With abundant cultural activities to experience, archaeological wonders to uncover and delectable foods to savour, there really is no better time to visit Naples as it readies to celebrate it’s 2,500 birthday in December 2025.
Known as the city of the sun, Naples boasts on average 264 days of sunshine per year and acts as the gateway to the south, with over 70 flights per week from the UK to Naples International Airport. A short journey into the metropolis itself, and visitors are treated to a melting pot of history and heritage, a passion for local culture and an excitement for progression.
From discerning city-breakers to intrepid families and off-season sun-seekers, Naples provides all types of travellers ample opportunity to enjoy Italy’s southern charm.
Here’s how visitors can enjoy the city in 2025.
Culture
Transport through art and design on Metro Line 6
In 2024, Naples reopened its sixth metro line, the Metro Line 6, following an 11-year closure. Not just a mode of transport, the Metro Line 6 also acts as an artistic installation with each of the line’s eight stations featuring expertly designed architecture and contemporary artworks.
Opening up the city’s southwestern area, visitors can now easily access some of Naples most treasured sites including the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, home to SSC Napoli, and the city’s zoo.
Unveiling Naples’ new tourism brand: “Come and discover Naples”
A new permanent art installation in Municipio Square has been revealed, celebrating the city’s new tourism brand.
The unique Installation Art, promoted by the Local Tourism Department, is a symbolic representation of the city, fusing art and identity with letters that tell the story of the city, from football passion to underground wonders, from street art to culinary masterpieces.
The artwork, which depicts the Tourism Brand of Naples logo, offers a visual journey through Naple’s beauties and traditions, whilst also having iconic images hidden behind each character, inviting visitors to explore the treasures this city has to offer.
Celebrate local festivities
Visitors to Naples can witness displays of appreciation and celebration in the city’s many festivals, throughout the year. Many are steeped in history and religion, yet each portray the traditions and unique culture of Neapolitans.
The pinnacle event in the city for locals is the feast day of Patron Saint, San Gennaro on 19th September, with religious services, pilgrimages and celebratory sweets treats. To sample a taste of Naples’ festivities at any time of the year head to San Gregorio Armeno to enjoy shops and stalls full of Christmas decorations, cementing Neapolitan’s love for Nativity art and decoration.
Art and history
British Museum exhibition arrives at Gallerie d’Italia – Naples
The Gallerie d’Italia – Naples welcomes Sir William and Lady Hamilton, between 25th October 2024 to 2nd March 2025, including pieces from Carlo Knight’s 1996 Vases and Volcanoes exhibition at the British Museum.
This exhibition looks at the life and works of diplomat, antiquarian and volcanologist, William Hamilton, who headed to Naples in the 18th century and became a central role in Neapolitan society, along with his wife. Charting the nobleman’s 24 years in the Italian city, the exhibition also retraces the fruitful cultural and artistic exchanges between Italy and the United Kingdom in a fundamental moment of European history.
Naples, as seen on screen
With the set-jetting trend showing no signs of slowing down, travellers looking to enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at their favourite films and TV shows, will be amazed at what can be seen in Naples. A city with panoramic views across the Bay of Naples and in the shadows of the majestic Mount Vesuvius, Naples has been used as the backdrop to many TV series and films over the years.
The acclaimed Neapolitan film director Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film, Parthenope (released on 24th October) is set and filmed in Naples, showcasing his love for his city. Visitors can easily follow in the footsteps of the film’s protagonists, from gazing at the luxurious villas in Posillipo, to experiencing the timeless San Carlo Theatre and the historic Spaccanapoli in the city centre, for all the beauty and grandeur of the city.
Gastronomy
Naples is the number one foodie city
As voted for by Time Out’s UK readers in a 2024 poll, Naples has been crowned the culinary city of the world. With plenty of homegrown favourites, including juicy piennolo tomatoes, indigenous broccoli, friarielli and the sweet sfogliatella, there are delicious recipes to try across the city.
However, the city’s – and possibly, Italy’s – most famous dish has to be pizza. The distinctively Neapolitan pizza is round, flat with lashings of tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil, and restaurants have been fighting it out to be named the very best in the city for decades.
With an enviable position of the Mediterranean coast, Naples also has an excellent seafood scene. From spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) to polipetti alla Luciana (baby octopus) and Baccala’ alla Napolitana (salted baked cod), seafood lovers will devour the freshest seafood, straight from the Bay of Naples.
