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10 Most Notable Tourist Attractions And Things To Do In Naples
Check out the 10 best things to do in Naples, Italy, best tourist attractions to explore and places to visit in Napels that you should never miss.
Naples is one of the largest cities in Italy situated at the backdrop of the Tyrrhenian sea. Though the city doesn't have the same charm and glamour as Sicily, Rome, or Venice, but there is an array of tourist attractions and things to do in Naples which are worth exploring. The major highlight of the city is primary being some of the unique historical sites.
The major reason why you should pick Naples in your itinerary is that Naples is the birthplace of famous Italian fast food “Pizza”. In case you are confused and wondering what to do in Naples and where to start, then check our list of top 10 tourist attractions and things to do in Naples for reference.
A Uniquely designed fortress that was initially built to defend the Naples city and later used as a Royal residence and a Prison. Castle Ovo is the oldest and one of the well-preserved Fortresses in the city. There is a myth related to the castle that there is a magical egg hidden beneath the fortress by Virgil, the famous Roman Poet.
He even said if the egg ever brokes, the city will suffer a huge calamity. The Castle was named after the same myth as “Castel Dell” Ovo” which translates as Egg Castle in English. The place where the castle is standing was the same place where greeks put their settlement in the 7th century BC and later the castle was built in the 12th century by Normans.
Visiting Hours:
Castel Nuovo is one of the major tourist attractions of the city and visiting here is listed among the top things to do in Naples. The Castle was built between 1279 to 1282 by Charles I and later reconstructed and expanded by Alfonso I during his region between 1453 to 1467.
Castel Nuovo is one of those sites in Naples that look even more appealing from a distance. It has a total of 5 majestic towers accompanied by thick stone walls. Don’t forget to visit the Palatine to witness some beautiful frescoes of the medieval era and also explore the ruins of Roman right under the glass floor.
Visiting Hours:
If you really want to experience the true culture and lifestyle of Naples then head towards the famous street of Santa Lucia. Santa Lucia is home to the modern streets of the city which makes it a perfect place for an entire day trip. If you looking for something to eat or takeaway then there are plenty of bakeries, cafes, and shops that you must visit.
Visiting Hours: 24 Hours
Yet another tourist attraction in Naples, The Royal Palace or Palazzo Reale built around 1600 and reconstructed between 1837 to 1841. The Royal Palace is one of the four palaces that served as residences of Bourbon Kings. At the front of the palace are 12 detailed marble statues of kings who ruled over the city.
Talking about the interior of this stunning palace, its rooms are well preserved and still contain their original decorations. A visit to Royal Palace would be incomplete without taking its interior tour.
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location: Piazza del Plebiscito
Have you ever dreamt of exploring a secret underground or passage with numerous details and some hidden secrets? If not then you have the chance to make your wish come true right here in the Catacombs of San Gennaro where you will find unusual tunnels and leads to ancient graves and crypts.
The Catacombs stretch up to levels where the upper level contains some detailed artworks as well as frescos meanwhile the lower level contains more than 3000 graves dating back to the ancient era. Take a guided tour of the Catacombs and take yourself back to the ancient history of Naples.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How To Reach: Via Capodimonte
The Cathedral of Dumo dates back to the 13th century and it is the main religious site for the city’s Christian community. The cathedral went through several restorations over the year, thus you see the architectural design of the Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque eras. Just a the front of the Cathedral is a huge central tower and many stone-made sculptures.
The Cathedral of Duomo is surrounded by several other churches along with Archibishop’s Palace. On your guided tour to this cathedral, you will be able to witness a layer that shows the different civilizations that ruled over the centuries including Roman, Greek, and Byzantine.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Antica Pizzeria Da Michele is serving the public since 1870 and now it has become one of the most renowned restaurants not in Italy but across the world for offering the most delicious Neapolitan-style Pizza. You may have to wait in a long queue for hours in order to grab a table as the dining remains crowded even on normal days.
The restaurant first came into the spotlight after getting featured in the famous Hollywood movie named “Eat Pray Love” starring Julia Roberts. There is seen in the movie where Julia Roberts’ character “Elizabeth Gilbert” is seen eating pizza in Antica Pizzeria Da Michele.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Teatre Di San Carlo or the San Carlo Theatre is one of Europe’s largest theatres and serves as the major opera house of Italy. Being the oldest opera house in the country, San Carlo has been continuously active since it was opened in 1737 by King of Bourbon “Charles”.
Various cultural events, opera shows, and other performances like live concerts and ballet are held within the theatre annually.
Visiting Hours:
If you are tired of exploring historical sites and want to get away from busy city life then consider climbing the majestic Mount Vesuvius. Your list of best things to do in Naples would be incomplete without going for a hike on Mount Vesuvius. The trails in the mountains are quite challenging but enjoyable for professional hikers.
If you are not fond of hiking, then why not consider climbing toward the volcano on a horseback.
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Bay of Naples
A place that should not be missed by both book lovers and travelers is the National Library named Vittiro Emanuele III. Being the third largest library in the country, the national library of Naples is housed in the east wing of the Royal Palace.
The collection of the library includes 19,000 manuscripts, 1.8 million printed volumes, 8,300 periodicals, over 4,500 shelfmarks, and various other notable collections.
Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Location: Naples Royal Palace
Top 10 Things To Do In Naples
1. Castel Ovo
A Uniquely designed fortress that was initially built to defend the Naples city and later used as a Royal residence and a Prison. Castle Ovo is the oldest and one of the well-preserved Fortresses in the city. There is a myth related to the castle that there is a magical egg hidden beneath the fortress by Virgil, the famous Roman Poet.
He even said if the egg ever brokes, the city will suffer a huge calamity. The Castle was named after the same myth as “Castel Dell” Ovo” which translates as Egg Castle in English. The place where the castle is standing was the same place where greeks put their settlement in the 7th century BC and later the castle was built in the 12th century by Normans.
Visiting Hours:
- Monday to Friday - 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Also Read: 5 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions And Places To Visit In Florence | The Jewel of the Renaissance
2. Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo is one of the major tourist attractions of the city and visiting here is listed among the top things to do in Naples. The Castle was built between 1279 to 1282 by Charles I and later reconstructed and expanded by Alfonso I during his region between 1453 to 1467.
Castel Nuovo is one of those sites in Naples that look even more appealing from a distance. It has a total of 5 majestic towers accompanied by thick stone walls. Don’t forget to visit the Palatine to witness some beautiful frescoes of the medieval era and also explore the ruins of Roman right under the glass floor.
Visiting Hours:
- Monday to Saturday - 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
3. Explore The Streets Of Santa Lucia
If you really want to experience the true culture and lifestyle of Naples then head towards the famous street of Santa Lucia. Santa Lucia is home to the modern streets of the city which makes it a perfect place for an entire day trip. If you looking for something to eat or takeaway then there are plenty of bakeries, cafes, and shops that you must visit.
Visiting Hours: 24 Hours
4. Visit The Royal Palace
Yet another tourist attraction in Naples, The Royal Palace or Palazzo Reale built around 1600 and reconstructed between 1837 to 1841. The Royal Palace is one of the four palaces that served as residences of Bourbon Kings. At the front of the palace are 12 detailed marble statues of kings who ruled over the city.
Talking about the interior of this stunning palace, its rooms are well preserved and still contain their original decorations. A visit to Royal Palace would be incomplete without taking its interior tour.
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location: Piazza del Plebiscito
5. Catacombs of San Gennaro
Have you ever dreamt of exploring a secret underground or passage with numerous details and some hidden secrets? If not then you have the chance to make your wish come true right here in the Catacombs of San Gennaro where you will find unusual tunnels and leads to ancient graves and crypts.
The Catacombs stretch up to levels where the upper level contains some detailed artworks as well as frescos meanwhile the lower level contains more than 3000 graves dating back to the ancient era. Take a guided tour of the Catacombs and take yourself back to the ancient history of Naples.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How To Reach: Via Capodimonte
6. Cathedral Of Duomo
The Cathedral of Dumo dates back to the 13th century and it is the main religious site for the city’s Christian community. The cathedral went through several restorations over the year, thus you see the architectural design of the Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque eras. Just a the front of the Cathedral is a huge central tower and many stone-made sculptures.
The Cathedral of Duomo is surrounded by several other churches along with Archibishop’s Palace. On your guided tour to this cathedral, you will be able to witness a layer that shows the different civilizations that ruled over the centuries including Roman, Greek, and Byzantine.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
7. Take A Bite At L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
The Antica Pizzeria Da Michele is serving the public since 1870 and now it has become one of the most renowned restaurants not in Italy but across the world for offering the most delicious Neapolitan-style Pizza. You may have to wait in a long queue for hours in order to grab a table as the dining remains crowded even on normal days.
The restaurant first came into the spotlight after getting featured in the famous Hollywood movie named “Eat Pray Love” starring Julia Roberts. There is seen in the movie where Julia Roberts’ character “Elizabeth Gilbert” is seen eating pizza in Antica Pizzeria Da Michele.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
8. Visit The Teatro di San Carlo
Teatre Di San Carlo or the San Carlo Theatre is one of Europe’s largest theatres and serves as the major opera house of Italy. Being the oldest opera house in the country, San Carlo has been continuously active since it was opened in 1737 by King of Bourbon “Charles”.
Various cultural events, opera shows, and other performances like live concerts and ballet are held within the theatre annually.
Visiting Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM
- Sunday - 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
9. Climb At Mount Vesuvius
If you are tired of exploring historical sites and want to get away from busy city life then consider climbing the majestic Mount Vesuvius. Your list of best things to do in Naples would be incomplete without going for a hike on Mount Vesuvius. The trails in the mountains are quite challenging but enjoyable for professional hikers.
If you are not fond of hiking, then why not consider climbing toward the volcano on a horseback.
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Bay of Naples
10. National Library Of Naples “Vittiro Emanuele III”
A place that should not be missed by both book lovers and travelers is the National Library named Vittiro Emanuele III. Being the third largest library in the country, the national library of Naples is housed in the east wing of the Royal Palace.
The collection of the library includes 19,000 manuscripts, 1.8 million printed volumes, 8,300 periodicals, over 4,500 shelfmarks, and various other notable collections.
Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Location: Naples Royal PalaceWrite a Comment
