Naples for Cruise Ship Passengers
How to Make the Most of Your Day

Benvenuti a Napoli! Naples is one of the most vibrant Mediterranean cities and a popular cruise port. Thousands of people steam into the Bay of Napoli every year looking for great food, ancient history, delicious wine, and beautiful scenery, but if you don't know where to go, you can really miss out on some amazing cultural experiences.

Fortunately, the cruise ship terminal is a reasonable walk from many of the main historical sites in Naples, and convenient public transit offers opportunities to visit places farther away. This page is meant to help travelers find the best places to go with limited time in the city. We have some information on attractions and food near the port, how to get to other landmarks like Pompeii, and some suggested itineraries based on how long you have to explore. Naples is a vibrant Italian city unlike any other you'll visit, so you don't want to miss out! Keep reading to help plan your Neapolitan adventure.

Can You Walk From the Cruise Port?

The simple answer here is: YES! While people with limited mobility will find navigating the streets difficult, for most people walking is an easy (and free) way to get from the cruise ship terminal to Via Toledo and other famous sights.

When you disembark, you will almost instantly notice the huge castle overseeing the port (or porto in Italian). That is Castel Nuovo, or the New Castle, so-called because it was built “only” around 1280 AD. To get to the castle entrance, it will take about 10 minutes to walk up the hill. The large open area on your walk up the hill is Piazza Municipio, and it also has a metro station on line 1 if you want to travel farther away. You can either cross the street (wait for the red light at the crosswalk!) or take the new tunnel under the road. Near the entrance to Castel Nuovo on Via Medina is also where the Hop-On, Hop-Off buses start both of their routes. Continuing along Via Medina another 10 minutes will also take you to Galleria Umberto I, Teatro di San Carlo, Gran Caffe Gambrinus, and Piazza del Plebiscito with Palazzo Reale. This area is also the terminus of Via Toledo, one of the busiest and vibrant streets in Napoli; there is plenty of food and shopping to peruse while you're there. I recommend walking along at least once, though you'll probably do so with a lot of others!

Quartieri Spagnoli, or the Spanish Quarter, is one of Napoli's liveliest neighborhoods, full of restaurants, wine bars, and souvenir shops. If you are standing in Piazza del Plebiscito and look toward Via Toledo, Quariteri Spagnoli will be to the left of Via Toledo, further up the hill. You can also get there from the port by walking straight up the hill and not turning to pass by Castel Nuovo. You'll run straight into Via Toledo; cross the mass of people in the street and you'll be in Quartieri Spagnoli. The walk will only take 15-20 minutes, though it is mostly uphill. Once in Quartieri Spagnoli, you can wander the streets at will; if you want to get back to Via Toledo, walk downhill. If you want the most authentic Italian food, visit the restaurants that don't have food pictures in the menu.

Spaccanapoli is a famous series of streets cutting through the Centro Storico, or Historical Center, of Napoli's old town. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the beginning from the port, and it is mostly uphill. I recommend searching for either Sant'anna Dei Lombardi or Palazzo Carafa di Maddaloni to get directions from the port; from either of those points, you can follow the narrow streets past the Duomo and other churches, but if you reach Garibaldi train station, you've definitely made it to the end. Stop and get a sfogliatella from Sfogliatelle Attanasio or a takeaway slice of pizza from L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele to get some legendary local food.

Best Things To Do If You Have...

The amount of time you have in the city will dictate what you can do while you're there. Below are some suggested activities based on how much time you have available. These are geared toward visitors who haven't been to Naples before.

4 Hours

With 4 hours in the city, you probably won't want to try and travel too far, and if you do travel you need to plan ahead, know where you're going, and know how to get there. For first time visitors, I wouldn't bother going anywhere else; there is plenty to see and enjoy within Napoli itself.

Get an espresso. Naples is renowned for its coffee culture, and nothing says Neapolitan coffee like an espresso. Unlike many countries, if you see a “bar,” it is most likely a coffee bar, not a place for alcohol. Neapolitans prefer straight espresso with a pastry, rather than a large mug of coffee. There are other coffee drinks available (cortado, machiado, cappuccino), but classic Neapolitan coffee culture is an espresso while standing at the bar, conversing with friends. Gran Caffe Gambrinus on Piazza del Plebiscito is the most famous coffee bar, so head there if you're looking for a slice of history with your cafe. Wherever you go, you will find coffee. Just don't order your cappuccino after 11:00 am.
Explore the historic center. You can spend all four hours wandering the Centro Storico, Quartieri Spagnoli, and Spaccanapoli. When you think old city Naples, these are the places you should head to. Between the Castel Nuovo, Palazzo Reale, Galleria Umberto I, Duomo, and other churches and historical landmarks, the time will fly by as you immerse yourself in Napoli's history.
Grab a pizza margherita. Napoli is the birthplace of pizza; just ask any resident. The most famous type of pizza in Napoli is the classic margherita, with simply peeled tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. The crust is thin, the flavors mix wonderfully, and you'll want to eat the whole pizza yourself. A good pizza should only be about 8 Euros, so if the place you're considering charges 10 Euros or more for pizza margherita, find another spot (other pizza types will be more expensive). Marinara, diavola, and pizza fritta (fried pizza) are also world famous and worth trying while in Napoli.
Finish your eating experience with a sfogliatella. This delicious, traditional pastry actually has two types: riccia and frolla. Riccia are flaky with light layers of dough wrapped around a sweet filling; the dough is crunchy and tends to break off while you're eating it. Frolla are shortbread pastry wrapped around the filling, so I find it a little easier to eat. Sfogliate e Sfogliatelle, along the Spaccanapoli, and Sfogliatelle Attanasio, close to Garibaldi train station, offer typical sfogliatelle at reasonable prices, so you can easily try both kinds.
Return to ship

6 Hours

If you have about 6 hours in the city, your available options increase. It's possible to explore outside the city if you want to, but there are still plenty of sites away from Centro Storico worth exploring.

The Naples Underground is a series of caves and ruins under the Neapolitan streets. Tours will take about 1 to 1.5 hours, though you can choose guided or unguided tours. Given the time commitment, this is better if you have the extra few hours so you aren't trying to cram too much into the day. English-speaking guided tours depart about hourly from 10:00 am until the last one at 5:00 pm, while Italian-speaking tours depart hourly at the bottom of the hour. The entrance is near Piazza del Plebiscito in Quartieri Spagnoli, so it won't take long to walk there if you're already exploring the area.
Castel dell'Ovo, or the Egg Castle, is a short walk from Palazzo Reale and Piazza del Plebiscito. Legend has it that the poet Virgil hid an egg within the cellars, and as long as the egg remained undamaged, Naples would be spared tragedy. The castle was built on the islet of Megaride, connected to the city via a stone arch bridge. There are also several restaurants in the shadow of the castle walls, where you can grab lunch or an apertif and look out over the water.
If you continue walking past the Castel dell'Ovo, you will arrive on the Lungomare, a long promenade on the waterfront. The Lungomare is about 4 km long, and passes the Aquarium of Naples with Chiaia behind it. There are many restaurants clustered closer to the Castel dell'Ovo, if you get hungry. Stroll down the Lungomare to enjoy the sea breeze, though be warned there is not much shade and, especially in the summer, it can get crowded.

8+ Hours

With 8 or more hours in the city, you really have options of what you want to explore. The metro and funiculare are very convenient and can get you farther outside the Centro Storico, while still allowing you to explore the historical center. Some of my favorite destinations include:

The National Archaeological Museum, or Museo Archeologico Nazionale de Napoli, is located at the Museo metro stop on line 1. This museum has an expansive collection of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, plus other artwork, frescoes, and archaeological finds from the early Greek and Roman periods, not to mention special exhibitions. For history lovers, this truly is a museum to visit. There are enough exhibits for you to spend several hours here, so that is why I recommend visiting only if you have a full day. Additionally, because of the museum's popularity, there may be a line to get in, so I recommend you get there early. If you happen to go on the first Sunday of the month, admission is free!
The neighborhood of Vomero is located on top of the hill overlooking the Bay of Naples. The most prominent landmark is the Castel Sant'Elmo, which dominates the hillside. You can get to Vomero via the Vanvitelli or Quattro Giornate metro stations (Vanvitelli is closer to landmarks and food), multiple funiculare, or you can attempt the steps if you want to get a good workout in. Taking the steps will require 40+ minutes, and they are very steep at some points. The metro and funiculare, on the other hand, can get you there in 10-15 minutes. Vomero is a much more relaxed neighborhood than the old city, with plenty of food, sites, and shopping. A more comprehensive guide is here; if you want to get away from the hustle and crowds while still getting a Neapolitan experience, Vomero is a great option.
Whether you're looking for luxury fashion, local artisan goods, or authentic Italian souvenirs, Naples offers excellent shopping within easy reach of the cruise port. Stroll along Via Toledo, one of the city's busiest shopping streets, browse the elegant designer boutiques in Chiaia, or ride the funicular up to Vomero for stylish shops, local markets, and panoramic views. Nearby Via San Gregorio Armeno is famous for its handcrafted nativity figurines and traditional Neapolitan crafts, while the historic Galleria Umberto I combines beautiful architecture with cafés and specialty shops. With everything from international brands to family-run boutiques, there's something for every shopper and every budget.

Should I Stay in Naples or Visit Pompeii?

Almost everyone hears the story of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the burial of Pompeii in history class growing up, and it can be tempting to visit Pompeii instead of Naples itself. However, getting to Pompeii involves either an organized tour, which can be expensive, or navigating the Italian train system, which can be frustrating and complicated, not to mention unreliable and hot in the summer. Additionally, the town of Herculaneum (Ercolano) is slightly closer and offers another option if you really want to see some ruins. To help you make a decision, below are a few suggestions.

Stay in Naples if...

This is your first visit. Yes, Pompeii is cool to see, but it will take up the majority, if not all, of your time in the city.
You want to try the food. Napoli was named the TasteAtlas 25/26 #1 city for food in the world. Pompeii has significantly fewer options.
You want to visit authentic neighborhoods. The people and culture of Naples are completely unique, and the experience is not to be missed.
If you prefer walking. Pompeii requires getting on at least one train to get there, so you will have less of an opportunity to stretch your legs during that trip. The journey is about 40-60 minutes on the train one way.
You want to see the artifacts but don't need to see the ruins. Go to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, where you can explore rooms upon rooms of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum in the air conditioning.

Visit Pompeii if...

You're a real history lover and want to go to the actual place. There is something about being in the actual spot where history happened that can't be replicated by looking at pictures.
If you've already visited Naples before. If you don't want to repeat your adventures in Centro Storico, Pompeii is a great day trip.
You're comfortable with train travel. As I wrote above, it will be about an hour each way to get there and back... and that's before any delays. I do not recommend this trip if you have less than 6 hours in Napoli, and I would only do it if I had 8 hours or more.

Visit Herculaneum (Ercolano) if...

You still want to visit city ruins but don't want crowds quite as large.
You want a quicker journey (closer to 40 minutes one way).
You're ok with going to Pompeii's smaller, less famous sister.

Don't Make These Common Mistakes!

There are a few mistakes I want to warn you about. Most of these won't ruin your day (the last one probably would), but I'm here to warn you against some common things to be on the lookout for.

❌ Don't eat at the first restaurant outside the port. There is plenty of amazing food a relatively short walking distance from the port, so take your time and look for something beyond the first restaurants you find. The restaurants surrounding Piazza Municipio are convenient, but they cater directly to cruise ship passengers, and the food is hit or miss, especially for the relatively higher prices. Quartieri Spagnoli is not much farther and has much better food. If you find a place that doesn't have pictures in the menu, be confident you're going to have a great meal.

❌ Don't take overpriced taxis, which is to say almost all of them. Yes, if there is somewhere specific you want to get to that isn't near easy public transport, such as Capodimonte, then a taxi is your best bet. However, the metro has a stop very close to the cruise ship terminal, the Alibus is available to take you to the central train station or the airport, and the funiculare can take you to various neighborhoods farther away. All are significantly cheaper than a taxi. Note, you can order taxis through Uber, so you'll see the price before you ride. If you do use a taxi, make sure it is a white vehicle with a city crest; those are the official, licensed taxis. Make sure the taxi has a working meter or agree on the fare before you go. However, I highly recommend using the Neapolitan public transit system if you don't want to walk everywhere.

❌ Don't try to visit Pompeii, Capri, and Naples in one day. As I wrote above, Pompeii is an hour away by train, and similarly Capri is about an hour by ferry. That would be 4 hours of transit at a minimum, leaving almost no time to actually see anything. Save yourself the hassle and pick one of those destinations so you can soak up the experience instead of rushing from one to the other.

❌ Don't miss the ship because of poor time management. I'm not sure how cruise lines handle passengers who don't make it back onboard, but I doubt you would have everything you need to make it to the next port quickly, and I don't think they'd come back. Read through this guide to understand how long it takes to do certain things, and realize that, especially during tourist season, transit can be delayed. Plan accordingly; worst case, if you traveled somewhere else, you will have more time to explore the area near the port if you have time before the ship leaves. Be cognizant and realistic about what you can get to in the time available.

Is Naples Safe For Cruise Visitors?

Napoli is normally a safe city with warm, welcoming people. Generally, as long as you avoid getting really drunk and picking a fight with a local, you won't have problems. However, there are a few things you need to keep an eye out for:

Pickpockets. There are pickpockets in Naples, especially in crowded areas like the train station and on public transportation. I highly recommend you do not carry anything in your back pockets; that is too easy to swipe quickly. Also, phones and bags can easily be swiped by a passing moped, so stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Don't leave your valuables unattended. Keep your backpack on your front and your bags zipped shut. None of this should be revelatory advice; just be cautious.
Be aware of busy areas. Via Toledo is a very busy street, and the streets, cafes, shops, and restaurants nearby get busy as well. Spaccanapoli and the Lungomare are often very crowded, and most transit hubs have a lot of people during the day and evening. Additionally, Naples is the largest southern Italian city, so events such as the Giro d'Italia in May, major concerts, Napoli SSC games, and the occasional Pope visit can draw large crowds. Again, be aware of your surroundings and you should be fine.
There are a few common scams to look out for. The first are people offering “salt and horn,” a packet of salt and a small, red horn (cornicello). Do not take anything from them; if you accept, they will aggressively ask for payment. Say no thank you and buy your cornicello from a souvenir shop. Second, if you take a taxi, only use the official white taxis with a city crest. Make sure it has a working meter or agree to the price before you go. Finally, some restaurants will bring you unordered extras, especially if they cater to tourists. If you didn't order it and don't want it, don't eat it and ask the server to remove it from the table. You will be charged “coperto” for table service, but it shouldn't be more than 2 or 3 Euros and it should be listed on the menu.
As for some practical safety tips, bring water and sunscreen! Naples is very warm from about late May to early September, with bright sunshine and few clouds. You will want to protect yourself from getting burned or dehydrated. Most US expats are told not to drink the water, since Naples doesn't meet EPA standards for lead concentration monitoring. A 2 liter bottle should only be 1 or 2 Euros, so if you don't bring water with you from the ship, stop in a shop to grab one. Also, drivers in Naples are erratic. Residents will walk out into traffic, and while I haven't seen anyone get run over yet, I recommend walking for green walk signals or making sure drivers are slowing down for you when you cross the street. Don't blindly walk out into traffic, because there are no laws against using your cell phone while driving in Naples. There are, however, very strict laws against drinking and driving, so if you do rent a car for some reason (I do not recommend that no matter how long you're in port), have a designated driver. There is zero tolerance for alcohol while driving, with very steep penalties for anyone caught.
Overall, the historical center of Naples provides a variety of churches, museums, palaces, castles, restaurants, wine bars, and gelaterias for tourists to explore. Via Toledo and the Spaccanapoli are your two main arteries to visit, and the surrounding areas are geared towards tourists. The chaotic nature of Naples is part of the charm; be courteous to others, watch out for mopeds, and keep an eye on your stuff. You will have a delightful time experiencing everything Napoli has to offer.

Naples for Cruise Ship Passengers How to Make the Most of Your Day