Naples, Pompeii & Herculaneum: The First-Timer’s Guide

Base in Naples for 2–3 days. Give the historic center 1–2 slow days, then spend a full day split between Pompeii and Herculaneum (easy on the fast Circumvesuviana). Book the Veiled Christ and Naples Underground in advance, and check whether Castel dell’Ovo is open before you go.

Top Things to Do in Naples

Piazza del Plebiscito

The city’s main square facing the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. At your back you’ll have Teatro San Carlo and, across Via San Carlo, the Galleria Umberto I. It’s a perfect first stop for orientation and photos.; try the “blindfold walk” legend if you dare.

Galleria Umberto I – A soaring 19th-century shopping arcade crowned by a glass dome, often compared to Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Enter from Via San Carlo and wander the cross‑shaped passageways dotted with cafés and boutiques.

Cappella Sansevero (Veiled Christ)

The Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino (1753) is a marble masterpiece often mistaken for fabric. Plan it before, the typical hours are: 09:00–19:00; closed Tue; last entry 30 minutes before closing.

Check the Official site: museosansevero.it

Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea) – The official route starts at Piazza San Gaetano, 68/69 and showcases Greek-Roman aqueducts and WWII air-raid shelters. Bookable tours run daily.

Check the Official site: napolisotterranea.org

Spaccanapoli

This long, straight street is the popular name for the Decumanus Inferior that seems to split the old town. Stroll from Piazza del Gesù Nuovo toward Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, dipping into churches and artisan workshops along the way.

Duomo & the Treasure of San Gennaro

Visit the cathedral (free) and, time permitting, the Tesoro di San Gennaro museum/chapel (separate hours). If your dates align, the liquefaction of the saint’s blood ceremonies draw large local crowds.

Check the Official site: tesorosangennaro.it

Via San Gregorio Armeno “Nativity Alley”

Year‑round workshops selling traditional presepe figurines—plus tongue‑in‑cheek celebrity caricatures. It’s most crowded from November to January but lively any month.

Castel dell’Ovo

Currently closed to the public until further notice for renovations; The Borgo Marinari and Lungomare promenade remain open for classic gulf views.

Check the Official site: comune.napoli.it

Where to Eat in Naples?

Naples is the home of Pizza Napoletana—the craft of the pizzaiuolo is on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage list, and “Pizza Napoletana” is protected by the EU Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) designation.

Our must try list: Pizza Margherita or Marinara (classic, wood‑fired),  Mozzarella di bufala, Frittura di paranza (mixed fried seafood) Sfogliatella and babà al rum. A post‑meal not to forget is the limoncello.

Pompeii: Hours, Tickets, Entrances & Highlights

Opening hours:
Apr–Oct: 09:00–19:00 (last entry 17:30)
Nov–Mar: 09:00–17:00 (last entry 15:30)

Check for ticket price at pompeiisites.org

Entrances: Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra, Piazza Anfiteatro.

Getting there

From Naples, take the Circumvesuviana Napoli–Sorrento line to Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri (closest to Porta Marina/Esedra).

Don’t‑miss highlights

Villa dei Misteri (spectacular fresco cycle), Casa di Octavius Quartio (garden and pergolas), Casa della Venere in Conchiglia (large Venus fresco near the amphitheater) and Lupanar (ancient brothel with erotic frescoes)

*Use the free official map/guide at the gate; wayfinding is easier with it

Herculaneum (Ercolano): Hours, Tickets & Highlights

Opening hours:
16 Mar–14 Oct: 08:30–19:30 (last entry 18:00; exit by 19:00)
15 Oct–15 Mar: 08:30–17:00 (last entry 15:30; exit by 16:40)
Check for ticket price at ercolano.cultura.gov

*First Sunday monthly is free.

Getting there

Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi; walk downhill or take the shuttle/minibus to the entrance.

Highlights

Seafront boathouses (dramatic archaeological context), Central Baths (women’s & men’s) in superb condition, House of Neptune & Amphitrite (gorgeous wall mosaics) and the Intact upper floors and wooden elements you won’t see at Pompeii.

Pictures: Alberto Sharif, Kelly, Riccardo Tuninato, nannanan.art, Jiri Dockal.