a true museum, and is free to visit. Toledo is one of our favourites, with motifs on the ceiling that remind us of the sea and the bright blue colour.
Ancient Ruins — For Free
Naples’s history lies underneath. Along with the many galleries opening up, some ruins of Greek and Roman settlements are in plain light.
In the centre of Naples, in Piazza Bellini (One of the best places to go in Naples at night), there are Greek ruins. Instead of going away from the centre, you can visit Pozzuoli, one of the best-preserved historical areas with Roman ruins.
On select Sundays, Pompeii and Herculaneum offer free entry—please check the dates in advance.
Don’t rent a car to stay in Naples
If you aren’t skilled, avoid renting a car in Naples. It’s chaotic, just like Southeast Asia was for us. Anyway, if you only explore the centre of Naples, you don’t need a car.
Either the parking spots are very limited, and it’s wild to squeeze in a car without scratching it. If you plan to rent a car, do so only if you intend to explore outside the Naples city centre.
Day Trips: Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius
Naples is the perfect base for exploring ancient sites and the volcano that shaped them. Trains to Pompeii and Herculaneum are frequent and cheap. Additionally, for a hassle-free trip to Naples, there are several excellent tours available. This is our selection of the best tours from Naples.
- Full-Day Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Tour
- Pompeii Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Tour
- Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip with Lunch
Island Hopping from Naples
The glamorous islands of the Gulf of Naples are pretty close. Yes, the ones you have seen in your favourite Instagram inspiration posts.
Ferries to Capri, Ischia, and Procida leave regularly from Molo Beverello and Porta di Massa. Day trips are easy and quite affordable. The islands are distinct from Naples City, with a more laid-back vibe. All three are distinct from each other, with their unique characters: Capri for its glamour, Ischia for its spas, and Procida for its pastel charm.
The Amalfi Coast is next door
Staying in Naples, you can have the best of both: the crazy city and beautiful architecture, with easy access to the Amalfi Coast for day trips.
There are so many ways to get to the Amalfi Coast and the picturesque towns of Positano, Ravello, Sorrento and Vietri. You can take a direct train from the main station in Naples that in 1 hour reaches Salerno.
