Docked in Naples Cruise Port and not keen to travel too far? Many cruisers often head straight for Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri but there’s in fact so much to see in Naples itself! In this guide, I’ve picked a list of “Top Things To Do in Naples” which are close by Naples Cruise Port. So if your objective is to have an easy port day at Naples Cruise Port but still do some sightseeing, then I’ve got you covered.
This is Part 1 of my 5-Part Naples Cruise Port Series. Links to other parts are below – there’s so much to do in or near Naples, so read them all before deciding on your DIY shore excursion itinerary! (If you’d like to try the famous Napoli street food, then definitely jump into Part 2 where I give you my suggestions on what to try and where to try them!)
- Part 2: Naples Old Town: Unveiling Treasures in Naples Historic Centre
- Part 3: Naples Cruise Port to Pompeii: Journey to Buried Roman City
- Part 4: Naples Cruise Port to Sorrento: Limoncello & La Dolce Vita
- Part 5: Naples Cruise Port to Capri: Grottos & Sun-Drenched Glamour
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Naples Cruise Port: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy
Naples is a bit of an urban sprawl with a huge amount to see! But there’s enough to see around Naples Cruise Port that you can just walk off the ship and wander for a full port day! And that’s why I’ve rated a DIY excursion at Naples Cruise Port 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy – how’s more details:
- Location, Location, Location: You can just walk off the ship at Naples Cruise Port and start sightseeing straight away! No need for buses or shuttles!
- UNESCO World Heritage Magic: Naples is often seen as a bit of a dump! But there’s a reason why the historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s dramatic backdrop, dominated by the imposing Mount Vesuvius and the beautiful Bay of Naples, add a touch of grandeur to its already picturesque setting. Pick a viewpoint and start shooting selfies!
- Culinary Treasures: And I’m not just talking about Margherita pizza! Over the centuries, Naples has been ruled by the Spanish, French and Arabs. Each has left their mark on its culinary traditions. Naples is also blessed with fertile volcanic soil and a favourite climate, resulting in an abundance of fresh produce, including tomatoes, basil, garlic and seafood. Add the street food culture on top and it’s heaven for foodies! You’ll definitely see enough street food to tempt you if you just walk around the area near Naples Cruise Port.
Naples Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need To Know
- Naples Cruise Port Address: 80133 Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy – see this marked on my Naples Cruise Port Map below 🗺️📍👇
- Currency: Euros
- Language: Italian
- Recommended Transport App: I would recommend using Citymapper to navigate around the city. Google Maps works fine too!
- eSim for roaming in Italy: For a great data connection without huge roaming fees, use an eSim data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring independently. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout
Naples Cruise Port Map
- On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
- On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
- If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps
Tip: The map has a few “layers”. Check and uncheck each “layer” to see fewer markers on the map using button on top left corner and it will be easier to see what you’ve after!
Top Things To Do in Naples Near Naples Cruise Port
All of the attractions below are within walking distance of Naples Cruise Port. So a DIY shore excursion incorporating these attractions in Naples can be easily done.
1. Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo (aka Maschio Angioino), is a magnificent medieval castle overlooking the harbour. It is right at Naples Cruise Port, so this is hard to miss! This is a great landmark to remember for your return trip to Naples Cruise Port.
Built in 1279 by Charles I of Anjou, the castle has served as a royal residence, a fortress and a prison. Inside is the Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina del Maschio Angioino) and the Civic Museum. And of course, the castle itself offers stunning views of the city and the bay from its ramparts.
- Opening Hours: Closed Sundays. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Saturday.
- Tickets: €6 adults.
2. Piazza del Plebiscito
Piazza del Plebiscito is not just the largest piazza in Naples, it’s also one of the largest squares in Italy! (It’s roughly 25,000 square metres or 270,000 square feet). The piazza’s name commemorates the 1860 plebiscite that united the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies within the Kingdom of Sardinia, leading to the formation of modern Italy.
Dominating one side of the piazza is the majestic Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale – see below). Facing the Royal Palace is the neoclassical Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. Both are worth a visit!
3. Palazzo Reale di Napoli
Sandwiched between Piazza del Plebiscito and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola is the Palazzo Reale. The Royal Palace of Naples was originally built by the Spanish viceroys in 1600. It was intended for a visit by the then King of Spain, Philip III, which never happened!
Palazzo Reale was a royal palace twice! During the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon Bonaparte conquered the Kingdom of Naples in 1806 and initially installing his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, as king. Two years later, Joseph was replaced by Joachim Murat, Napoleon’s brother-in-law, married to Napoleon’s sister, Caroline Bonaparte. Following Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, the Bourbons, returned as monarchs of the Kingdom of Naples and they made Palazzo Reale their primary residence once again.
There’s about 30 rooms open to the public including the Royal Apartments, the Court Theatre and the Royal Chapel.
- Palace Opening Hours: Closed Wednesdays, otherwise 9am to 8pm
- Palace Tickets: €15 adults, €2 for EU youth aged 18-25 and free for under 18s.
- Romantic Gardens: Anyone can visit the Romantic Gardens for free but the roof garden (aka the Hanging Gardens) is €2 and requires pre-booking. The Gardens are towards the back of the Palazzo – see this marked on my Naples Cruise Port map 🗺️📍👆.
4. Basilica Reale San Francesco da Paola
The Basilica Reale San Francesco da Paola is a majestic church located right on the Piazza del Plebiscito. The basilica’s design is heavily inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, featuring a grand portico with 34 columns, a colonnade and a central dome. This style was popular in the early 19th century, emphasising symmetry, balance and classical elements.
The Basilica’s construction began in 1816 under the reign of King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. It was intended to be a votive church, thanking St. Francis of Paola for his intercession in restoring the Bourdon monarchy to Naples after the Napoleonic Wars. Ironically, the basilica also houses the tomb of Joachim Murat, Napoleon’s brother-in-law and former King of Naples. Notice the four large statues of the Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) stand in niches within the portico.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 12 noon, 4pm to 7pm. Free to enter.
At this point, you can either keep going to the Ascensore Monte Echia and the Fontana del Gigante or skip those and turn around to go to Teatro di San Carlo & Galleria Umberto, which will take you back to Castel Nuovo and to Naples Cruise Port.
5. Ascensore Monte Echia
The Monte Echia Elevator (Ascensore Monte Echia) connects the picturesque Borgo Santa Lucia neighbourhood with the scenic Pizzofalcone hilltop and offers stunning views of the city and the Bay of Naples. Monte Echia is believed to be the site of the original Greek settlement of Parthenope, which later evolved into Naples. This is a wonderful place to take a break and if your ship is at port late, then you can also watch the sunset from here, with uninterrupted views all the way to Mount Vesuivo on a clear day.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 7am to 10pm
- Tickets: Pay by contactless at the ticket gates – €1.30 a ride one-way. You can also purchase a ticket at the ticket office.
6. Fontana del Gigante
Fontana del Gigante, or Fountain of the Giant, is a captivating 17th century fountain which has been moved around Naples over the centuries! Now it stands majestically on Via Partenope, near the Castel Dell’Ovo 👆 (currently closed) and is a good place to enjoy the views along the Gulf of Naples.
7. Teatro di San Carolo
The Teatro di San Carlo, or Royal Theatre of Saint Charles, is a historic opera house. It’s the oldest continuously active venue for opera globally, having opened its doors in 1737. The Teatro di San Carlo pre-dates La Scala in Milan and La Fenice in Venice! Commissioned by King Charles VII of Naples, it has hosted countless premieres of operas by Rossini, Bellini & Verdi – Alzira was premiered in San Carlo in 1845.
- Guided Tours: English guided tours last 30 minutes and usually takes place twice a day during summer months
- Tickets: Guided tours cost €9 adults, €4 for kids and youth up to aged 30 is €7. Double-check English tour times here
8. Galleria Umberto I
If you’ve been to Milan, Galleria Umberto I will immediately strike you as an (almost) carbon copy of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with a similarly grand soaring glass and steel roof. The Galleria is laid out in a cross shape, with four elegant arcades converging under a central dome.
Built between 1887 and 1890, it suffered significant damage during WWII but was meticulously restored. The Galleria remains a very popular shopping destination, similar to its cousin in Milan. There is a mix of high-end boutiques, souvenir shops and traditional Neapolitan crafts, with cafes and restaurants too.
9. Fontana del Nettuno
On your way back via Piazza Municipio is the Fontana del Nettuno, the Fountain of Neptune. Built in 1600, the fountain pays homage to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. Like the Fountain of the Giant, this fountain has also been relocated several times throughout its existence.
The fountain’s centrepiece is the imposing statue of Neptune, wielding his trident, flanked by two nymphs and two satyrs. Around the base, sea monsters and dolphins spout water. Four powerful lions holding shields surround the fountain, serving as guardians and water sources.
Refuel with Naples’ Legendary Pizza 🍕
Eating some Neapolitan pizza is a must in Naples! I’ve marked a few places in my Naples Cruise Port Map above 🗺️📍👆, so pick one which is closest to when you’re ready to refuel. The closest spots on this itinerary are:
- Pizzeria Brandi: The birthplace of Margherita pizza, named after Queen Margherita using just three toppings: white mozzarella, green basil and red tomato, representing the three colours of the Italian flag! This place is legendary and there can be a bit of a wait!
- Pizzeria Pavia: Close by Piazza del Plebiscito, this is a small restaurant, so small that it feels like you’re eating in the owner’s house. (You can opt for takeaway if you wish, then head to the Monte Echia elevator and eat it there.) But it’s fabulous pizza and they’re all under €10 each.
For more suggestions on Naples’ food, read Part 2 of my Naples cruise port series: Naples Old Town: Treasures in Naples Historic Centre
Featured Photo by Kelly
If you have a port day coming up in Naples, I hope this guide has given you some options on how to spend it if you choose to stay in Naples and not head to Pompeii, Sorrento or Capri. Have a most wonderful in Naples and happy cruising! Please do drop me a line if you have any questions below.
Hello! Thank you for all of the amazing information – really cannot thank you enough. As I have said on another one of your pages, your information has been a life saver on our upcoming cruise and makes going to so many cities not so intimidating!
Our cruise ship just got switched from Naples to Salerno. Have you been there before or have any must-do/favorite attractions in that city? We are only docked there for a shorter day (8am-3pm), so wanted to stay near. Just thought I would check! Thank you in advance for your time!
Hi Miranda, thanks very much for dropping me a line! I’m glad to hear that my guides have been helpful for your cruise planning! Since you only have a short port day in Salerno, here’s what I would suggest – (a) walk along Lungomare Trieste, the seaside promenade with good views (b) stroll through Old Town (Centro Storico) and grab coffee and sweet treats along Via dei Mercanti – the Main Street in Old Town (c) visit Salerno Cathedral, famous for housing the remains of St Matthew the Apostle. All three are within walking distance of Salerno cruise port. Arechi Castle is a good hike in Salerno but I think it’s closed at the moment. Your cruise line will no doubt offer trips to Amalfi and Positano but I don’t think you’ll have enough time to do that via the public ferry. Hope you’ll enjoy your cruise.
Absolutely amazing! Thank you so much!
My Salerno Cruise Port Guide is now live!
https://diycruiseports.com/diy-port-guides/salerno-cruise-port
Hello .. thanks for the great info. am using your athens guides as well. question for you – this will be our first time to Naples (early July 2025). We live in Portugal so it is likely that we could return. I am debating whether to go to Pompeii (and maybe Herculaneum) or stay in Naples and enjoy its offerings. I certainly am interested in seeing Pompeii but fear that a DIY trip or a packaged excursion will take the majority of the time in port (8-6) and not allow for other options in the city. What do you think ?
Hi TJ, I would agree with you – Pompeii is a day trip in itself. There’s a lot to see in Pompeii and there won’t be much time left for Naples itself if you’re just in port in Naples for one day. The reason why I wrote five guides on Naples (with three of them being day trips) is that Naples has a reputation for being a dump and many cruisers choose to get off the ship but head somewhere else straight away. So it really depends on what you’re after. If you’re interested in ancient history, then Pompeii is the way to go. If not, then Naples has a lot to see in Old Town – at least you can eat a lot of pizza!