Last Updated on June 17, 2025
The city of Naples, in southern Italy, is a very special place. Not only because of the abundance of cultural wealth reflected in its buildings and iconic sites, but also because of the rich history it preserves. Located beside the imposing Mount Vesuvius, Naples sits in a place of unmatched beauty. Its historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historical heritage, delicious cuisine, the lively atmosphere of its streets, and the cheerful character of its inhabitants have distinguished this city, making it one of the most popular Italian destinations in recent years for international tourism.
Below, we’ll share some unmissable experiences in Naples. Besides walking through the historic center and admiring the beauty of its streets, with monuments such as the Cathedral of San Gennaro, the Galleria Umberto I, Piazza del Plebiscito, Castel dell’Ovo, and Napoli Sotterranea. Pay close attention and let yourself fall in love with this fascinating destination.
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Neapolitan Pizza, a Gastronomic Delight
One of the must-do experiences in Naples is tasting the authentic Neapolitan pizza. In the 17th century, it became a popular food with basic ingredients such as olive oil, fresh tomato, and buffalo mozzarella, cooked in a wood-fired oven. Over the years, what started as street food has become a true delicacy, still made with fresh, high-quality ingredients with a Designation of Origin and prepared using traditional methods. There’s nothing like strolling through the center of this city while enjoying the authentic “pizza napoletana,” famous all over the world. And not just pizza — eating in general is a must here, from delicious sweets like sfogliatella and babà al rum, to traditional dishes such as fried fish and pastiera, among other delights. Naples is the ideal destination for travelers with a fine palate!
Pompeii, a Grand Archaeological Site
About 20 minutes from downtown Naples lies the town of Pompeii. Visiting the ancient Roman city of Pompeii is like traveling back in time — specifically to the year 79 AD, when it was buried by the devastating eruption of Vesuvius, covered under the volcanic ash expelled during a day in August. Today, thanks to excavations and conservation efforts by expert archaeologists from around the world, the life of that time is being recreated. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, where you can see preserved streets, homes and businesses, and important buildings from that era, such as the amphitheater and the Roman forum. It’s amazing how the mosaics and some of the tools from that time have been recovered. To plan your visit, book on https://iltesoropompeiano.it/, where you’ll find cozy accommodation from which to explore the ruins of Pompeii. Without a doubt, visiting Pompeii is a must for history lovers and curious tourists.
Neapolitan Charms
Stroll along the wonderful Lungomare promenade, where you can admire the grandeur of Mount Vesuvius and the beauty of the coast; get lost in the streets of the Quartieri Spagnoli district, a maze of narrow alleys where you can discover authentic local life; walk along Via San Gregorio Armeno and explore the artisan shops where you can find typical souvenirs like Pulcinella and lucky horns; and finally, visit the “Diego Armando Maradona” football stadium and witness the city’s deep passion for its Italian football team.
As you can see, Naples is a special city. When you visit, you’ll understand just how many unmissable experiences it offers, and you’ll likely want to return in the future. From discovering its historic center and enjoying its cuisine, to visiting the ruins of Pompeii and experiencing Neapolitan charms, just a few days of your vacation are enough to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this place and discover the true “Neapolitan essence.”
