Naples Historic Center (Napoli Centro Storico)

Naples’ historic center, or centro storico, is made up of more than 10 distinct neighborhoods that cover the hillsides encircling the Bay of Naples down to the water’s edge. To walk through is to stroll back in time, from the stick-straight Roman roads of the Spaccanapoli and imposing 13th-century Castel Nuovo to the graceful 18th-century Teatro di San Carlo (the oldest opera house in Italy) and 19th-century Piazza Plebiscito. Underneath the city's streets are the remains of both Roman and Greek settlements, and the National Archaeological Museum is home to most of the artifacts removed from the nearby excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Savor the culture and history of the historic center on a guided walking or Segway tour that includes famous sights like Piazza del Gesù, the Duomo, the Church of Santa Chiara, and Via San Gregorio Armeno. One of Naples’ most characteristic features is its cuisine, and many tours combine sightseeing with tastings of pizza and other local street food. The ruins of Pompeii are just outside the city, so consider a tour that includes combines a visit to this famous archaeological park with the historic center.