20 Essential things to know before visiting Naples, Italy

We’ve spent years getting lost in Naples’ labyrinthine alleys, savouring espresso in historic cafés, and connecting with locals who are always eager to share a tip or two.

Naples isn’t just the birthplace of pizza; it’s a vibrant city pulsing with energy, warmth, and ancient wonders—Mount Vesuvius, Greek ruins, underground tunnels, and Europe’s most beautiful metro stations all await.

In this guide, we’ll uncover the 20 essential things to know before visiting Naples so that you can experience the city’s rich history, stunning food, and authentic culture like a true insider from your very first step. Naples’ surprises? Trust us—they’re unforgettable.

Best time to visit Naples

Naples truly shines in spring and autumn. During these seasons, the weather is pleasantly mild, perfect for exploring the city’s treasures without the scorching heat of summer or the chill of winter.

How much time to spend in Naples

We suggest planning a Naples itinerary for at least 3-4 days. The city is big. Also, it will take longer if you plan to do some day trips from Naples. There is much to do around Naples, which you can fill quickly in one or two weeks.

Our guide to Naples in one day will also help you plan a short city itinerary if you are staying on the Amalfi Coast and just passing by here.

Visa

Travellers from most countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days. If you are European, there is no restriction on visiting Naples, and you will also have access to public health facilities.

If you visit Naples from the US or the UK, you need a Visa upon entry. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements based on your nationality.

Currency

In Naples, the Euro is the currency of choice. ATMs are widely available for convenient currency exchange. Check the current exchange! We suggest not changing money at Naples Airport or exchanging just what you need if you take public transport to reach the hotel.

To avoid fees for trading or withdrawing at the airport, we always carry some cash with us or book transportation in advance. This way helps you to pay by card and avoid foreign exchange fees. For tips on how to stash your cash while in Naples or avoid scams for withdrawal and exchange rates, check out our guide on staying safe in Naples.

How to get to Naples

Naples is well connected with the rest of the country and Europe by land and air. In fact, apart from the many flights available, you can also get to Naples by train.

There is a high-speed train that takes just 50 minutes to get you to Rome and vice versa, and it costs only 10€. Check the tickets available and prices.

Getting to Naples by train from Rome

The journey from Rome to Naples by train is a scenic delight. The high-speed train takes approximately 1.5-2 hours, offering picturesque views of the Italian countryside.

Flying into Naples Airport

Naples Airport is well connected with the rest of Europe and even the Middle East. There are about 20 airlines flying into and out of Naples, including popular European budget carriers like Ryanair, easyJet and Wizzair (From summer 2024 also IndiGo).

While Naples hosts some international airlines, for more distant locations, you might need to make connections through significant hubs like Nice, Rome, Frankfurt, or Dubai. Check flight departures and discounts below.

Getting from Naples Airport to the city centre

Naples Airport is conveniently just 6 km away from the heart of the city.

There isn’t a train connection yet; Plans are set to open in 2025. The Naples Alibus Airport Shuttle provides you with frequent bus services throughout the day. For just €5, you can catch the bus outside the arrival; it stops at the Central Train Station (if you are staying in Naples centre) and Molo Beverello Port (If you are taking the ferry to the islands).

Alternatively, you can take a taxi (There is no Uber in Naples). We also suggest planning your trip in advance and booking a transfer from the airport to your hotel. BOOK YOUR TRANSFER FROM NAPLES AIRPORT.

How to get around Naples

This vibrant city is perfect for strolling, so you’ll rarely need public transport, except for airport transfers and long distances.

Here are the primary ways to move around Naples:

Metro: Locals rely a lot on the metro system, which has been upgraded constantly in recent years. The city boasts two metro lines – Line 1, famous for its artistic stations. A single ticket costs €1.10, but you can grab daily and weekly passes at €3.50 and €12.50, respectively. Most likely, you’ll hop on this line to explore the city. However, the Metro system is wider, including services like the Cumana, which does more internally and the trainline, which gets to Salerno from Campi Flegrei without changing trains. It is called “Integrated Metro-System”.

Tram: Three tram lines are in operation. Line 1, from Piazza Garibaldi to Piazza Vittoria, and Line 4, from San Giovanni to Piazza Vittoria, are your go-to options. Tickets cost €1.50 onboard or €1.10 in advance at a newspaper stand.

Funicular: Naples is known for its hilly terrain, so we have four funiculars to whisk you up the steep slopes of different neighbourhoods. The Funicolare di Montesanto, from Montesanto to Castel Sant’Elmo, is perfect for reaching a Naples viewpoint. Tickets are €1.20 for a one-way ride, available at the station. Use this line if you are staying in Vomero, one of the trendiest districts of Naples.

How to rent a car in Naples

Naples offers an extensive selection of car rental options. Renowned rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar are readily available, offering various vehicle choices to cater to your specific requirements.

You can get your car at Naples airport or at Piazza Garibaldi (Naples Central Station). For a better exploration of the Naples city centre, go for a small car, which you can squeeze into the narrow parking spaces. If you plan day trips outside the city boundaries, get a sturdy SUV for coastal road trips. For the best deals, check Discover Cars and RentalCars.

Things to know before visiting Naples

• Naples is safe for tourists
• Locals are welcoming
• Naples is different from other cities
• It’s cheap compared to the rest of Italy
• Transport to the islands is good
• Napoli’s Metro is one of the most beautiful in the world
• You can admire Roman and Greek ruins for free
• Maradona is a legend
• The Spanish Quarter is a thriving spot in Naples
• Traffic in Naples is wild
• Easily visit Pompeii and Herculaneum Ruins
• Perfect base to hike the Vesuvius
• You can explore the underground
• History and culture buffs will fall in love with Naples
• You can eat the best pizza in the world
• Food is incredible
• The Amalfi Coast is a stone’s throw away

Naples is safe for tourists

The city has transformed in recent years, shedding its previous associations with crime and embracing a more vibrant and tourist-friendly atmosphere. Locals are known for their warmth and hospitality, often offering friendly conversations and assistance.

We suggest keeping in mind to stay in well-lit areas, avoid dimly lit alleys, and keep belongings secure to prevent pickpocketing. Use licensed taxis and exercise caution when crossing streets due to busy traffic.

Locals are welcoming

I am a local, and not just saying that because I feel my city and hope it gets better. Us, Neapolitans epitomise the art of hospitality. We love welcoming visitors and making friends. You’ll find their warmth and friendliness endearing.

It’s common for locals to strike up conversations, offer recommendations, and go out of their way to ensure you have a memorable stay.

Naples is different from other cities

Naples doesn’t conform to the conventional Italian city mould. It’s common to say that Naples is diverse from North to Centre to South. Its uniqueness stems from a captivating blend of history, folklore, and culinary traditions. You can find a similar style while exploring Palermo in Sicily.

The city’s vibrant character draws you in, unveiling an authentic, unapologetic, and unforgettable urban experience. Naples doesn’t just beckon you; it embraces you.

It’s cheap compared to the rest of Italy

Part of the diversity in Naples is also its affordability. Naples offers an unbeatable value proposition. You’ll find prices pleasantly lower compared to Rome, Milan, or even Florence.

From dining at exceptional restaurants serving mouth-watering dishes to boutique accommodations, you can indulge in luxury without the hefty price tag.

Transport to the islands is good

Naples’ well-connected ports open the door to the stunning islands dotting the Bay of Naples. Frequent and reliable ferry services make day trips to Capri, Ischia, and Procida a breeze. Island-hopping adventures await just a short boat ride away.

Napoli’s Metro is one of the most beautiful in the world

The Naples Metro is more than a transportation system; it’s an underground art gallery. Each station is a canvas adorned with contemporary artworks that transform your daily commute into a visual delight.

Naples Metro Toledo has been voted one of the most beautiful in the world. You can’t miss this place while getting around the city, as it is one of the best things to do in Naples.

You can admire Roman and Greek ruins for free

Naples offers a unique gift to history enthusiasts. If you walk through Naples’ streets, you will see the ruins of the Greeks and Romans passing by this land. Head to Piazza Bellini, which is lit up by the ruins at night and is fantastic.

Also, consider that on select days, access to the mesmerising ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum is free of charge. These archaeological wonders provide a captivating window into ancient Roman and Greek civilisations.

Best things to do in Naples:

• Visit the Royal Palace
• Walk along the Promenade
• Discover Naples Underground
• Go on a walking tour of the old town
• Visit Naples at Christmas.

Maradona is a legend

Naples’ love for Diego Maradona knows no bounds. He’s not just a football legend; he’s a symbol of the city’s spirit.

A visit to Stadio San Paolo, where Maradona’s magic unfolded, is a pilgrimage for sports fans, where echoes of his brilliance still linger. GO ON A TOUR OF THE SPANISH QUARTER IN MARADONA FOOTSTEPS.

The Spanish Quarter is a thriving spot in Naples

Until a few years ago, the Spanish Quarter was inaccessible even to locals. Today, instead, it has been cleaned and is open to the public. The little alleys are the picturesque ones you have seen in many photos of Naples.

Meander through the lively Spanish Quarter, a maze of narrow streets and bustling alleys. Here, authenticity thrives. Sample Neapolitan cuisine in charming eateries, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere that paints a vivid picture of Naples’ soul.

Traffic in Naples is nuts

Navigating Naples’ streets is akin to joining an urban symphony of chaos. The city’s traffic is renowned for its frenetic pace, often testing visitors’ nerves.

To truly savour the city, opt for walking or efficient public transportation, as they provide a more enjoyable way to explore

Easily visit Pompeii and Herculaneum Ruins

Naples’ strategic location makes it the ideal launchpad for history buffs. Journey back in time to explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Their proximity to Naples ensures that history comes alive in the most accessible way.

Perfect base to hike Vesuvius

Embarking on an adventure to Mount Vesuvius is a must. Naples is your gateway to this legendary volcano, the same one that once buried Pompeii.

Begin your journey in Naples, and you’ll ascend Vesuvius, standing at its crater and witnessing breathtaking views. BOOK A GUIDED TOUR.

You can explore the underground

Naples will inspire a profound love for history and culture

You will fall in love with Naples. There is no need to pay for a museum entrance, as it is in plain sight. Naples, a city that has witnessed over two millennia of history, is a haven for history and culture enthusiasts. Its historical sites, world-class museums, and a rich tapestry of cultural events promise an enchanting journey back in time.
We suggest you go on a guided tour of Naples (Check this) to better understand the city, the different epoques and rules. Each of the layers of Naples is part of today’s face of the city.

BEST TOURS OF NAPLES WE SUGGEST:

You can eat the best pizza in the world

Naples isn’t just the birthplace of pizza; it’s where you’ll encounter the world’s most authentic and delectable pizza. The city’s pizzerias serve up culinary perfection, offering a taste of history and culture in every slice. Read our guide about the best pizzerias in Naples.

Food is incredible

Beyond pizza, Naples is a culinary paradise. Fresh seafood, sumptuous pasta dishes, and local specialities like sfogliatella await your palate. Dining in Naples transcends sustenance; it’s a sensory exploration that leaves an indelible mark.

Recommended places to eat in Naples:

• La Locanda Gesu Vecchio
• La fesseria wine Garage
• La chitarra

The Amalfi Coast is a stone’s throw away

Naples serves as your entry point to the enchanting Amalfi Coast. A short, picturesque drive from the city takes you to this world-renowned coastline.

It’s the gateway to breathtaking coastal landscapes, charming villages, and the allure of southern Italy’s beauty.

Best tours in Naples

• Naples: Street Food Tour with Local Guide
• Naples: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24-Hour Ticket
• Downtown Tour and Veiled Christ Entry
• Spanish Quarter Street Art Tour with Maradona Murals

Is Naples a safe city to visit?

When you mention “Naples,” some might instantly think “Mafia.” However, defining this vibrant city solely by that label is unjust. Naples has so much more to offer. It’s a safe destination for travellers.

The city has undergone a transformation in recent years, leaving behind its past associations with crime and corruption. Naples is rising, inviting visitors to explore its rich culture and history. READ OUR GUIDE ON HOW TO STAY SAFE IN NAPLES.

Where to stay in Naples?

FAQ | Things to know before visiting Naples