Naples, a chaotic and energetic city blessed by the South Italian sun and the bounty of Mount Vesuvius. As the Italian proverb ‘See Naples and die’ suggests, its stunning scenery and profound, multi-layered history captivate visitors and never let them go.
An underground city dating back to ancient Greek times, the magnificent Bourbon Royal Palace, and world-class sculptural art quietly nestled in the back alleys… Naples is more than just a city to eat pizza in. This time, we’ve carefully selected the ‘truly worthwhile and passionate spots’ that travelers absolutely must visit from Naples’ many attractions. Beyond simple historical explanations, we’ll provide thorough, local insights, including tips to avoid crowds, the best times to visit, and deep, lesser-known highlights!
Royal Palace of Naples
📍 Address: Piazza del Plebiscito, 1, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
Standing proudly in the heart of Naples, facing the immense Piazza del Plebiscito, is the ‘Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale di Napoli)’. Built in the early 17th century by successive rulers such as the Spanish Bourbon dynasty, this palace is a masterpiece that conveys to the present day just how prosperous the Kingdom of Naples once was.
Stepping inside, you’ll first be captivated by the overwhelming scale of the marble ‘Staircase of Honor’. Further in, you’ll discover the ‘Throne Room’ symbolizing the authority of past kings, the lavishly decorated ‘Court Theater’, and numerous rooms adorned with magnificent frescoes and tapestries. Every piece of furniture and ceiling painting on display is of the highest quality, and their scale and beauty are comparable to Rome’s Vatican Museums.
The greatest advantage of visiting here is its ‘overwhelming ease of viewing’. While places like the Vatican Museums are packed daily, making it difficult to move, the Royal Palace of Naples can be surprisingly quiet depending on the time of day, allowing you to slowly and peacefully enjoy historical art at your own pace. The admission fee (approx. 11 Euros) is well worth it, and sometimes it’s even free on holidays. It’s a classic yet best-kept secret spot where you can truly feel the grand stage of Neapolitan history.
Museo Cappella Sansevero
📍 Address: Via Francesco de Sanctis, 19/21, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
In the intricate narrow alleys of the Old Town, known as Spaccanapoli, a small chapel quietly stands, drawing art enthusiasts from around the world: the ‘Museo Cappella Sansevero’. It houses masterpieces considered miracles in the history of Western sculpture.
Among them is the ‘Veiled Christ (Cristo Velato)’, created in 1753 by sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino. The ultra-thin veil covering the reclining body of Christ is so incredibly realistic, down to the folds of the cloth and the translucency of the skin, that you’ll doubt it’s actually carved from marble. Elsewhere, an array of unbelievably intricate sculptures, such as ‘Disillusion’ (where a net is carved from a single stone), are tightly packed. Furthermore, Prince Sansevero, who renovated this chapel, was also an alchemist and scientist, and the crypt features eerie ‘anatomical machines’ with realistically preserved human blood vessels and organs…
The most crucial real-world tip for visiting this chapel is that ‘online advance ticket purchase is absolutely essential’. The interior is very small, and strict entry limits are enforced, so you’ll almost certainly be denied entry if you just show up on the day. Photography is strictly prohibited inside, so be sure to engrave the sight into your mind’s eye.
Santa Chiara Monastery
📍 Address: Via Santa Chiara, 49/c, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
If you ever feel tired of the chaotic and noisy streets of Naples, there’s an oasis you absolutely must escape to. It’s the monastery courtyard (Cloister of the Poor Clares) of the ‘Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara (Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara)’, Naples’ largest Gothic-style building, constructed in the 14th century.
Beyond the church’s austere and simple exterior lies a vibrant and beautiful world in the courtyard that you wouldn’t expect. The main highlight is the octagonal pillars and benches covered in ‘majolica’ tiles, predominantly in blue and yellow. Each tile is meticulously painted with flowers, lemons, and pastoral scenes from that era, and the real orange trees planted there create a bright, South Italian atmosphere.
As many travelers say, ‘Naples is chaotic, but once you step in here, it’s like another world, so quiet.’ It’s a precious spot where you can take a deep breath and relax in a space isolated from the hustle and bustle. The best way to spend your time is to sit on a bench with ample time, gaze at the vibrant tile art, and rest your tired feet. The shop selling beautiful postcards and monastery goods is also perfect for souvenir hunting.
Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples)
📍 Address: Vico S. Anna di Palazzo, 52, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
The true face of Naples can never be fully understood by only looking at the surface. Approximately 40 meters beneath the Old Town, another aspect of the city, an ‘underground city (Napoli Sotterranea)’, spreads like a web, formed over thousands of years.
The origin of this underground space dates back over 2,400 years to ancient Greek times. It began as a quarry for cutting tuff (building stone) to construct the city, and in ancient Roman times, it was utilized as a massive underground aqueduct and cistern. During World War II, it served as an air-raid shelter, accommodating up to hundreds of thousands of citizens from fierce air raids. Traces of children’s toys and wartime life remain vividly underground, allowing you to intimately feel the multi-layered history.
Participation in a guided tour (available in English or Italian) is mandatory for visiting. The hour-long tour sometimes involves navigating extremely narrow passages where you can only pass sideways, relying solely on smartphone or candle light, giving you the thrilling sensation of being a character in an adventure movie. However, as it involves very narrow and dark spaces, it’s not recommended for those with claustrophobia. Also, even in the height of summer, the underground is quite cool, so it’s advisable to bring a light jacket.
Castel Sant’Elmo
📍 Address: Via Tito Angelini, 20/A, 80129 Napoli NA, Italy
There is no more fitting place to crown your Naples sightseeing experience. ‘Castel Sant’Elmo’ is a massive, star-shaped fortress perched atop the Vomero hill, overlooking the city of Naples.
Inside the castle, you won’t find lavish treasures or prominent exhibitions. The greatest, and indeed sole, reason to visit here is ‘Naples’ unparalleled panoramic view’. From the castle’s rooftop (parade ground), you can survey a 360-degree panorama encompassing the linear street pattern of Spaccanapoli, the sparkling blue Bay of Naples, and the majestic Mount Vesuvius. It’s truly a spot where you can intensely grasp the true meaning of the famous saying, ‘See Naples and die (Vedi Napoli e poi muori)’, visually.
While it requires a somewhat challenging ascent, involving escalators and slopes from the subway station, all that effort will vanish the moment you behold the view from the summit. The daytime vista under a clear blue sky is magnificent, but locals highly recommend the ‘late afternoon leading into sunset’. The magic hour, when the sea and city are bathed in orange hues and city lights gradually begin to twinkle, will undoubtedly become a lifelong memory (also, be sure to check, as admission fees are sometimes halved after dusk).
Local Tips to Enjoy Naples 120%
The biggest secrets to a successful exploration of Naples are ‘preparation’ and ‘strategic pacing’.
In recent years, major tourist attractions in Naples (especially Museo Cappella Sansevero and the Underground City tour) have become extremely crowded with visitors from all over the world. To avoid wasting precious travel time in ticket queues, always make sure to book your tickets online in advance.
Furthermore, Naples’ charm lies in the ‘contrast between chaos and tranquility’. After experiencing the vibrant energy of mopeds weaving through the narrow alleys of Spaccanapoli, take a breather in the spacious cloisters of Santa Chiara or the Royal Palace. By alternating between these paces, the profound charm of Naples becomes even more three-dimensional. While maintaining basic vigilance against pickpockets and snatchers, be sure to explore every corner of this lovable, chaotic city in comfortable sneakers.
