20 fun and unique things to do in Naples

Nestled on the coast and surrounded by stunning natural trails, Naples has plenty of activities that will spark your interest. If you wish to take a break from the many magnificent museums and ancient landmarks in the city, the Amalfi Coast or Capri Island is a short journey away. Those seeking the source of Neapolitan pizza can book a cooking class to take the knowledge home with them. Head to Pompeii to sample gorgeous wines from the slopes of Vesuvius. Pick from the following fun things to do in Naples to make your next vacation truly magical.

Fun things to do in Naples as a couple

1. Enjoy a date to remember on the Amalfi Coast

The Bay of Naples may just be the most beautiful part of Italy, which is saying something! Admire it for yourself on a tour of the stunning Amalfi Coast, which takes you to charming, historic towns like Positano, Sorrento, and Amalfi which cling to the cliffs.

Highlights:

On a Ravello, Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento day tour, you'll stop at picturesque locations. Don't forget your camera.

Address:

Amalfi 83621

2. Visit the picturesque Sorrento

Just one hour from Naples is the charming coastal town of Sorrento. Famous for its limoncello and historic centre, Sorrento is the perfect day trip from Naples. Here you can peruse the stores, dine at the town’s Piazza Tasso, or catch the ferry to Capri.

Highlights:

You are bound to find the perfect souvenir from your trip when you explore the Lanes of the Historic Center of Sorrento.

Address and opening hours:

Sorrento 80067 Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

3. Enjoy a romantic boat trip

A boat trip is a must-do date idea when visiting Naples. Head to the Port of Naples and enjoy an evening cruise with a glass of bubbly, or catch the ferry to Pompei, Sorrento, or along the stunning Amalfi Coast. Along the way, you might have the chance to go snorkeling in the crystal-clear water.

Highlights:

Seeing this stunning coastline from the ocean is one of the best ways to take in the majesty of the Amalfi Coast and Bay of Naples. Look out for Mount Vesuvius!

Address and opening hours:

Port of Naples.

4. Climb Mount Vesuvius

Hike one of Italy’s most famous active volcanoes and enjoy spectacular views from the crater at the very top. It will take around 30-40 minutes to climb to the top, depending on your fitness level. If you look into the crater, you’ll likely see smoke rising from the inside, indicating the volcano's activity beneath your feet.

Highlights:

Mount Vesuvius isn't just a volcano. It's also an incredibly fertile wine region. Head to the slopes for a day of wine tasting and enjoy the best local vintages in stunning surroundings.

Address and opening hours:

Vesuvio, 55, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy

5. See Pompei

No visit to Naples is complete without seeing the vast and exceptionally preserved Roman city of Pompei. The city was famously destroyed in 79 CE when Vesuvius erupted, covering the city in a thick layer of ash and preserving buildings, streets, and even people of the city. Pompei is so big that parts of the city are still being excavated, and you will definitely need more than one day to see it all.

Highlights:

Just 20 minutes along the coast is Herculaneum, another Roman city that was destroyed in the great eruption of 79 AD. However, Herculaneum is much smaller than Pompei and much more manageable in a day (especially if you’re visiting with kids).

Address and opening hours:

80045 Pompei, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

Fun things to do in Naples with kids

6. Explore the Naples National Archaeological Museum

Learn all about the mighty Roman Empire with a trip to the Naples National Archaeological Museum. Kids will love seeing thousands of ancient artifacts, mosaics, and frescoes. Several Star Wars replicas are scattered around the museum which kids will love hunting down.

Top Tip:

If you are with small kids, avoid the Secret Room! Here you will find a unique collection of adult-themed objects dug from the excavations of Pompei and Herculaneum.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza Museo, 19, 80135 Napoli NA, Italy. 9 AM - 18.30 PM (Closed Tuesday).

7. The whole family will love the Valle dell'Orso Adventure Park

When you go to Valle d'Orso, you can splash around in the water park or enjoy the treetop fun of the adventure park. Ride a zip line, follow a trail high above the ground, and test your balance on a beam.

Highlights:

Both the adventure park and the water park offer great views of Mount Vesuvius. If you go to the water park, adults can relax and enjoy the hydromassage zone while the kids play.

Address and opening hours:

Via Giovanni XXIII 54, Torre del Greco. Open Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

8. Explore the Blue Grotto by boat

Both kids and adults will have a great time discovering the magic of the Blue Grotto. Head to Capri and spend the day exploring the island. With its eerie glow, the Blue Grotto is sure to make an impression on the whole family.

Highlights:

Explore Capri's colorful, picturesque town and take an exciting trip to the island’s highest point on the Mount Solaro chairlift.

Address:

Anacapri, 80071 Naples.

9. Muster up some courage at the Catacombs of San Gennaro

Daredevils should take a trip beneath the city to the Catacombs of San Gennaro. The tunnels that run under the city are the longest in the world, and have been used as ancient catacombs, WWII-era bunkers, and old royal escape routes.

Highlights:

These eerie and historic catacombs contain the Crypt of San Gennaro, the final resting place of the patron saint of Naples.

Address and opening hours:

Vico Santa Anna di Palazzo, 80132 Naples.

10. Kids will love the Naples Planetarium and Science Museum

The Science Centre of the Città della Scienza is the first Italian interactive science museum. Here kids can learn about our natural world and enjoy fascinating shows and performances that teach them about the universe. The museum is great fun for the whole family and one of the most fun things to do in Naples with kids.

Highlights:

The museum is home to the biggest and most advanced 3D Planetarium in Italy.

Address and opening hours:

Via Coroglio, 57/104, 80124 Napoli NA, Italy. 10 AM - 4 PM. Closed Monday.

Fun things to do in Naples on your own

11. Explore the city's sporting history at the Maradona murals

If you're a soccer fan, you already know all about the legendary Diego Maradona, the Argentinian striker who led Napoli Football Club to glory. Take a tour of the Spanish Quarter to admire the Maradona murals.

Highlights:

On a tour you'll learn all about the divide between Northern and Southern Italy, and the touching story of how Maradona helped the people of Naples regain pride in their city.

Address and opening hours:

Via Emanuele de Deo 46, 80132 Naples.

12. Cruise around the city on the back of a vintage Vespa

It doesn't get more authentically Italian than this: a tour of the city of Naples on a stylish vintage Vespa. Navigate the the city streets and the coastal roads, enjoying the most stunning views along the way.

Highlights:

We would recommend booking a tour with a group or experienced guide, as some of the roads along the coast can be a little scary if you’re not used to them!

Address:

Meeting points can be organized for your convenience.

13. Hike the Path of the Gods

The area’s most famous hike is the 5-mile Path of the Gods. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and hiking shoes to experience 4 hours of incredible ocean views and cascading cliffs. The point-to-point trail starts near Bomerano, Campania and finishes near Nocelle, the upper part of Positano, where you can enjoy a cold drink after all your hard work.

Highlights:

The hike is popular for bird-watching so keep an eye (and ear) out for some of the region’s most common seabirds.

Address and opening hours:

Year-round access.

14. Get the low-down on the city's history

Naples has some fascinating myths, legends, and stories from its long history. Take a walking tour with a local guide to learn all about them. From the Ancient Romans to WWII, there are many stories to discover. Learning about the history of this incredible city is hands-down one of the most fun things to do in Naples.

Highlights:

On a guided tour you will get to learn all about and admire highlights like the Duomo and Spaccanapoli, a living museum and testament to Naples' past.

Address and opening hours:

Most tours start Piazza Bellini.

15. Brave the Torture Museum

At the Torture Museum you'll find a grotesque collection of gruesome devices used by the Spanish Inquisition in the medieval era. This eye-watering collection will give you a shocking new perspective on Neapolitan history.

Highlights:

This museum is surprisingly uplifting. It was designed to tell the story of how Naples rebelled against the Spanish Inquisition, so although many of the exhibits are scary, it's ultimately a celebration of freedom.

Address and opening hours:

Vico Santa Luciella 18/B, 80138 Naples. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

Fun things to do in Naples if you like food and drink

16. Learn to make pizza the traditional way

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and it would be a crime to leave the city without indulging. To really get to know this culinary treasure, why not try it yourself? You'll learn to make famous neapolitan pizza from scratch, from dough to toppings.

Highlights:

You'll learn the 600-year-old secrets behind your favorite snack. You'll may even get a personalized pizza diploma to take home.

Address and opening hours:

Via Santa Brigida 65, 80132 Naples.

17. Discover the Slow Food movement on a tasty tour

Naples is known for embracing the principles of 'Slow Food', so you can be sure you'll eat well while you're in town. For the best experience, take a tour with a local foodie. You'll enjoy traditional snacks bursting with flavor and, of course, different types of pizza.

Highlights:

Make sure to save room for dessert, as delicious pastries like sfogliatella are waiting for you.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza Dante 52 - 25, 80135 Naples.

18. Taste Naples' vineyards

Naples has a number of vineyards close to the city, particularly along the fertile slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Some of the wineries have been cultivating grapes here since ancient Roman times! Enjoy wine tastings and lunch with exceptional views or beautiful surroundings.

Highlights:

Try the famous Vesuvio Lacryma Christi DOC which is the wine produced with the native grapes of Mount Vesuvius.

Address and opening hours:

Via Panoramica, 15, 80040 Trecase NA, Italy

19. Try the best local cuisine on a picturesque boat trip

Eat amazing food in the best possible surroundings for a meal you'll never forget. Take a boat trip to Ischia Island and work up an appetite swimming in the beautiful blue waters.

Highlights:

Spend a day or two exploring the small volcanic island of Ischia to relax, enjoy its natural beauty, and indulge in a number of cultural experiences.

Address and opening hours:

80075 Forio, Naples.

20. Get stuck into a pasta workshop

While you're in Italy, nothing beats a plate of fresh pasta. Bring traditional flavors home with you following a pasta-making class. You'll learn how to make tagliatelle and ravioli, starting completely from scratch.

Highlights:

Classes features old, traditional cooking methods that you can take home with you to impress your friends and family.

Address and opening hours:

Via Santa Brigida 65, 80132 Naples. The session starts at 11:00 AM.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Naples at night?

Join the locals and celebrate Neapolitan bar culture. In the warmer months, you can expect to find the entire city out on a terrace enjoying drinks and snacks. Other awesome things to do in Naples at night include partying in the Spanish Quarter, enjoying a delicious Neapolitan pizza, or enjoying a waterfront stroll along Via Caracciolo.

Are there any fun day trips from Naples that I should consider?

Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius are all very popular day trips from Naples. If you’d like to take a boat trip, you can visit the beautiful Capri Island and its stunning Blue Grotto. Exploring the charming, picturesque villages that hug the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast also make for great for a day out.

What are some popular festivals or events in Naples?

Most of the biggest festivals in Naples celebrate the city’s Catholicism. Christmas is very popular here, as is Easter, which involves elaborate street processions. The Neapolitan Carnival offers raucous fun while the whole city shuts down to celebrate the Day of San Gennaro in September.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in Naples?

There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Naples. Kids will love history tours of the fascinating Pompeii and Herculaneum. They'll also love the beaches of the Amalfi Coast, and the swimming and snokeling opportunities close by. For something more hands-on, take them to a pizza-making session.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Naples?

If you want to explore Naples' stunning surroundings, take a hike up the slopes of Mount Vesuvius—an active volcano! The most famous hike along the Amalfi Coast is called the Path of the Gods, a 5 mile hiking route that features some of the most gorgeous ocean views in the region. Swimming and snokeling is also a must when visiting. The good local weather means you can enjoy these activities for most of the year.