Naples has no single landmark: its strength is its layering. In just a few steps you pass from a Baroque church to a Greek-Roman cavity, from a Caravaggio masterpiece to a breathtaking view of Vesuvius. Here’s what to see, organised by area, with ready-made itineraries at the end.
The UNESCO old town
The old town is a World Heritage Site and is crossed along Spaccanapoli, the straight street that cuts the city in two. Unmissable stops:
- Sansevero Chapel — home to the famous Veiled Christ, an absolute sculptural masterpiece. Book in advance.
- Via San Gregorio Armeno — the "street of the nativity scenes", with artisan workshops open all year.
- Naples Cathedral — with the Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, the city’s patron saint.
- Santa Chiara complex — with its splendid majolica cloister.
- Pio Monte della Misericordia — where you can admire Caravaggio’s Seven Works of Mercy.
The great museums
The National Archaeological Museum (MANN) holds one of the world’s most important collections of antiquities, with the finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum and the Farnese Collection: an essential stop if you plan to visit the archaeological sites. The Museum of Capodimonte, set in a large park, houses masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian and the Neapolitan school. Don’t miss the Teatro San Carlo, the oldest working opera house in Europe.
Castles and views
Castel dell’Ovo, on the sea of the Borgo Marinari, offers one of the finest views of the city (and admission is free). The Maschio Angioino (Castel Nuovo) dominates Piazza Municipio, while atop the Vomero Castel Sant’Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino offer the widest panorama over the Gulf and Vesuvius. In the centre, the scenic Piazza del Plebiscito with the Royal Palace and the Galleria Umberto I complete the picture.
Underground Naples
A parallel world hides beneath the city: underground Naples is a network of cavities, cisterns and tunnels carved into the tufa since Greek-Roman times, used as an aqueduct and later as an air-raid shelter during the Second World War. In the Sanità district, the Catacombs of San Gennaro and the Fontanelle Cemetery are well worth it. It’s a fascinating experience, perfect too in bad weather or great heat.
Itineraries for 1, 2 or 3 days
1 day — The old town: Spaccanapoli, Sansevero Chapel, San Gregorio Armeno, the Cathedral, then Piazza del Plebiscito, Galleria Umberto I and the seafront at sunset.
2 days — Add the MANN or Capodimonte, the climb to Vomero with Castel Sant’Elmo and the Certosa, and a stroll through the Chiaia district.
3 days — Devote the third day to an excursion: Pompeii and Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast or Capri. You’ll find all the options in the day-trips guide.
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Naples in one day?
Focus on the UNESCO old town: Spaccanapoli, the Sansevero Chapel with the Veiled Christ, San Gregorio Armeno, the Cathedral, then head down to Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace and the Galleria Umberto I, ending on the seafront at sunset.
What is Naples' most famous attraction?
The Veiled Christ in the Sansevero Chapel is probably the signature work, but Naples has no single icon: its strength is the combination of old town, museums such as the MANN and Capodimonte, castles, underground Naples and the views over the Gulf.
Is underground Naples worth visiting?
Absolutely. Beneath the city lies a network of cavities, cisterns and Greek-Roman tunnels also used as shelters during the Second World War. It is an evocative, different experience, ideal on rainy days or in the heat.
Are the museums in Naples open on Mondays?
Many state museums, including the National Archaeological Museum (MANN), close on Tuesdays, while other sites close on Mondays. Opening hours vary: always check the closing day on the official website before planning your visit.
Experience Naples without worrying about logistics
A private driver takes you between the attractions and comfortably to out-of-town excursions, so you can spend all your time on what matters: sightseeing.
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