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By BRENDA Naples — chaotic, soulful, and bursting with life — is a city that pulses with raw history and vibrant culture.
Up to this day, I still rave to anyone about how much this city captured my heart.
My time in Naples wasn’t just about checking off tourist spots — it was an immersion in centuries-old stories, sweeping coastal views, and the rhythm of southern Italy.
This city has something for everyone.
From my experience, it had so much in common with my home city Kampala that made me feel at home, plus offered a great stay through its unique vibe and touristic atmosphere.
In this blog post, I will be sharing my list of 13 must-visit places in and around Naples, each one offering something uniquely unforgettable.
1.Mount Vesuvius (Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio)
Left: View of Naples from Mount Vesuvius Right: View of the crater
No matter where you are while in Naples, Mount Vesuvius stands tall and is quite the visible landmark wherever you are in the city.
Being a curious tourist, I made it a point to visit this place and indulge in its grandeur.
I kid you not, I went more than twice and some days choosing to spend the entire day hiking in its vicinity.
One particular experience is standing atop Mount Vesuvius.
It’s quite a surreal experience.
The view from the crater, with Naples stretching out beneath and the bay glistening beyond, made the uphill trek so worth it.
Knowing the volcano’s powerful history — especially its infamous eruption in 79 AD — adds a profound dimension to the experience.
…..which leads me to the next spot.
2. Pompei
Arial view of the remains in Pompei
I watched the movie Pompeii while in Italy which inspired both the trip to Pompei and Rome.
Visiting Pompei feels like walking through a suspended moment in time.
Suspended in time because in 79 CE, a huge abrupt eruption from Mount Vesuvius showered volcanic debris over the city destroying lives and lavish villas, leaving it covered in ashes and pumice only to be unearthed later in the 1700s.
Some of the monuments that survived the eruption include a forum and an amphitheatre, typical of a Roman city.
Being the only archaeological site in the world that provides a complete picture of an ancient Roman city, I had every reason to go there.
From mosaics and temples to bathhouses and bakeries, every step through the ruins reveals how life once bustled here.
It’s haunting, awe-inspiring, and deeply humbling.
3. Lungomare Caracciolo
Left: Arial View of Lungomare Right: View of Lungomare at night from the rocks
The Lungomare Caracciolo or locally known as just Lungomare is a picturesque waterfront promenade in Naples stretching approximately 2.5 kilometers.
It offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the island of Capri.
The promenade is lined with palm trees and features a wide pedestrian walkway, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls, jogging, and cycling
Evenings along the large volcanic rocks that line the Lungomare were some of my favorite moments.
There’s something so peaceful and grounding about sitting on those rocks.
With the waves crashing, Vesuvius in the distance, sea breeze on my skin and maybe a street musician playing nearby—it’s like Naples itself is giving you a big warm hug.
4. Amalfi Coast
Left: View of Positano during sunset. Right: Part of the view along Path of the Gods
The Amalfi Coast is a dreamlike stretch of southern Italy’s coastline, curving along the Sorrentine Peninsula with dizzying cliffs, colorful villages, and the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea below.
It consists of Cliffside towns, winding coastal roads, turquoise waters, terraced vineyards, and lemon groves everywhere.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world — and even more breathtaking on foot.
From the glamour of Positano to the historic core of Amalfi, to the hilltop serenity of Ravello, each town has a unique personality.
It features the Path of the Gods, a renowned hiking trail, celebrated for its breathtaking vistas and rich history.
Spanning approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles), the trail connects the hilltop village of Bomerano in Agerola to Nocelle, a hamlet above Positano.
Once on the trail, the panoramic cliffside views of the sea, mountains, and villages below feel like walking through a painting.
It’s also peaceful, with just the sounds of nature and fellow hikers making it perfect for reflection and connection with nature.
5. Diego Armando Maradona Stadium
Diego Armando Maradona Stadium is Naples’ home stadium and an iconic venue, especially after being renamed to honor the legendary Diego Maradona.
It isn’t just a football stadium — it’s a temple of passion, identity, and legacy.
The atmosphere during Napoli games is electric — and as I have learnt — one of the most passionate in Europe.
Whether you’re a football fan or just curious about Naples’ soul, visiting the stadium and experiencing a Napoli match is like stepping into the beating heart of the city.
This is where locals come to feel — not just watch the game.
When I went to watch a game, I didn’t watch in silence — I sang and celebrated like I was part of something bigger.
The energy starts outside the stadium with drums, chants, and flags, and builds to a crescendo the moment Napoli steps onto the pitch.
It is a deeply moving, unforgettable cultural experience worth indulging in.
6. Capodimonte Royal Palace & Museum
Art and opulence is the aura that surrounds the Capodimonte Palace
It is a treasure chest built by the Royal House of Bourbon as a summer residence and hunting lodge, but later converted into a national museum that houses a large collection of important Neapolitan paintings and sculptures.
Surrounded by lush gardens, it houses works by Caravaggio, Titian, and Botticelli.
The museum’s calm elegance offered a beautiful break from the bustle of the city.
7. National Archaeological Museum (Museo)
I lived at close range with Museo which made it such a convenient place to go to, to indulge in Neapolitan art.
This museum houses many of the original treasures excavated from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Seeing the preserved mosaics, sculptures, and frescoes up close gave me an even deeper appreciation for the ancient civilizations of the region.
8. Astroni Crater Nature Reserve
The Astroni Crater Nature Reserve is a protected natural oasis located within a volcanic crater in the Campi Flegrei area near Naples.
It is one of the largest and best-preserved craters in the Campi Flegrei volcanic area.
Spanning about 247 hectares, it boasts of a diversity of ecosystems including volcanic lakes, centuries-old forests and rich fauna.
Within the reserve are approximately 15 kilometers of nature trails, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and environmental education.
The serenity, birdlife, and greenery are a peaceful contrast to the energy of the city and a great getaway to reconnect with nature.
Another part of this reserve is a space reserved for kids to learn about the evolution of life with sculptures of dinosaurs lined along the path of this learning experience.
9. Floridiana Park
Left: A section within the park. Right: View of Naples from the park
Floridiana Park (Villa Floridiana) is a neoclassical villa nestled within a lush park in the Vomero district of Naples.
Perched on a hill, it offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples and serves as a serene retreat from the city’s bustle.
It overlooks the western suburbs of Chiaia and Mergellina, providing visitors with breathtaking vistas of the bay and cityscape.
The villa is home to the National Museum of Ceramics that boasts an extensive collection of decorative arts, including European and Oriental ceramics, enamels, and porcelains.
It’s enveloped by a verdant park featuring a diverse array of plant species, including oaks, pines, palms, and cypresses which provide a tranquil environment for leisurely strolls and picnicking.
It offers a harmonious blend of history, art, and nature, making it a must-visit destination in Naples.
10. Portici Botanical Garden
The Portici Botanical Garden is a hidden gem located just southeast of Naples, within the grounds of the historic Reggia di Portici—a former Bourbon royal palace built between 1738 and 1748 by Charles III of Spain.
Established in 1872, the garden spans approximately 20,000 square meters.
It boasts over 4,000 specimens representing about 1,000 species including an extensive collection of desert plants.
Situated within the historic Reggia di Portici, the garden combines natural beauty with architectural grandeur, making it a worthwhile destination for both plant enthusiasts and history buffs.
11. Spaccanapoli
Spaccanapoli is the straight and narrow main street that traverses the old, historic center of the city of Naples, Italy.
The name is a popular usage and means, literally, “Naples splitter“, splitting Naples south and North.
With a stretch of about 2 km, it is one of the three main roads that traversed ancient Neapolis during its foundation in 580 BC.
This ancient street slices through the heart of Naples like a living timeline.
It’s a gateway into piazzas, restaurants, palaces and churches.
During my stay in Naples, I did not hesitate to pay this street a visit whenever I needed to take in the Naples experience in a simple walk.
I wandered through artisan shops, tasted the best sfogliatella of my life, and caught glimpses of local life — clothes drying on balconies, espresso bars humming with chatter, and graffiti telling stories on every corner.
12. Naples Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli)
Catch me going to church whenever I could and the Duomo was the perfect Neapolitan Church experience for this.
The Naples Cathedral left me breathless.
The gothic architecture, ornate chapels, and the relic of San Gennaro — the city’s patron saint — make this more than just a religious site.
It’s a deep dive into Neapolitan identity.
13. Piazza del Plebiscito
View of the Plebiscito Square (PC: Baku)
This grand square, framed by the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, is one of the perfect spots to feel the rhythm of Naples.
Locals stroll, street musicians perform, and there’s always something to take in.
One particular experience that is typically done at this spot is to walk blindfolded towards the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola side of the square and aim to make it to the area between the two equestrian riders on the square.
Left: how it started. Right: How it went
This was quite a beautiful activity to experience with friends.
Final Thoughts
Naples and its surroundings surprised me with their contrasts: chaos and calm, grandeur and grit, history and present-day life all coexisting.
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply in search of beauty and depth, Naples is a gateway to experiences that stay with you long after you leave.
If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to drop them in the comments section below.
Otherwise, happy Easter!