Naples punched me in the face.
In the best way possible.
I got off the train, walked outside, and was immediately hit with the smell of espresso, exhaust fumes, and something frying that I couldn’t identify but desperately wanted to eat.
A guy on a Vespa nearly clipped me while I was standing on the sidewalk.
Someone was yelling in Italian from a fourth-floor window.
And I just stood there thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?”
Three days later, I didn’t want to leave.
This city is wild, unpredictable, and kinda messy—but it’s also one of the most authentic places I’ve ever been.
It doesn’t try to impress you with polish or perfection.
It just is.
And that’s exactly why I fell for it.
Here’s everything you need to do in Naples to really get it.
Eat the Best Pizza of Your Life (No, Seriously)
This isn’t optional.
If you go to Naples and don’t eat pizza, I honestly don’t know what you’re doing.
I thought I knew pizza before I came here.
I was wrong.
Naples invented this thing, and they’ve been perfecting it for centuries.
The crust is soft and slightly charred, the San Marzano tomatoes are sweet and tangy, and the mozzarella di bufala melts into this creamy, dreamy layer that haunts you for weeks.
I hit up L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele on my first night—yeah, the one from Eat Pray Love—and it lived up to the hype.
But honestly?
Almost every corner pizzeria delivers magic.
The secret is the wood-fired ovens and the simplicity of it all.
They don’t overload it with toppings.
It’s just dough, sauce, cheese, and basil.
And somehow, it’s everything.
Pro tip: Go for the Margherita first.
Then try a Marinara if you want something even more stripped down.
Don’t overthink it.
Just eat.
Tap to Explore These Beauties
See my ideas in action 👇 Tap any image to explore full details.
Wander Through Spaccanapoli (And Get Gloriously Lost)
Spaccanapoli literally splits Naples in half.
It’s this long, narrow street that cuts straight through the historic center, and walking it feels like traveling back in time.
The buildings lean in close, washing flutters overhead, and every few steps there’s a tiny shrine, a street vendor, or a little shop selling handmade everything.
I spent an entire morning just wandering with no plan.
Best decision ever.
You’ll stumble on artisan workshops where guys are still carving nativity scenes by hand.
You’ll pass churches that are older than most countries.
And you’ll definitely get a little lost.
But that’s the point.
Naples isn’t a city you conquer with a map and a schedule.
It’s a city you feel.
Stop for an espresso at a tiny bar where the locals hang out.
Chat with the guy selling limoncello.
Buy some sfogliatella from a bakery that’s been there for generations.
The energy here is electric.
It’s crowded, it’s chaotic, and it’s absolutely alive.
Explore the Underground City (Napoli Sotterranea)
Okay, this blew my mind.
Beneath the streets of Naples, there’s an entire hidden world.
We’re talking ancient Greek quarries, Roman aqueducts, WWII bomb shelters—all layered on top of each other like some kind of historical lasagna.
I booked a tour of Napoli Sotterranea, and honestly, it was one of the coolest things I did.
You descend about 40 meters below street level with a guide (and a candle, which adds to the vibe).
The tunnels are narrow and a bit claustrophobic, but that just makes it more intense.
You can see the chisel marks from 2,400 years ago.
You walk through cisterns that used to supply water to the entire city.
And then you end up in these WWII shelters where families hid during air raids.
It’s eerie and fascinating and makes you realize how much history is literally buried beneath your feet.
If you’re even remotely into history or adventure, don’t skip this.
It’s not your typical tourist thing, and that’s exactly why it’s so good.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Climb Up to Castel Sant’Elmo for the View
If you want the best view in Naples, you gotta earn it.
Castel Sant’Elmo sits up on Vomero Hill, and yeah, it’s a bit of a hike.
But trust me—it’s worth every step.
The castle itself is this massive star-shaped fortress that dates back to the 1300s.
It’s cool to explore, but the real star here is the panoramic view.
You can see the entire Bay of Naples stretched out below you.
Mount Vesuvius looming in the distance.
The islands of Capri and Ischia floating on the horizon.
And the city itself, sprawling and chaotic and beautiful.
I went up late afternoon and stayed through sunset.
Watching the city light up as the sun dipped behind the hills?
Magic.
Bring a beer or some snacks if you want.
There’s plenty of space to just sit and take it all in.
And if you’re into photography, this is your spot.
Visit the Insane Royal Palace of Caserta
Alright, this one’s technically a short train ride outside Naples, but you can’t miss it.
The Royal Palace of Caserta is basically Italy’s answer to Versailles.
And honestly?
It might even be more impressive.
This place is enormous—1,200 rooms, sprawling gardens, fountains, waterfalls, the whole deal.
I spent half a day here and still didn’t see everything.
The Grand Staircase alone is worth the trip.
It’s this jaw-dropping marble masterpiece that makes you feel tiny.
The apartments are dripping in gold, frescoes, chandeliers—pure 18th-century opulence.
But the gardens are where I really got lost (in a good way).
They stretch for kilometers, with fountains and statues and this incredible waterfall at the very back.
Rent a bike or take the shuttle if you don’t feel like walking the whole thing.
Bring a picnic, bring your camera, and give yourself time.
This isn’t a quick stop—it’s an experience.
Dive Into Pompeii (Because You’re Right There)
You’re in Naples.
Pompeii is right there.
You have to go.
I know everyone says it, but there’s a reason.
Walking through Pompeii is surreal.
It’s a Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
You can see the streets, the homes, the shops—even the ruts from chariot wheels in the stone roads.
Some of the frescoes are still vibrant.
The mosaics are still intact.
You walk into a 2,000-year-old bakery and see the ovens.
It’s haunting and awe-inspiring at the same time.
I went early in the morning to beat the crowds, and I’m so glad I did.
Wear good shoes—it’s a lot of walking on uneven ancient stone.
Bring water and sunscreen, because there’s not much shade.
And if you can, get a guide or at least an audio tour.
Context makes everything come alive.
You’ll leave with a whole new respect for history and how fragile everything really is.
Haggle at the Markets (Especially Pignasecca)
If you want to feel the real pulse of Naples, hit the markets.
Pignasecca Market is my favorite.
It’s chaotic, it’s loud, it smells like fresh fish and spices and espresso all mixed together.
Vendors are shouting deals, grandmas are inspecting tomatoes like their lives depend on it, and you’re just soaking it all in.
I picked up fresh mozzarella, some local olives, crusty bread, and a bottle of wine for next to nothing.
Made myself a little picnic and ate it by the water later.
Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit—it’s expected, and it’s fun.
The vendors love the banter.
Plus, you’ll get a better deal and maybe a few Italian phrases under your belt.
Mercato di Porta Nolana is another great one, especially if you love seafood.
The energy here is unmatched.
It’s messy, it’s real, and it’s exactly what Naples is all about.
Take a Day Trip to the Amalfi Coast (But Come Back)
Look, I love the Amalfi Coast.
Who doesn’t?
But using Naples as your base is the move.
It’s cheaper, it’s grittier, and honestly, it’s more interesting.
From Naples, you can hop on a train to Sorrento, then catch a bus along the coast to Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello.
The drive alone is worth it—hairpin turns, cliffside views, the sea sparkling below.
I spent a day in Positano, wandered the colorful streets, ate lunch overlooking the water, and soaked up that postcard-perfect vibe.
But by evening, I was ready to head back to Naples.
The Amalfi Coast is stunning, but it can feel a little too polished, too touristy.
Naples has grit and soul.
It’s messy and loud and real.
So yeah, do the day trip.
Get your Instagram shots.
But don’t sleep on Naples itself.
Sip Espresso Like a Local (Standing at the Bar)
Coffee culture in Naples is no joke.
And if you want to do it right, you drink your espresso standing at the bar.
No lingering.
No laptops.
Just you, the barista, and a tiny cup of liquid gold.
I must’ve had 10 espressos a day while I was there.
It’s strong, it’s smooth, and it’s usually gone in two sips.
Then you’re out the door.
Locals do this multiple times a day—it’s like a ritual.
And it only costs about a euro if you stand.
Sit down at a table and they’ll charge you three times that.
My favorite spot was this tiny bar near Spaccanapoli.
No name on the sign, just a counter and a guy who made the best coffee I’ve ever had.
Don’t overthink it.
Just walk in, order “un caffè,” knock it back, and keep moving.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Get Spooked at the Catacombs of San Gennaro
If you’re into the eerie and historical, the Catacombs of San Gennaro are a must.
These ancient underground burial sites date back to the 2nd century.
They’re full of early Christian frescoes, tombs, and this kind of peaceful, haunting atmosphere.
I did a guided tour, which I’d recommend—you get way more context.
The catacombs are huge, with multiple levels and different sections for the wealthy and the poor.
Some of the artwork is still incredibly vibrant.
It’s wild to think people were buried here almost 2,000 years ago.
The guide told stories about San Gennaro (the patron saint of Naples) and the miracles associated with him.
Whether you’re religious or not, it’s fascinating stuff.
And honestly, it’s a nice break from the chaos above ground.
Cool, quiet, and full of history.
Watch the Sunset from Posillipo Hill
Posillipo is this upscale neighborhood on a hill overlooking the bay.
And the sunset views?
Unreal.
I grabbed a bottle of wine, found a spot along the cliffs, and just watched the sky turn every shade of orange and pink.
Mount Vesuvius in the background.
The islands silhouetted against the horizon.
Boats bobbing in the harbor below.
It’s one of those moments where you just stop and think, “Yeah, I’m really here.”
There are a few parks and viewpoints along the hill—Parco Virgiliano is a popular one.
It’s a bit off the beaten path, so it’s less crowded than some of the other tourist spots.
Bring a camera, bring someone you like, or just bring yourself.
It’s the perfect way to end a day in Naples.
Indulge in Sfogliatella (and Other Pastries)
Sfogliatella is Naples’ signature pastry, and it’s a game-changer.
It’s this flaky, shell-shaped pastry filled with sweet ricotta, candied citrus, and a hint of cinnamon.
The layers are insanely crispy, and the filling is creamy and not too sweet.
I had my first one at Attanasio, and I swear I heard angels singing.
There are two types: sfogliatella riccia (the crispy one) and sfogliatella frolla (the softer, cookie-like version).
I’m team riccia all the way, but try both and decide for yourself.
Pair it with an espresso in the morning, and you’ve got the perfect Neapolitan breakfast.
While you’re at it, try a babà—it’s a rum-soaked sponge cake that’s dangerously good.
And don’t sleep on the pastiera, especially if you’re there around Easter.
Naples takes its pastries seriously, and you should too.
