Naples Landmarks – 45 Most Beautiful Places to See (+ Map)

Forget everything you thought you knew about Italian cities. Naples is different. It’s loud, chaotic and raw. It isn’t a polished beauty like Florence, but rather an elemental queen with the soul of a rock star. It’s a symphony of car horns, the smell of the best pizza in the world and the shouting of sellers in narrow lanes. Here history doesn’t hide in museums, it lives right on the street.

Naples may not be love at first sight; it’s a city that either swallows you completely or puts you off. But if you give it a chance, it rewards you with the incredible authenticity of the genuine heart of southern Italy. And above it all watches the majestic Vesuvius, which gives the city a constant sense of tension and respect.

Naples landmarks – a map of the places to see in Naples

1. Pompeii

This ancient Roman city, buried in volcanic ash in 79 AD, is like a time capsule. Walking through its streets, among the ruins of villas, temples, baths and the amphitheatre, offers a unique and chilling glimpse into everyday life in the Roman Empire. The plaster casts of the victims’ bodies, captured in their final moments, are silent testimony to the power of nature and the fragility of life.

Practical tips: The site is enormous, so set aside at least 4–5 hours to explore it. Don’t forget comfortable shoes, plenty of water and sun protection, because there’s little shade here. Pick up a map at the entrance, it will help you find your way.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. The opening hours differ by season (usually from 9:00 to 19:30 in summer with last entry at 18:00). You can buy entry with an audio guide here.

2. The National Archaeological Museum

This museum is an essential stop for understanding Pompeii. The vast majority of the most valuable and best-preserved artefacts from the buried cities are gathered here. You can admire the originals of stunning frescoes, detailed mosaics (including the famous Alexander Mosaic), sculptures and thousands of everyday objects that give you a complete picture of the art and life of the period.

Practical tips: It’s ideal to visit the museum after seeing Pompeii, when you can put all the artefacts into context better. The famous “Secret Cabinet” with its collection of erotic art is here too.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Tuesday. Entry is charged. It’s recommended to check the current opening hours on the official website.

3. The historic centre (Centro Storico) & Spaccanapoli

The heart of Naples is its chaotic but immensely lively historic centre (UNESCO). Its artery is Spaccanapoli street (literally “Naples splitter”), which cuts through the old town in a straight line. This labyrinth of narrow lanes is full of churches, small shops, pizzerias and typical scenes with washing hanging between the houses.

Practical tips: The best way to get to know the historic centre is simply to get lost in it and soak up the atmosphere. But stay alert and watch your personal belongings, especially in the crowds.
Entry and opening hours: The streets of the historic centre are of course freely accessible 24 hours a day.

4. Mount Vesuvius

The majestic and still active volcano rising above the Bay of Naples is an inseparable part of the city’s panorama. Climbing to its summit is a unique experience that rewards you with a view into the crater itself and, above all, one of the best panoramic views of the whole of Naples and its surroundings.

Practical tips: Even in summer a strong wind can blow at the top, so bring a light jacket and sturdy shoes. Tickets have to be bought online for a specific time slot. They aren’t sold on site.
Entry and opening hours: You can arrange entry to the Vesuvius national park online in advance. The opening hours differ by season, so check them online beforehand.

5. Castel dell’Ovo

The oldest castle in Naples rises picturesquely on the small island of Megaride. According to legend, the Roman poet Virgil hid a magic egg in the castle’s foundations, which protects the whole city. The castle offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples and is an ideal place for a romantic walk, especially at sunset.

Practical tips: Walk through the whole castle up to its top terraces for the best views. In the surrounding fishing village of Borgo Marinari there are many great seafood restaurants.
Entry and opening hours: Entry to the grounds and the viewing terraces is free. The opening hours may vary, but it’s usually open daily until the early evening.

6. Herculaneum

The less known but much better preserved sibling of Pompeii. While Pompeii was buried by loose ash, Herculaneum was flooded by a flow of mud and lava that perfectly preserved even organic materials. Here you can see original wooden beams, furniture and even two-storey buildings in better condition than in Pompeii.

Practical tips: The site is smaller and more compact than Pompeii, so it’s less demanding to walk around. It’s a great alternative if you have less time or want to avoid the biggest crowds.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except holidays. Entry is charged (a combined ticket with Pompeii can also be bought).

7. Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)

This imposing medieval castle with five massive towers and a triumphal Renaissance arch at the entrance is an unmissable landmark of the Naples harbour. For centuries it was the centre of political power and a witness to many historic events. Today it houses the Civic Museum.

Practical tips: Even if you’re not planning to visit the museum, admire the magnificent triumphal arch between the two towers, a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.
Admission and opening hours: The courtyard is often freely accessible. Admission to the Civic Museum is charged and it has its own opening hours (usually closed on Sundays).

8. The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale)

This grand palace on Piazza del Plebiscito was one of the four residences of the Bourbon monarchs. The tour takes you into the opulent royal apartments, the court theatre and the throne room, all full of sumptuous furniture, tapestries and works of art. The adjoining gardens offer a beautiful view of the bay.

Practical tips: The palace facade is decorated with statues of the eight most important rulers in the history of Naples. Ideally, combine your visit with a walk around Piazza del Plebiscito.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily except Wednesday. Admission to the historic apartments is charged.

9. Castel Sant’Elmo

This mighty star-shaped fortress rises on the Vomero hill and offers absolutely the best 360° panoramic view of the whole city, Vesuvius, the Bay of Naples and the islands. Originally a medieval castle, it was rebuilt into a military fortress in the 16th century. Today it serves as a museum and cultural centre.

Practical tips: You can get up the Vomero hill comfortably on one of the funiculars (funicolare). From the fortress you’ll see the layout of the historic centre perfectly, including the Spaccanapoli street.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily. Admission is charged, but the views are definitely worth it.

10. Certosa di San Martino

Right next to Castel Sant’Elmo you’ll find this beautiful Baroque monastery complex, which is an artistic treasure in its own right. It boasts a church with rich marble decoration, a breathtaking cloister and gardens with stunning views. Today it houses a museum devoted to the history of Naples.

Practical tips: Even if you’re not a fan of museums, visit the monastery at least for its architecture, its calm and its unique views, which are different from those at the fortress.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily except Wednesday. Admission is charged.

11. Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro)

The city’s main church is dedicated to the patron saint of Naples, Saint Januarius (San Gennaro). It’s a magnificent Gothic building that also conceals an older basilica and a baptistery. Its greatest treasure is the chapel holding the saint’s relics and two ampoules of his blood, which is said to liquefy miraculously.

Practical tips: Three times a year the people of Naples gather here to watch the “miracle” of the blood liquefying. Admission to the adjoining museum of the treasure of San Gennaro is charged.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the cathedral itself is free. Open daily, but access may be restricted during services.

12. The Catacombs of San Gennaro

This extensive and fascinating system of early Christian underground cemeteries is far grander and more spacious than the better-known catacombs in Rome. The tour takes you into a two-level complex with wide corridors, tombs decorated with frescoes and mosaics, and the place where San Gennaro was originally buried.

Practical tips: A ticket to these catacombs is valid for 12 months and also covers entry to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso. Visits are with a guide.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily. Guided tours run at regular intervals.

13. Galleria Borbonica (the Bourbon Tunnel)

A fascinating journey underground that reveals the military history of the city. This tunnel was built in the 19th century as a secret escape route for the king to use from the palace. During the Second World War it served as an air-raid shelter, and today you can see old cars and motorcycles left behind after the war.

Practical tips: You can choose from several types of tour, including an “adventure” route on a raft across the underground water reservoir. Booking online is recommended.
Admission and opening hours: Open only at weekends (Friday to Sunday) and on public holidays. Guided tours run at specific times.

14. Piazza del Plebiscito

The largest and most monumental square in Naples is an imposing space bounded on one side by the Royal Palace and on the other by the neoclassical church of San Francesco di Paola, inspired by the Roman Pantheon. It’s the heart of modern Naples, where big concerts and celebrations are held.

Practical tips: Try a little game: stand with your back to the Royal Palace, close your eyes and try to walk between the two equestrian statues in the middle of the square. Thanks to the slight slope of the square, almost nobody manages it.
Admission and opening hours: The square is freely accessible 24 hours a day.

15. Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara

This monastery complex is an oasis of calm in the middle of chaotic Naples. Although the Gothic church was badly damaged by bombing during the Second World War, its greatest treasure survived: the magnificent cloister of the Poor Clares, whose walls and benches are completely covered with colourful majolica tiles depicting scenes from country life.

Practical tips: Take the time simply to sit on one of the benches in the cloister and enjoy the peace and beauty of this place.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the church is free, admission to the famous cloister is charged. Open daily.

16. Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples)

This tour route takes you 40 metres beneath the busy streets of the historic centre and reveals a completely different world. You’ll walk through ancient Greco-Roman aqueducts, see enormous cisterns and even discover the remains of a Roman theatre on top of which residential houses stand today.

Practical tips: The tour includes passing through a very narrow corridor with a candle in your hand (it can be skipped). It’s not ideal for people who suffer from severe claustrophobia.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily. Guided tours in Italian and English run several times a day. You can buy tickets here.

17. The Church of Gesù Nuovo

From the outside you’ll be struck by the unusual dark stone facade with its diamond-shaped points, which originally belonged to a 15th-century palace. But as soon as you step inside, you’ll be amazed by one of the richest and most magnificent Baroque interiors in the city, full of gold, marble, frescoes and sculptures.

Practical tips: The church stands on the square of the same name, directly opposite the Santa Chiara complex, so it’s ideal to visit both landmarks at once.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily, but it may be closed during the midday break (siesta).

18. Teatro di San Carlo

This opera house, connected to the Royal Palace, is the oldest continuously working opera house in Europe (opened in 1737). Its interior is the embodiment of luxury and opulence – six tiers of boxes decorated with gold and red velvet, and a beautiful painted ceiling.

Practical tips: If you don’t want to buy a ticket for a performance, you can see the interior on a guided tour; these run several times a day.
Admission and opening hours: Tours take place at various times, which need to be checked on the website. Evening performances have their own programme.

19. Galleria Umberto I

This elegant public shopping arcade from the end of the 19th century is an architectural gem. It was built as part of the city’s renewal, and its high glass roof with a central dome and marble floors with zodiac mosaics create a majestic, airy space.

Practical tips: The arcade is right opposite the San Carlo theatre. It’s a great place to shelter from the sun or the rain for a while and admire the architecture.
Admission and opening hours: The arcade is freely accessible. The shops and cafés inside have their own opening hours.

20. The Capodimonte Museum and Gallery

One of the most important Italian art galleries, housed in an enormous Bourbon palace on a hill above the city. The collection includes masterpieces from the Renaissance to the Baroque, including works by Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, Botticelli and Bruegel the Elder. The palace is surrounded by a vast public park.

Practical tips: The museum is huge – you’d need a whole day to see it thoroughly. If you have less time, focus on the Farnese collection and the works by Caravaggio.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily except Wednesday. Admission is charged.

21. The Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter)

This dense grid of narrow, right-angled alleys was originally built in the 16th century to house Spanish soldiers. For a long time it had a bad reputation, but today it’s a lively, authentic quarter full of small shops, traditional trattorias, street art and washing hanging overhead. The famous Diego Maradona mural is here too.

Practical tips: Explore the quarter during the day. It’s one of the best places to taste real, cheap and excellent Neapolitan cooking.

22. The Vomero district

This elegant, quiet district spreading across the hill above the historic centre offers an escape from the bustle of the big city. It’s full of luxury shops, cafés, restaurants and beautiful Art Nouveau villas. Apart from the main attractions such as Castel Sant’Elmo and the San Martino monastery, it’s a great place for shopping and relaxing with beautiful views.

Practical tips: The most comfortable way up the hill is on one of the three funiculars (funicolare) from the city centre. The ride itself is an experience.
Admission and opening hours: The district is freely accessible.

23. The Lungomare Caracciolo promenade

A long, picturesque seafront promenade that winds along the bay from the Mergellina district all the way to Santa Lucia. It’s an ideal place for afternoon walks, for running, or just for sitting on a bench with a view of the sea, Vesuvius and Castel dell’Ovo. At weekends part of it is closed to traffic and turns into a large pedestrian zone.

Practical tips: Enjoy the sunset here – it’s absolutely magical from this spot. In the evening the promenade comes alive thanks to its many bars and restaurants.
Admission and opening hours: Freely accessible 24 hours a day.

24. The Sansevero Chapel and the “Veiled Christ”

Inside this unassuming chapel hides one of the world’s greatest sculptural treasures. The main draw is the statue of the “Veiled Christ”, whose marble veil is carved with such incredible realism that it seems real. Besides this breathtaking sculpture, the chapel holds other masterpieces and the mysterious “Anatomical Machines”.

Practical tips: The chapel’s capacity is very limited. Booking tickets online several days – and in high season even several weeks – in advance is absolutely essential; you almost certainly won’t get tickets on the spot.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily except Tuesday. Entry is allowed only for a specific time slot and online booking is compulsory.

25. The island of Capri

A legendary island of beauty, luxury and artistic inspiration, which was already a favourite resort in the days of the Roman emperors. It’s famous for its dramatic cliffs, exclusive boutiques, the Gardens of Augustus and above all the famous Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), where sunlight creates an unreal blue glow.

Practical tips: You can easily reach the island by ferry from the port of Naples. Be prepared for a very popular and fairly expensive destination. From the Marina Grande harbour you can get up to the town of Capri by funicular.
Admission and opening hours: The island is freely accessible. Entry to the Blue Grotto and other attractions is charged.

26. The island of Ischia

The largest island in the Bay of Naples is known above all for its healing thermal springs and spa parks. It offers beautiful beaches, a green interior ideal for hiking and the dominant Aragonese Castle, connected to the island by a stone bridge. It’s a great place for relaxation and wellness.

Practical tips: Pick one of the many thermal parks (the Poseidon Gardens, for example) and enjoy a day of relaxation in pools with water at different temperatures.
Admission and opening hours: The island is freely accessible. Entry to the thermal parks and the castle is charged.

27. The island of Procida

The smallest and most authentic of the islands in the bay, which kept its sleepy fishing character until quite recently. Procida, named Italian Capital of Culture for 2022, will charm you with the pastel-coloured houses of the Marina di Corricella harbour, crowded one on top of another.

Practical tips: Explore the island on foot or hire a scooter. Climb up to the Terra Murata viewpoint for the best view of the Corricella harbour.
Admission and opening hours: The island is freely accessible.

28. The Amalfi Coast

One of the most beautiful and most dramatic stretches of coastline in the world (UNESCO). A winding road carved into the steep cliffs links picturesque little towns such as Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. It offers breathtaking views of the turquoise sea and colourful houses glued to the rocks.

Practical tips: In high season the road is very congested. The best way to get around is by ferry – the boats run between the towns and offer wonderful views from the sea.
Admission and opening hours: The area is freely accessible.

29. Sorrento

A charming town built on high cliffs with a beautiful view of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius. Sorrento is famous for its citrus groves, for making limoncello liqueur and for its inlaid woodwork. It’s an elegant, calmer base for exploring the whole region.

Practical tips: Don’t forget to taste real limoncello and take a stroll along the main street, Corso Italia. For a small fee a public lift takes you from the town centre down to the harbour and the beaches.
Admission and opening hours: The town is freely accessible.

30. The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta)

This enormous Baroque palace (UNESCO) was built for the Bourbon kings as their answer to the French Versailles. The palace has more than 1,200 rooms, and behind it stretches a huge park with a magnificent cascade of fountains and waterfalls running three kilometres into the distance.

Practical tips: The park really is vast. Consider hiring a bike or using the shuttle bus, which takes you all the way to the Fountain of Diana at the far end of the park.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily except Tuesday. Admission is charged (you can buy a ticket for the park only or a combined ticket with the palace).

31. Paestum

An important archaeological site (UNESCO) south of Naples, home to three incredibly well-preserved ancient Greek temples from the 6th and 5th centuries BC. The temples dedicated to Hera and Athena are among the finest examples of Doric architecture in the world. The complex also includes an excellent museum.

Practical tips: It’s a good idea to visit the museum first, so you understand the history of the site better. In summer the temples are beautifully lit in the evening.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily. Admission is charged.

32. Cimitero delle Fontanelle

A unique and mysterious ossuary church in a cave in the Sanità district. Thousands of anonymous skulls and bones are kept here, mostly of victims of the 17th-century plague. A strange cult of “adopting” skulls grew up here – local people cared for them and prayed to them.

Practical tips: The place has a very powerful, very particular atmosphere. It lies a little off the main tourist routes, but the trip is worth it. Respect the reverence of the site.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is free, but a contribution towards upkeep is welcome. Open daily.

33. Via San Gregorio Armeno (the Nativity Scene street)

The heart of Naples’ craft production of nativity scenes (presepi). In this narrow lane you’ll find dozens of workshops and shops all year round selling handmade cribs and figurines of every kind – from the Holy Family to caricatures of politicians, athletes and celebrities.

Practical tips: The lane is at its most magical in the run-up to Christmas, though it’s unbelievably crowded then. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit at another time of year.
Admission and opening hours: The lane is freely accessible.

34. The Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei)

An extensive volcanic area west of Naples that is in fact one huge supervolcano. The territory is full of craters, sulphurous fumaroles (the best known is Solfatara) and important archaeological sites such as the amphitheatre in Pozzuoli or the submerged Roman town of Baia.

Practical tips: Exploring the whole area takes time and ideally a car. Be ready for the characteristic smell of sulphur. Solfatara is currently closed for maintenance, so check the current situation.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the individual archaeological parks is charged and each has its own opening hours.

35. The Catacombs of San Gaudioso

These fascinating catacombs lie beneath the basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità. They’re known for their unusual burial ritual, in which the skulls of noblemen were set into the walls and the rest of the body was painted onto a fresco, often in clothing symbolising their profession.

Practical tips: A ticket to these catacombs is a combined one, valid for 12 months and also covering entry to the Catacombs of San Gennaro, so you can see both.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily. Guided tours run at regular intervals.

36. The original pizzerias

Naples is the birthplace of pizza and tasting it here is an absolute must. Neapolitan pizza is even on the UNESCO list of intangible heritage. Historic pizzerias such as L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Gino Sorbillo serve simple, perfect versions like the Margherita and the Marinara.

Practical tips: At the best-known pizzerias, be ready for long queues. Take a numbered ticket and wait until you’re called. It’s worth it.
Admission and opening hours: Prices are very reasonable. Pizzerias have their own opening hours, often with a midday break.

37. The Pignasecca market

The oldest and liveliest street market in Naples is an explosion of colours, smells and sounds. In the narrow lanes you’ll find stalls selling everything from fresh fish, fruit and vegetables to clothes, household goods and great street food.

Practical tips: Taste local specialities here such as “cuoppo” (fried seafood in a paper cone) or “pizza a portafoglio” (pizza folded to eat on the go). Watch out for pickpockets.
Admission and opening hours: The market is liveliest in the morning. Entry is free.

38. San Domenico Maggiore

One of the most important and most beautiful churches in Naples, standing on the square of the same name in the heart of the historic centre. Important thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas and Giordano Bruno once studied and worked in the adjoining monastery. The interior is a rich mixture of Gothic and Baroque.

Practical tips: In the sacristy, look out for the row of 45 wooden coffins of Aragonese noblemen and rulers.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily.

39. San Lorenzo Maggiore

This Gothic church is remarkable not only in itself, but above all for what lies beneath it. Underground there’s a fascinating archaeological site that uncovers the remains of the Roman forum and market (macellum) from the 1st century. You can literally walk down a street of ancient Naples.

Practical tips: A visit to the underground is a great illustration of the layering of history that is so typical of Naples.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the church is free, admission to the archaeological site is charged.

40. Ponte di Chiaia

This monumental bridge from 1636 isn’t just a piece of transport engineering, but an elegant architectural feature. Originally it connected the royal barracks with the Pizzofalcone hill; today it links the upmarket Chiaia district with the area above it and is a popular spot for photos.

Practical tips: The best view of the bridge and its arches is from Via Chiaia below it.
Admission and opening hours: The bridge is freely accessible.

41. The MADRE Museum

The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina is the main museum of contemporary art in Naples. It’s housed in the historic Donnaregina palace, which creates a fascinating contrast between old architecture and modern art. It hosts a permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions by international artists.

Practical tips: A great choice for lovers of modern art who want a break from ancient and Baroque landmarks.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily except Tuesday. Admission is charged.

42. Villa Oplontis

This luxurious Roman villa in Torre Annunziata (UNESCO) is an often overlooked treasure. It probably belonged to Poppaea Sabina, the second wife of the emperor Nero, and it boasts some of the largest and best preserved frescoes of that period. It offers a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle of the Roman elite.

Practical tips: It’s far less crowded than Pompeii and Herculaneum, which makes for a calmer and more intimate visit.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily. Admission is charged.

43. Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro

Right next to the cathedral stands a museum holding the incredibly valuable treasure of San Gennaro. The collection, said to surpass even the British crown jewels in richness, consists of masterpieces of goldsmithing, jewellery and silverware donated to the saint over seven centuries.

Practical tips: A visit to the museum gives you a much better sense of how deep the bond is between Naples and its patron saint.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily. You can buy a ticket including a guided tour here.  

44. Parco Virgiliano

This beautiful park spreads across terraces on the rocky Posillipo headland. It offers some of the most stunning and most complete panoramic views of the whole Bay of Naples – from the city centre across Vesuvius and Sorrento all the way to the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

Practical tips: It’s an ideal spot for a picnic and a rest from the bustle of the city. It lies further from the centre, but the bus ride is definitely worth it for those views.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the park is free. Open daily.

45. Metro Art Stations

The “Art Stations” project has turned several stations of the Naples metro into underground galleries of modern art. The best known is Toledo station on line 1, repeatedly voted the most beautiful metro station in Europe thanks to its mosaic installation “Light Panels” by Robert Wilson.

Practical tips: You can see the stations simply by buying a single metro ticket. Università station with its colourful columns is worth a look too.
Admission and opening hours: Accessible during metro operating hours. Entry requires a valid ticket.

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