Naples Travel Guide
- TheWayToItaly
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Thinking about exploring Italy? A visit to Naples should definitely be part of your Naples Travel Guide. This vibrant city offers rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking seaside views. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking a unique Italian experience, Naples deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.
photo courtesy: Antonio Speranza
Traveling to Naples: How to Get There
In this Naples Travel Guide, we recommend arriving by high-speed train, which is the most convenient way to reach the city.
By Train
Naples’ main train station, Napoli Centrale, is served by Trenitalia and Italo, offering direct connections to major Italian cities. From Rome, travel time is just about 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it easy to include Naples in your Italy itinerary.
By Air
For those arriving by air, Capodichino International Airport, just 3 km from the city center, is the primary gateway. It offers domestic and international flights, simplifying your journey from the United States.
How to Get Around in Naples
This Naples Travel Guide suggests exploring the city primarily on foot, as many of Naples’ main attractions are located along the seafront and in the historic center. Walking allows you to soak in the lively street life, historic architecture, and authentic Neapolitan atmosphere. Due to the vast footprint fo Naples Citiy Center, this travel guide recommends hiring a guide for your first visit to get you acquainted with the city, its culture, and its layout.
To explore areas beyond Naples, such as the islands of Ischia and Capri or the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum the following offer the best transportation options aside from private transfers.
Regional trains
Regional trains connect travelers to nearby destinations like Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. The Circumvesuviana train, departing every 20 minutes from Napoli Centrale, takes about an hour to reach Sorrento.
Getting to other towns on the Amalfi Coast can be tricky via public transport, as buses are infrequent and ferry services to Positano are seasonal. For convenience, consider booking a private transfer or a guided tour.
Ferries
Ferries operate year-round between Naples and Capri, Sorrento. Ischia, and Procida. Check with local hydrofoil service for transfer times for stops along the Amalfi Coast such as Positano and Amalfi.
What to See in Naples
Duomo di Napoli
Located in the historic center, the Naples Cathedral is a must-see in this Naples Travel Guide. Dedicated to San Gennaro, the city's patron saint, it features an impressive Gothic facade and stunning chapels filled with unbeleivable works of art. Don’t miss the Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, which houses relics, precious objects, and the vial of San Gennaro’s blood—miraculously liquefying three times a year, according to local legend.
Spaccanapoli
Explore Spaccanapoli, arguably the most famous street in Naples. Don't miss the famous Sansevero Chapel with the Veiled Christ. Stroll through San Gregorio Armeno, popular for artisans crafting nativity figurines (these make great souveniers), and taste your way through the dynamic Naples food scene.
Castel dell’Ovo
photo courtesy: Giulia Marotta
For stunning seaside views, visit my favorite site - Castel dell’Ovo, a medeival castle dating back to Roman times. It offers panoramic vistas of the Gulf of Naples and inside the massive fortress is an ideal spot to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Lungomare
The Lungomare promenade is perfect for an evening stroll. This lively seafront avenue is especially bustling on Sundays and offers some of the best views of the bay, especially at sunset.
TRAVEL TIP: For those new to Naples, it's best to explore the city in a group during daylight. I recommend that solo female travelers have a guide with them at all times when visiting this southern city.
In my years of planning Italy trips, I’ve seen how many travelers now choose Naples as either the perfect starting point or a memorable finale for their adventure. It’s a city that really captures the essence of Southern Italy—full of life, history, and delicious surprises around every corner.
Make it part of your plan—you won’t regret it.
Happy travels, and enjoy everything this fantastic city has to offer!
Ready to explore Naples?
If you’re thinking about adding this Naples Travel Guide to your Italy itinerary, I’d love to help you plan the perfect trip. Reach out today, and let’s make sure you experience all the magic Naples has to offer!
The Way To Italy has been providing fee-based, custom travel planning for travelers to Italy for 23 years. I handcraft once-in-a-lifetime Italy experiences down to the last detail.
Comments