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Naples is an energetic city that is full of life. I’ve visited here twice and have enjoyed it each time. There is no getting away from the fact that Naples is a little rough around the edges, but it certainly has energy and lots of great things to do. Naples is perfect for a city break if:
- You want to visit a vibrant city and don’t mind crowds
- You want a city break that’s a little bit different
- You want some top-class day trips
Things to do on a city break to Naples
Wandering the streets of Naples is fun in itself and you will see lots of Italian stereotypes such as washing hanging, open air markets, locals enjoying their coffee and cars parked very close together.
In terms of sights, these were my favourites:
San Martino Monastery
Certosa e Museo di San Martino is a monastery with lovely views over Naples. It was my favourite Naples attraction both times I’ve visited and is only around 6 euros to enter, which I think is a bargain!
The monastery was built in the 14th century and has been adorned by various artists and architects over the years. There is a small garden outside that is nice to explore, but the views are really the best part.
To get there take the funicular from Montesanto station, which is quite a fun experience in itself!
You can combine your visit with a trip to Castel Sant’Elmo which is just next door to the monastery. It is worth a visit, but personally I didn’t find it particularly interesting. However you’d probably like it if you are really into castles!
Underground Naples
Deep under the historic centre of Naples is a subterranean world, and Underground Naples gives you the chance to explore this. You will go down to around 40 metres under the city and will get a very interesting tour with information about the history of the area.
It’s something a little bit different and I will definitely remember it! Our guide was engaging too and made it enjoyable.
It’s probably worth me saying that I am not super comfortable with confined spaces but I found it ok. In case you are worried like I was, there is a narrow tunnel, but this is optional. There are not any super narrow spaces and you don’t have to crawl at any point, it’s all walkable.
Piazza del Plebiscito
This Piazza is the’ most beautiful square in the city, and it has a lot of historical significance. Here you will find Basilica di San Francesco di Paola. This is considered one of the most important examples of Italian Neoclassical architecture.
Street food
Il Cuoppo is a tiny restaurant serving fried vegetables, mozzarella and fish and is known for being one of Naples’ top street food stops. I tried the fried vegetables and it was delicious! The food is served in little cones and there is a small seating area opposite. You don’t need to sit before your order is ready – the restaurant staff do a good job of managing the turnover of tables.
The Spanish Quarter
The Quartieri Spagnoli of Naples is a vibrant district full of narrow streets and character. Until recently, it was considered a dangerous area due to the historic links to crime and the general dark underworld. However in recent years it has become a tourist hotspot and is no longer considered unsafe.
Here you will find restaurants where you can eat great food with motorbikes riding past! This may not sound particularly appealing, but it is a quintessential experience in Naples!
The Spanish quarter is also notable for many murals of Diego Maradona, who famously played for Naples football club.
Day trips on a Naples city break
Vesuvius and Pompeii
Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano that towers over Naples. In years gone by it’s said that it was a reminder to locals that life is short. I understand that this is one of the things that contributed to Naples’ reputation as a party city. In any case, a visit to Vesuvius is a must for any visit to Naples.
We decided to visit as part of a full day tour of Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. This was a great option as it included transport and a very knowledgeable guide in Pompeii.
We were first taken to Vesuvius via minibus. We were able to trek up to the top in our own time, rather than as a group, which I appreciated. The views were spectacular and it was cool to see the steam coming from the caldera! The hike is fine if you have a reasonable level of fitness but is a little rocky so ensure you wear suitable shoes.
After Vesuvius we went to a pizza restaurant as a group, which was included in the tour. It was nice eating with other people and the food was good. On our trip there were mostly couples and a few solo travellers.
In the afternoon we headed to Pompeii, were we spent around 2 hours. Our tour guide Maria was incredibly knowledgeable and we all had headsets so that we could hear her well whilst exploring. Obviously the history of Pompeii is super interesting and there is so much to learn. I found 2 hours to be a good amount of time here. If you are super enthusiastic about history you might want to spend longer, but for most people I think the tour would be sufficient.
Day trip to Capri
The beautiful island of Capri is only around a 50 minute ferry trip from Naples. I actually did this day trip whilst travelling solo. At the time I wouldn’t have been able to afford to stay in Capri, so I’m glad I had the chance to visit on a day trip.
If you are going to do this trip please book your ferries (both ways) in advance! I say this because I didn’t, and nearly got stuck in Capri. Granted there are worse places to be stuck, but I had an early flight the next day. You can use this link which searches multiple operators – Naples to Capri ferry.
When you arrive to the port in Capri, you can take the funicular to the top. Here you will find pretty streets and lots of designer boutiques. There are also some amazing restaurants with beautiful views. Below is one of my favourite photos from my solo trip, taken from Capri.
Is Naples worth visiting?
If you have got to this point in the guide, you may have noticed the lack of phrases such as ‘lovely’ and ‘pretty’ to describe Naples. Indeed these aren’t words that I would use to describe the city.
However this does not mean that I wouldn’t recommend Naples for a city break, it’s just that it is important that you are aware of what to expect before you book. It is not somewhere I would visit if I wanted a pretty or relaxing break. It is also not somewhere I would go if I wanted a romantic break. If you do want these things please look at my guides to Rome and Sevilla instead.
Those of you who follow the blog will know that I am a foodie. I found the food in Naples to be fine, but it’s not where I would go there if I wanted fine dining. The service did not always feel super friendly. However it was nice for seafood and much more affordable for pasta dishes than in Rome and the Amalfi coast.
In summary, Naples is a vibrant city that can be rough around the edges. If you want a break that’s full of energy, it definitely is worth visiting. If you want romantic or relaxing break, I’d consider somewhere else.
Where to stay for a Naples city break
I’ve stayed in a couple of central hotels in Naples that I would recommend.
Firstly In Centro B&B which really is as central as it gets and is just off the main high street. As is the case with many B&Bs in Italy, this is a small property located within a larger shared building. I found the host Roberta to be very friendly and helpful. The rooms were modern, clean and spacious, and there is also a shared kitchen for guests to use.
For breakfast In Centro will provide a voucher that can be used in a café around the corner. I very much enjoyed sitting in the café and watching the world go by as I had my breakfast here so I’d definitely recommend it.
As you may see the guest ratings for this hotel are ‘exceptional’ and because of this it does get booked up way in advance. Try and book early if you can.
My hotel second recommendation is Le Corte del Re which again is in a very central location. This is a similar set up, with the hotel being located within a larger building but this time more of a historic building, possibly 1930s or 1940s. This rooms here were perfectly clean and comfortable.
Breakfast was also plentiful and was served to your room, and we enjoyed eating ours on the terrace.
When is the best time for a city break to Naples?
I’ve visited in May and September and found these to be ideal. The weather was warm but not too hot to explore, probably the ideal for any city break. I’d recommend avoiding Naples in July and August because I understand that it is very hot.
Last but not least…
If you are feeling hedonistic.. you are in Italy so take yourself for some gelato!
If you want a sense of accomplishment.. check out this excellent guide to How to walk 10000 steps: 4 itineraries in Naples
Reasons to be optimistic.. All over Naples you will find the red cornicelli, which look similar to a chilli pepper. In the city these are a symbol of good luck and prosperity, and are said to provide protection against negative energies. I still have the one I bought on my first trip in 2017, and it often reminds me of the energy and vibrancy of the city!
If you liked this post check out A perfect city break in Rome
Please note our destination guides provide personal recommendations and not professional advice.