Naples’ historic center stretches across 14 city districts, but most of the city’s cultural highlights are concentrated in its heart. With more than 2,500 years of history, the centro storico is a mix of influences from a number of ages, beginning from the stick-straight Roman thoroughfare of Spaccanapoli and the 13th-century Castel Nuovo fortress, and ending with the elegant Teatro di San Carlo and Piazza Plebiscito, both dating from the last few centuries. Greek and Roman ruins are hidden beneath the modern city streets, and spectacular artifacts from the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum are displayed in the city’s National Archaeological Museum.
Take a deep dive into the culture and history of Naples with a walking, bike, or Segway tour or shore excursion in the historic center, touching on magnificent landmarks like Piazza del Gesù, the Duomo, and the Church of Santa Chiara, as well as charming corners like Via San Gregorio Armeno, famous for its artisan nativity scenes. Tours can even head below ground to take in Naples’ underground ruins and ancient crypts. No visit to Naples is complete without sampling the city’s traditional cuisine, and many tours combine sightseeing with pizza tastings and introductions to local street food. With the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum just outside the city, combining a visit to these famous archaeological sites with a tour of the historic center is an attractive option.
The historic center of Naples covers much of the downtown along the waterfront, and is easy to reach on foot from the port and main train station. Naples is an important transportation and cruise ship hub, with direct trains connecting from most Italian cities and ferries from Salerno and Sorrento.
Temperatures soar in Naples in the summer, and the city is much more comfortable to tour in spring or fall. If visiting in summer, take on the city center in the early morning. Naples is particularly lively during its annual festivals, most importantly the Festa di San Gennaro (September 19) that celebrates the city’s patron saint with eight days of religious processions, markets, and other festivities.
One of the most important archaeological sites in the world is located just outside Naples. Pompeii was a booming Roman city buried in AD 79 by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The archaeological excavations at Pompeii have unearthed houses, restaurants, shops, temples, and public buildings, many decorated with surprisingly intact frescoes, mosaics, and other decorative features.
