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Naples is noisy, chaotic – and full of magic. Where Vespas rattle through narrow alleyways and the scent of pizza hangs in the air, you’ll find quiet spots, special sights and genuine hidden gems. Those who explore the city with their senses wide open will find not only art and history here, but also the southern way of life at its most charming.
19.11.2025
Eliza
Contents:
A hidden gem in Naples: the authentic Materdei neighbourhood
An underground attraction in Naples: Experience Napoli Sotterranea up close
A musical attraction in Naples: a concert evening in a Baroque setting
A sight with a view: yoga and panoramic views in Parco Virgiliano
A literary attraction with flair: books, wine and music at the Berisio Bar
Culinary attractions: A food tour through Neapolitan cuisine
Insider tip in the Gulf of Naples: A trip to the island of Procida
A delightful experience: cooking authentic dishes with locals in Naples
Photo: A view inside the imposing dome of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità – a Baroque gem situated between the Rione Sanità and the charming Materdei district. This striking church is one of Naples’ lesser-known attractions and captivates visitors with its architectural sophistication and historical significance.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the old town, Materdei is a charming residential neighbourhood with genuine Neapolitan flair. Small cafés, colourful street art and the Pignasecca – one of the city’s oldest markets – are what give the area its charm. Particularly worth a visit: the Chiesa Santa Maria della Sanità – a hidden gem of a church nestled between Rione Sanità and Materdei. If you stay here, you’ll soon feel like a local – for example, at the stylish Casa Materdei, a lovingly renovated historic building with a courtyard and roof terrace. A real insider’s tip for anyone wishing to discover Naples’ sights away from the crowds.
Photo: A narrow passageway deep beneath Naples’ old town – part of the underground excavations at Napoli Sotterranea. Not for those who suffer from claustrophobia, but a real adventure through history.
If you really want to understand Naples in Italy, you have to go down – beneath the city. Napoli Sotterranea is an archaeological site directly beneath the old town: a mysterious labyrinth of ancient passageways, cisterns and chambers that is over 2,000 years old. Originally dug by the Greeks, later expanded by the Romans and used as an air-raid shelter during the Second World War – history comes alive down here. Access is only possible as part of a guided tour. And if you feel the cold easily: it’s worth taking a jacket – it’s surprisingly chilly down there. One of Naples’ most impressive underground attractions.
Photo: The Baroque Basilica di San Giovanni Maggiore – a hidden gem for classical concerts that are sure to give you goosebumps, and one of Naples’ most impressive sights.
Anyone who loves music and is in the mood for a special evening’s entertainment should pay a visit to the Basilica di San Giovanni Maggiore. This magnificent Baroque church is regularly transformed into an atmospheric concert hall – sometimes the programme features works by Vivaldi, other times traditional Neapolitan songs. The atmosphere is intimate, the audience is a mix of people, and the acoustics are a real treat. Concerts aren’t held every day, but if you check in advance, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience – far from the hustle and bustle and sure to give you goosebumps. Naples’ attractions also offer real variety when it comes to music.
Parco Virgiliano on the Posillipo hill is a green oasis with breathtaking views of Capri, Ischia and Vesuvius. Early in the morning, you’ll find joggers, dog-walkers – and occasionally yoga groups – greeting the day amidst the pine trees and the sea breeze. A peaceful alternative to Naples’ crowded tourist attractions. If you’re looking for some relaxing, off-the-beaten-track tips in Naples, this is the place for you. Nearby is the tranquil Hotel Paradiso BW Signature Collection – with panoramic views from the breakfast terrace and a pleasantly laid-back atmosphere.
Photo: The Dante House is a stylish boutique hotel with a literary flair – perfectly situated between the Old Town and the charming Materdei district.
Books, wine, live music – sounds like the setting for a romantic film? Welcome to the Libreria Berisio, a second-hand bookshop with a bar in the heart of the old town. Amidst tall shelves and old novels, you can sample local wines or listen to live music here. It’s particularly lovely late in the evening, when the city settles down. Afterwards, it’s just a few steps to the stylish accommodation, The Dante House, which combines modern design with historic charm. The Berisio Bar is one of Naples’ most charming attractions for culture lovers.
Photo: Spaccanapoli cuts through the old town like a knife – a labyrinth of history, hustle and bustle and local life, and one of Naples’ most fascinating sights.
If you find traditional museums too predictable: the Museo Archivio Laboratorio Hermann Nitsch showcases radical performance art in the former Bourbon Hospital – offbeat, profound and certainly not a mass attraction. The venue is both a work of art and a space for reflection, situated not far from Piazza Dante, somewhat tucked away in a side street. Spaccanapoli is also very close by – one of Naples’ most striking streets, running dead straight through the old town and renowned for its lively atmosphere, churches, cafés and characteristic alleyways. Anyone looking for a rather unconventional cultural attraction in Naples will find it here.
Photo: A true street food classic – Pizza Portafoglio, crispy and folded, enjoyed straight off the culinary tour of Naples.
For anyone who wants to discover the real Naples through its food: the Secret Food Tour Napoli takes small groups through the historic centre, revealing hidden culinary gems – from antipasti and pizza portafoglio to local sweets. Along the way, the local guides share personal stories, interesting facts about Neapolitan food culture and anecdotes from the neighbourhood. The tour lasts around three hours, starts at Piazza Dante and offers a varied culinary journey across seven stops – down-to-earth, delightful and full of atmosphere. One of the tastiest hidden gems in Naples.
Photo: Colourful façades and quiet alleyways – the small neighbouring island of Procida enchants visitors with its Mediterranean charm and offers a chance to relax far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Away from Naples’ well-known sights, Procida offers a quiet beauty all of its own, inviting you to linger and explore.
Procida is still considered a bit of a hidden gem amongst the islands in the Gulf – less well-known than Capri or Ischia, but no less charming. Just 40 minutes away by ferry, it welcomes visitors with pastel-coloured cottages, fishing nets on the quay and plenty of peace and quiet. No crowds of tourists, no rush – instead, lemon groves, cats on walls and the finest seafood. A day trip is well worth it, but even better: a night at the stylish San Michele Boutique Hotel with direct access to the sea. Ideal for anyone who simply wants to take a breather and discover one of the most beautiful sights in the region around Naples.
Photo: The Certosa di San Martino offers not only art and history, but also a breathtaking panoramic view – a Baroque masterpiece and one of the most beautiful sights high above the city.
In the stylish Vomero district, Naples shows its more laid-back side. Here, urban elegance meets creative craftsmanship: small galleries, unique boutiques and traditional workshops invite you to stroll and browse. Perched high above is the Baroque Certosa di San Martino, a former monastery housing a museum and offering a fantastic view over the city. Right next to it lies the fortress of Castel Sant’Elmo, from whose walls you can marvel at Vesuvius, the Gulf and the labyrinthine alleyways of the old town. A hidden gem in Naples, brimming with culture, charm and stunning views.
Photo: Prepared with love. A private cookery class brings to life Neapolitan pasta specialities – homemade, fresh and made with lots of love.
Want to experience Naples with all your senses? A small-group pasta workshop is like a window into the soul of the city – with recipes, stories and plenty of Italian passion. Host Emanuela offers a particularly warm welcome; in her cosy home overlooking the city, she shows you how to prepare typical Neapolitan pasta dishes such as scialatielli or ravioli capresi. The ingredients are fresh from the market, and the cooking takes place in a small group – with time to chat, taste and enjoy the meal together whilst taking in the sea view and sipping limoncello. The ‘Cook fresh Neapolitan pastas at a local home’ course can be booked via Airbnb Experiences and offers an authentic insight into the culinary soul of Naples. For many, it’s one of the most welcoming attractions in Naples – and a real hidden gem!
Conclusion: Naples has far more to offer than just pizza and Pompeii. If you take the time, you’ll discover hidden treasures, living culture and warm encounters – amongst historic sights and very personal insider tips. And perhaps it is precisely this imperfect, vibrant, surprising Naples that stays with us for so long.
© Swiss Bankers 2026
