Naples Underground – Best Activities & Things to Do (2025)
Explore Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea), a maze of ancient tunnels, cisterns, and World War II shelters hidden beneath the historic center. Walk through Greek–Roman aqueducts, see underground chapels and galleries, and discover how the city was built on layers of stone. This 2025 guide highlights the best underground tours, top sights, and smart tips for your visit.
Top Experiences Inside Naples Underground
A Naples Underground tour is more than a simple walk; it’s a journey through 2,400 years of history. Below are the main highlights you can expect on a classic guided visit.
Ancient Greek–Roman Aqueducts
Follow narrow passageways carved into soft yellow tuff. These channels once transported water to homes and fountains across Greek and Roman Naples, and many are still clearly visible today.
World War II Air-Raid Shelters
See underground spaces converted into shelters during WWII. You’ll notice beds, objects, and stories that show how locals lived and waited out bombing raids beneath the city streets.
Underground Chambers & Cisterns
Step into large cisterns that once held the city’s drinking water. Many are illuminated with atmospheric lighting, highlighting the stone walls, staircases, and carved niches.
Archaeological Finds
Discover fragments of ancient walls, Roman remains, and small artifacts discovered during modern excavations and renovation work in the historic center above.
Storytelling Local Guides
Tours are led by licensed guides who mix history, geology, and local legends. They explain how underground spaces were reused over centuries for storage, refuge, and even secret passages.
Narrow Passages & Candlelit Sections
Some routes include tight corridors and stairways. These parts are optional on most tours, so guests who prefer wider spaces can skip the narrowest sections if needed.
Photo Stops & Viewing Platforms
Platforms and walkways make it easy to stop for photos of impressive caverns, arches, and rock formations – always respecting your guide’s safety instructions.
History of Naples Built in Layers
Learn how Naples was constructed block by block from the stone it sits on, leaving a “second city” underground that mirrors many of the streets above.
Things to Do Around Naples Underground (Historic Center)
Naples Underground tours usually start in the historic center (Centro Storico), near Spaccanapoli and popular squares. Before or after your tour, explore the streets above.
Walk Along Spaccanapoli
Spaccanapoli is the narrow street that “splits” old Naples in two. It’s lined with churches, palaces, artisan shops, and cafés – perfect for soaking up daily life in the city.
Visit San Gregorio Armeno
Famous for its nativity-scene workshops, this street is packed with tiny stalls selling handmade figures and souvenirs. It’s especially lively in the run-up to Christmas.
Explore Historic Churches
Step into churches like Gesù Nuovo or Santa Chiara, where you’ll find cloisters, frescoes, and peaceful courtyards just a few minutes from the underground entry.
Street Food & Pizza Tasting
Try classic Neapolitan pizza, fried snacks, and sfogliatella pastries from local bakeries. Many visitors combine an underground tour with a street-food walk around the center.
Piazza del Gesù Nuovo & Piazza San Domenico
These lively squares are ideal meeting spots before or after your tour – full of young locals, terraces, and historic monuments.
Museums & Monasteries
Add nearby attractions like the Santa Chiara cloister or small local museums for a cultural day that combines underground and overground Naples.
Which Naples Underground Ticket or Tour Should You Choose?
There are several ways to discover Naples Underground and the layers of history below the historic center. Here are some popular options that work well for first-time visitors.
Naples Underground Guided Tour
The classic option includes a guided walk through tunnels, cisterns, and WWII shelters beneath the historic center. Timed departures keep group sizes manageable.
Historic Center & Underground Ruins Combo
Combine a guided walk through the historic center of Naples with access to underground ruins. It’s a good choice if you want context above and below street level.
Small-Group or Family-Friendly Tours
Look for small-group departures if you prefer a quieter experience or are traveling with children. Guides can adapt the pace and skip the tightest passages when needed.
View tips belowEvening & Weekend Departures
Some operators offer late-afternoon or early-evening tours, which can feel more atmospheric and fit easily around day trips to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast.
Plan your timingUnderground + Food or City Walks
Consider pairing an underground visit with a street-food tour or guided city walk. It’s an efficient way to experience both history and local flavor.
How to combineTip: Many GetYourGuide tickets offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, which helps if your plans depend on weather, flight times, or day trips.
Food & Drink Near Naples Underground
The underground entrances are surrounded by some of Naples’ best places to eat. Plan time before or after your tour to enjoy the city’s famous food culture.
Classic Pizzerias
Try an authentic Margherita or Marinara at one of the historic pizzerias in the center. Expect queues at peak hours – it’s worth the wait.
Street Food Stalls
Look for fried pizza, arancini, crocchè (potato croquettes), and sfogliatella pastries. They’re ideal grab-and-go options between sightseeing stops.
Cafés & Espresso Bars
Follow locals into busy espresso bars for strong coffee, cornetti, and quick snacks. Many are only a short walk from the main underground tour meeting points.
Wine & Aperitivo Spots
Finish your underground adventure with a glass of local wine or a spritz in one of the small bars tucked away in the side streets of the historic center.
Quick Visitor Tips for Naples Underground
Best Time to Visit
Late morning and late afternoon tours are popular. Midday can be busy with groups, while evenings may feel more atmospheric but sell out faster on weekends.
How Long to Allow
Most guided tours last around 75–120 minutes. Add extra time before or after for exploring the historic center, churches, and street-food spots nearby.
Clothing & Footwear
Wear comfortable, closed shoes with good grip. Temperatures underground stay cool, so a light jacket or layer is useful even in summer.
Claustrophobia & Mobility
Some passages are narrow and involve stairs. If you have claustrophobia or reduced mobility, let your guide know – they can often offer alternative routes or resting points.
Children & Age Limits
Many tours welcome children, but very young kids may find the dark spaces and stairs challenging. Always check the age guidelines on your chosen ticket page.
Language of the Tour
Tours run in several languages (often Italian and English). Make sure you select the correct language when booking your time slot.
Meeting Points
Meeting points are usually clearly marked in your voucher – often in or near a main piazza in the historic center. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in.
Tickets & Flexibility
Book timed tickets online to avoid sold-out slots, especially in high season. Look for flexible options with free cancellation if your itinerary might change.
Ready to Explore Naples Underground in 2025?
Walk through ancient tunnels, see WWII shelters, and discover the hidden layers beneath one of Italy’s most characterful cities. Book your Naples Underground tour, add a historic-center walk, and experience the city from a completely different angle.