22 Fascinating Things To Do In Naples

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Naples is a breathtaking city, full of history, art, and natural beauty.

Spaccanapoli is one of the most striking attractions in Naples.

It has a maze of streets and alleys filled with churches, beautiful squares, picturesque streets, and typical handicraft shops.

This landmark neighborhood is actually a straight of over a kilometer that bisects the old town and takes different names according to the traits like; via Pasquale Scura, Via Maddaloni, Via Benedetto Croce, Via San Biagio dei Booksellers, and Via Vicaria Vecchia.

This place is pure poetry and represents the real Naples ancient tradition.

A smart travel tip: when visiting Naples, park your car and put on a comfortable pair of shoes; it is best to explore this city on foot!

 

Naples

Best time to visit Naples?

The spring season months that starts from March until May is the peak season and ideal time to visit Naples.

It is also the best time to hit the beach as the temperature registers a tolerable 80s.

It is the high season for tourism because there are no exorbitant price hikes on hotel rates, plane tickets, and package tour price all around Naples.

The temperature is not too hot and not too cold and there are more activities along the coastline and nature parks during the spring season.

The winter months start from December until February and it is also a good time to visit the captivating city on the grounds that numerous guests are willing to endure the extravagant expenses and experience the chilly 70s.

Bring jackets and winter clothes because the temperature tends to get colder from the afternoon until evening.

The summer season begins from June until September and the start of the school vacation in Naples.

It is also the best time to explore the city because there are lots of travel promos you can avail and most tourist agencies slash their rates especially for vacationers who travel on groups.

Although the weather is a bit dry during this time, it is still recommended to bring an umbrella because unexpected rain showers can occur any time of the day.

 

Visit Naples

 

The season of fall, which starts from October to November is very brief, but it is also an ideal time to see Naples.

Around these months, there are less crowds and vacationers, and the good news is; hotel rates are low and likewise the temperature to as low as 60s.

Best things to do in Naples

Here are the my favorite attractions and top

things to do in the city of Naples

.

Duomo di Napoli

The majestic building of the Duomo di Napoli is dedicated to San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples.

Get inside and specifically in the “royal chapel of the treasure of San Gennaro”; it is here where the venerated ampoules with the blood of the saint is kept and said to miraculously liquefy on religious occasions.

If you observe the interior you will see art works done by Italian artists like Perugino, Lanfranco and Domenichino.

The Cathedral is located on Via del Duomo and it is not separated from the rest of the buildings such as the Duomo of Florence, but it is embedded with the other palaces and has only a part of the pedestrian zone that separates it from the road.

 

Duomo di Napoli

 

The church is an architectural palimpsest, as it goes from the Greek-Roman period until the nineteenth century.

The Greek-Roman period is represented by excavations that are very precious and visible within the insula del Duomo.

The Duomo is huge because it is a collection of four churches in Naples.

The first church is the Basilica of Santa Restituta, which overlooks the left aisle and established since the fourth century.

It was rebuilt later, especially in the Baroque period, where you can admire above all a wonderful mosaic of Lello da Orvieto, the Madonna of the Standard.

This church is flanked by a baptistery decorated with mosaics of rare refinement.

The second church made out of this insula, was the Basilica of Stefania, which was added during the V-VI century, of which there are remains of mosaic floors inside the archaeological route (therefore also cannot be visited).

 

Duomo di Napoli

 

The third church is the current structure of the Duomo, ranging from Gothic (front portals, Chapel of Illustrious, and the Chapel Minutolo), Renaissance (Chapel of Succorpo, Carafa Chapel, a work by Perugino, and several works of the nave).

Baroque and eighteenth century (the coffered ceiling, the apse, a host of paintings, sculptures and ornamental invading the church and its chapels), until the nineteenth century (the facade).

Noteworthy is the Chapel of San Gennaro, and may be considered the “fourth church,” just because it’s huge.

A masterpiece of Baroque in Naples, a compendium of art that reached its apex in all its sides (architecture, sculpture, paintings, bronze sculptures) in short, it is a must to see the Duomo di Napoli.

My favorite stuff to do in Naples

Gesu Nuovo Church (Church of Jesus)

The Gesu Nuevo Church is in the heart of Naples and houses a chapel that is dedicated to Giuseppe Moscati.

It is the church of choice of Neapolitan families who live in the old Greek city.

It has a wonderful facade made of ashlar basalt and a Baroque inspired portal.

Located just a few steps from the Monastery of St.

Clare, is the Church of Jesus.

 

Gesu Nuovo Church

 

It is one of the most majestic and imposing churches of the city.

Inside you can breathe the history of the ecclesiastical culture of Naples, as well as understand the history of the holy doctor St.

Joseph Moscati.

The church of Jesus is one of the new architectural and artistic masterpieces of the city of Naples.

The facade is made of piperno and characterized by a rusticated pyramid with lots of space and a wealth of details.

A wing of the church exhibits urns containing thousands of relics of saints from the medieval and modern era.

In another wing, there are thousands of gifts made by the faithful for graces received; go and you will not regret.

Fun things to do in Naples

Spaccanapoli

Sharply divides the historic center of Naples, the northern part from the southern part.

As the name implies, in this area there is a real rift in the city.

It is divided into two parts, the lower decuman on one hand, and the other Decumano on the higher side.

This separation is even more evident from above, as it sees precisely the path which divides the city.

The road must be travelled slowly, watching and observing everything carefully: just so you can discover the many treasures along the way.

 

Spaccanapoli

 

It starts from the square of Jesus, passes through the Cathedral, wading through the scents and smells of Naples.

Through the unique vitality of the Neapolitans, through puffs, babas, casatiello, pastiera, cafes, the Pulcinella, the Totò, the pizzerias, the palaces of the 700, and right through the heart of Naples and the Neapolitans.

No tour of Naples can exclude a visit to the historic center and the Spaccanapoli, the street that bisects the city.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the many attractions in the vicinity as well as enjoy a nice takeaway pizza.

Popular Naples tourist attractions

Museo Cappella Sansevero

Is the heart of the art and culture in Naples.

The Museum/Chapel is managed by the superintendent that takes care of the controlled access of the public.

The chapel houses a really lovely statue of the Veiled Christ created by Giuseppe Sammartino.

You will be amazed once you see the marble statue of Christ that is so cured in every detail, making it appear that the veil covering the body is real and only resting on the body.

This is true art.

In the grotto below the chapel, it is a must to visit the laboratory of Prince Alchemist Raimondo di Sangro.

In the floor is a maze represented prodigious in its implementation because it was created by a single continuous white line, commissioned by Prince Sangro.

 

Museo Cappella Sansevero

 

Raimondo di Sangro must have been a truly broad-minded man, an enlightened guy as he had the insight to entrust the implementation of the Veiled Christ sculpture to the right man.

In fact, Giuseppe Sanmartino\ staged one of the most beautiful sculptures that man could have ever done.

The Veiled Christ is located at the center of the Sansevero Chapel and is a work of great charm and very impressive.

You have the perception that this masterpiece work has been studied in every detail, but at the same time was the result of great inspiration.

Sansevero Chapel is a

place in Naples that is hard to miss

even if it’s absolutely forbidden to photograph; people still line up and wait for their turn to see its rare art collections.

What else to do in Naples?

Centro Storico Napoli (Historic Center of Naples)

The Centro Storico Napoli or the Historic Center of Naples is a concentration of sites, monuments, churches and historic houses.

It is a unique example of visible layers of history with a magical combination of past and present, of classical and contemporary art, feelings, sounds, smells, flavors and traditions indescribable.

It is a must to visit this place that is suitable for couples, families, young people, and the elderly.

Naples is a unique city and this is the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in Europe with its long history that goes from the ancient Greeks up to the Italian Risorgimento to one of the oldest cities of the world.

In

the Centro Storico, you can find two of the most beautiful castles and representative of Italy

(Castel dell’Ovo and Castel Nuovo), the oldest theater in the world (San Carlo), the Royal Palace, Piazza del Plebiscito and many other monuments.

Is Naples worth visiting?

The answer is Yes.

Naples is worth visiting.

This is because it is such a magical place


full of beauty and adventours.


Make sure you visit the following stunning place:

National Archaeological Museum of Naples

Housed in one of the most beautiful palaces of the sixteenth-century Naples.

The Archaeological Museum is wonderful for anyone who loves the ancient artifacts and archaeological finds.

The building is beautiful and the treasures that are invaluable contributions, primarily the wing dedicated to Pompeii and the Meridian Hall are impressive.

The museum occupies an area of about 12,000 square meters and is divided into several sections, each devoted to a particular collection, including the Farnese collection, Egyptian and the Pompeian.

It is easily accessible by public transport, especially the subway, in fact, there is a bus that stops right at the gates and is actually called “Museum” line 1.

What else to see in Naples?

Bourbon Tunnel

The Bourbon Tunnel is a cultural journey through history and emotion.

The visit to the tunnel is an experience that is highly recommended, especially for the Neapolitans and tourists, because it is an important piece of history of the city of Naples and it is a shame not to be aware of its importance.

It is a cultural journey that can excite and educate visitors.

It’s a journey into the past by the Bourbons until after the Second World War, when the tunnel was used as a shelter to protect them from the bombing.

The guides are prepared, very nice, and attentive to stimulate the attention of visitors by involving them with questions and curiosity.

They are trained and continue to do a commendable job: redevelop and promote a piece of Naples that otherwise would have been forgotten.

In addition, the Bourbon Tunnel is a great example of military engineering, designed and completed in just two years.

It is a pleasant place to take refuge from the heat during the hottest hours and maybe rethink the cruelty of war.

Popular places to visit in Naples

Via Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli

The view at Via Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli is breathtaking, especially on sunny days where you can see Mount Vesuvius in the background.

The waterfront promenade for every Neapolitan is a point of pride.

The restaurants are pretty touristy, yet many Neapolitans like to spend lunches and dinners (also Business) and eat while watching the magnificence of the Gulf.

The waterfront restaurants are less crowded in late July and August because of the humidity and the warm breeze coming from the Gulf.

The perfect time to visit is at sunset where you can take pictures and be enchanted by the walk from Mergellina to the Castel dell’Ovo, then onwards to the village and have a drink at “Barcadero”.

Things to do in Naples with kids

Complesso Museale di Santa Chiara

A must for anyone visiting Naples.

The church, which was destroyed by bombing, was only partially restored and brought to the glories and the beauties of the past, but, nevertheless, remains a small pearl in the heart of Naples.

The Majolica Cloister is simply a masterpiece that cannot remain impassive in the scenes of everyday life which are all reproduced in majolica down to the smallest details.

It has a beautiful route that goes from the ruins of the Roman baths, the ancient manuscripts of the library, through a well-stocked museum of sacred vestments and furnishings.

It is nice to spend the rest of the afternoon and take pictures beside the benches and columns covered with majolica.

Things to do around Naples

Catacombe di San Gennaro (Catacombs of San Gennaro)

There are at least two different reasons not to miss the tour of the Catacombe di San Gennaro or the Catacombs of San Gennaro;

The first is that it is beautiful and takes every visitor on a journey through time to discover a really impressive past presented in light rooms in a workmanlike manner and with high-level guides.

 

Catacombe di San Gennaro

 

The second reason is that it is worth visiting and helps a cooperative of teenagers; it is a social project carried out by some young people who with the help of the parish priest, decided to get in the front line to improve the District of Health.

The visit is carried out with a guide that tells the history of the catacombs and the story of the Saint Gennaro, whose remains were kept there.

Must see places in Naples

Catacombe Di San Gaudioso Napoli (Catacombs of San Gaudioso)

Before going there

, you must first visit the Church of St.

Mary of Health or the District of Health and immerse yourself in the spirit of faith of the district;

Stop to observe the blood of the cross and other valuable works, explore the Catacombs of San Gennaro, then go down in the catacombs of San Gaudioso.

 

Catacombe Di San Guadioso Napoli

 

Both visits are covered by one entrance ticket.

It will be a short path that will open a world unknown about the burials in Old Naples, from the late Roman of the fifth century to those from 1500 to 1800.

It is a complex that deserves more attention, as well as the entire route between the tombs, churches, palaces and catacombs of the District of Health.

Free things to do in Naples

Castel dell’Ovo (Castle Of The Egg)

The oldest castle in the city of Naples and is one of the castles that stood the test of time and stands over the gulf.

It is located amid the villages around San Ferdinando and right across the proximity of Mergellina.

Because of different events which partially destroyed the original appearance of the castle during the Norman period, reconstruction work took place during the Angevin and Aragonese period, the architectural line of the castle changed dramatically until reaching the stage where it is today.

Legend has it the fate of this castle and the whole of Naples are linked to those of an egg (hence the name) that Virgil buried in this place: if it were broken, the castle and the city would collapse.

 

Castel dell'Ovo

 

My vacation activities in Naples

There are lots of wonderful things to see in Naples that every curious traveler must not miss like; the cloister of Santa Chiara and the Sansevero Chapel.

From the Lungomare, there is a spectacular view of both the straight and the entire city.

In the central Via dei Tribunali, parallel to Spaccanapoli are also two of the historical pizzerias of Naples, where you can eat a very good pizza at reasonable prices; Sorbillo and Di Matteo.

Naples has a surprise in every corner and you will not be totally disappointed.

The scenery here is so beautiful and the admission is free in most of its major tourist spots.

ABOUT ME

Born & raised amidst the gators and orange groves of Florida, I’ve waded through the Everglades and braved the dizzying heights of Orlando’s roller coasters.

About Us Jeff from TravelMagma

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