Napoli siteseeing options - Naples - TravBuddy

I lived in Napoli for 3 years. My experience was GREAT! I experienced the food, music, art, saw the first Greek colonies on the Italian Peninsula and much more. Friends & family saw the city through my eyes also agreed. You may find more negative reviews than positive, however in my opinion it is truly a historical city that must be seen. "See Naples and die!" Was a quote heard a lot during the reign of the Bourbons - and I completly agree!

Napoli in the Spring or between Sep - Jan (Christmas decor is awesome there) In May the cities Museums offer discounts and some are free. Recommended museums, The Royal Palace & Capodimonte Museum, as well as the Archeological Museum. This is the most important archeological museum in Europe - it has a collection of objects that belonged to the Bourbon family and many original artworks were placed here from both Pompeii and Herculaneum to preserve them. Visit the museum first then head over to the digs. Pompeii is great to see but go also to Herculeneum. It is smaller, can be seen in a few hours, and is much better preserved than Pompeii because it was covered in mud vice ash from the ancient Vesuvius' eruption.
Sites in Downtown Napoli can be done in one day unless you desire to visit inside the museums & castles then take 2-3 days. Here are some downtown sites: Castel dell'Ovo (Egg Castle), a 12th century castle built by the Normans, can be seen as you stroll the Mergelina boardwalk and you can venture inside too. Castel Nuovo, another Norman built castle that was the home of kings and queens right in the center of town. San Carlo Opera House - historically is the oldest working theatre in Europe (41 years older than Milano's Scala and 51 years older than Venice's Fenice), also Galleria Umberto & Piazza Plebiscito (see photo). A good idea for lunch is a cafe bar called the Smove, the address and write up is on my profile... just keep in mind lunch is between 1-3pm.
If you can tour the underground of Naples - You see the Greek-Roman underground, tunnels and secret passages, literally under the city.
There are three island off the coast of Napoli, Procida (the smallest), Ischia (the biggest), famous for its termes & resorts, and Capri the most famous of the three.

shopping: Piazza Bellini, Via Chiaia, Via Roma, SpaccaNapoli, Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, & Vomero
Eating: Mozzarella di Bufala, scamorza, San Marzano tomatoes, Pizza Margherita, Limoncello, sfogliatella, Caffe

Travel further south of Napoli: Sorrento & Amalfi
Go a bit further south to Paestum where you'll see the remains of three Doric Temples dedicated to Hera, Apollo, and Athena.

There is a whole lot more to see, these are just some highlights. Check these sites: www.travelplan.it/naples_guide_churches_museums.htm
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naples

SAFETY TIP: The city can be a bit intimidating because it is overcrowded, high unemployment so beware of street peddlers and pickpockets. Were minimal jewelry and keep your purse/backpacks close to your body. Beware of a good deal - If you buy anything at a market or off the side streets besure the merchandise in the shopping bag is what you bought and not a fake -- do this before you leave the vendor.