How to go around Naples with public transport

The public transportation system of Naples is operated by two companies and includes city

buses, funicular lines, regional buses, Metro Lines
1, 2 and 6, Circumvesuviana, Circumfegrea and Cumana train lines.
You can travel with all of these within the city limit, using a Unico ticket or TIC ticket.
There are also ticket to reach specific zones of the province of Naples, they are valid in the city too.
What kind of ticket i have to buy?
• Hourly ticket – costs €1.50 and it lasts 90 minutes from the time the ticket is validated
• Daily ticket – costs €4.50 and it lasts until midnight of the day the ticket is validated
• Weekly ticket – costs €15.80 and it lasts until midnight of the last day of the week of validity
• Monthly ticket – costs €42.00 and it lasts until midnight of the last day of the month of validity
Hourly, daily, weekly and monthly tickets can be purchased at tobacco shop (tabaccheria) or
newspaper stands. There are ticket machines at many of the railway, metro and cable railway
stations as well as at selected bus stops throughout the city.

3S Airport → Naples Railway Central Station

Aeroporto Civile-via F. R. di Calabria-v.le U. Maddalena-via Nuova del Campo-via Don
Bosco-via ex Tranvia Provinciale-via Gussone-p.zza Carlo III-via Arenaccia-via Ponte
Bus stop
di Casanova-c.so Garibaldi-p.zza Garibaldi - c.so Lucci-via Ferraris (Circumvesuviana)-
via Volta

Timetable Weekday 6:10-21:30 / Saturday 7:30-21:30

Lines every 30 minutes

Price 1.10 euros UNICO NAPOLI (valid 90 min.)

Where buy
in the Airport
ticket

Bus stop of
in front of the arrival airport
the Airport

Bus stop of
the Naples Front of McDonald's of the central station
Station

One of Neapolitan's best known and loved places is San Martino. I challenge anyone to remain
emotionless in front of this memorable landscape.
Take the 'funiculare' from Toledo Street, the tunnel height, wait to the last stop and then use the
stairs to climb up again following the signs for the Castle St. Elmo and Certosa of San Martino.
The Gulf of Naples will be suddenly in front of you, between the colored lights of the city and the
darkness of the night. A regal atmosphere worth of a statement of love!
10. Galleria Umberto e Saint Carlo theatre

7. Piazza del plebiscito

1. Lungomare and Castel Ovo

2. Cappella Sansevero / Cristo velato

3. Catacombs of San Gennaro

4. National Archeological Museum

10. Castel Nuovo

11. Cathedral

13. San Domenico Maggiore

14. Santa Chiara

The cloister of the Monastery of Santa Chiara, founded in 1310, looks more like a park in a
seaside resort town than a solemn retreat for nuns. Majolica tiles made at the
Capodimonte workshops, in vivid colors and lively designs, cover the 66 octagonal
columns surrounding its cloister, and between the columns are long benches also covered
in tiles. These seem to bring the secular world inside the monastery walls, with scenes
from everyday life of their period—the mid-1700s. Under the porticos, the walls on all four
sides of the cloister are covered with 17th-century frescoes of Old Testament scenes.
There are more reasons to visit Santa Chiara besides its surprising and
beautiful cloister. Inside on the right is a presepio (Nativity scene) set in a
Roman ruin, incorporating mundane daily Neapolitan life along with the sacred
creche scene. The figures are dressed in typical local 18th- and 19th-century
clothing. The setting in a Roman ruin is thought perhaps to reflect the intense
interest in the discovery of Herculaneum in the early 18th century.

While repairing damage after World War II, the intact remains of a first-century
Roman thermal spa were discovered, probably part of a villa. This and other
finds from the first through fourth centuries make up a small archaeological area
and museum.
 Address: 49 Via Santa Chiara, Naples

Official site: https://www.monasterodisantachiara.it/english/

15. Santa Lucia

To the west of the Piazza del Plebiscito, on the slopes of Pizzofalcone and
extending down to the sea, lies the district of Santa Lucia. South of the wide Via
Santa Lucia, this is an area of modern streets laid out on a regular plan, but to
the north, it is a picturesque huddle of narrow, stepped lanes where you can see
—and be part of—traditional Neapolitan life.

It would be a shame to miss this very real neighborhood of shops and bakeries,
artisans' workshops, little cafés where locals down their espresso, and streets
where children play. Laundry usually hangs overhead, and conversations are
carried on between balconies and windows across the narrow streets. It's a
colorful place any time of day, but especially lively in the evening, making it one
of the favorite things to do at night in Naples.
Day 1 / Stop 1 – Royal Palace of Naples
•Why it’s awesome: It’s a beautiful and important part of Naples’
history
•Cost: $7 USD
•Food nearby: Find some fantastic breakfast pastries at Pastries
Leopoldo dal 1940
This historic palace was once the residence of French kings and
Spanish noblemen. Now, it remains opulent and beautiful, though it
may look a little run down on the outside.

The fact that its exterior isn’t particularly inviting means there is far
fewer tourists and smaller crowds than you’ll find at other tourist
stops! And the inside is beautiful. Marble staircases, ornately
decorated ceilings, sculptures, and paintings!

The palace was completed in 1620, and the incredible frescoes date
all the way back to this interesting time in Italian history.

In addition to housing a museum and the library of Naples, the Royal

Palace also houses the famous Teatro di San Carlo! This theater is the
oldest continuously active opera venue in the world, having opened in
1737. When you visit on your Naples itinerary, find out if there’s a
show while you’re in town!
This is the perfect place to explore on your own before you get thrust
into a busy day! In fact, at this time of the morning, you’ll likely be one
of the only ones here. There are, unfortunately, no guided tours
offered, but you’ll enjoy strolling through on your own!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Naples Cathedral

•Why it’s awesome: It’s the most important and impressive church in
Southern Italy!
•Cost: Free
•Food nearby: Try your first famous Neapolitan pizza at Insolito La
Pizzeria Gourmet
The main church in Naples, this 13th-century structure is gorgeous!
Due to numerous restorations, its style is a complicated mix of
Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque – so you can admire all three in one
building!

The cathedral is ornately decorated and beautiful, with an intricate

facade, a central tower, and massive columns inside. There are regular
services held here, so you may not be able to go inside if you visit at
the wrong time.

The fresco paintings inside are exquisite, and the sculpted altar
something to see. It is a grandiose structure, indicative of Roman
Catholicism’s long-standing importance in the area, and the seat of
the Archbishop of Naples!
The crowds here never get too big, as it’s located on a back street,
and continues to be a working church!

Insider Tip: You could spend hours here, admiring all the intricate
details and impeccable craftsmanship. However, since you have a
busy day ahead, we suggest you spend up to an hour exploring it!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Underground Naples

•Why it’s awesome: Explore a whole different world!
•Cost: $12 USD
•Food nearby: Have coffee and pastries at the elegant 19th-century
coffee house Gran Caffè Gambrinus
Embark on a short tour of Naples’ underground geothermal zone!
This maze of underground corridors is intricately linked with the city’s
history. Cool and damp, it’s also a relief in summer from the late
morning heat!

These underground passages have been used as vast aqueducts to

provide the city with water. They have been used as passageways
since the Ancient Greeks’ time when Naples was part of their
territory.
It’s often referred to as ‘the womb’ of Naples, the ‘tuff’ rock being the
reason why Naples was built here in the first place!
The underground network has provided water and shelter for
millennia – as well as stone! The most recent time it has been used as
shelter is in WW2 when Naples’ residents used the underground
passages to hide from bombings.

This underground labyrinth runs below the heart of Naples! It’s easily
found, and the tour lasts up to 2 hours.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Cappella Sansevero

•Why it’s awesome: Some of the most beautiful sculptures in the
world are housed here
•Cost: $8 – $11 USD
•Food nearby: Try some of Italy’s best Ragu and pasta dishes (with
vegetarian and vegan options) at Tandem Ragù Ristorante Napoli
This incredibly intricate chapel is like a museum of some of the best
sculptures ever made! The most famous sculpture is Veiled Christ, a
1753 AD marble sculpture in the late-Baroque style, depicting Christ
lying dead under a shroud. You can see every feature of his face and
body, despite being covered by a veil – and all carved in marble!

Another of the most famous statues has a fishing net made from
marble! They’re all masterpieces. Strolling around the chapel
transports you to a different time.

In the chapel basement, you’ll also find two anatomical figures

created in 1760! These strange figures look so much more advanced
than their time and are rather eery. Be sure to check them out!
Insider Tip: You are not permitted to take photographs inside the
chapel, so be respectful and keep the camera away for later!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Castel dell’ Ovo

•Why it’s awesome: Imposing and impressive, this castle is an icon of
Naples
•Cost: Free
•Food nearby: Enjoy a light meal or a second supper at La Scialuppa
Restaurant
This fortress was once set on an island – now you can reach it via the
pier! The imposing structure can be seen from most of the Naples
coastline.

It’s free to visit the castle, and to go onto the roof, where you can
enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the bay!

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Stroll Along the Coast

•Why it’s awesome: There’s so much to see on this lovely stretch of
road
•Cost: Free
•Food nearby: Grab a beer and a sweet treat at Piccolo Ristoro
Stroll along the city coastline and enjoy the views! From here you’ll be
able to see Mount Vesuvius in the distance. You’ll also see local
Italians tanning on the rocks throughout most of the year!

Day 2 Itinerary in Naples

Mt Vesuvius | Pompeii | Herculaneum | National Archaeological
Museum | Sorbillo | Piazza San Domenico Maggiore

On day 2 in Naples, go beyond the city to explore one of the most

famous historic places in the world – Pompeii! Not to mention the
best pizza in the world, and some good old Naples nightlife.
 

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Mount Vesuvius

•Why it’s awesome: It’s a volcano! Visible from all of Naples and
hugely impactful on the area
•Cost: $7 USD
•Food nearby: Have a tasty pre- or post-hike breakfast at Ristorante
Agriturismo Antico Ricupo
This volcanic mountain is a must-see on your trip to Naples! Still
technically active, you should be able to see a trickle of steam rising
up from the crater at its center.

But you needn’t worry about it going off while you’re staring down at
it! Technology has developed to such a point that if the volcano wakes
up, they’ll know – and be able to warn people days in advance!

It’s quite a hike up to the top of Vesuvius. Still, it’s worth it for the
view alone! Since you’ll be able to see the double-peaked mountain
from most parts of Naples, you can guess that the view from here is
pretty amazing! And if you go in spring, which we recommend, you’ll
see a carpet of flowers roll down the mountainside.

The volcano has quite a history! When it erupted in 79 AD, it wasn’t

the first time – but it was certainly the most tragic! Two cities were
buried in the ash, and many others in the area affected.
An incredible thing about it though, is that the ash preserved Pompeii
so phenomenally, that you can now see exactly what it must have
been like – frozen in time.

There’s an old legend about Mount Vesuvius. It says that when Lucifer
was thrown from heaven, his fall created the volatile volcanic
mountain. But he managed to pull down a piece of paradise with him,
and that’s Naples and the surrounding bay!
 

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Pompeii

•Why it’s awesome: It’s one of the most impressive and tragic historic
sites in Europe!
•Cost: $15 USD
•Food nearby: Grab some fantastic takeaway pizza at Pizzeria
Trammiere
A trip to Pompeii has to be combined with a stop at the museum,
where everything is housed. We suggest you visit the ruins of Pompeii
first so that when you walk through the museum and see what
survived, you can really place it in your mind.

Pompeii is incredible! It can get crowded and hot in the middle of the
day, which is why we’ve started out your day 2 in Naples with these
two stops! You’ll be able to stay cool, and one of only a few people
among the ruins.

With this, we do suggest you join a group tour! It’s ~$5 more, but
you’ll get a lot more out of the experience. There’s so much to learn
about this place, you’ll want to know what everything was, and how
they found it, in the 1800s!

You’ll see an ancient Brothel, with lewd mosaics and drawings on the
walls! You’ll also see religious houses and mansions, and an
amphitheater. It really feels quite incredible to stroll through history
like this.
There are public water taps dotted around the ancient city, and a few
bathrooms – so you’ll be able to spend hours here, exploring on your
own or with a group!

Insider Tip: If you don’t join a group, be sure to grab a map. It at least
gives you the names of each of the structures, so you can make out
what it may have been!
 

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Herculaneum

•Why it’s awesome: The historic city is unique and impressively
preserved
•Cost: $12 USD, $6 USD for EU citizens
•Food nearby: Stuff yourself at the buffet at Eden Lounge Bar
You may think you’ve had enough ruins for one day after Pompeii. But
we suggest you make the short trip to Herculaneum before you move
on again! This city was also buried by the ash of Mount Vesuvius’
eruption in 79 AD. however, it was differently preserved to Pompeii.

This is one of the few ancient cities in the world to remain almost
entirely intact! Because of its exact distance from Vesuvius, the
material that covered Herculaneum preserved things that were not
preserved in Pompeii. This includes wood and even food! It’s an
incredible place, truly.
It was also richer, though smaller, city than Pompeii. So you’ll find that
the houses are finer and larger here!
 

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Naples National Archaeological

Museum
•Why it’s awesome: You’ll find so much from Pompei and
Herculaneum!
•Cost: $17 USD
•Food nearby: Find some delicious Neapolitan pastries at Pasticceria
Di Costanzo
This museum in the center of Naples is the perfect pairing with the
last stops on your Naples itinerary! You’ll be able to find all the
mosaics and artifacts from the ruins, displayed beautifully here.

If you’re like us, you’ll wish they could have left the artifacts right
where they were, so that you could see everything together, as it was.
Unfortunately, this couldn’t be the case, but this is certainly the next
best thing! At least they’re not at the British Museum, with most of
the world’s priceless history!

The museum is not very well run. We’ll tell you now so that you’re not
disappointed. Half the museum is always closed when the other half is
open, and the signs aren’t all that clear. But, the Pompeii exhibits, in
particular, are brilliant.
Look out for the phallic display! This one is a shocker – the inhabitants
of Pompeii believed the phallus to be a symbol of life, success, and
fertility. So, they hung phalluses, some even winged, above their
doors, and even on necklaces! It really is an unusual and delightful
display.
 
Day 2 / Stop 5 – Have World-famous Pizza at Sorbillo
•Why it’s awesome: It’s the best pizza in Naples – the birthplace of
pizza!
•Cost: $5 – $15 USD
•Food nearby: Well, you’d do best to eat right here!
You’ll have a lot of pizza while you’re in Naples, that’s a given! And it
will all be really good. But Sorbillo, a little pizza with no frills or
whistles in the middle of Naples’ Old Town, is an experience!

They make some of the best pizza in the world – and certainly the
best Neapolitan pizza! Despite the restaurant’s diminutive size, you’ll
find people lining up at all times of the day just to take a pizza and eat
it on the stairs somewhere.

You’ll wait longer for a table, and it will be crowded and buzzing, but
the atmosphere is great, and everyone there is so – pleased to be
right where they are!
If you’re more than one person waiting, we suggest you take turns in
the line and explore the surrounding area. You’ll find such interesting
things, including amazing pasta hanging up to dry, and cookie shops
that look like they’ve been there a century!

Insider Tip: Have dinner at an unusual time – like 5, or 9, to

experience a shorter wait. Of course, the lines will also be shorter out
of season!
 

Day 2 / Stop 6 – Piazza San Domenico Maggiore

•Why it’s awesome: Experience some of that vibrant Naples nightlife
•Cost: Free
•Food nearby: Find some late-night dessert at Scaturchio
Naples has a large student population and a unique, lively nightlife!
Especially in summer and spring, most of the activity runs outside – at
least until midnight, when the nightclubs start filling up.
This piazza is nestled right in the historic center of the city. There are
bars, cafes, and cultural attractions on every side of it, and happy
people drinking bottled beer and having a great time within the piazza
itself!

This is a great place to go if you want to meet the locals. You’ll have a
brilliant time, and you can move on to some of the city’s open-air bars
(or normal ones) and hip clubs from here. You can also check out
literary events, or see a show at the performing arts theater right next
to the piazza!

Day 3 and Beyond

San Gennaro Catacombs | Castel Nuovo | Street Food
Tour | Spaccanapoli

If you have more than 3 days in Naples, the more the merrier! Our
itinerary for Naples has plenty more in store for you! Whether you’re
interested in a few more Naples attractions and museums, or a good
way to take in the whole city in a new light, we’ve got you covered!
 

San Gennaro Catacombs

•This another world below Naples – the second one you’re visiting!
•Fantastically informative and interesting tours of the catacombs
•See frescoes that date back 1000 years and magnificent
underground basilicas
This is one of the most impressive stops on your Naples itinerary!
Which is really saying something. Explore the paleo-Christian burial
site, dating back over 2000 years!

Millennia of faith and artistry underground is a hugely impactful

experience. You’ll learn about Naples’ patron saint, San Gennaro –
who the catacombs are named after, and who you’ll see in many of
the churches in the city!
You’ll see Byzantine paintings and frescoes that have survived the
damp underground space remarkably well. In fact, they are some of
the earliest Christian paintings in Southern Italy!

The catacombs, of course, also has a long list of impressive crypts!

Visit the crypt of the Bishops, decorated with 5th-century mosaics
depicting the different bishops. The narrow underground
passageways are also lined with graves back into ancient times.
The catacombs can only be explored on a guided tour. This is certainly
for the best, though! You’ll learn so much from the experienced
guides – particularly because the place lacks English descriptions and
plaques. It’s also best for the catacombs themselves, as in their
excitement, people can cause a lot of damage to priceless history!

The guided tour only takes 1-2 hours, but you can spend more time in
the upper catacombs, marveling at the artworks and the rich history
here.
 

Castel Nuovo
•This imposing medieval castle looks like its straight out of a
storybook
•Constructed in 1279, the castle has a fascinating history of kings,
popes, and sieges
•It is also an art museum and a chapel
One of the main Naples landmarks, Castel Nuovo is a must-see!
Erected in 1279, it remained a royal seat for the king of Naples until
1815! It really is a storybook castle, with tall cylindrical towers, and a
moat!

One of the castle’s most interesting points is the triumphal arch! This
35-meter structure between the two western towers is ornate and
impressive, made entirely from white marble.

Be sure to visit the Hall of Barons! Originally called the Throne Room,
this is the castle’s main hall. It is called the Hall of Barons because in
~1487 the king invited the barons who had previously conspired
against him to a celebration of his nephew’s wedding in the room. It
was a trap, and he had them all killed on the spot!
Many of the halls and rooms in the castle form the civic art museum!
This means that as you explore the historic site, you’ll also be able to
admire Neapolitan artworks that date back to the 15th century
onwards.

The artworks follow a thematic structure! These are paintings and

sculptures of historic events, then landscapes, portraits, and finally,
views of Naples through the centuries. It is a fascinating and beautiful
exhibition – all the more so because of its location!
 

Take a Street Food Tour

•Try a variety of delicious Neapolitan dishes from vendors and cafes
•Stroll through the historic city center and learn more about local
monuments
•Enjoy the atmosphere with a small group and an enthusiastic guide
Wondering what to do in Naples that will introduce you to all the
famously great food?

You can enjoy a self-guided Naples walking tour of the historic center
of the city, and find a bunch of foods that look unique and interesting!
Alternatively, you can join a street food tour, and taste some of the
best local dishes with a small group.

Both options are great! Doing it yourself gives you more freedom to
try different things and go where you want. Doing it as a guided tour
will introduce you to the greatest local cuisines, and you won’t waste
time or money on food that isn’t so good. It’s also the best option for
anyone with allergies or dietary requirements, as most menus are only
in Italian.

Seeking out the best food in the city is a great way to explore it! You’ll
walk through narrow cobblestone streets, past monuments and
galleries, piazzas and, of course, pizzas. If you join a tour, your guide
will tell you all about the history of the area, as well as some
interesting stories and curiosities.
Whether you’re joining a guided tour or not, we suggest you have a
shot of limoncello – a famously good Italian drink – and some gelato.
There is such good gelato in Naples, you simply can’t miss it!

Babà and sfogliatelle are some fantastic dishes that originated in the

city, and make touring Naples for food a splendid way to spend the
evening!
 

Spaccanapoli
•This street divides the city of Naples in half, translating to ‘Naples
splitter’
•The area is brimming with colorful alleys and famed artisan shops
•It’s a wonderful place to take in the local culture atmosphere of
Naples
Spaccanapoli Quarter is an incredible place, full of life. If you look at
the area from above you’ll see that the street slices the city in two,
like a deep groove with hundreds of tiny streets crisscrossing away
from it.

This is the famed Napoli! The one you picture when you think of
Naples, chaotic and vibrant, musical, loud and full of laughter and
bargaining. There is so much life happening here, you’ll need to catch
your breath.You can spend your whole day here, getting tidbits at the
teeny little stores and stands, and watching artisans at work in their
various trades. There are also numerous churches here to be explored
– including the stunning church of Chiara!

You may have passed or walked on this street for a brief moment on
our Naples itinerary. It is, after all, in the heart of Naples. But we’ve
put it as its own stop here so that you know to dedicate some time to
the experience! You’ll come out with a love for Naples, no matter the
season you’re visiting.

Explore the little alleyways – you can rest assured you’ll find this city
splitter again with ease. Enjoy the chaotic Italian shouting, of women
to one another above your head, of hagglers bargaining down prices,
of everyone just enjoying the robustness of life! Italians are famed for
being loud, and this is the perfect place to get a taste of that.

Things to see and do in Chiaia

– Walk along the seashore on the Lungomare Caracciolo
– Go underwater at the Anton Dohrn Aquarium

– Shop til you drop and get your hands on unique Italian designer
brands

– Taste some delicate traditional Neapolitan food

- Take the funicular up to Vomero

Things to see and do in Piazza del Plebiscito

– Walk around Naples’ largest square

– Go back to the 17th century at the Royal Palace

– Visit
the Basilica of San Francesco da Paola, built to look like the
Pantheon in Rome

– Sit
down for a drink at the Gran Caffe Gambrinus, Naples’ most
prestigious café