Naples, the city that gave us pizza and one of Italy most beloved football teams. Located in Italy’s south, this laid-back city is a popular destination for travellers, and is a stop on many cruise itineraries too. If you’re spending a night or two in the city on your next trip, you need to know what’s out there for you to discover in the evening. Thats why we created this nightlife guide to Naples. Naples is a night-time city. With many locals not eating dinner until late evening, this really is a city that never sleeps.
From the best place to enjoy authentic pizza, to the ideal location for sipping a spritz, this article will tell you everything you need to know about the nightlife in Naples. We’re going to cover the best places to drink, dine and dance, so you can start planning the very best evening out during your stay in Naples. Let’s dive in!
Welcome to our nightlife guide to Naples.
The best bars and places to drink in Naples
For a bar crawl: Piazza Bellini
Address: 80138 Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
Piazza Bellini is the hub of Naples nightlife, attracting a young crowd to its bar-lined streets. As a general rule, the west of the square caters more to the locals, whilst the bars on the east are favoured by tourists (you will pay more for your drinks here!). Located in the city’s historic centre, Piazza Bellini is the place to visit for bar crawls, with numerous establishments situated very close to each other. From trendy cocktail bars to traditional Neapolitan pubs, whatever vibe you’re looking for will be catered for.
For a spritz: Cammarota Spritz
Address: Vico Lungo Teatro Nuovo, 31, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
If you’re after a traditional Italian spritz, then do what the locals do. Cammarota Spritz is an unassuming, easy to miss bar with just a handful of tables located outside. But a local’s secret is hidden inside. This tiny bar serves one of the best (and cheapest) spritz in the city and is favoured by the Neapolitan locals. You can order a takeout drink or strike lucky and grab one of the handful of tables.
For a beer: Il Birraiuolo
Address: Via Vincenzo Bellini, 48, 80135 Napoli NA, Italy
Sports fans looking to catch a Napoli game with the locals will enjoy the ambience in Il Birraiuolo, a craft beer bar with a rotating selection of delicious beers. It doesn’t look like much but it something of a hidden gem, with a great atmosphere and reasonable prices.
For a drink by the bay: Parthenope Bar
Address: Via Partenope, 13, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
Offering sweeping views over the Gulf of Naples, Parthenope Bar is a great option in the day for those looking to enjoy a relaxed drink, but the bar comes alive in the evening too. The bar offers outdoor and rooftop seating in order for guests to make the most of the Naples sunshine, and there is a large menu of beers, wines, cocktails and spirits to choose from.
For a coffee: Gran Caffè Gambrinus
Address: Via Chiaia, 1, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
You can’t talk about Naples’ nightlife without mentioning coffee. The late-night coffee culture is unusual to some in the UK and the USA but in southern Europe, it’s simply a way of life. And Gran Caffe Gambrinus is one of the best places to sample this nightlife in Naples. A landmark coffee house dating back to the mid-1800s, Gran Caffe Gambrinus is classically decorated and harks back to a Golden Age of art and design.
The best nightclubs and places for music in Naples
To dance: Lanificio 25
Address: Piazza Enrico de Nicola, 46, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy
Housed in a former wool factory, and a great example of Naples’ urban regeneration, Lanificio 25 is now one of the city’s primary nightclubs. Serving an array of drinks and playing host to a mixture of local and internationally acclaimed DJ’s, it’s the perfect place to end your night after a bar crawl in Naples. Theme nights are often put on by the organisers, particularly around annual festivals and holidays.
To hear live music: Teatro San Carlo
Address: Via San Carlo, 98, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
To embrace the more cultural side of Naples’ nightlife, an evening at Teatro San Carlo is recommended. This is the oldest continuously active opera house in the entire world, with performances starting here way back in 1737. Located in the heart of Naples’ tourist centre, the Teatro San Carlo is attached to the Royal Palace and the iconic Piazza del Plebiscito. Tickets are fairly expensive, but for opera fans there is no better setting in Italy or the world!
To be out until the early hours: Shine Club
Address: Via S. Domenico, 154, 80126 Napoli NA, Italy
If you want to be out until sunrise, Naples has several options. One such nightclub is Shine Club, which hosts regular parties and raves early into the morning. A short Taxi ride from the centre of the city, it is also located next to the Piave train station, making it easily accessible and a great option for dancing the night away.
The best restaurants and places to eat in Naples
For a pizza: Starita
Address: Via Materdei, 27/28, 80136 Napoli NA, Italy
The history of pizza in Naples can be charted back to the 18th century when simple flatbreads, known as “la pizza,” became popular among the city’s working class. The modern pizza was invented in the late 19th century, with the creation of the Margherita pizza in 1889 by pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito. This iconic pizza, adorned with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, represented the colours of the Italian flag. Naples played a pivotal role in popularizing pizza, and pizzerias began to emerge, solidifying pizza as a symbol of the city’s culinary identity. The dish’s global popularity grew as Italian immigrants spread across the world, and in 2017, the art of Neapolitan pizza-making was recognized by UNESCO. Today, Naples remains the best place in Italy to taste traditional pizza.
It’s almost impossible to pick just one pizzeria in Naples. But for sure, one of the best places to tuck into traditional Neapolitan pizza is Starita. As one of the few city centre pizzerias to be open on Sundays (when most locals are eating at home with their families), Starita is a great option for those visiting the city on a long weekend, looking for a final meal before their flight home. The pizza from Starita is firm, with an airy crust. If you want something slightly different, we recommend the simple but classic Montanara Starita, tomato and cheese with a soft, fluffy inside and a crispy fried crust. Followed up with fried doughballs and Nutella, there’s nothing better to eat in the city
bonus pizzeria: La Masardona
Address: Via Giulio Cesare Capaccio, 27, 80142 Napoli NA, Italy
Ok, one more! Home of the Naples calzone, La Masardona is a stalwart of the city’s food scene, having opened back in the 1930s. Head chef Enzo Piccirillo is the latest in a list of chefs from the same family who have run this restaurant, and it’s a popular haunt with locals and tourists alike. A small and traditional restaurant, somewhat off the tourist trail, but it’s worth the effort to make a trip here.
For seafood: A Figlia d’o Marenaro
Address: Via Foria, 180/182, 80137 Napoli NA, Italy
Seafood forms an integral part of Neapolitan cuisine, unsurprising given its location on the Gulf of Naples. And A Figlia d’o Marenaro is as good a place as any in the city to enjoy an evening of delicious seafood. It’s open late, until 1am, and has amongst its menu what is widely regarded as the best spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) in the whole of Naples. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, this restaurant also offers an excellent Neapolitan pizza, so is a great option even for diners squeamish about seafood.
For pasta: Trattoria Da Nennella
Address: Piazza Carità, 22, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
Pizza always steals the Neapolitan limelight, but the truth is that Naples is a foodie city and the pasta here is as good as anywhere else in Italy too. Those looking to taste some of the city’s finest would do well to head to Trattoria Da Nennella, famous for its simple but delicious cheesy pasta with potatoes. A short menu ensures each dish can be prepared with the love and care it deserves, served by waiters who are known to sing and dance, creating a jovial atmosphere for diners. This restaurant is quite famous in the city, and when visiting at night, it is advised to book ahead.
For gelato: Chalet Ciro Gelato
Address: Via Caracciolo fronte, Via Orazio, 80122 Napoli NA, Italy
If you fancy a traditional Italian gelato at 2am after your night out, then Chalet Ciro Gelato is happy to oblige. This beloved Naples gelateria is located in a small marina on the Gulf of Naples, offering a picturesque place to enjoy a gelato. Trading since the 1950s, it offers a wide array of expertly crafted flavours. From almond and honey to lemon and even rum (the perfect apertif for your night out!), there’s sure to be a perfect flavour for you.
A few more good places to enjoy the nightlife in Naples
Chiaia
One of Naples’ nightlife hubs, the Chiaia district is well known for its vibrant and diverse offering after dark. Lining the charming streets of Chiaia, travellers will find a wide selection of stylish bars, trendy pubs, and pulsating clubs, perfect for a fun evening out after a meal or a day of sightseeing. The atmosphere in Chiaia transforms as the sun sets, with establishments offering everything from elegant cocktail lounges to energetic dance floors. Whether visitors seek a sophisticated evening with cocktails overlooking the sea or a lively night of dancing, Chiaia provides a dynamic and exciting nightlife experience, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike seeking entertainment in Naples after dark.
Lungomare di Napoli
If you’re nightlife vibe is less sticky clubs and overpriced cocktails and more romantic sunset walks, then Lungomare di Napoli is the best option for you. This scenic waterfront promenade stretches around the city and is a fabulous place to enjoy the sunset. It comes to life after dark, with a wide selection of restaurants and bars enjoy outdoor dining on the shore of the Gulf of Naples. As the city lights reflect on the water, the Lungomare transforms into a romantic setting, while occasional open-air events and live music add a touch of entertainment to the charming nights along the Naples waterfront.
Vomero
Vomero is a hilltop district in Naples, connected to the historic centre by a funicular railway, which is popular with tourists (you can each it on the subway too!). Vomero is known for offering sweeping views over the rest of the city and also for its lively and sophisticated nightlife scene. Vomero offers a mix of elegant bars, stylish lounges, and trendy clubs. As night falls, Vomero attracts a diverse crowd seeking a more refined and upscale atmosphere. The area’s trendy bars serve a variety of expertly crafted cocktails and wine.
Bagnoli
Bagnoli is a trendy quarter of Naples, located well to the west of the city centre. It is popular with younger travellers for its variety of beach clubs and live music, with famous artists such as the Korean DJ Peggy Gou known to host beachfront events and parties. Sunset gatherings in Bagnoli are popular, as guests enjoy refreshing drinks and local specialties against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. Bagnoli’s beach clubs create a unique blend of seaside relaxation and casual entertainment, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more tranquil yet enjoyable nightlife experience in Naples.
Our Nightlife Guide to Naples
Naples is an excellent travel destination, boasting a wide array of cultural attractions, reliable weather and stunning scenery on the Gulf of Naples. The city comes to life after dark, offering a variety of different areas that are perfect for partying the night away or enjoying a romantic dinner for two. Known for its incredible food, there are dining options aplenty for those looking to sample traditional pizza or fresh gelato, and culture vultures will want to enjoy a show at one of the world’s oldest live music
