Naples holidays

Holidays to Naples put you right in the middle of southern Italy’s frenetic energy. Watch Vespas zip along its narrow, winding streets past crumbling docksides, rococo opera houses and ancient cathedrals. Naples lies in the shadow of the still-bubbling Vesuvius Volcano, an enduring symbol of the city’s edgy spirit. But it’s the delicately charred crust of its most famous native dish, the pizza, that will keep you coming back for more.

Naples holiday highlights

History and legends

This city is full of interesting legends and ancient history. If you’re on a short break to Naples, get up early and photograph the spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples at Castel dell’Ovo, named for an enchanted egg supposedly hidden by a siren for good luck. Legend has it that Hercules founded the ancient Roman town Herculaneum, now in ruins since it was buried by a Vesuvuis eruption in AD 79.

Birthplace of pizza

It’s impossible to resist the aroma of fresh pizza while enjoying city breaks in Naples. The first pizza Margherita was made here for Queen Margherita, who visited the city in 1889. You’ll need to line up early at one of Italy’s most famous pizzerias, Sorbillo, on Via dei Tribunali. Or walk in any direction to find a slice at most trattorias and market stalls.

Seaside adventure

Arrive early with your snorkel to beat the crowds to Spiaggia della Gaiola. The protected marine park features the ruins of a Roman villa. Its rocky islets are also home to colourful fish. Swim with views of Palazzo Donn’Anna at the private Bagno Elena beach and sip espressos at the resort’s bar. Board a ferry at Molo Beverello to be on Capri’s glamorous beaches in about 40 minutes.

Naples: Know before you go

Language

Italian

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

May – September

Low season

December – February

Find the best time to go to Naples

Weather in Naples

March – May: Warm days and cooler evenings make spring a perfect time to explore the city and visit the Amalfi Coast. Showers are likely — don’t forget to pack your umbrella.

June – August: Expect high humidity and temperatures topping 30°C.Although Naples gets busy, it's all part of the fun, with buzzing outdoor restaurants and plenty of festivals.

September – November: Autumn is Naples’ rainiest season, so be prepared for showers. The moderate temperatures are perfect for visiting outdoor sites like Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.

December – February: You’ll want to pack layers for winter’s mild days and chilly nights. Enjoy the city’s Christmas markets and shops along Via San Gregorio Armeno, known as ‘Christmas Alley’.

Events in Naples

Maggio dei Monumenti (May): This popular cultural festival features art exhibitions, film screenings and theatre productions across the city. It’s also a chance to visit historic buildings normally closed to the public.

Campania Teatro Festival (June and July): This theatre festival showcases productions by European and international directors. Performances are held in alternative spaces across the city, including museums, abandoned buildings and castles.

Feast of San Gennaro (September): Join the crowds to celebrate Saint Januarius, the patron saint of Naples. Expect religious street processions, live music, fireworks and street food vendors.

Napoli Pizza Village Festival (September): Celebrate Naples’ iconic native dish with workshops, cooking classes, pizza-making competitions and loads of pizza snacking.

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The best neighbourhoods in Naples

Montecalvario

You’ll feel like you’re on the set of a romantic period drama in the Spanish Quarter’s Montecalvario, distinguished by its narrow alleyways, iron balconies and local trattorias. This is where to stay in Naples for a glimpse at authentic local life. Some streets still retain a gritty charm, while others have been spruced up for tourists with boutique hotels and indie stores. Shop and dine at charming cafes along historical Via Toledo.

Good for: Traditional restaurants, souvenir shops, historic buildings

Chiaia

If you love trendy shops, art galleries and chic bars, Chiaia is your place. Join Neapolitans at monthly farmers markets in the Villa Comunale park, and hop between bars along Via Bisignano for an ‘aperitivo’ (pre-meal drink). In the grand Museo Pignatelli, wander around landscaped gardens and see 19th-century art.

Good for: Shopping, nightlife, art galleries

Vomero

Escape the crowds in the hillside neighbourhood of Vomero during your holiday to Naples. This upscale area is where to stay in Naples for the top shopping and fine Italian restaurants around Piazza Vanvitelli, as well as rows of book shops on Via Giordano. It’s also a great place to savour a gelato and look out at the sea. Capture the best views from the top of Castel Sant’Elmo. Hop on the funicular for a panoramic ride back down to the city.

Good for: Fine dining, department stores, hillside views

Things to do in Naples

Family friendly things to do

Consider staying in Chiaia or Vomero with young kids. Both feature peaceful parks for downtime and restaurants with international menus for fussy eaters. Then choose from one of the many things to do with family in Naples, including the merry-go-rounds and bumper cars at Edenlandia amusement park. The Ospedale delle Bambole (Doll Hospital) is a charming way to spend an afternoon, with a museum and workshop where you can watch artists restore toys.

Shopping

With a domed glass roof and ornate marble flooring, Galleria Umberto I is a spectacular introduction to luxury shopping in Naples. If ceramics and figurines are more your style, stroll the cobblestones of Via dei Tribunali where you’ll see the artists at work. Shoe collector? Head to Poggioreale Market, which sells bargain clothes and kitchenware too.

Take in the culture

Get a Naples Pass for discounts and quick entry if you plan to visit lots of museums in Naples. Centro Storico’s church-lined Spaccanapoli street is a great place to start, along with guided tours of Napoli Sotterranea (underground tunnels). See Roman treasures and artefacts from Pompeii in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Pompeii itself is just a quick ride on a Circumvesuviana regional train from Piazza Garibaldi.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Naples is easy to find around Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, the heart of the city. Or sip Aglianico in Chiaia’s wine bars, join the party crowds at Piazza Bellini, and see jazz concerts at Palazzo Venezia. If you’re a theatre fan, nothing beats watching a performance from gilded box seats in the world’s oldest continuously active opera house, Teatro San Carlo (book in advance).

Places to eat

To eat like a local in Naples, try family-run restaurants like L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, which has been open for more than a century. Panoramic city views come with gourmet meals at Michelin-starred George Restaurant. For lots of tasty choices in one area, Chiaia features many acclaimed restaurants, including Terrazza Calabritto, with dishes such as linguine with seafood and pecorino cheese.

Free things to do

The best free thing to do in Naples is to enjoy a ‘passeggiata’ (leisurely stroll) with the locals along the Lungomare seafront promenade. Arrive at dusk for brilliant lighting with Mount Vesuvius and Capri in the background. Check the city’s calendar of events for free concerts at Piazza del Plebiscito, and enjoy refreshing swims at La Rotunda Diaz beach near the port.

Plan your holiday to Naples

Budget

With the city’s historic neighbourhoods, seaside promenade and calendar of festivals, planning a cheap holiday to Naples is very doable. When budgeting your trip, expect to pay around 15 euros (€) for a meal in an inexpensive restaurant. Need something to help wash down your pizza? You’ll usually find a local beer for less than €5.

Day trips from Naples

Rub shoulders with A-listers on the island of Capri, just under an hour away by ferry. Craving an afternoon of relaxation? Take the high-speed boat to the rocky outcrop of Ischia, known for natural hot springs and thermal spas. If history is your thing, visit the UNESCO-listed Reggia di Caserta, Italy’s answer to Versailles, just 50 minutes away by train.

Getting around Naples

It’s easy to explore Naples on foot. Download a tourist map from Comune di Napoli to navigate the metro, buses and trams departing from Napoli Centrale. Tickets are available at kiosks and stations, or you can buy a Naples Pass, which includes free public transport. If you’re travelling with kids, join hop-on, hop-off bus tours. Taxi Napoli company features an app for pre-booking cab rides.

FAQs about Naples holidays

Plan your Naples holiday for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. 3ºC (37ºF) is as cold as it gets.
During your trip to Naples, you'll be using the euro (EUR) for your expenses. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash to avoid any issues with paying.
With around 24 cm of rainfall, November is the rainiest month. If you're taking your Naples holiday then, you might want to plan for some indoor activities. Dine at one of the best spots in town, relax in a local cafe, or treat yourself to a shopping spree.
Italian is what you'll hear the most while you're here. Brush up on a few local expressions during your city break in Naples and you'll fit in perfectly.
Naples is generally considered safe for solo adventures. Stick to the tourist neighbourhoods if you’re concerned. Exercise common sense and stay alert for petty crime such as pickpocketing.
With maximum temperatures of 32ºC (90ºF), August is the warmest month in Naples.
As it’s a big city full of exciting attractions, a short break to Naples of at least three days is required to see the sights. We recommend a week or more to take day trips to Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri.
With endless things to do in Naples, this city knows how to show you a great time. Start your sightseeing at must-visit attractions like National Archaeological Museum and Castel dell'Ovo.
Whether you're a must-see-it-all traveller or a make-it-up-as-you-go explorer, the cost of your city break in Naples will be shaped in part by your plans. You'll want to factor in everything from entry fees to dining out, along with your Naples flights and hotels.
The shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October deliver mainly blue skies, pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. July and August bring more tourists and hot weather. For cheap holidays to Naples, visit from November to March. It’s worth braving the cold for fried pastries at December markets.