Naples

Naples is one of Italy’s most vibrant, human-scale big cities: intense, beautiful, a little chaotic in the best way, and full of everyday life. Set on the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius on the horizon, the city feels layered—history, street culture, and local routines all happening at once. Naples isn’t a place you “tick off”; it’s a place you experience slowly, corner by corner. Many of the main sights fit naturally into a walkable itinerary. The historic centre around Spaccanapoli is the classic starting point, with narrow streets, small workshops, courtyards, churches, and lively neighbourhood squares. The Cathedral (Duomo) is a key stop, and the Sansevero Chapel is famous for the Veiled Christ sculpture. For a deeper sense of the region’s story, the National Archaeological Museum is a standout and pairs perfectly with day trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum. By the water, the Lungomare promenade is ideal for an easy stroll, while the city’s castles—Castel dell’Ovo by the sea and Castel Nuovo closer to the centre—give Naples its iconic skyline. For wide views, head up to Vomero by funicular and look out over the bay from around Castel Sant’Elmo. A big part of Naples is beyond the “big sights.” Areas like the Spanish Quarters, Via Toledo, Galleria Umberto I, and Piazza del Plebiscito show the city at its most real—where locals and visitors share the same rhythm. Food here isn’t a separate program; it’s part of the culture. A simple espresso, a slice of pizza, a quick market snack or a seafood plate can be as much “Naples” as any museum. From a sustainable tourism perspective, Naples works especially well as a slow-travel city. Central areas are best explored on foot, and many routes are easy by metro, funicular, and local rail—often faster and cleaner than driving. A unique local highlight is the city’s “art stations” on the metro, where public transport doubles as a cultural experience, making it easier (and more enjoyable) to choose low-impact mobility. Responsible travel matters here: spreading your time and spending beyond the busiest hotspots helps keep the city liveable and ensures tourism supports local communities. Staying a bit longer, choosing locally owned cafés and shops, visiting lesser-known museums or neighbourhood routes, and travelling outside peak hours all reduce pressure while improving your experience. Small habits also add up—carry a refillable bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and be mindful of residential streets and noise, especially in the evenings. Naples rewards visitors who slow down, use the city like locals do, and let the place unfold naturally—at a calmer pace, with curiosity and respect.