Naples was founded around 3,000 years ago as Partenope by Greek merchants. It was later renamed Palepolis (the old city) and in 475 BC became Neapolis (the new city). Under various foreign rulers, Naples developed continuously and eventually became the capital of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The Bourbons, rulers of this kingdom, built a magnificent palace in nearby Caserta and filled Naples with historic structures.
Despite its occasional grittiness, the historic center of Naples, with its splendid palaces and vibrant working-class districts, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city boasts an extensive underground network of ancient catacombs and tunnels, along with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Naples is truly a must-visit destination on any travel bucket list.
When visiting Naples, dress comfortably and appropriately for the season. Here are some helpful guidelines:
Spring (March to May)
Summer (June to August)
Fall (September to November)
General Tips
worldwide primarily for its pizza (which, you'll discover, which only constitutes a small part of the rich local cuisine) and popular music, with famous songs such as 'O Sole Mio'.
Based on my experience, I’ve noticed that travel tips and hacks often stem from personal opinions or experiences. While these suggestions can be useful, they are subjective and may vary from person to person. Nevertheless, I hope this information proves helpful to you in some way. Happy Travels! ☺️
Cruising to Naples, Italy
Traveling by cruise is a fantastic way to experience Naples and visit multiple iconic Italian cities and regions in one trip, such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. This approach allows you to explore a variety of landscapes and historical sites without the hassle of planning travel arrangements for multiple destinations.
Traveling by Airplane including a Hotel Stay
Spending 2 to 3 days in the city is enough to see the main sights and sample the local cuisine, but you’ll need to pack a lot into each day. It will be a fast-paced adventure.
On the other hand, 4 to 5 days allows for a more relaxed pace. You’ll have time to socialize with locals, spread out your sightseeing, take a day trip, and immerse yourself further in the city’s culture.
1 week or more: If you want to fully immerse yourself in the region, consider staying for a week or longer.
My Favorite Things to do and see around the area of Naples
Electricity
There are several ways to get around Naples, Italy from the cruise ship terminal, including walking, taking a taxi, or taking a bus or ferry.
Walking
Taxi
Bus
Ferry
Shore excursions
Naples is a sprawling city, but the historic center that is home to the lion's share of its sights and monuments is relatively compact and can be explored on foot. The best way to get around Naples as a tourist is by combining walking with the metro (the underground subway system), especially line 1, to cover longer distances.
Is It Safe to Walk Around Naples?
When traveling, it’s important to take the same precautions you would in any large city.
Here are a few helpful reminders:
Avoid wearing flashy and expensive jewelry and watches
Keep cash, documents, and other valuables in a closed pocket rather than a backpack or purse
Avoid the neighborhood surrounding the train station at night
The petty crime rate in Naples is actually lower than the most other major Italian cities, but many people consider Naples a dangerous metropolis. Walking through the historic center of Naples is no more or less risky than walking through the downtown area of any European city.
There has been a sharp rise in tourism in Naples over the past few years, and even neighborhoods that were once known as hotbeds of pickpocketing and other crime like the Quartieri Spagnoli are now thick with B&Bs, restaurants, cafés, and other businesses serving locals and visitors.
This information is provided to ensure your safety while traveling. "Stay informed and enjoy your stay!”
Purchase your travel experiences before your go.
Booking well-known tours can significantly enhance your travel experience for several reasons:
What's the benefits?
Exploring the city of Naples offers a variety of unique activities. Here are just a few:
Naples is a fantastic base for exploring some of Italy’s most iconic attractions. Here are some great day trip options:
Pompeii: Visit the ancient city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Herculaneum: Another city destroyed by Vesuvius, Herculaneum is smaller but better preserved than Pompeii, offering a unique glimpse into Roman life.
Mount Vesuvius: Take a guided tour or hike to the summit of this active volcano for breathtaking views and close-up look at the crater.
Amalfi Coast: Explore the stunning coastline with its picturesque towns like Positano and Amalfi.
Sorrento: Is just an hour's drive from Naples. It offers beautiful views, lovely streets and delicious local cuisine.
Capri: Take a ferry to this beautiful island known for its rugged landscape and great shopping.
Blue Grotto - Sea Cave
Royal Palace of Caserta: It has beautiful architecture and beautiful gardens.
The best time to go sightseeing in Naples and enjoy its beauty to the fullest is probably spring or late summer — May, June, or September. The weather should be warm and pleasant, even if a couple of rainy days can happen. June and August are the best months for going to the beach and swimming, but they can be very hot. Plus, the city might feel a bit empty, since many Neapolitans go abroad on their summer holidays.
Passport
Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizen of the United States of American. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. Travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter Italy.
Pro-tip: Starting in 2025 (exact date to be confirmed), travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will need to apply for ETIAS before entering the Schengen Area. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online. Once approved the ETIAS authorization is valid for 3 years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first.
ETIAS is not a visa but a prescreening process to enhance security by identifying potential risks before travelers arrive in Europe.
Most US-issued credit cards are accepted in Italy, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely recognized. American Express and Discover are less commonly accepted, except in major cities and tourist areas. It’s always a good idea to carry some euros in cash for smaller vendors or emergencies.
Apply for a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees
Many credit cards allow you to make purchases abroad without incurring foreign transaction fees. These cards offer a convenient and secure way to pay while traveling.
Consider Using Cash
To avoid ATM or transaction fees, you might opt to pay for your trip in cash. You can exchange U.S. dollars for euros at a bank, credit union, or currency exchange store before your trip. This approach can be helpful if you have a clear budget for dining and souvenirs.
There is no right or wrong when deciding if you will use a credit card for your vacation or purchase foreign currency to budget your money better. It is all up to you and your travel style.
Pro-tip
Be sure to read how to keep your money safe under the topic entitled "Pickpockets and Safety Tips".
Getting There
Getting to City Center
Pickpockets are a known issue in Naples, especially in crowded areas like public transportation, tourist attractions, and around the main railway station. Here are some tips to stay safe:
By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of pickpocketing and enjoy your time in Naples more safely.
A large flea market offering great bargains is located near the Poggioreale jail and operates from Thursday to Monday.
For traditional handmade products, the Quartieri Spagnoli is the best destination. This area boasts the highest concentration of old craftsmen’s shops. The sophisticated and expensive Capodimonte porcelain, cameos, and gouaches are particularly renowned. Naples is also known for its traditions in leather goods, as well as gold and silver objects.
If you’re interested in purchasing the famous terracotta nativity scene figurines, you should visit Via San Gregorio Armeno. Here, you can find a wide variety of handmade figurines.
What to Buy
Even though I found the shopping in Italy to be pricey, I would not skip it. There are items that I still regret not purchasing. So, if you truly love something, don't hesitate ---go ahead and buy it!