Where to Take the Best Photos in Naples? Our 10 Must-See Spots

After Rome and Milan, Naples is the third-largest city in Italy and the regional capital of Campania. With a wealth of culture, history, and soul, Naples is a stunningly genuine city. It has a ton of beautiful locations! Although it is difficult to pick just ten, we have compiled a list of our top ten locations for stunning photos while you're there.

We're sharing our top picks for breathtaking photo spots in Naples in this guide. In order to avoid crowds and capture the ideal light, we also advise you on the best time and method to visit each location.

Let's take a tour of the city's most picturesque locations, ideal for making memories along the way.

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1. Castel dell’Ovo

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The former island of Megaride, which is now a peninsula in the Gulf of Naples, is home to the seaside castle known as Castel dell'Ovo. A narrative about the Roman poet Virgil, who was regarded as a powerful magician and future-predictor during the Middle Ages, is the source of the castle's name. According to the tale, Virgil supported the fortifications by laying a miraculous egg in the foundations. His bones are still there, and if this egg had been cracked, the castle would have been demolished, and a chain of terrible events for Naples would have ensued. The castle faces Mergellina across the sea and is situated between the districts of San Ferdinando and Chiaia.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A seaside castle with history and sweeping views of the bay.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon for golden light on the water.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture wide shots from the pier or the top terrace.

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2. Piazza del Plebiscito

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In the center of Naples is a sizable public square called Piazza del Plebiscito. Napoleon's brother-in-law, Murat, the King of Naples, designed the square and structure as a memorial to the emperor in the early 1800s. On occasion, outdoor concerts are held in the square. International talents, as well as well-known Italian and Neapolitan performers, have performed here. Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band performed there in May 2013.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Naples’ largest square, surrounded by grand historic buildings.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning, when it’s calm and mostly empty.
• Photography tip 📷
  Stand in the center for symmetry or shoot the Royal Palace façade.

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3. Via San Gregorio Armeno

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Famous for its artisan workshops that specialize in handcrafted nativity scenes and figurines, Via San Gregorio Armeno is a tiny lane in Naples. It is a well-liked vacation spot, especially during the Christmas season. In the past, the street was home to a temple honoring the Roman goddess Ceres, where clay figurine sacrifices were made. The Boulevard is packed with stores and workshops where craftspeople make and market classic and contemporary figurines and nativity scenes, including those of politicians and celebrities.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A narrow, colorful street filled with nativity shops and crafts.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late morning for good light and lively atmosphere.
• Photography tip 📷
  Focus on shop details, handmade figures, and street vendors.

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4. Spaccanapoli Street

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The straight, narrow main street that runs through Naples's old, historic center is called Spaccanapoli. Its length and apparent division of that area of the city from above are the sources of its name. Of the three decumani, or east-west streets, that make up the grid of the original Greco-Roman city of Neapolis, this one is the lowest and southernmost. Via dei Tribunali currently serves as the middle main Decumanus Maggiore, while Anticaglia and Via della Sapienza now serve as the northernmost or upper Decumanus Superiore.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A busy street that cuts through old Naples, full of local life.
• Best time to visit  📅
  Early evening, when the lights start to glow and locals fill the street.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the long street line from above or take candid street shots.

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5. Naples Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli)

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The main church in Naples is the Roman Catholic cathedral known as the Naples Cathedral. It also serves as the Archbishop of Naples' residence. In honor of the city's patron saint, it is commonly referred to as the Cathedral of Saint Januarius. King Charles I of Anjou ordered the construction of the current cathedral in the Angevin Gothic style. Under Robert of Anjou, construction was finished in the early 14th century. It continued under his successor, Charles II. It was constructed on the foundations of two paleo-Christian basilicas, the remnants of which are still discernible today. Greek and Roman antiquities have been found during excavations beneath the building.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A stunning mix of Gothic and Baroque design with rich history.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Mid-morning, when sunlight filters through stained glass.
• Photography tip 📷
  Focus on ceilings, arches, and dramatic interiors.

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6. Castel Sant’Elmo & Vomero Hill

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A medieval stronghold with a view of Naples, Castel Sant'Elmo is situated on Vomero Hill next to the Certosa di San Martino. Sant'Elmo was abbreviated to "Ermo" and then changed to "Elmo" after a cathedral dedicated to Sant'Erasmo in the tenth century. The stronghold, which is now a museum, exhibition space, and office building, is situated close to the upper terminal of the Petraio, one of the first pedestrian bridges connecting the upper and lower Naples.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A medieval fortress with one of the best views of Naples.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Sunset for dramatic views of the city and bay.
• Photography tip 📷
  Bring a wide lens for panoramas from the walls.

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7. Galleria Umberto I

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Across from the San Carlo opera house in Naples is a public shopping mall called Galleria Umberto I. Constructed from 1887 to 1890, it served as the foundation for the risanamento, the decades-long reconstruction of Naples that continued until World War I. Emanuele Rocco created it in the Stile Umbertino, using contemporary architectural features evocative of Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Umberto I, the King of Italy at the time of construction, was honored by the Galleria's name. It was intended to blend public space—businesses, stores, cafés, and social gatherings—with private space in the third-floor apartments.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A 19th-century gallery with a beautiful glass dome and patterned floor.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Afternoon, when the light shines through the glass roof.
• Photography tip 📷
  Stand in the center and shoot up for perfect symmetry.

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8. Lungomare Caracciolo

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The Lungomare Carracciolo promenade runs the length of Naples' coastline. Beginning at the intersection of Via Acton, the boulevard travels through numerous locations. Come through places like 'Santa Lucia', where the church of Santa Lucia a Mare is situated, and Borgo Marinaio's waterfront area, where a lot of locals congregate. Borgo Marinaio is also home to the well-known medieval Castel dell'Ovo. Furthermore, the 'Riviera di Chiaia' neighborhood is well-known for its nightlife and shopping. The climb to the 'Posillipo' district, which reaches a higher area of the city, comes last.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A relaxing coastal walk with views of Mount Vesuvius.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Evening for soft seaside light.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture reflections on the water and local life along the path.

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9.  Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters)

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Quartieri Spagnoli is a neighborhood in Naples that is around 800,000 square meters in size. It has a grid of about 18 streets by 12 and is home to about 14,000 people. The Quartieri got their name because they were built in the 16th century to house Spanish garrisons, whose purpose was to put down uprisings from the Neapolitan populace. The Via Toledo, Naples' largest retail avenue, forms the eastern border. At night, this pedestrian-only area is a favorite spot for locals to get together with friends and family. Additionally, the Toledo metro station is regarded as the world's most beautiful.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Lively streets full of character, colors, and local energy.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Daytime to explore the busy alleys and shops.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot narrow alleys with laundry lines and scooters for real local vibes.

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10. Piazza Bellini

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The Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli runs along the western side of the Piazza Bellini, a square in the center of Naples. There's the Decumanus Maximus a block south. By the 17th century, there was a piazza at the location, and other significant palaces and structures, such as the Principi di Conca, Castriota Scanderbeg, and Firrao-Bisingano, were constructed or are located nearby. The Academy of Fine Arts is located on Via Constantinopoli, a block north. The former Monastery of Sant'Antonio delle Monache at Port'Alba, which currently houses the University of Naples Faculty of Letters and Philosophy library in the Palazzo dei Principi di Conca, is another structure that borders the piazza to the south.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A laid-back square with ancient ruins and a creative vibe.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon or early evening, when locals gather.
• Photography tip 📷
  Include the old stone walls and relaxed crowd for context.

Final Thoughts

These are the top photography spots you won't want to miss in Naples. However, there is much more to see and enjoy, as the city offers endless photo opportunities. Take a walk and explore more, and make both your day and your photos amazing. Hopefully, this guide will help you capture your best moments in Naples.

Ready to explore?
Don’t forget to bring extra storage, as you’ll be taking a lot of photos.

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