Pizza, chaos and treasures by Vesuvius
Naples is a loud, passionate southern Italian city and the birthplace of pizza. Its historic center is packed with churches and underground passages. It is the base for Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
The Roman city buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD, with streets, houses and frescoes. It is one of the world's great archaeological sites.
Ancient city ticket 20 EUR from January 2026, official site.
Holds treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum, including mosaics and statues. It is one of the world's top classical collections.
Adult ticket, about 15 to 22 EUR; 2026 estimate.
The straight street that cuts through the old town, lined with churches and shops. It is full of life.
Free.
A small chapel with an astonishing marble Christ under a veil. Anatomical machines lie below.
Mandatory online advance timed reservation ticket.
The volcano that destroyed Pompeii, with a crater rim trail. Views sweep the bay.
Entrance ticket, about 10 to 12 EUR; shuttles cost extra.
Tours through Greek and Roman tunnels and cisterns beneath the city. Wartime shelters too.
Guided tour ticket, 2026 estimate.
Seafront promenade leading to a castle on a small island. Views of Vesuvius are great.
Free.
Star-shaped fortress on the Vomero hill with the best city panorama. Funiculars go up.
Fortress ramparts admission ticket; funicular ride costs standard transit fare.
Glamorous island with sea caves and cliff views. The Blue Grotto is famous.
Ferry, funicular and optional grotto or boat trips.
Cliffside towns like Positano and Amalfi on a dramatic coast. Roads are narrow and winding.
Ferries, buses and optional boat trips.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
City day, Pompeii and Vesuvius day, then underground Naples and Castel Sant'Elmo.
Colourful fishing island.
16 mi · Ferry, about 40 minutes
Vast Bourbon palace and gardens.
22 mi · Train, about 40 minutes
A smaller, better preserved Roman town than Pompeii.
7 mi · Circumvesuviana train, about 20 minutes
Huge Bourbon palace with long gardens and fountains.
19 mi · Train, about 40 minutes
Island with thermal baths and gardens.
19 mi · Ferry, about 1 hour
Ancient Roman city buried in volcanic ash by the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius, featuring preserved villas, streets, and frescoes.
16 mi · Circumvesuviana or Campania Express train from Napoli Centrale to Pompei Scavi in 30 minutes.
Best: April to June and September to October. Warm but not scorching.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
September 19
The saint's blood relic is displayed at the cathedral.
Summer
A pizza festival along the seafront; dates vary.
May
Many sites open for free or special tours; dates and programme vary.
December
Nativity scene craft is shown on San Gregorio Armeno street.
September 19 (and first Saturday in May, December 16)
Massive religious gathering in the Cathedral where the dried blood of patron saint Januarius liquefies before crowds.
Italy is at US State Department Level 2 (increased caution) for terrorism; in Naples watch for pickpockets and scooter bag snatching, especially near the station.
The center is dense and walkable, though traffic is chaotic.
Metro, funiculars and buses plus Circumvesuviana trains to Pompeii; tap contactless at gates.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: food, budget
Historic heart, lively and central.
Best for: couples
Elegant seafront area.
Best for: first-timers
Near metro and sights.
Best for: couples, luxury
Elegant streets, cafes and sea views near Castel dell'Ovo.
Best for: quiet stays, families
Residential hill with views, linked by funicular and metro.
Best for: budget, rail travellers
Cheap hotels near the main station, but the area is rough at night.
| Main airport | Naples International Airport (Capodichino) (NAP), 3 mi from the center |
| To the center | The Alibus runs to the centre and port in about 20 to 30 minutes, or take a fixed-fare taxi. |
| Around town | Walk the center, use the metro and funiculars, and trains for day trips. |
| Ride apps | FREE NOW, Uber, itTaxi |
Soft, blistered dough with simple toppings.
Crispy shell pastry with ricotta.
Rum-soaked cake.
The classic Neapolitan pizza with tomato, mozzarella and basil.
Pasta with clams, a seaside favourite.
A deep-fried folded pizza sold from street stalls.
Slow-simmered tomato sauce cooked for eight hours with whole beef and pork cuts, served over rigatoni or paccheri pasta.
| Plugs | Type C and F, 230 V |
| Tap water | Safe to drink |
| Tipping | Service is often included; round up or leave 5 to 10 percent for good service. |
| Payments | Cards and contactless are widely accepted; keep a little cash for small cafes. |
| Etiquette | Greet staff with hello when entering shops. Cover shoulders in churches. |
Greeks founded Neapolis, the new city, around the 6th century BC. It became a Roman resort area, and Vesuvius buried Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD. Naples later served as capital of the Kingdom of Naples and the Two Sicilies. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.