10 Cool Things to Do in Naples in Winter
Going to Naples in winter proved to be a great idea. Since the city is in southern Italy, it enjoys mild winters. Not only that, but we got to enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds.
When it comes to heritage, Naples rivals Rome. We are talking about layer upon layer of history and art. Besides, world wonders Pompeii and Herculaneum are just a step away. Let’s not forget the splendid Amalfi coast, and Capri!
Though Naples may seem rough, we believe the city is safe. We walked everywhere at all times. Finally, Neapolitan food is in a league of its own!
Roam the Streets of Naples
Our favorite thing to do in Naples is to walk aimlessly around the Centro Storico (Old Town). The area within Via Toledo, Plaza Garibaldi, Via Foria and Corso Umberto I is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walking along San Gregorio Armeno street is a must. Arches, balconies, and traditional facades line the narrow medieval lane famous for its year-round nativity scenes. Nearby Spaccanopoli Street is packed with churches, eateries, and local people shouting!
Don’t forget to check the Quarteri Spagnoli. The 16th Century borough is full of museums, churches, artisanal shops, murals, markets, and locals. You need at least a day in Naples to see it all.
Visit Three Historic Churches
There are over 400 historic churches in Naples. Visit at least 3. Sansevero Chapel and Museum in the center is famous for its marble statues. The veiled Christ is surreally beautiful.
The Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara is a 13th Century monastery with the most splendid gardens. The hand painted tiles are gorgeous and the atmosphere serene and quiet.
Locals call the Cathedral the Duomo di San Genaro because the saint’s blood is inside. The gothic 13th Century temple has 4th Century tiles, and stunning art. Locals come here to pray, so be respectful.
Go Underground
Some 150 feet (40 m) beneath the center you will find long tunnels, old aqueducts, raid shelters, catacombs and caverns. There are two entrances: in Piazza San Gaetano, and in Piazza Trieste e Trento, 1.3 miles (2 km) south.
Pay the 10 euro fee and prepare to be dazzled. We took the guided tour in English and couldn’t believe our eyes.
You have nothing to worry about, the paths are airy, wide and safe. It took us 90 minutes to explore the hidden history of Napoli Sotterranea. Once done, walk along Via Tribunali, one of our favorites in the city.
Learn History in a Museum
We spent a couple of hours in awe inside the National Archaeological Museum. The 17th Century Palace holds a massive collection of art and artifacts, including Egyptian mummies.
Its collection of objects and sculptures from Pompeii and Herculaneum is the best in the world. We saw literally thousands of mosaics and paintings unearthed from the houses buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.
The largest antiquity sculpture in the world is inside, the Farnese Hercules from 222 AD. Nearby you will find the Farnese Atlas and the Farnese Bull. Look for the outstanding Alexander Mosaic, recovered from Pompeii.
Visit a Palace Full of Caravaggio and a Unique Metro Station
Via Toledo is a fancy street that divides the Spanish Quarter and the Old Town. Palaces, museums, shops and all types of eateries line the pedestrian street. You can walk at all times.
The most amazing collection of Caravaggio frescoes in the world is in the Zevallos Stigliano Palace. Look for world famous the Martyrdom of Saint Ursula from 1610.
Toledo, the coolest metro station in Italy is two blocks from the palace. Go up and down the stairs admiring the iconic murals by William Kentridge and Robert Wilson. Search for the photos by Achille Cevoli and Oliviero Toscanini. There’s even a cosmic ray detector!
Go Shopping in an Elegant Palace
From the metro station walk south a bit till you see Galleria Umberto I. The 1891 shopping mall is one of the grandest in the world. It reminded us of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.
Go inside and raise your head to see a massive but delicate roof of iron and glass. You will see art nouveau, baroque and renaissance details.
Exit the gallery and walk 1 block east to Castel Nuovo. The King of Sicily built it in 1284. Fernando de Aragon added the massive arch in the 15th Century. Enter the castle, and enjoy epic views over the sea and beyond.
See a Show in a Historic Theater
Piazza del Plebiscito is the biggest square in the city. The 1737 Teatro di San Carlo is next to the square. The oldest opera house in the world is a sight to behold. Check for shows and events here.
Exit the theatre and have a delicious coffee at Gran Caffé Gambrinus. You will join the likes of Oscar Wilde, Jean Paul Sartre, and Ernest Hemingway.
The Royal Palace of Naples presides over the square. Built between the 16th Century and 1858, it’s the grandest in the city.
Enjoy Views from a Castle
Vomero is the hill that towers above Naples. The best way to reach it is with the 1929 Funicolare Centrale Augusteo, in front of Galleria Umberto I. Go up till Piazza Fuga.
We love Villa Floridiana gardens next to Fuga square. Walk along fancy Via Luca Giordano and Via Alessandro Scarlatti. The Mercatino di Antignano is the best place to shop and eat.
Castel Sant Elmo offers unforgettable views of Mount Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia, and Sorrento Peninsula. The Novecento Museum with its collection of 20th Century art is inside the Castle.
Join the Festivities
Spend Christmas and New Years Eve in Naples and have the time of your life. The entire city is light up and everybody is happy and relaxed.
We spent hours eating and walking about the open-air markets in Piazza Municipio, Piazza Bovio, and Piazza Dante. You have to try the authentic Panettone, Struffoli, and Fiocco de neve pastry. You will have to walk a lot to burn the extra calories!
If you can, stay till January 6 for Epiphany. Everyone flocks to Piazza Mercatto to see the Befana festival. Carnival with its processions and parties is another great time to visit.
Go on a Day Trip
Without a doubt, winter is the best time to visit Pompeii. We strongly recommend spending a night at the Hotel Forum in front of the archaeological park and continue the next day to Herculaneum.
Both places will take your breath away so don’t rush and enjoy. If you have time, continue to the Sorrento, Positano or Amalfi Town. We spent five days in the area and didn’t want to leave.
Another option is to go to Capri. Ferries from Sorrento to Capri take half an hour. To be honest, the beaches are not that great, but the architecture and atmosphere will blow your mind.
Where to Stay in Naples
Our favorite hotel in Naples is the Eurostars Hotel Excelsior. The 1908 grand palace is great value for money in winter. We always book a sea view room.
We stayed a night at Hotel Nunú because we had to catch an early train the next day. Its super comfortable and ideally located close to the center and the train station.
If you have the money to splurge, do so at the Grand Hotel Parker’s, the best in the city. We only had dinner there and felt like royalty.
