Are you thinking about visiting Naples, Italy? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Naples worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to three days because of the many great activities. Naples is a rough-around-the-edges city that offers visitors a glimpse into a more authentic side of Italy. While it has a reputation for being a bit chaotic and gritty, the city is actually a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. Most of the attractions are in the historic city center, which is easy to explore on foot. The city also offers access to many great day trips, and many visitors use it as a gateway for exploring Southern Italy. Naples is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Time Magazine's World's Greatest Places in 2023.
Italian Pizza
Reasons to Visit Naples
Food
As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.
Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
Nightlife
The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.
Historical Sights
Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.
Shopping
There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.
Authenticity
Naples has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Naples worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Naples, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (74°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (85°F).
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, discover the big city activities, and browse around the old town. Also, you'll be able to dance the night away.
Summer Weather in Naples
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| August | 24°C (74°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| September | 21°C (70°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Is Naples worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Naples. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 17°C (63°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the historic old town, the museums and landmarks, and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Naples
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 17°C (63°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| November | 12°C (54°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| December | 9°C (49°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
Is Naples worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Naples can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 8°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Naples is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can take advantage of the local nightlife and enjoy the city's energy.
Winter Weather in Naples
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 8°C (47°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| February | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| March | 11°C (51°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
Is Naples worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Naples. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and browse around the old town. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Naples
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| June | 21°C (69°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Naples
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Naples might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Naples here or see if Naples is expensive here.
Related
What is Naples most famous for?
Naples is most famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. The city is very popular for its food. Also, it's known for museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. It is often described as historic, authentic, gritty, colorful, and fascinating.
What is the most famous sight in Naples?
The most popular sight in Naples is Piazza del Plebiscito. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Naples on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Piazza del Plebiscito and other attractions here.
How touristy is Naples? Is it a popular city to visit?
Naples is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Amalfi Coast Tour (Positano-Amalfi-Ravello): $264
- Small group tour from Naples to Blue Grotto, Anacapri and Capri: $175
- Private Walking Tour through the Historical City of Herculaneum: $87
- Tour in the ruins of Herculaneum with an archaeologist: $229
- Visit in Pompeii - Herculaneum Private Tour with Ada: $208
- Walking Guided History Tour of Naples and Bourbon Tunnel: $71
- Small Group Capri Tour Boat And Land from Naples: $164
- Napoli Sight Eating Walk: Food and Sight Tour: $45
How long should I spend in Naples?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Naples is one to three days. Since Naples has a variety of activities such as dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Naples? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Naples?.
More Things to Do in Naples
- Is Castel dell'Ovo Worth Visiting?
- Is Castel Sant’Elmo Worth Visiting?
- Is Naples National Archaeological Museum Worth Visiting?
- Are Pizza Making Classes Worth Doing?
- Is Via dei Tribunali Worth Visiting?
- Is Naples Cathedral Worth Visiting?
- Is Procida Worth Visiting?
- Is Lungomare Worth Visiting?
- Is Fontanelle Cemetery Worth Visiting?
- Is Cappella Sansevero Worth Visiting?
- Is The Royal Palace of Naples Worth Visiting?
- Is San Carlo Theatre Worth Visiting?
- Is Gesù Nuovo Church Worth Visiting?
- Is Pio Monte della Misericordia Worth Visiting?
- Is Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina (MADRE) Worth Visiting?
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