This guide brings together the main things to do in Naples, from Spaccanapoli and the Spanish Quarter to historic churches, underground passages, Neapolitan pizza and a day trip to Pompeii. Use it to plan independent sightseeing, choose where to continue after a free walking tour and check which attractions require advance planning.
Last verified: August 2026 — Prices, opening hours, and reservation requirements checked against official sources. GuruWalk’s Naples gurus reviewed the practical recommendations.
Best Free Tours in Naples
Starting with one of the Naples free walking tours is a practical way to understand the historic center before exploring independently. Routes may cover areas such as Spaccanapoli, Piazza del Plebiscito or the Spanish Quarter, depending on the tour selected.
Practical advice before your free tour
- Meeting point: Check the confirmation message on the day of the tour because departure points vary by route and guru.
- What to bring: Wear comfortable shoes and carry water, especially when the route crosses the old town’s stone-paved streets.
- Duration: Allow roughly 2–3 hours, but confirm the stated duration when booking.
- Tipping: Carry cash if possible. A typical contribution is €10–€20 per person, while some travelers choose up to €50 for an exceptional experience.
- After the tour: Continue through the surrounding neighborhood or return to a church, museum or food stop that received only a brief introduction during the walk.
- Tourist traps: Confirm menu prices before ordering near major sights and ignore unsolicited offers for unofficial tickets or tours.
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Spaccanapoli: The historic center’s main axis
Spaccanapoli, whose name literally means “the street that splits Naples”, runs through the historic center of the city. This main artery, whose layout dates back to the Greco-Roman period (more than 2,400 years ago), follows a straight line through the old town, dividing the city between north and south.
During the Middle Ages and up to the 19th century, this area was home to important convents and residences of the most powerful families. The Renaissance brought significant changes, transforming many of the original Gothic buildings into the structures visible today.
Tips for visiting Spaccanapoli
- ⏰ Timing: Allow time for shops, churches and side streets rather than treating Spaccanapoli as a single direct walk.
- 📍 Main stops:
- Church of Gesù Nuovo
- Basilica of Santa Chiara
- Sansevero Chapel
- Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore
- 🚶♂️ Route: Plan at least 2–3 hours to explore the main street and its side alleys.
- 📸 View: A high vantage point reveals the straight line of the street through the historic center.
Basilica and Convent of Santa Chiara: A Neapolitan Gothic complex
Built between 1310 and 1340, the Basilica of Santa Chiara is the largest Gothic church in Naples. This religious complex was erected over ancient Roman baths by order of King Robert I of Anjou and his wife, with the purpose of creating a Franciscan citadel that would serve both as a residence for the Poor Clares and as a royal mausoleum.
The complex has survived numerous wars, earthquakes and floods, preserving artistic works and the tombs of the Bourbon dynasty within its walls. The majolica cloister is distinguished by its painted tiles, columns and gardens.
Photography in the cloister
Natural light reveals the colors and individual scenes painted on the majolica tiles. Photography for private use is permitted in the cloister, subject to any instructions displayed during the visit.
Naples Cathedral: The Duomo of San Gennaro
Naples Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di San Gennaro, is the main Catholic church in the city. Inaugurated in 1314, it was built on the foundations of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo and displays a mix of styles that includes Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Gothic elements.
Practical information for your visit
- ⏰ Opening hours: Check the current schedule before visiting because access can change for services, religious celebrations and public holidays.
- 💶 Admission: Access to the main cathedral is generally free; confirm current conditions before your visit.
- 🎫 Treasury Chapel: The Museum and Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro requires separate admission; check current availability.
- 👗 Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees.
- 📸 Photography: Follow the restrictions displayed inside the cathedral.
Piazza del Plebiscito: Naples’ monumental square
Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the principal public spaces in Naples. The square takes its name from the plebiscite of 1860, which decided on the annexation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to the new Kingdom of Italy under the House of Savoy. It remains a setting for Neapolitan cultural and public life.
The square is dominated by two monumental buildings: the Royal Palace to the east and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola to the west. On either side stand the equestrian statues of Charles III (Antonio Canova) and Ferdinand I (completed by Antonio Calì from a model by Canova).
Details to notice in Piazza del Plebiscito
- 🎭 Cultural events: The square hosts major concerts and public events.
- 🎨 Seasonal installations: Temporary artworks may occupy the square during the festive season.
- 📸 Photography: The broad open space allows views of both the basilica and the Royal Palace.
- 🚶♂️ Accessibility: The square has been a pedestrian area since 1994.
Castel dell’Ovo: The oldest castle in Naples
Castel dell’Ovo, whose name means “Egg Castle”, stands on a small peninsula in the Gulf of Naples. This medieval castle is the oldest in the city and owes its name to a legend according to which the poet Virgil hid a magic egg in its foundations.
Located in the historic Borgo Marinari, the castle overlooks the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and the city. Its position also makes the surrounding waterfront a useful connection between the castle and Santa Lucia.
Renovation work can affect access to Castel dell’Ovo. Confirm its current opening status before setting out and keep the waterfront walk as an alternative if the interior remains unavailable.
Pompeii: The city preserved by Vesuvius
Just 25 kilometers from Naples lies the Pompeii archaeological site. This ancient Roman city was preserved beneath ash after the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, leaving extensive evidence of daily life in the Roman Empire.
The excavations have revealed a city with streets, houses, temples, shops, theaters and an amphitheater. Visitors can follow the ancient street plan, examine surviving frescoes and see the plaster casts associated with victims of the eruption.
Plan your visit to Pompeii
- ⏰ Recommended duration: Allow at least 3–4 hours.
- 🎫 Tickets: Check current availability and reservation requirements before traveling.
- 🚂 How to get there: The Circumvesuviana train connects Naples with Pompeii; check the current timetable for your travel date.
- ☀️ Weather: Much of the site is exposed, so carry water and sun protection in warm conditions.
- 🎯 Principal areas:
- The Forum
- The Villa of the Mysteries
- The Great Theatre
- The House of the Faun
Pompeii and Herculaneum require more planning than central Naples. Compare the transport, entry and guided options below, and check current availability rather than relying on static prices.
Activities around Pompeii and Herculaneum
From Naples: Sorrento & Pompeii Tour with Limoncello Tasting
Private excursion to Pompeii and to Vesuvius
Naples: Round-Trip Shuttle Bus to Pompeii
From Naples Port: Pompeii and Vesuvius Shore Excursion
Pompeii & Naples Underground Experience – from Naples
Castellammare di Stabia: Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii Ruins Trip
From Naples: Archeological day to Pompeii and Herculaneum
From Naples: Pompeii and Herculaneum Tour
From Naples: Pompeii and Amalfi Tour
From Naples/Pompeii: Herculaneum, Vesuvius, and Pompeii Trip
Pompeii: Skip The Line Ticket + Roundtrip from Naples + Audio Guide
Neapolitan Pizza and its cultural tradition
The art of the Neapolitan pizzaiuolo has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2017. Its history includes the 18th-century work of Vincenzo Corrado, who documented the use of tomato on pizzas and maccheroni in his gastronomic treatise.
Neapolitan pizza is characterized by its soft, thin center and raised crust, traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven. Two established varieties are Marinara (tomato, garlic, oregano and olive oil) and Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, basil and olive oil), the latter associated by tradition with Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889.
Where and how to try Neapolitan pizza
- 🍕 Historic pizzerias:
- L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
- Sorbillo
- Starita
- 50 Kalò
- ⏰ Timing: Popular dining periods can involve queues, so leave flexibility in the itinerary.
- 💶 Prices: Check the current menu and any table or service charges before ordering.
- 🎯 Ordering: Marinara and Margherita provide a direct comparison of the two traditional styles.
Naples Underground: The city beneath the city
Forty meters beneath the historic center is an underground network with more than 2,400 years of history. Its tunnels and galleries illustrate how the spaces beneath Naples changed alongside the city above.
Originally excavated by the Greeks as quarries and water reservoirs, these tunnels were expanded by the Romans and later used as air-raid shelters during the Second World War. Visits may include ancient cisterns, parts of Roman theaters and other archaeological remains, depending on the route selected.
Guided access is required for many underground routes. Wear secure shoes and bring a light layer because conditions below ground differ from street level. Check current duration, accessibility and reservation requirements before booking.
Several underground and catacomb experiences operate in Naples, so compare the route, access conditions and language before choosing one.
Galleria Umberto I: 19th-century architecture
Built between 1887 and 1890, the Galleria Umberto I is an example of 19th-century commercial architecture. Its principal features include a glass and iron dome, arches and a mosaic floor associated with the period of the Neapolitan Risanamento.
The building, inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, takes its name from King Umberto I and connects Via Toledo with Via San Carlo, opposite the Teatro di San Carlo.
Architectural details
- 🏛️ Structure: Greek-cross plan with a central dome.
- 🎨 Decoration:
- Zodiac mosaics on the floor
- Allegorical statues on the façade
- Decorative stained glass
- 🎭 Nearby: Teatro San Carlo and Piazza del Plebiscito.
- ☕ Current use: The gallery contains cafés and shops.
Spanish Quarter: Naples’ Hispanic legacy
The Spanish Quarter, or Quartieri Spagnoli, was built in the 16th century during the Spanish viceroyalty. Its network of narrow alleys and tall buildings was originally designed to house the Spanish troops who kept order in the city.
Today, the neighborhood is known for colorful murals, clotheslines strung between buildings, small traditional shops and active street life. The area stretches between Via Toledo and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, on the hillside that climbs toward the Certosa di San Martino and Castel Sant’Elmo.
Guide to exploring the Spanish Quarter
- 🎨 Street art:
- Maradona mural
- Contemporary murals
- 🍝 Local food: Small family-run trattorias are found throughout the neighborhood.
- 📸 Street views: Look for hanging laundry, murals and monumental staircases without blocking residents or shop entrances.
- ⚠️ Safety: Keep valuables secure in busy lanes and remain alert around scooters.
Frequently asked questions about Naples
What are the main things to do in Naples?
A first visit can combine Spaccanapoli, Santa Chiara, Naples Cathedral, Piazza del Plebiscito, Castel dell’Ovo, Naples Underground and the Spanish Quarter. Leave additional time for Neapolitan pizza and a separate Pompeii excursion.
Is a free walking tour a good way to start exploring Naples?
Yes. A free walking tour can provide an initial overview of the historic center and help identify places to revisit independently. Confirm the meeting point, route and duration in the booking details.
Can Pompeii be visited as a day trip from Naples?
Yes. Pompeii is about 25 kilometers from Naples and is connected by the Circumvesuviana train. Allow at least 3–4 hours for the archaeological site and check current transport and reservation information before departure.
What should travelers bring for sightseeing in Naples?
Comfortable shoes and water are useful for the old town’s streets. Bring a light layer for underground visits, clothing that covers shoulders and knees for churches, and cash if joining a tip-based free tour.
More tours and activities in Naples
After choosing the main stops, compare additional tours and activities in Naples for underground sites, museums and excursions. Check current availability and access requirements before finalizing the itinerary.
GuruWalk
Travel marketing specialist with extensive experience in the travel sector. At companies such as Despegar and GuruWalk, she has led traveler-focused digital acquisition strategies. Now, from the GuruWalk blog, she combines her expertise with her passion for discovering and sharing unique destinations.