Naples, Italy: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Explore Naples

What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Learn more
Naples
Naples
Hotels
All Naples HotelsNaples Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in NaplesBy Hotel Type
By Hotel Class
By Hotel Brand
Popular Amenities
Popular Neighborhoods
Popular Naples Categories
Near Landmarks
Near Train Stations
Near Airports
Near Colleges
Popular Hotel Categories
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental CarsTripadvisor PlusMore

Plan Your Trip to Naples: Best of Naples Tourism

About Naples
As Southern Italy's largest city, Naples isn't quite as postcard-perfect as its more photogenic neighbors—it's got more of a bustling, lived-in sensibility. But there's no shortage of beauty. It's the kind of place where ancient sculptures, lush courtyards, and unexpected ocean views pop up alongside parking lots and apartment buildings. And that's exactly why visitors love it (that and the wood-fired pizza—it's pretty much the best in the world). Naples’ historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so definitely start your visit there. Then, take in the Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno, a 16th-century Baroque masterpiece, and the Duomo, a Roman Catholic cathedral. Check out artifacts from Pompeii at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli or revel in Rococo art at Museo Cappella Sansevero. End the day as locals do, taking a relaxed stroll as the sun sets over the Bay of Naples. There is so much more to see—and we've got recs below.

Essential Naples

How to do Naples in 1 day

From churches to skyscrapers to—yes—pizza
Read on

A food tour of Naples

Naples may have had a gritty reputation in the past, but Italy's street food capital is experiencing a cultural (and culinary) Renaissance. Come with an empty stomach and plan to eat and drink your way through its historic cafes with views of Mt. Vesuvius and neon-lit street food stands before sitting down for a gourmet meal and craft cocktails in a secret speakeasy.
Livia H, Rome, Italy
  • Gran Caffe Gambrinus
    12,182
    Coffee in Naples hits differently. Locals tell me it's the water, or it may be a unique toasted blend of beans. Start on a high note with a cappuccino at Gran Caffe Gambrinus, located right in Piazza del Plebiscito, the city's main piazza. This elegant coffeehouse dates back to the 1860s and features marble floors and hanging chandeliers. Pay at the cashier and bring your receipt to the bar. Italians enjoy their coffee standing up, so you should, too.
  • La Sfogliatella Mary
    1,962
    One of the city's most famous pastries is the "sfogliatella" which comes baked in two versions: "riccia" (curly or crunchy) or "frolla" (soft and round). No matter which kind you choose, tasting a sfogliatella is a rite of passage in the city. Try one at La Sfogliatella Mary, a takeaway pastry kiosk in the 19th-century Galleria Umberto I, a beautiful "mall" with vaulted ceilings. Be prepared to wait in line because it's a popular spot.
  • Mennella Il Gelato
    1,313
    Gelato is everywhere in Naples, and the best spot for a cone is Mennella, which has several shops around the city. This artisanal gelateria dates back to 1969 and serves creamy ice cream with all-natural ingredients. There are no fillers or artificial colors or flavors, so you can feel good about indulging. The nut flavors are a highlight: try pistachio and cremino al sale, a peanut flavor with salted hazelnut chocolate ribbons.
  • Di Matteo
    8,099
    You have to try "fritti" when you're in Naples. Street food is everywhere in the city, and these fried treats are the perfect way to whet your appetite between meals. Di Matteo is an institution with a pizzeria upstairs and a small window that serves freshly fried crocchè (potato croquettes), arancini (rice balls), and frittatine (fried pasta with creamy bechamel sauce) downstairs. Order one of each and enjoy them street-side with a cold Peroni beer in hand.
  • Palazzo Petrucci Pizzeria
    1,176
    There are hundreds of pizzerias, and this is one of the best. Located in a pretty piazza in the historic center, this upscale pizzeria has an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy dining al fresco (many pizzerias in Naples don't have outdoor space, so this is a plus). This is the sibling of the seaside, Michelin-starred restaurant Palazzo Petrucci and offers the slightest gourmet spin on Neapolitan pizza. You can't go wrong with the simple Margherita.
  • Sea Front Pasta Bar
    630
    Naples doesn't just make incredible pizza — it also excels at pasta. Owned by Pastificio di Martino, one of the region's best pasta factories, this upscale, modern restaurant serves tantalizing pasta dishes using all sorts of shapes. From linguine with clams and paccheri with rabbit and mushrooms to seemingly simple spaghetti with the juiciest tomato sauce, Sea Front Pasta Bar will show you how creative you can be with high-quality pasta noodles.
  • Isabella De Cham
    641
    One of the few women making pizza in Naples, Isabella De Cham is famous for her signature pizza fritta: deep-fried pizzas stuffed with ricotta and fatty pork bits. Fried pizza has a long tradition in the city because it is fast, affordable, and delicious. Isabella serves classic flavors and creative options like polpo with octopus, sauteed escarole, and stilton cheese.
  • L'Antiquario
    221
    One of the trendiest cocktail bars in Naples, L'Antiquario is located in the hip Chiaia district along the city's seafront. Its speakeasy vibe, curated décor, and excellent cocktails have earned it a position on Italy's list of fifty best bars. It's one of the few places open daily until late, and is very popular with locals, so book in advance to guarantee a spot. Try a Volcano Daisy, a cocktail homage to Vesuvius with apricots, Strega liquor, maraschino, and lemon.
  • Palazzo Petrucci Ristorante
    1,598
    The perfect place for a romantic dinner, Palazzo Petrucci has a Michelin-starred restaurant menu that showcases the best of Campania's fresh seafood. Book a table outside to admire the view of Palazzo Donn'Anna, a 17th-century seaside palace, Mount Vesuvius, and the island of Capri in the distance. The "crudo" tasting menu includes creative seafood dishes like herb gratin monkfish with glazed eggplant or risotto with shrimp, saffron, and blueberries.

Browse collections

Can’t-miss day trips

Towns and neighborhoods to add to your itinerary

A taste of Naples

Famous local flavors and once-in-a-lifetime meals

Underground marvels

Find a storied history below the city

Soak in the sights

Breathtaking views and inspiring vantage points

When in Naples

Tours that let you hang with the locals
Frequently Asked Questions about Naples





If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Naples between September and November, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between March and May.

© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.