10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in Naples

The Cappella Sansevero Museum sits at the heart of Naples, and offers a great opportunity to catch up with the city's baroque artistic heritage. Immerse yourself in some of the finest art of the time, from marble sculptures to wax paintings.

Several of the arguably most important pieces of art ever made are housed at this museum, including the Veiled Christ. You’ll find many oddities in the basement, including some anatomical exhibits. The Cappella Sansevero Museum allows you to take a walk back in time and see some incredible artwork.

National Railway Museum of Pietrarsa lies beside the Naples–Portici railway and will take you back to 1839 when the first Italian railway was built. This museum is an essential stop for train enthusiasts and anyone who loves history.

National Railway Museum of Pietrarsa is home to about 55 historical rolling stocks in the ancient Pavilions of the bourbon workshop. The workshop used to be the centre of all parts of the production cycle. In addition, there are also archives and a library to visit.

The Gaiola Underwater Park offers an unforgettable look at the marine beauty of Naples and a chance to learn more about the life and landscape of the coast. This protected marine area is located just beyond the port of Naples.

Two islands in the centre of this area are the main point of interest. You’ll find the ruins of several villas above the water on these islands, along with a beautiful world beneath the waves. You can take boat tours, guided walks and swim in designated areas.

Bourbon Tunnel was originally constructed as a secret wartime escape route for the king and now houses many relics of times past. You’ll find this tunnel buried about 100 feet below the streets of Naples.

As a dumping ground for vintage cars and a storing spot for old relics, this is quite a unique spot to visit. The tunnel was never finished and was also used as a bomb shelter. You can choose to tour the tunnels on foot or even canoe through the old aqueducts.

The Church of San Domenico Maggiore, a Roman Catholic church and monastery, is home to collections of art and culture that span over eight centuries. You’ll find this spot right at the heart of Naples and find plenty to see when you venture inside.

This point of interest features a beautiful organ consisting of 1640 pipes, a display of 16th-century clothing, the hall of sacred furniture and plenty more. There is a complete itinerary of the museum available or a guided tour on select days of the week.

The Aragonese Castle of Baia sits atop a rocky volcanic islet that connects to the larger island of Ischia and has become part of a park featuring plenty of activities and exhibits. Here you’ll be able to see incredible historical features and take in spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples.

As you wander through the halls and staircases of the castle, you’ll experience centuries worth of art, architecture and the lore of Naples. The whole museum is set up in chronological order, so you can experience history as it happened.

Procida Island is the smallest in the Bay of Naples and is one of the locale's best-kept secrets. Here you’ll find black sandy beaches, pastel-coloured fishing villages and mazes of narrow winding streets to enjoy on your holiday.

There are plenty of things to do on the island, from leisurely walks through the streets, relaxing on the beach or visiting one of the historical landmarks. Venture up to the highest point to see some medieval construction and an 11th-century church with quirky shell art.

The Secret Cabinet or Secret Museum of Naples is a collection of erotic relics and artworks excavated from 1st century Rome. You’ll find this museum is part of the Naples National Archaeological Museum and must make an appointment to see the specific collection.

Over the years, this collection has been open and closed to the public since it was put together in the early 1800s. Since Roman sexuality was much more open, this collection can be seen by some as obscene, but it is an essential part of ancient culture in Pompeii.

Piscina Mirabilis is the world's largest Roman water cistern featuring a barrel-vaulted ceiling supported by 48 pillars. This spot is both an example of a feat of architecture and a look back into ancient Roman culture. You’ll find this point of interest in the heart of the Phlegrean Fields.

If you take the grand tour offered in the park of the Phlegrean Fields, this is one of the stops. You’ll be transported back in time to see how intuitive the Romans were with their hydraulics and aqueduct construction and their eye for design.

The Toledo Art Station is a shining multicoloured metro station hidden deep under Naples, and it's essential to stop in and see for yourself. This was part of an initiative to make beautiful and immersive art a part of people’s everyday lives.

The entrance to the station starts with a wide escalator that descends about 130 feet underground. You’ll find as you make it deeper into the station that the colour schemes and installations change to represent different periods of local history.