Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (MANN)
One of the world's great archaeological museums: the Farnese collection, the Alexander Mosaic and finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum, plus the Egyptian collection and the Secret Cabinet.
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About Naples
Naples is the capital of Campania and the largest city in southern Italy, spread along the Bay of Naples beneath Mount Vesuvius. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a dense grid of Greek-Roman streets, Baroque churches, and Spaccanapoli's lively lanes, beside the Quartieri Spagnoli, the elegant seafront of Chiaia and Santa Lucia, and the hill districts of Vomero and Posillipo. The National Archaeological Museum holds the finest finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum, while Capuchin-quiet chapels such as Cappella Sansevero hide world-famous sculpture. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and the art of the Neapolitan pizzaiuolo is on UNESCO's intangible heritage list; sfogliatella, ragu, fried street food, and espresso complete a food scene that is a reason to visit by itself. The city is also the transport hub for Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast, and the ferries to Capri, Ischia, and Procida.
- Capital
- Naples
- Largest city
- Naples
- Population
- About 905,000 (municipality, Istat estimate 1 January 2026); about 3 million in the Metropolitan City of Naples
- Languages
- Italian
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- Central European Time (CET, UTC+1); Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October
Explore Naples by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Naples
The 29 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Cappella Sansevero (Veiled Christ)
Baroque chapel holding Giuseppe Sanmartino's Veiled Christ (1753) and the Anatomical Machines in the crypt; photography is not allowed inside.
Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)
Angevin fortress begun in 1279, with the Aragonese Triumphal Arch (1443-1471), the Palatine Chapel, the Barons' Hall and the civic museum of paintings and sculpture.
Castel dell'Ovo
Naples' oldest standing fortress on the islet of Megaride, linked by a causeway to Borgo Marinari, with panoramic terraces over the bay and Vesuvius.
Palazzo Reale di Napoli
Viceregal and Bourbon royal palace begun in 1600, with the Historic Apartment, the Court Theatre and the Hanging Garden overlooking the port.
Duomo di Napoli and Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro
Gothic cathedral founded around 1294 containing the baroque Cappella del Tesoro of Saint Januarius, the Basilica of Santa Restituta and a major treasury museum.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Naples Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Naples, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Naples
- Days 1-2Naples city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Naples
- Days 1-3Naples comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Naples, departure
Where to stay in Naples
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €70 (~$81)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €170 (~$196)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €450+ (~$518+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Grand Hotel Vesuvio
Grand Hotel Vesuvio is a 5-star hotel in Santa Lucia Waterfront, Naples. Historic five-star hotel on the Lungomare opposite Castel dell'Ovo, with bay and Vesuvius views from the sea-facing rooms.
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Hotel Parker's
Grand Hotel Parker's is a 5-star hotel in Chiaia, Naples. Belle epoque hotel on the Chiaia hillside with a rooftop restaurant and views over the Bay of Naples.
Check rates on Booking.comRomeo Hotel
Romeo Hotel is a 5-star hotel in Port / Municipio, Naples. Design hotel opposite the port a short walk from the Molo Beverello ferries, with a rooftop pool and Sisley spa.
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Hotel Excelsior
Grand Hotel Excelsior is a 5-star hotel in Santa Lucia Waterfront, Naples. Waterfront grand hotel dating from 1908 on Via Partenope facing Castel dell'Ovo and the bay.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Naples
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Neapolitan pizzeria founded in 1870 that serves just marinara and margherita (about EUR 6-9, ~$7-$10) in a plain marble-table room near Garibaldi station.
Pizzeria Gino e Toto Sorbillo
Famous pizzeria on the Via dei Tribunali pizza strip; pizzas run about EUR 5-10 (~$6-$11.50) and queues form at peak times.
Antica Pizzeria Starita a Materdei
Pizzeria dating to the 19th century in Materdei, known for the montanara and as the setting of the pizza scene in the 1954 film L'oro di Napoli.
Pizzeria Di Matteo
Long-running Via dei Tribunali pizzeria with a street-side fritti counter; a margherita costs roughly EUR 5-7 (~$6-$8).
Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi
Family pizzeria in the Sanita district, run by pizza makers since 1951 and known for creative but classically based pizzas.
50 Kalo di Ciro Salvo
Award-winning pizzeria near Mergellina by Ciro Salvo, noted for an airy, digestible crust; pizzas about EUR 7-16 (~$8-$18).
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Getting around Naples
Naples is served by Naples International Airport (NAP, Capodichino), about 6 km north-east of the centre, and by Napoli Centrale railway station on Piazza Garibaldi, which has high-speed and regional trains. Inside the city, Metro lines 1 and 2, four funiculars, ANM buses and trams, and cheap taxis cover most routes; the Circumvesuviana, EAV and Cumana trains reach Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, and Pozzuoli; ferries leave from Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa for Capri, Ischia, and Procida.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €30 (~$35) | €100 (~$115) | €280 (~$322) |
| Food (per day) | €22 (~$25) | €40 (~$46) | €110 (~$127) |
| Transportation | €6 (~$7) | €12 (~$14) | €35 (~$40) |
| Activities | €12 (~$14) | €18 (~$21) | €25 (~$29) |
| Daily total | €70 (~$81) | €170 (~$196) | €450+ (~$518+) |
Best time to visit Naples
Weather through the year in Campania
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Campania.
Late April to early June and September to mid-October combine warm weather, running ferries to Capri and Ischia, and manageable crowds. Winter is mild enough for museums and churches with a rain jacket, and hotel rates drop. Ferragosto (August 15) closes many local businesses. Figures are approximate climate averages.
Essential travel tips
- Book Cappella Sansevero, MANN, and Napoli Sotterranea online ahead in peak season; Sansevero tickets sell out days early
- Validate your ANM/UnicoCampania ticket in the machine before boarding; inspectors fine unvalidated tickets
- Many churches require covered shoulders and knees, and most close between about 12:30 and 4PM
- Restaurants typically serve lunch 12:30-3PM and dinner from 7:30PM; pizzerias often open at 7PM and fill early, so arrive before 7:30PM or expect a queue
- Pay for a coffee at the bar standing up; it is cheaper than a table, and a coffee caffè sospeso is a local tradition of paying for a stranger's cup
- A city tourist tax is charged per person per night at hotels and is paid at check-in, usually in cash or by card; confirm the amount for the accommodation category
Safety information
Save 112 (general emergency) and 118 (ambulance) before arrival; operators handle English
Wear bags cross-body on the side away from the road, and avoid using the phone at the curb
Keep passport copies separate from the originals; report theft at the Questura on Via Medina 75, since a denuncia is needed for insurance claims
Use only licensed white taxis and check the fixed-fare sheet
Avoid the Circumvesuviana at rush hour with luggage; keep valuables in front pockets
Check ov.ingv.it and protezionecivile.gov.it for Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei updates before day trips to Pozzuoli
Cross streets with locals; scooters ignore signals
Avoid dark side streets around Piazza Garibaldi, the Quartieri Spagnoli and the Rione Sanità after dark unless with a licensed guide
Frequently asked questions
Is Naples safe to visit in 2026?
Naples is generally safe for visitors who take normal city precautions. Petty theft, including bag snatching by scooter riders and pickpocketing around Napoli Centrale, Via Toledo, and the Circumvesuviana, is the main concern, and traffic is chaotic. The European emergency number is 112; ambulance is 118 and State Police is 113.
What is the best time to visit Naples?
April-June and September-October offer warm, dry weather of about 18-26°C, swimmable sea from June, and smaller crowds than July-August. Winters are mild but rainy; the quietest months for museums and pizzerias are November to March.
Do I need a visa to visit Naples?
Italy follows Schengen rules. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need only a valid ID. US, Canadian, Australian, and UK citizens can stay up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa for tourism. Check travel-europe.europa.eu/etias for the ETIAS start date.
What currency is used in Naples?
The currency in Naples is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available and cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for pizzerias, coffee bars, markets, and small trattorie.
How do I get from Naples airport to the city?
Naples Capodichino airport (NAP) is about 6 km from the centre. The Alibus runs to Piazza Garibaldi (Napoli Centrale) and Molo Beverello for about €5 (~$5.75) in 20-40 minutes. Taxis charge fixed fares to defined city zones, typically about €16-€25 (~$18-$29); check the fare list at the official rank.
What are the top attractions in Naples?
The top attractions include the National Archaeological Museum (MANN), Cappella Sansevero, Napoli Sotterranea, Castel dell'Uovo, the Certosa di San Martino, the Royal Palace, the Duomo, and the historic centre along Spaccanapoli.