Naples city breaks

Colourful, chaotic and full of character, Naples is a genuine gem. The vibrant street theatre of daily life plays out on a UNESCO-stamped stage, brimming with history and more churches than you can imagine. You’ll get a taste of real-deal Italy here – scour open-air markets, pick up a slice of pizza and grab an espresso to go. Want to relax? That’s where the seafront prom and its Vesuvius vistas comes in. But Naples doesn’t just look to its past. Contemporary art galleries, a cool bar scene and underground art are all signs this soulful city is very much stepping into the modern world. And it’s ready to stir your senses…

Eat the perfect pizza

The city’s claim to fame is the Pizza Margherita. A wood-fired base topped with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil make up this world-famous dish. Legend has it the pizza was first created in 1889 for Queen Margherita who wanted the colours to match the Italian flag. You’ll find this street snack everywhere and you can even try it deep-fried at legendary pizzeria Di Matteo!

Go underground

To really get under the skin of this city, you need to go underground. Running below the busy streets above, the sacred Catacomba di San Gennaro is an extensive network of narrow alleyways. An ancient burial chamber for saints, bishops and noblemen, a walk through these caves will give you a compelling insight into the city’s reverent religious faith.

Take a sip

Coffee is the lifeblood of Naples; so much so, the locals have turned the preparation of the perfect cup into an art form. Sip in style at Caffè Gambrinus on Piazza Trieste – a grand, art deco space that was a favourite of writer Oscar Wilde. For a quick drink on the go, head to Il Vero bar del Professore where the old-school baristas serve up over 60 different types of coffee.

Best Western Hotel Paradiso

Naples City, Naples

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Based on 1733 reviews

Spectacular views over the Bay of Naples
Rooftop restaurant
Elegant rooms
Convenient for public transport links
Quieter residential location

Hotel Rex

Naples City, Naples

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Based on 1383 reviews

Close to the waterfront
300m from the Castel dell'Ovo
Historic Art Nouveau building
Central location
Friendly atmosphere

Hotel Royal Continental

Naples City, Naples

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Our rating

Based on 3503 reviews

Naples waterfront location
Overlooking Castel dell'Ovo
Restaurant with sea views
Close to bars, restaurants and shops
Great service

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Castel dell'Ovo

Naples

Naples’ oldest castle sits on the Borgo Mariano peninsula, with panoramic views of the coastline. Dating back to the 12th century, the island is famous as the first settlement of the Greeks, as well as home to...

Duomo di Napoli

Naples

Naples’ cathedral is the main church of Naples. Inside the chapel you’ll find ancient relics, artworks and statues of saints. The most famous – a vial of the blood of Saint Januarius – is brought out three...

Gesu Nuovo Church

Naples

This striking church, with it's wide, flat façade, is one of the most important basilica churches in Naples. It's been around since 1470 - back then, it was a lavish palace. Inside there are beautiful frescoes,...

Language

Italian

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

£2 / €2.30

Three day public transport ticket

£14 / €16

Three course meal

£18 / €20.50

Sightseeing

An intriguing patchwork of church-lined streets, the UNESCO-protected historic centre will bewitch you with its shabby-chic façade and amazing architecture. Soak up the street theatre atmosphere along the colourful Spaccanapoli, stroll along the Lungomare seafront promenade or discover the works of art in one of the many galleries.

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Eating and drinking

Do as the locals do and grab street food on the go – pizza, risotto balls and deep-fried seafood are all specialities. At night, head to the Chiaia district for an upmarket scene of aperitivo cocktails and nibbles, or for a more relaxed affair, the boho vibe of Piazza Bellini should fit the bill.

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Shopping

Street markets are a great way to shop in Naples. Soak up the swirls of colour at the atmospheric Via Pignasecca, with stalls selling everything from the freshest of seafood to the latest fashion. Things get a little more glam at the Galleria Umberto – a grand, glass-roofed arcade housing swanky designer boutiques.

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Getting around

Naples has an extensive public transport network of buses, trams and an underground metro, so navigating the city is really easy. Tickets are widely available from newsstands and tobacco shops and you can buy single journey tickets or three-day passes for unlimited travel on all transport types.