Free walking tours in Naples and what to see

Must-sees

Naples is the capital of Campania and its historic centre is a World Heritage Site. The best way to understand it is to walk Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali, two straight streets that follow the plan of the Greek city. Along the way you will come across the cathedral, dedicated to St Januarius, the majolica cloister of Santa Chiara and the Sansevero Chapel, home of the Veiled Christ. San Gregorio Armeno is lined with workshops making nativity figures.

Towards the sea, Via Toledo leads to Piazza del Plebiscito, framed by the Royal Palace and the church of San Francesco di Paola. Close by are the San Carlo theatre, the Galleria Umberto I and Castel Nuovo. The seafront ends at Castel dell'Ovo, with views of Vesuvius. Don't miss the National Archaeological Museum, with finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum, or the funicular ride up to Vomero to see the city from Castel Sant'Elmo.

Free tours and guided visits

In Naples, Civitatis mainly offers day trips: to Pompeii, to Pompeii with a small-group climb up Vesuvius, to the Amalfi Coast by road or by boat to Amalfi and Positano, and to Capri with Anacapri. In the city itself the highlight is the underground tour, a network of tunnels and old cisterns beneath the centre. For the historic centre, a guided walk is a good way to get your bearings on the first day.

How long to spend

For the city itself allow at least two full days: one for the historic centre and the Archaeological Museum, and another for Via Toledo, the Plebiscito, the seafront and Vomero. With a third day you can go to Pompeii or Herculaneum, both reachable by train. If you also want to see Capri or the Amalfi Coast, five days or more is a sensible stay.

Where to stay

To get around on foot, the most practical choice is the historic centre or the streets around Via Toledo, with lots of small places to stay in old buildings. Chiaia and the seafront are quieter and more elegant, with hotels facing the gulf. Vomero is residential and well connected by funicular. Next to the central station there is plenty of practical accommodation if you will be taking day trips by train.