Why Naples is worth visiting

Naples is a city of contrasts – intoxicating, buzzing, and filled with unexpected beauty. You’ll find gritty urban art, fascinating history, and some of the best food in Italy. Here’s why Naples is worth visiting.

At the end of the blog I also provide some information on the main concerns people have about a trip to Naples, with my advice, and at the bottom you’ll find resources to help you plan your trip.

What’s in this blog:

Layers of history (literally)

Many of Italy’s cities are heaven on earth for history buffs like me. Naples is no exception. In many ways, it’s one of the best of the bunch.

Easily reached from the city are two of the world’s most evocative archaeological sites – Herculaneum and Pompeii. But within the city, too, are some of the most amazing historical sites I’ve visited in Italy, wedged between Naples’ winding, narrow streets.

Standing proudly over the bay of Naples, for example, is Castel Sant’Elmo, a medieval fortress with some of the best views in the city. Elsewhere you’ll find remnants of ancient Neopolis, casually in the middle of a popular square surrounded by bars; one of the best archaeological museums in the world, packed with findings from Pompeii and Herculaneum; historical churches and cloisters; and a fascinating social history, that is best explored on one of the city’s many excellent walking tours.

And then there’s underground Naples. More than once, the city was described to us as a lasagna. Literal layers upon layers of history. Multiple tours explore the underground city, with plenty to see: ancient cisterns, remnants of a Roman Amphitheatre, WW2 tunnels (it was one of the most bombed cities in the war), and a never-completed escape route for a Spanish king. Simply, there is so much history to discover here.

Pizza (and other food…)

If you’re even thinking about visiting Naples, its food is probably a big part of that. Or, more specifically, the pizza. The home of the margherita and marinara, where you can get mouthwatering pizza for less than 7 euros on just about any street. For this alone, Naples is worth visiting.

In particular, the road Via dei Tribunali is paradise for pizza lovers. Also known as Via della Pizza, many of the city’s most pizzerias can be found here, including several that have been going for generations.

But food in Naples isn’t just about pizza. Dishes you’ve probably already heard of (Neapolitan Ragu, Spaghetti alla puttanesca) and many you probably haven’t (Pasta e Patate and Pizza Fritta – yes, fried pizza) make up the rich, world-beating culinary map of the city. Honestly, the food alone makes Naples a magical city. Here’s my guide to must try dishes in the city, and where to try them. Or, if you prefer a tour, there are a number of popular food-focused tours, such as this popular street food tour.

Intoxicating, beautiful chaos

Naples is relentless. This might not be for everyone. And you might not leave wishing you lived there. But for a few days, it’s simply intoxicating to get swept up in the pace of the city (and few places can rival the people-watching you can do at Naples’ bars…).

In Naples Centro Storico, the streets are narrow and winding. People on Vespas rush past. The streets pulse with life. A writhing, thriving organism.

Exploring these streets is great fun, and it gives it more of a sense of authenticity than many other Italian cities you’re likely to visit (although as more and more tourists discover the city, this may sadly change).

Street art

Italy is an art lovers’ dream. But forget Caravaggio and the renaissance for a moment (though in the famous Museo di Capodimonte, you’ll find plenty of that too…), because in Naples, street art is king.

Across Centro Storico you’ll find plenty of awesome murals by local and international artists (one even by Banksy…). In the nearby Spanish Quarter, it’s all about Maradona, with more murals depicting the great footballer than you can count. A great way to discover Naples’ street art is just to walk around. You’ll find plenty just by exploring. But to learn more about the stories behind the art, and to find many pieces you might not otherwise see, consider taking a street art tour.

Unexpected elegance

But there’s another side to Naples, too. Because Naples is, simply, beautiful. Walk down the narrow, swarming streets of the Spanish Quarter and you might stumble onto Piazza del Plebiscito, a wonderful square flanked by the Royal Palace. Nearby is Galleria Umberto I, an astonishing example of 19th century architecture.

In Centro Storico, hidden down a narrow alleyway is Cappella Sansevero – the home of Naples’ most famous statue, the Veiled Christ, a piece of art so delicate that you can’t quite believe it’s made of stone. Everywhere, elegance and beauty pops out, unexpectedly and wonderfully. From peaceful cloisters to classy Chiaia, the exquisite Caffe Gambrinus and the mishmash architecture and lavish interior of Gesù Nuovo. Naples is a city of contrasts. This only makes its beauty even more beautiful.

The bay of Naples

Naples greatest masterpiece is its iconic bay. Endlessly photogenic, glittering and blue, loomed over by Vesuvius with the islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia visible in the distance. Views of the bay, wherever you find them, are guaranteed to be a knockout. Probably the best is up in Vomero, a classy hilltop neighbourhood with the medieval fortress of Castel Sant’Elmo. Here, the sweeping views across the bay are unmatched.

Down at sea level is the Lungomare, a popular bayside promenade, popular with locals and tourists alike, well worth a stroll.

Maradona, and SSC Napoli

Few football teams are as romantic as Napoli. And few stories as iconic, and well known, as its relationship with Argentinian legend Diego Maradona. Football fan or not, it’s easy to get swept up in it on a visit to the city.

In case you don’t know the story, here’s a summary. For years, Naples was looked down on by the rest of the country. Compared to the wealth of the North, the city was deprived, with few opportunities. Diego Maradona arrived in 1984, joining a club that had never won a major European trophy or Serie A, Italy’s top flight. By 1990, largely thanks to his brilliance, SSC Napoli had won two Serie A titles, and the UEFA Cup. They defeated the giants of Italian football – AC Milan, Juventus – and Naples was revitalised. For many, he was seen as a savior. He gave the city something to be proud of, and something to believe in.

Now, you’ll find Maradona’s face everywhere you go. Street art. Restaurants with memorabilia. Shrines in the wall. The cult of Maradona is something to behold in Naples, and vital to understanding the city.

Lively nightlife

Naples is buzzing at pretty much all times of the day, and with a strong student population, it has a good nightlife. We saw more than a few Italian stag and hen parties roaming the city’s streets after dark.

Spritz is the king here, with many popular spots lining Piazza Bellini in Centro Storico. But there’s a good craft beer scene, too, with OAK one of the best. Read my guide to some of our favourite bars in Naples here.

A gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Vesuvius

The Bay of Naples isn’t just beautiful to look at. Get out on it, and explore. Naples is worth visiting all on its own, but it also opens up some of Italy’s best day trips.

Three gorgeous islands are dotted across the bay, the most famous of course being Capri. Always visible is Vesuvius, and you can easily reach the hulking volcano and national park from the city.

Then, of course, is the Amalfi Coast. Several ferry trips leave from the city, and will take you to the dramatic stretch off coastline with its cascading towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.

Read my guide to Naples’ best day trips, and how to go on them, here.

Some of the main concerns about visiting Naples…

Many people have concerns about visiting Naples. We were the same. And I’ll be honest, even though we utterly adored it, it’s not for everyone. Here I address some of the main concerns about visiting Naples.

Is Naples safe?

Many people planning a trip to Naples’ main worry is around safety. This was definitely ours. We had heard many horror stories, and simply, we didn’t know what to expect. What we generally heard was that tourist areas are safe – as safe as any other big city, anyway. Take precautions you would usually take in a big city, and the chances of something bad happening are no more likely than in other large cities that you wouldn’t think twice about visiting.

We, as two young adults, certainly never felt unsafe at any time. If you’re planning to visit on your own, I can’t vouch for what it’s like as a solo traveller, but as a couple, we never felt unsafe.

If you are concerned, I’d suggest staying in an area like Vomero – which is in easy reach of the Centro Storico, but also one of the safest areas of the city. Read my guide to the neighbourhood here.

The area to avoid, especially around night, is around Napoli Centrale station. There are many hotels around the station, but if you can, I’d suggest opting for elsewhere.

Chaos and grit

As I’ve already outlined, Naples is lively. Chaotic. It’s gritty. In places, it’s dirty. It can be exhausting and intense. For some people, this might be off putting. If you don’t like the hustle and bustle of cities, or prefer immaculate, modern cityscapes, Naples might not be for you.

If you do want to visit and you’re a bit nervous though, I’d recommend taking a walking tour as soon as you arrive. This quickly put us at ease, giving us a sense of the city and allowing us to relax into our visit quickly and easily.

I’d also suggest staying somewhere outside of the hustle and bustle of the city centre, so that you have somewhere a bit quieter to go back to. As above, Vomero is a great option.

It can get very, very busy

Naples isn’t, geographically, a massive city. And we heard multiple times that there simply wasn’t enough space for everyone that lived there. Add to this the ever-increasing number of tourists, and it’s no surprise that sometimes, Naples can feel very, very busy. Especially in the most popular attractions.

So, again, I’d recommend staying somewhere quiet to get back to, away from the hustle and bustle. Equally, try and visit off-season if you can, and if you do go during peak months (such as June through to mid-September), make sure to book ahead at the most popular attractions, such as Cappello Sensevero or if you’re going to Pompeii.

Is Naples worth visiting?

Yes! Absolutely. We visited many towns and cities across Italy, and without a doubt, Naples was our favourite. It’s definitely worth visiting.

How long to spend in Naples?

I’d suggest at least four days in Naples. The city itself warrants at least a day or two exploring, allowing time to do a walking tour, visit a few museums and churches, and stroll along the bay. Then you’ll also want to do at least a couple day trips – such as to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri, or the Amalfi Coast.

Plan your trip to Naples

Getting to Naples: The easiest way to get to Naples is to fly in to Naples airport, which is a short bus ride from the city centre. Find the cheapest flights on Skyscanner. If you’re travelling from elsewhere in Italy, the train station is very central and can be reached from most major Italian cities. Book your ticket on Trainline.

Staying in Naples: As I mentioned earlier, I’d recommend staying somewhere quiet, such as Vomero. I always use booking.com to find options – and would recommend Vomero as an area.

Planning your itinerary: I’ve put together a guide of the top things to do in Naples to help you plan your trip. Find it here.

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