What to do in Naples

Italy is one of my favorite countries in Europe, if not the World, and I’ve visited 5 times without ever having enough of it. I thought I had found my favorite places in Italy when I visited Verona and Florence, but it turns out there was a much more special city waiting for me all along.

I went there to use it as a base to visit Pompeii, not even acknowledging there would be anything to see or experience there. I understand now how outraged that is and how naive I was. That city is called Naples and it’s now one of my absolute favorite places in Italy. Here are some things I really think you shouldn’t miss out on if you ever visit this incredible city. 

Explore the several areas of Naples city center

Walking around Naples is an experience in itself. You really don’t need to worry about finding specific things to see and do, as watching the italian lifestyle unrolling in Naples is at least 90% of the fun of visiting that city. Quartieri Spagnioli is where you will find plenty of restaurants that will keep all your gastronomic needs and desires fulfilled, while the Old Town area is full of super interesting buildings and corners to discover.

If you’re looking for museums, head to the Montecalvario area. Naples is such a vibrant city that I’d really advise reserving several days to purely wandering around these areas and see which hidden gems you find along the way. 

Admire the Mount Vesuvius and sea views

As if Naples didn’t have enough amazing things to offer in the city center, there’s even a huge bonus to this city: it’s built straight on the coastline. That’s one of my absolute favorite things in cities and it just makes Naples all that much more special.

Can you imagine being able to buy a pizza margherita at the restaurant where it was invented centuries ago and walk down to the sea to eat it while watching Mount Vesuvius? It just doesn’t get more magical than that.

Look for signs of the love people have for Maradona in Naples

Before going to Naples, I was aware that people love Maradona there. But, to be honest, I was not aware of just how much he is adored there. There are pictures, paintings and graffiti of him literally everywhere and you can even find a shrine that was built in his honor.

Maradona literally has the position and respect of a God in Naples and it’s quite the unique phenomena to see while you walk around exploring this italian city. 

I hope these few things have inspired you to visit the beautiful city of Naples, as it’s really one of the most unique places I’ve visited in Italy! I’ve been there twice and I’m sure I’m going back sometime again.

Naples holds a very special place in my heart and, even though it’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, I really hope you visit that incredible city and fall in love with it just like I did.