🇮🇹 Naples Cruise Port Guide 🇮🇹
Shore Excursions & Things To Do

​

💡Naples: Good to Know

​

🛂 Visa: most European countries plus Canada, Australia, US, Korea and Japan are visa exempt for a stay of up to 90 days

 

✈️ Closest Airport:  Naples-Capodichino International Airport (NAP)

 

💬 Language: Italian but English is widely spoken

 

🏷️ Price Level:  It is said that Italy is about 30% cheaper than the US

 

🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Italy US$ 6.00

 

💰 Currency: Euro (EUR)| 1 USD = ca. 0.90 EUR)

 

☀️ Best Times to Visit: best times to visit are late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October)

 

🚘 Transportation: Buses, trams, metro, funiculars, regional trains, ferries and taxis

 

🔌 Adapter: Italy uses type C and L plugs. No adapter is needed if you are from Europe but it is needed when coming from the US

 

🛜 WiFi: widely available; the city offers “Napoli Free Wi-Fi" hotspots, particularly in public transportation and at tourist information points

 

🏧💰ATM and “Cash or Card”: While some little stores take only cash, payments with cards are generally accepted; ATMs are available throughout the city

 

🚢 Cruise Terminal Address:  Terminal Napoli spa Stazione Marittima Molo Angioino, 80133 Napoli, Italy (docked)

​

Click here to find out what other ships are in port: Cruise Port Schedules

​

​

✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around

 

🎟️ In Naples, you can pay for public transport using several methods: purchasing tickets from machines or retailers (like tabacchi or newsstands), using the Unico Campania app, or utilizing the Tap&Go system with contactless payment cards on compatible lines. You cannot pay the bus driver directly for tickets in Naples. 

 

✈️  Naples Airport (NAP) is located approximately 4 miles (6-7 kilometers) northeast of Naples city center.  To get from the airport to the city center, the most convenient options are Alibus shuttle bus or a taxi. The Alibus (5 EUR) provides a direct and affordable connection to Piazza Garibaldi (Central Station) and the port.

 

🚇 To get from Naples port to the city center, you can either walk, take a bus, or use the metro. Walking is a short 10-minute walk to the city center. The Alibus shuttle bus connects the port to the central train station and other parts of the city. Alternatively, you can take the metro from the Municipio station, which is a short walk from the port, to other parts of the city.

 

🚌  The Hop-on Hop-off buses from City Sightseeing Naples offer two lines that connect the main sights city sights; more info can be found here. They also offer a shuttle bus to Pompeii that runs a couple of times between Naples and Pompeii. 

 

​

⭐️ Top Sights in Naples

Naples is home to the oldest continuously operating pizzeria in the world, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, which opened in 1830.

​

📸 Historic Center of Naples: The Historic Center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and most densely populated historic centers in Europe. It's a vibrant area showcasing a blend of Greek, Roman, and later European influences, with ancient ruins, medieval castles, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque churches. Key features include the famous Spaccanapoli street, the San Gregorio Armeno street (known for nativity scenes), and the Sansevero Chapel.

 

📸 Sansevero Chapel: The Sansevero Chapel Museum in Naples is renowned for its stunning Baroque art and architecture, particularly the Cristo Velato (Veiled Christ) sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino. It also houses other masterpieces like Francesco Queirolo's Disinganno and Antonio Corradini's Pudicizia, as well as anatomical machines created by Raimondo di Sangro. The chapel, also known as the Chapel of Santa Maria della Pietà, is a family mausoleum and an initiatory temple, reflecting di Sangro's interest in alchemy and Masonic ideals. 

 

📸 Naples Underground: Naples Underground, or Napoli Sotterranea, is a network of tunnels and cavities beneath the city of Naples, Italy, formed over centuries and used for various purposes. Originally dug by the Greeks, the tunnels were later used by the Romans as aqueducts and then as air raid shelters during World War II. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering a glimpse into Naples' rich history (for more info, see below).

 

📸 Santa Chiara Monastery: The Santa Chiara Monastery in Naples is a historic religious complex featuring a basilica, cloisters, and an archaeological area. It was founded in the 14th century by King Robert of Anjou and his wife, Queen Sancha. The complex, initially built in a Gothic style, was later renovated with Baroque elements and suffered significant damage during World War II. It has since been restored to its original Gothic style.

 

📸 Royal Palace of Naples: The Royal Palace of Naples, located in the city's heart, is a historic landmark that served as a royal residence for the Spanish viceroys and later the Bourbon kings. Built in the 17th century, it showcases a blend of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Renaissance architecture and houses lavish interiors, historical artifacts, and the Teatro di Corte. Today, it's a museum and a cultural center, offering tours of its opulent rooms and gardens. 

 

📸 Piazza del Plebiscito: Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples' largest and most central public square, known for its grand scale and historical significance. It's surrounded by notable buildings like the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. The square is a popular gathering spot and venue for events, concerts, and even challenges like walking blindfolded between the statues.

 

📸 Castel dell’Ovo: Castel dell'Ovo, meaning "Egg Castle," is the oldest castle in Naples, Italy, located on the former island of Megaride. Its name comes from a legend about a magical egg hidden by the poet Virgil to protect the castle and Naples. The castle is a popular tourist destination offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples and the city. 

 

​

🌋🍕 6-Hour DIY Naples Cruise Itinerary 🇮🇹⚓

​

08:00–09:00 — Transfer from Cruise Port to City Center

Cruise ships dock near the historic harbor area, within walking distance of central sights. From the port, you can walk toward Castel Nuovo and into the historic center, or grab a taxi if you prefer. Stop for a quick espresso and pastry — Naples takes coffee seriously — before exploring.

 

09:15–11:00 — Historic Center Walk

Wander through the UNESCO-listed streets around Spaccanapoli, the narrow road slicing through old Naples. Visit Naples Cathedral and explore artisan shops and lively piazzas. This area is compact, atmospheric, and ideal for a short port stop.

 

11:15–12:30 — Pizza Lunch Stop

Enjoy a quick but iconic lunch — Naples is the birthplace of pizza. Look for a traditional pizzeria near Via dei Tribunali where fast service suits cruise schedules.

 

13:00–14:30 — Waterfront or Castle Views

Choose one easy afternoon option:

• Walk the promenade toward Castel dell'Ovo for coastal scenery

• Explore shops and cafés around Piazza del Plebiscito

• Relax along the harbor near Molo Beverello

 

Tip for Cruise Passengers

Naples’ port location makes independent exploring easy. Walking works well, and taxis are plentiful — just allow buffer time for returning to the ship.

 

 

🏛️🍋 8–10 Hour DIY Naples Highlights Itinerary

​

08:00–09:00 — Transfer from Port

Head out early to maximize sightseeing. Consider taking a taxi or guided transfer to the archaeological highlights outside the city.

 

09:00–12:00 — Explore Ancient Ruins

Visit Pompeii Archaeological Park, one of Italy’s most famous sites. Pre-book entry and transport if possible to save time. Walking among preserved Roman streets is the signature experience for many cruise visitors.

 

12:30–13:30 — Lunch Back in Naples

Return to the city and enjoy a relaxed meal near the center — pasta, seafood, or pizza are quick and reliable options.

 

14:00–16:30 — City Highlights

Spend the afternoon based on interest:

• Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Naples for artifacts from Pompeii

• Ride up to Castel Sant'Elmo for panoramic views

• Explore boutiques along Via Toledo

 

Tip for Cruise Passengers

Distances are larger than they seem — combine taxis with walking and plan entry tickets ahead for major sites like Pompeii.

 

 

🌄🌊 8–10 Hour Coastal Naples & Views Itinerary

​

08:00–09:00 — Head Toward Scenic Heights

Travel from the port up to the hilltop district via taxi or funicular to enjoy views over Naples and the bay.

 

09:00–10:30 — Panorama & Stroll

Explore viewpoints around Certosa di San Martino, offering sweeping vistas and quieter surroundings than downtown.

 

11:00–12:30 — Return to Waterfront

Descend back to sea level and walk along Lungomare Caracciolo for coastal scenery and photo spots.

 

13:00–14:00 — Lunch with a View

Enjoy lunch near the promenade — seafood restaurants here are efficient and cruise-friendly.

 

14:30–16:00 — Harbor Area & Return to Ship

Browse shops or relax near the cruise terminal before boarding. Keep an eye on sail-away times and leave margin for traffic.

 

Tip for Cruise Passengers

This itinerary is ideal if you prefer scenery and atmosphere over archaeological touring — flexible, walkable, and easy to manage independently.

​

​

🍽️😋 Regional Specialties

 

Naples is renowned for its vibrant food scene, particularly its pizza and other classic dishes. Neapolitan cuisine emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, resulting in a rich culinary experience. Key highlights include the invention of pizza, the adoption of tomatoes into Italian cuisine, and the popularity of dried pasta.  

 

🍽️ Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca: Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is a Neapolitan pasta dish known for its quick preparation and bold flavors, featuring a sauce made with pantry staples like tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and chili flakes. It's a classic example of Neapolitan cuisine, often enjoyed as a primo (first course). 

 

🍽️ Pizza Margherita: Pizza Margherita is a classic Neapolitan pizza, characterized by its simple yet flavorful combination of fresh ingredients: tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. It's believed to have originated in Naples and is named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, who reportedly enjoyed it. 

 

🍽️ Pizza di Scarola: Pizza di Scarola, also known as escarole pie or torta salata, is a savory stuffed pizza from Naples. It's traditionally made with escarole (a type of leafy green), olives, capers, pine nuts, and anchovies, all nestled between two layers of pizza dough. While often associated with Christmas Eve, it's enjoyed year-round in Naples. 

 

🍽️ Pizza Fritta: Pizza Fritta, or fried pizza, is a traditional Neapolitan street food that involves deep-frying pizza dough, often folded and filled like a calzone, rather than baking it. It's a popular and beloved dish in Naples, especially known for its crispy exterior and soft interior. 

 

🍽️ Baba: In Naples, baba (or babbà) is a renowned, mushroom-shaped, yeast-based cake soaked in rum syrup. It's a beloved Neapolitan dessert, often served with whipped cream or pastry cream. The pastry's origin is actually French, but it became a Neapolitan specialty after being introduced in the 19th century

 

🍽️ Polpette: In Naples, Polpette alla Napoletana refers to large, tender meatballs typically served as a main course, often accompanied by vegetables or as part of a larger meal, rather than being served with pasta as is common in other regions. They are a staple of Neapolitan cuisine and are known for their rich flavor and hearty texture. 

 

🍽️ Parmigiana di Melanzane: Parmigiana di Melanzane, also known as Eggplant Parmesan, is a classic Italian dish, particularly associated with Naples, featuring layers of fried eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. It's a vegetarian lasagna-like dish, with eggplant slices replacing the pasta. 

 

🥤Limoncello: Limoncello from Naples, Italy, is a renowned lemon liqueur, celebrated for its vibrant color, intense lemon flavor, and refreshing character. It's a quintessential product of Southern Italy, particularly associated with the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Naples. Limoncello is traditionally made by macerating lemon peels in alcohol, then adding a simple syrup to create a sweet and potent liqueur.

 

​​

📍🗺️  Maps, Apps & Links

​

🌐 Public Transport Map 

🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour

🌐 Free Walking Tour I

🌐 Free Walking Tour II

 

🚕 Uber Premier

🚕 WeTaxi

 

​

💎🔍🗺️ What else? Hidden Gems 
 

🌟 Explore the Hidden Wonders of Naples Underground 🏛️✨

Naples isn’t just famous for pizza and lively streets—it also hides a secret world beneath the city: Napoli Sotterranea, the Naples Underground. Stretching for kilometers under the historic center, these tunnels, caves, and chambers reveal layers of history from ancient Greek and Roman times to World War II shelters. Whether you’re a history buff, photographer, or adventurous traveler, exploring Naples’ underground is a journey through time and mystery.

 

Here’s a curated look at some of the most fascinating underground spots:

🎨 Top Naples Underground Highlights

• Ancient Greek-Roman Tunnels – Walk through the original aqueducts and tunnels carved more than 2,500 years ago. 🏺

• Galleria Borbonica – A labyrinth of passageways, chambers, and bunkers with dramatic lighting that transports you into a cinematic underground world 🎬💡.

• WWII Air-Raid Shelters – Hidden beneath city streets, these shelters protected thousands of Neapolitans during bombings, now preserved as haunting historical sites 🕯️🛡️.

• Underground Churches & Cisterns – Discover forgotten chapels and water reservoirs carved into volcanic rock, blending spirituality and engineering ✨💧.

• Fossilized Remnants & Artifacts – From ancient pottery shards to medieval tools, the underground is a treasure trove for curious eyes 🪨🔍.

 

🏛️ A Bit of History

Naples Underground dates back to Greek and Roman times, originally built for water drainage and defense. Over centuries, layers were added—from medieval passages to Bourbon-era tunnels, and finally WWII shelters. Today, guided tours bring these hidden spaces to life, showing how the city above and below are deeply intertwined.

 

💡 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight or camera! Tours can last 1–2 hours, but every step reveals centuries of history, art, and engineering marvels. ⚒️📸

​

More info about Tours from "Napoli Sotterranea" can be found here.

​

​

​