Best Things To Do In Naples (Italy) 2024

Are you looking for young adult activities in Naples, Italy? Our ultimate millennial and Gen Z bucket list of cool and distinctive attractions. Let’s explore Naples’ best hangouts.

Naples is vivacious, colorful, and intriguing, infused with Mediterranean warmth. With Vesuvius and the sea in view, the city is a playground for adventurous travelers. Spaccanapoli’s vibrant alleyways, full of historical tales and modern vitality, are one of Italy’s top things to do. Visit the National Archaeological Museum to discover Naples’ creative spirit.

Naples, where old history blends with bustling street life and delicious food, will captivate you! Naples is ideal for fast getaways and immersive investigations due to its stunning scenery, rich culture, and pizza origins. Life, color, and character make this vibrant city one of Italy’s most attractive.

Every alleyway is a time travel, every bite a gastronomic delight, and every moment an adventure. Let’s explore Naples’ top young adult activities!

Things to do in Naples (Italy) for young adults

This guide offers a brief tour of Naples’ greatest for young adults. Naples’ charming streets and bustling piazzas invite you to explore Pompeii and taste traditional Neapolitan pizza. Start this journey!

1. Taste literally the best pizza in the world

Pizza is something we can all get enthusiastic about. Naples is the origin of pizza, so eating it here is like listening to the Beatles in Liverpool. The food is authentic and unique in Italy.

L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele has been serving pizza since the 1800s. Simple menu: Margherita or Marinara. But when that pizza arrives, it changes everything. The dough, sauce, and cheese combo may ruin all other pizzas.

2. Unlock ancient worlds at the National Archaeological Museum

See the Naples National Archaeological Museum in Naples. This establishment is full with vintage cool. It’s like a time machine that transports you to ancient times, where young adults unearth amazing treasures.

Have you seen a sculpture so huge you feel mouse-like? Meet Farnese Bull. This enormous item tells a mythical story. The Alexander Mosaic depicts a war scene with so much detail you’ll spend hours looking at it. Like antique comic book art, but real and in front of you.

3. Every corner tells a story in Naples’ Historic Center

Walk around Naples’ Historic Center to experience centuries of history. History whispers in every corner of this living museum. Get rid of your phone and use your senses.

Start in Caffè Gambrinus, a famed artist and intellectual hangout. Sipping an espresso here is like experiencing Naples’ cultural heartbeat. Next, visit Pizzeria Sorbillo, where pizza-making is magnificent, demonstrating Naples is the pizza capital.

4. Take in the view from Castel Sant’Elmo

How about burning off those calories after eating the finest pizza ever? Start with a peak that offers the best Naples views. Castel Sant’Elmo offers a panoramic view of Naples, from the Bay of Naples to the bustling streets.

Adventure includes the Castel Sant’Elmo climb. As you climb, the city unfolds underneath you, revealing its beauty. After you reach the top? A 360-degree panorama will have you taking photos faster than you can say “bellissimo.” Vesuvius, the bay’s islands, and Naples’ rooftops are visible.

It’s excellent for a relaxing afternoon of sightseeing and enjoying the moment. Gelato makes the scene better, trust me Castel Sant’Elmo should be on your Naples agenda. Catch your breath and enjoy the vista. Perhaps you’ll fall more in love with this colorful city.

5. Explore Naples’ spooky side at the Catacombs of San Gennaro

After enjoying the pizza and scenery, why not try something new? Visit the San Gennaro Catacombs. Like Naples’ secret handshake. After learning about it, you’re in for a treat (or trick, depending on your catacomb tolerance).
The vast underground Catacombs of San Gennaro contain early Christian tombs. The tomb of Naples’ patron saint, San Gennaro, and centuries-old murals are also there.

Now for the details. Check online before visiting the catacombs, which are open most days but have different hours. Exploring this hidden portion of Naples’ history only €9, a bargain. Guided tours are available. So you’ll get all the eerie and historical info from an expert.

Definitely visit the Catacombs of San Gennaro if you’re up for an adventure and don’t mind hanging out with the ancient dead. The part of Naples most tourists miss will stay with you. This is a hidden gem in Italy that shows its ageless appeal and mystery.

6. Piazza del Plebiscito: Naples’ grand open-air salon

After our harrowing catacomb tour, let’s relax at Naples’ Piazza del Plebiscito. Neapolitans celebrate, hang around, and soak up the ambiance here. This is the place for young adults to relax, people-watch, and take Instagram photos.

Huge buildings like the Royal Palace and Church of San Francesco di Paola surround the square. The latter resembles Rome’s Pantheon. You may sit on the stairs with gelato and feel like you’re in the middle of the excitement.
History and culture abound here. You can enter the Royal Palace from here to see how the other half lived lavishly. Check see a show at the San Carlo Theatre if you’re feeling cultural.

Always open, the plaza is free to explore. This makes it ideal for young adults on a budget in Naples. You may relax, plan your future move, and enjoy one of Italy’s most dynamic cities here.

7. Shop and marvel at stunning architecture through Galleria Umberto I

Next, let’s explore Galleria Umberto I, a shopping complex with stunning architecture. For young people visiting Naples, this 19th-century exhibit is stunning. It’s a return to opulence.

Imagine strolling under a glass dome with beams of light illuminating the complex floor designs below. The Galleria has stylish stores, pleasant cafes, and art shows. Get an espresso, shop for unique Italian clothes, or people-watch in style here. You can feel Naples’ pulse here, a cultural and social monument. Naples’ rich history and artistic flare are reflected in its intricate façade and mosaics.

Gallery Umberto I offers culture, history, and retail therapy for young individuals looking for fun in Naples. You can enjoy old Naples’ splendor here. You can take beautiful shots and find the perfect Italian souvenir.

8. Sip coffee at Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Take a Neapolitan coffee break after seeing Galleria Umberto I’s architecture. Gran Caffè Gambrinus, a classic cafe that’s been Naples’ social hub for almost a century, is the best spot to sample Italian coffee.

Entering Gran Caffè Gambrinus is like entering another time. Frescoes, marble, and mirrors recall a bygone era of luxury. Here, an espresso is the perfect way to enjoy Naples’ history and culture. What to order? If you’re feeling kind, try a “caffè sospeso,” a suspended coffee from Naples’ pay-it-forward tradition. Or, get a properly prepared espresso and watch Naples’ trendy set pass by.

Institutional Gran Caffè Gambrinus. Young adults can experience Neapolitan culture, sample the city’s best pastries, and meet friends. Anyone wanting to experience Naples’ coffee culture should go.

9. Step back in time at Pompeii or Herculaneum

Step back in time after exploring Naples’ rich coffee scene. Continue to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Mount Vesuvius’s explosion in 79 AD preserved these Roman settlements like time capsules. One of Europe’s most beautiful destinations. Pompeii? Very large. It’s weird to walk its historic streets. You’ll pass frozen houses, shops, and even a brothel. The eruption victims’ plaster casts are terrifying. They’re a striking reminder of how life here ended instantly.

Next, Herculaneum. Though smaller than Pompeii, its details are powerful. Because it was buried deeper, wooden objects and beautiful mosaics survived. These illustrate ancient Roman life. Pompeii and Herculaneum are more than history. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s strength and a chance to stroll Roman paths. Pompeii is a must-see historical site if you’re near Italy!

10. Naples’ flavors unleashed on a street food tour

So Italy may appear like a place to eat. Not quite, but it’s their specialty! Every street corner, market stall, and modest restaurant in Naples has culinary wonders. Imagine walking through lively markets like Pignasecca, where folks shop and chat while the air smells of fresh produce, fish, and fried delicacies. Try ‘cuoppo di mare’, a paper cone packed with fried shrimp, a Neapolitan street food classic.

Sfogliatella, a crunchy, flaky ricotta pastry as sweet as Naples, should not be missed. For the brave, try “trippa alla napoletana,” a dish that showcases Naples’ culinary heritage. From savory to sweet and everything in between, a Naples street food tour explores the city. Naples is a foodie’s heaven, so meet locals, learn about the dishes, and enjoy the unique flavors.

11. Christmas meets craftsmanship at Via San Gregorio Armeno

We’ll continue our Naples exploration on Via San Gregorio Armeno. Local artisan stores sell handcrafted nativity scenes, called “presepi.” Walking down Via San Gregorio Armeno is like entering a craftsman’s paradise. Creativity abounds. Clay artists here create miniature miniatures with passion and craftsmanship. These little worlds showcase Naples’ best imagination, from sacred to ultra modern.

Via San Gregorio Armeno isn’t just for Christmas. This street is magical year-round. Meet the artists, watch them work, and possibly buy a unique memento. Via San Gregorio Armeno is a must-see for young adults in Naples. It immerses you in local culture and allows you explore one of Naples’ most charming streets.

12. Kicking it royal style at the Royal Palace of Naples

Why not switch gears after visiting those amazing artisan shops and experience regal vibes? The Royal Palace of Naples offers a luxurious history tour. You rarely get to visit kings and queens’ hangouts, right? Walk through enormous halls with exquisite tapestries and furniture so fancy you’ll wonder if you can sit. From the luxurious throne room to the small private apartments that reveal royal life, each room has its own vibe.

Entry is €6, which is a bargain to witness how the other half lived. A library with rare volumes and manuscripts awaits history aficionados. Check out the palace windows for the Bay of Naples vista. This is the excellent spot for Instagram photos and a reminder of the city’s splendor. Naples’ Royal Palace is a must-see. It combines history and grandeur to show how Naples’ kings lived.

13. Unwind on the picturesque beaches of the Amalfi Coast

After all that history, art, and royal opulence, relax in the Mediterranean heat. The Amalfi Coast, just outside Naples, is ideal for ending our trip. Imagine relaxing on beaches with clean waves, colorful umbrellas, and picturesque cliffs. Positano and Amalfi make you want to stay forever. Remember the wonderful coastal villages where you can walk small alleys, eat gelato, and buy local goods.

Journeying is half of the fun. Naples’ beautiful drives and boat rides give stunning coastal views you’ll want to keep forever. The Amalfi Coast is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or having a beverage by the water. Visitors to Naples and its vicinity should spend a day or two on the Amalfi Coast to relax and enjoy Italian culture.