The 23 best things to do in Naples

What is it? The Archaeological Museum houses Naples’s most significant collection of Roman remains and displays much of the loot uncovered during the Pompeii and Herculaneum digs.  

Why go? It may hold a treasure trove of ancient artefacts and statues, which when taken together, laid the foundations for the western canon of art as we know it today, but it’s the erotic art from Pompeii hidden in a tucked-away room that’s the real draw here.

What is it? Over in the west of the city, a spacious piazza is home to the almost brutalist-looking façade of a church called Gesù Nuovo. Take some time out and explore its ridiculously opulent interiors.

Why go? Learn more about Dr Giuseppe Moscati, who dedicated his career in the early 19th century to healing the poor. Thanks to a miracle or two, he was made a saint in 1987.

What is it? A meeting point for the young and thirsty of Naples, this bar-lined square bubbles over with students, locals and tourists come aperitivo time (and beyond). There are some ancient ruins left casually unprotected – and often covered in rubbish – at the square’s centre.

Why go? The walls at Intra Moenia are covered with rows upon rows of vintage postcards and curios. Buy one to send home, then claim a table outside to sit back and tipple as the crowds gather.

What is it? You know about Pompeii already, of course, but it is genuinely overwhelming in real life. The town’s perfectly preserved streets remain eerie despite rivalling the footfall of Oxford Circus on a Saturday.

Why go? Always nice to be reminded that humans are ultimately at the mercy of Mother Nature. Few things say carpe diem like the plaster cast of a corpse of a Pompeiian who’d been looting a jewellery shop. The more things change...

What is it? What once was an old parking lot with a discoloured mural dating back to the 1990s in Naples’s historic neighbourhood, the Quartieri Spagnoli has transformed into a cultural symbol and restored mural that celebrates the city’s deep bond between the legendary Argentine footballer, Diego Armando Maradona, and the city of Naples, where Maradona played with Napoli Calcio in the 1980s, leading the team to win two historic championships. 

Why go? Venture to the top of Via Emanuele de Deo and experience the energetic scene of Diego fan pilgrimage of visitors from all over the world. Snap a picture in front of the mural, venture into the small square selling Maradona merchandise, and grab a €2 spritz at one of the bustling corner bars blaring Neomelodic music. 

What is it? At the less-heralded end of Via Tribunali in the Forcella district, you’ll find the dinky chapel of Pio Monte della Misericordia, home to one of the only Caravaggio paintings still left in situ. 

Why go? Compete with your travelling partner to spot the ‘seven acts of mercy’ depicted in Caravaggio’s most famous Neapolitan work. Or work together; the world has enough competitive anger, after all.

What is it? Beneath the heat and bustle of Naples’s streets is an old quarry that became a burial site in the 17th century when a plague wiped out 250,000 of the city’s residents. Though the Fontanelle cemetery’s piles of bones are undeniably unnerving, the local tradition of caring for a lost soul’s skull lends the place a very spiritual feel. The cemetery has been closed for a few years as renovation works take place, but it should open again to the public by the end of 2023.

Why go? Watch for the odd Italian nonna on her way to tend to her designated skeleton in the hope of releasing its soul to heaven in return for a wish.

What is it? A 2.5km strip of pedestrianised road running along the seafront provides the perfect stress-free route for a stroll. Stop for lemon granita at the beach kiosks, claim a rock to sunbathe on or stop for a sundowner.

Why go? The views of Mount Vesuvius, Capri and Naples itself are spectacular. Add a photo-worthy sunset, and you’re basically in heaven.

What is it? A world-class museum of modern art named after the 14th-century Gothic church within its walls. Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina’s beautiful main building holds site-specific works by Jeff Koons, Anish Kapoor and many other superstars of the visual arts.

Why go? You might, at some point, want to gaze appreciatively at something that is not older than Italy itself. 

What is it? One of the few things all Neapolitans can agree on is that the best pizza can be found on Via Tribunali. You can get the signature fluffy, charred dough anywhere along ‘Pizza Alley’, but if you have the patience to queue for Sorbillo, this Rolls Royce of pizza restaurants shouldn’t be missed. 

Why go? To try the best pizza in the world: from world-famous Sorbillo to Figlio del Presidente, a favourite of Bill Clinton’s, to Di Matteo, who makes the city’s tastiest arancini (rice balls).