Naples in-depth travel guide: Uncover the hidden treasures of the Mediterranean
From volcanic ruins to Baroque art, from street pizza to bay sunsets, Naples weaves a strong urban atmosphere and a heavy sense of history into a feast for the senses. Avoid the crowds and go deep into the streets and alleys, you will discover the true soul of this city.
🌋 Must-see attractions
Pompeii
- Features: The ancient Roman city sealed by the ash of Mount Vesuvius has completely preserved its streets, baths, murals and traces of life, as if time and space have frozen.
- Tips:
- Opening hours: 09:00-19:00 from April to October, 09:00-17:00 from November to March, admission fee is 19 euros, it is recommended to rent an audio guide (about 5 euros).
- Transportation: Take the Circumvesuviana line from Naples Central Station to Pompei Scavi Station (about 35 minutes, 4 euros).
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, avoid midday sun exposure, and set aside 4-5 hours for in-depth exploration.
Naples Underground
- Features: A 2,400-year-old underground maze, where ancient Roman aqueducts, reservoirs and World War II air-raid shelters interweave to give you a sense of the city's "underground heartbeat".
- Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Dante Station and walk to Piazza San Gaetano 68 entrance.
- Experience: Explore the "San Lorenzo Maggiore Complex" and touch the historical marks on the ancient stone walls.
Vomero and the Monastery of San Martino
- Features: The "hanging gardens" in the wealthy area, the panoramic terrace of the Monastery of San Martino overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, and the Majorcan tile murals in the cloisters of the monastery are artistic treasures.
- Tips:
- Transportation: Take the cable car from Montesanto Station to Fuga Station (about 10 minutes, 1.5 euros), or take Metro Line 1 to Vanvitelli Station and walk for 15 minutes.
- How to play: Climb to the top in the evening to watch the sunset. The monastery ticket is 6 euros, and you can enter for free with the Campania Arte Card.
🍕 Naples on the tip of your tongue
- L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Enjoy! This is the filming location of "A Solo Trip". They only sell Margherita and Marinara pizza, which have a thin and crispy bottom and are 8 euros per person.
- Address: Via Cesare Sersale 1-3, Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00-23:00 (closed on Sundays from January to April).
- sfogliatella (lasagna shells): Pasquale Pintauro’s traditional recipe is the most authentic, with ricotta cheese and candied orange peel filling, crispy and sweet.
- Address: Via Toledo 275, Opening hours: 7:00-20:00.
- Babà: yeast cake soaked in rum. I recommend the century-old shop Scaturchio, which costs 3 euros per person.
- Gran Caffè Gambrinus: One of the ten most beautiful cafes in the world, opened in 1860. Enjoy espresso with Napolitano cake, 5 euros per person.
🚗Transportation and practical tips
Public Transportation:
- Campania Arte Card: 32 euros for a three-day card, including free entry to the first two attractions and unlimited transportation, suitable for the Pompeii + Underground Naples + San Martino Abbey combination.
- Metro and cable car: Line 1 covers the main attractions, and the Vomero cable car operates until 21:00, with a one-way fee of EUR 1.5.
Public security and safety: Avoid alleys at night, carry your backpack in front of you, and keep important items close to you.
Best season: May-June or September-October, avoid the high summer temperatures and the national holiday in August.
Itinerary suggestions
- 3-day tour highlights:
- Day 1: Pompeii → Mount Vesuvius (hiking to the crater, ticket price 10 Euros).
- Day 2: Underground Naples → San Severo Chapel → Castel dell'Ovo (free) → Night walk in the old town.
- Day 3: Vomero District → San Martino Monastery → Via Toledo shopping → Piazza del Plebiscito to watch the sunset.