Is Naples Worth Visiting?
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Naples (or Napoli) is the third largest city in Italy. It’s the birthplace of pizza and an entryway to beautiful villages that line the Amalfi Coast.
But with a history of organized crime and high rates of pickpocketing, you might be wondering: is Naples worth visiting?
Yes. The answer is definitely yes.
Naples is a beautifully authentic city with lots of history, culture, and soul. It actually reminds me a lot of NYC in that there are definitely some gritty corners, but the attitude and energy are unmatched.
Who Is Naples Italy Best For?
Foodies
Arts lovers
Cultural enthusiasts
Slow travelers
People value authenticity in their travel experience
Who Is Naples Italy Not For?
Visitors who are short on time (if you only have 1-2 weeks in Italy, skip Naples)
Anxious travelers (but we'll dive more into that later)
Depending on when you visit, you also get to see different sides to the city. The beaches are lovely to sunbathe at during the summer and Christmas in Naples is a whole different world!
But if you need further convincing on why this bustling southern Italian city is worth visiting, here are 10 reasons to visit Naples, Italy and (3 reasons to skip it)!
Plan Your Naples Italy Trip
→ Eliminate all transportation stress with Omio
→ Explore the safest Naples neighborhoods to stay in
→ Visit Pompeii and hike up Mount Vesuvius or book a Day Trip out to Caprii with GetYourGuide
→ Safeguard your trip with SafetyWing
→ Plan your itinerary with this Ultimate Two-Day Guide
(Pros) Top Reasons To Visit Naples
1. The Attitude
Every city undeniably has its own character and energy, and one of my favorite things about Naples is that it's as real as it gets.
Locals are straightforward and have a no-frills approach to life, and the city has a well lived-in feel to it.
As a traveling New Yorker, one of the most common phrases that I hear is that, “New Yorkers are rude,” and I feel like that same statement can be applied to Neapolitans.
The truth is, even though on the surface we may appear to be cold and treat you with a level of disdain, it’s not out of malice. We’re simply busy and would rather focus on the task at hand rather than make small talk or maintain a false front of friendliness.
Locals in Naples are the same. They’re busy living their own lives and while they may seem unapproachable at first, if you actually needed help, they’re some of the most genuine people out there.
This attitude and approach adds an electrifying energy to the city that a lot of more tourist-oriented Italians cities are missing.
2. Pizza (And Italian Food In General)
One of the best ways to get to know a country and its culture is through food.
Neapolitan cuisine focuses on fresh ingredients that are gathered locally and prepared in simple ways.
A lot of the typical ingredients that you enjoy Italian cuisine like tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil are combined into signature dishes like pizza and spaghetti alla puttanesca that we’re all familiar with.
Naples is the food capital of the south so if you’re a foodie, exploring the local restaurants of this city is a must-visit.
What To Eat In Napoli:
Pizza: you’re in the birthplace of pizza so take advantage and eat as many wood-fired pies as you can
Sfogliatella: crunchy flaky layered pastry with sweet fillings
Rum Baba: rum syrup, soaked sponge cakes (heads up, they’re super boozy)
Cuoppo Fritto: paper cone filled with fried goodies like calamari, anchovies, and other seafood
Pizza Portafoglio: folded pizza. Pizza on the go so why not?
Pizza Fritta: fried pizza pocket
Buffalo Mozzarella: enjoy either with a Caprese salad or on a margarita pizza
Puttanesca: a classic tomato-based sauce best enjoyed with pasta!
3. Architecture
From tall residential buildings made with classic yellow Neapolitan tuff to the dramatic gothic cathedrals from centuries past, architecture is one of the top reasons to visit Naples.
Napoli uniquely blends Medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance building styles and because it’s such a walkable city, you can easily enjoy all these architectural marvels on foot.
It may not be particularly safe at night, but the dramatic shadows cast by crisp sunlight radiating off tall buildings during the daytime is a view forever etched in my memory.
Notable Architectural Works:
Duomo: a 13th century Roman Catholic Church that blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles
Castle Nuovo: a Medieval Renaissance castle overlooking the gulf
Pompeii: technically one hour outside of the city but a visit to this ancient city gives you a look into the region’s past
Royal Palace of Naples: this ornamental palace was built under Spanish rule during the 17th century
Galleria Umberto: a stunning 19th century shopping arcade built in hopes of revitalizing and modernizing the city
4. Art—Caravaggio!
It's no Florence, but Naples has plenty of art as well!
I personally really enjoyed the wide range of works from classic Roman sculptures featured in the Archeological Museum to the dramatic realistic paintings of Caravaggio in the Museo di Capodimonte.
You can only see Mary with baby Jesus a few hundred times before getting bored, so I really appreciated the spicy pre-Baroque paintings in contrast to all the earlier sterile Byzantium art.
Additionally, the Museo di Capodimonte is probably one of my favorite museums in all of Italy. Not only was it extensive and thoughtfully curated, but the presentation was on point as well. Everything from the lighting to the colors of the walls really enhanced the experience and brought out the beauty of the artwork.
Museums To Visit In Naples:
Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli: archeological museum that features artifacts from the nearby Roman Pompeii and Herculaneum sites
Museo Di Capodimonte: a huge museum located in the grand Bourbon palazzo featuring over 47,000 works of art spanning the Middle Ages to the 21st century
Sansevero Chapel Museum: this chapel/mausoleum/museum is most known for The Veiled Christ, a beautifully carved 17th century marble sculpture of Christ
5. There's Always Something To Do
While Rome and Milan still outrank Naples as more populous cities, Naples itself is no small town! It's home to nearly 4 million people and a central meeting point for the rest of southern Italy.
With so many people from all different backgrounds, there's always something to do or see in the city!
From cooking classes led by your neighborhood nonna to underground trap shows, you'll find events and experiences that fit all preferences.
Furthermore, Napoli experiences four distinct seasons, so depending on when you visit, you can also check out seasonal activities! Spend your day lounging on the beaches near the gulf or take a boat trip out to the neighboring island of Capri in the summer, or spend an afternoon browsing trinkets at the Christmas market near Centro Storico in December.
Use Eventbrite or Facebook events to explore local activities and use GetYourGuide or Viator for official tours and experiences!
6. Nature
Whether you're a beach girlie or a mountain girlie, Naples has it all!
As someone who prioritizes outdoor exploration during my travels, one of my favorite things about Naples is that nature is super accessible. With a quick bus or train ride, you can be out of city center and in the forests somewhere.
Explore the sparkling blue waters of the Bay of Naples or take a hike up the infamous Mount Vesuvius to get in touch with some of Italy's most incredible landscapes.
Best Beaches In Naples Italy
Mappatella Beach: by far the most accessible free beach near Napoli
Donn'Anna Beach: Naples' premier beach located in Posillipo with a backdrop of romantic ruins and castles
Marechiaro: crystal clear waters and rocky cliffs near the fisherman's village of Marechiaro
Mountains and Forests Near Naples
Vesuvio National Park: home to Mount Vesuvius
Parco Virgiliano: a small scenic park with walking trails and playgrounds that offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples
Parco Regionale Monti Picentini: a nature reserve deep in the heart of the Campania region with waterfalls and dramatic climbs
7. The Naples Underground
Beneath the main city of Naples is a robust underground system that dates back thousands of years.
The Napoli Sotterranea, or Naples Underground goes back to Greco-Roman times when underground quarries were first opened to obtain yellow tuft to build aboveground buildings.
Since then, the expansive labyrinth of tunnels has grown to snake beneath the entirety of old town and has served multiple identities and functionalities throughout the city's history.
For example, the Bourbon Tunnel was built in the 1880s as an escape route for the king in case of rebellion but in the 1900s, was repurposed as a bomb shelter during the WWII air raids.
The Naples underground is a creepy, quirky, and unique time capsule that makes the city worth visiting.
8. Accessible Location
In all transparency Naples was the first stop on my one month solo trip through Italy because flights from NYC were super cheap.
It's centrally located and easily accessible from key destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Rome, and Florence. It's also a great base for day trips out to surrounding islands like Capri, Procida, and Sorrento.
If you're visiting Italy for the first time, you're probably going to have to pass through this city so why not spend a few extra days exploring anyway? You never know what you'll find, and you might fall in love along the slow travel journey.
9. Espresso
If you’re a coffee lover like me, then Neapolitan espresso is worth traveling for.
The coffee in Naples is unlike that of anywhere else in the world. Sweet, intense, dark, and notably bold in flavor, the espresso in the south is typically made with freshly dark roasted beans and gives a thicker, full-bodied, and almost creamy experience.
Try It For Yourself At:
Gran Caffè Gambrinus: a historic cafe located close to the Piazza del Plebiscito
Caffe Mexico Via Scarlatti: small shop with intensely strong espresso
Centrale Del Caffe: local coffee shop in the historic center that's been open since 1959
10. Beaches & Coastal Promenades
We touched on nature a little earlier, but Neapolitan beaches are another reason to visit the city.
It's rare to see a huge metropolis with such easy access to the ocean and the beaches in Naples are definitely worth checking out!
I visited in November so it was too cold to actually go for a swim, but I really enjoyed walking around the marina and exploring some of the residential coastal promenades.
(Cons) Top Reasons To Skip Naples, Italy
1. You're Short On Time
If you’re visiting Italy for the first time but only have a week or two to explore, then skip Naples.
Although it’s a beautiful city, it is far from my list of top places to see in Italy and so I would prioritize some of those other regions instead.
However, if you've already seen some of those destinations or have 3-4 weeks to spend in the country, then definitely make it a point to visit Napoli! You won't regret it--trust me!
2. You're Concerned About Safety
Naples is definitely a little gritty and petty crime is on the high side, so if you’re an anxious traveler or it's your first time traveling by yourself, you might want to skip Naples.
However, as long as you have some street smarts about you and have visited big cities before, you'll do just fine.
Alternatively, I also understand if you want to take a more relaxed approach to traveling. In that case, check out some of the coastal resort towns like Sorrento, Vernazza, or Ravello instead.
3. You Don't Like Cities
The more I travel, the more I understand my own preferences. And typically speaking, cities are by far the least exciting thing about a country. So if you're like me and dislike cities (and are working with a limited schedule), then Naples might not be for you.
Although its unique attitude and history are worth experiencing, at the end of the day, it's just another city.
If you prefer remote villages or want to prioritize time outdoors and in nature, it might be worth visiting a different destination like the Dolomites or Sardenia instead.
FAQs For Planning Your Naples Italy Trip
Is Naples Italy Safe?
Napoli definitely has a rap as one of the most unsafe cities in Italy. However, I think a lot of that is simply bad press.
In this detailed blog post, I explore the official stats and explain that although organized crime (aka the mafia) does operate out Naples, they mostly won't bother you as a tourist. As a visitor, you mostly have to watch out for pickpockets and reckless motorcycle drivers.
That being said, Naples is still a big city and you definitely have to be aware of your surroundings. Plan for the worst, and always buy travel insurance just in case.
How Many Days Should I Stay In Naples?
I personally spent four days visiting Naples, but for a typical traveler, I think one to two days is plenty.
Most people will opt for a day trip as they’re heading to another destination, but I think staying an extra day or two is definitely worth it. If you want to fully soak in all the city vibes, here's my full two day itinerary for what to do in Naples (and the surrounding areas).
When Is The Best Time To Visit Naples?
It's best to visit Naples during shoulder season (spring or autumn) when you don't have to fight other tourists for tickets and transportation.
Additionally, Napoli can get extremely hot during the summer and with Jubilee happening this year (2025), you can expect that it's going to be more packed than usual.
Book your accommodations ahead of time and consider staying a little further from city center if you're claustrophobic.
Where To Stay In Naples
The best place to stay in Naples for first time visitors is Centro Storico. It's the city's historic center and where a lot of the main attractions and landmarks are located.
However, if it's a really busy time of year, you might want to consider booking a hotel in Chiaia or near the waterfront instead. They're nicer residential neighborhoods that are more peaceful than city center.
For more details, here's a full guide on where to stay in Naples.
Beyond Naples
As the first stop on my first ever solo trip abroad, Naples will always hold a special place in my heart. So if you plan on visiting, here's a recommended itinerary featuring my favorite things to see and do.
However, if you're ready to check out some of the other beautiful areas in Italy, here's how I spent 3 months in the country and these were my favorite places to visit.
More On Travel Through Italy:
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