Things to do in Naples
For a city break in Naples off the beaten track, let the tourists flock to Capri or climb Vesuvius, and walk in the city’s Spanish quarter. Discover the local life, its narrow streets, its hullabaloo, its smells… This is the daily theatre of everyday life, people chatting from one window to another; a shopping basket hoisted up by a cord; young people on their Vespas, weaving in and out of the vehicles, clutching the handlebars with one hand, their phone in the other. Observe, gaze… After the Spanish quarter, continue to Spaccanapoli (Old Naples).
Move between the market stalls. Step inside the churches. Enter the little shops. Think about starting this walk early in the morning to watch the city come to life. Your weekend in Naples will be unforgettable.
Things to see in Naples
Do you want to discover the temperament of the true Italy? The city of Vesuvius is right for you! Don’t hesitate to plan a short stay in Naples, to discover a colourful working-class city with a serious cultural life, just a stone’s throw from Pompeii!
Roman and medieval heritage
With a history reaching back through the Roman period, Naples is an excellent place to go if you’re looking to explore Italy’s rich past. Unlike other historical cities, here you’ll find ancient monuments teetering beside ultra-hip new shops and cafés. Two of the grandest landmarks in Naples are the water-facing Castel dell'Ovo at Porto Santa Lucia and the enormous Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino. This medieval castle offers spectacular views of the city and features an elaborate triumphal arch and a museum, Museo Civico, detailing the history of the castle and the city through frescoes and sculptures.
If you’re interested in learning about Naples’ classical lineage during your city break, you’re in for a treat at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale – home to a world-class collection of ancient Greek and Roman artefacts. To really get a feel for the ancient past, the nearby Ruins of Herculaneum are a must-see. Here you’ll find the remains of a fishing town that was destroyed in 79AD following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Also worth checking out is the Parco Archeologico di Baia, a Roman palace complex that features a number of preserved mosaics and an outdoor theatre.
Gothic churches
Naples is home to a staggering number of beautiful buildings, many of which are late medieval and Renaissance churches. Make sure you take some time out of your weekend in Naples to see some of these magnificent structures. The 13th-century Complesso Monumentale di San Lorenzo Maggiore is a monastery complex where you’ll find Gagliardo Primario’s Gothic Basilica di Santa Chiara and cloisters adorned with colourful frescoes. Naples’ Duomo is an unforgettable sight, similarly full of brilliant frescoes. For Baroque architecture head to elaborate Cappella Sansevero, home to Giuseppe Sanmartino's stunning veiled Christ statue. Also worth visiting is Certosa e Museo di San Martino, a fine example of the Neapolitan Baroque.
