The Best Things to Do in Vomero, Naples

The uphill neighborhood of Vomero, Naples feels like a completely different city from the downhill historical center of Naples. Tree lined streets replace narrow cobblestone alleys, and well-dressed nonni wander along the pedestrian thoroughfares.

The neighborhood feels so different from other parts of the city because it was relatively uninhabited until the late 19th century. Then, the central funicular opened in 1928 and led to a booming expansion of the neighborhood.

Naples: Where the streets are a labyrinth of flavors, and colors. Photo credit: Montse Monmo

What to see and do in Vomero

Vomero offers stunning views of Naples from various lookout points. It’s also known for its pub culture—craft beer lovers, this is the neighborhood for you! Many of these pubs stream the Napoli soccer games, giving you an awesome chance to enjoy the sport with local fans.

Read on for key points of interests, including a majestic 13th century castle, and the best places to dine and drink!

Insider’s tip: Vomero can be reached today with the central or Montesanto funiculars (get off at the last stop for both), or the Metro Linea 1 (get off at Vanvitelli). The funicular closes at 10 p.m., and the metro at around 10:30 p.m. Vomero offers lively nightlife. If you’re staying outside Vomero, you might need a taxi from Piazza Vanvitelli or Via Luca Giordano for evening plans. Alternatively, you can take the stairs down to the historic center.

Wander through the Mercato di Antignano

The oldest part of Vomero besides the castle is the market district of Antignano. From Monday to Friday it’s packed with locals doing their shopping at colorful produce and home goods stands. This tiny area of Vomero has ancient roots. It used to be a gathering area along one of the main streets leading out of the city in Roman times, and later became a little rural center where farmers lived.

Nothing better than fresh produce from the market. Photo credit: Bartosz Kwitkowski

Arrive at the market district by taking a leisurely walk along the main pedestrian street of Via Scarlatti and turning right on Via Luca Giordano. These two streets are filled with lush foliage in the summer, but they’re just as picturesque in the winter.

Catch city views from the Certosa di San Martino

Perched up on the hill above the city, the majestic Certosa di San Martino (Largo S. Martino, 5) gives you the best view of the city. It’s home to a museum and cloisters complex which includes one of the most beautiful churches in Naples. The complex was originally constructed in the 14th century but has a centuries-long history of renovation in different architectural styles.

Even if you don’t enter the museum, the view from the lookout point of San Martino is an absolute must-see!

Enjoy Medieval vibes at Castel Sant’Elmo

Castel Sant’Elmo is an imposing structure that’s been part of the Naples cityscape for over 500 years. Construction started in the late 13th century, but the main fortress was built in the 16th century. It served as a strategic military outpost throughout the centuries. Surprisingly, it’s now home to exhibitions of contemporary art. Exploring the medieval castle—which provides a stunning sea view from the top terrace—is a wonderful activity for kids and families.

Check out Castel Sant’Elmo if you’re in the Vomero neighborhood. Photo credit: Giuseppe Cozzolino

Catch a breath of fresh air at Villa Floridiana

The park of Villa Floridiana (main entrance on Via Domenico Cimarosa, 77)  is one of the few large green spaces in the city. It literally is a breath of fresh air, not to mention the best picnic spot around! It’s typically open every day except Tuesday.

The Villa itself is home to a small decorative arts museum, for any fans of ceramics or woodworking. Other draws of the park are a breathtaking sea view behind the villa, a charming little turtle pond, and a playground for children.

Plus, look for the hidden cat village—yes, an actual little village with tiny houses—nestled in the brush near the main lawn. If you’re facing away from the villa, it’s on the right. Even if you don’t find it, the park is full of free roaming and (usually) friendly felines.

The perfect picnic spot in Vomero? Villa Floridiana! Photo credit: Palepolis Palepolis

Watch a Napoli game at a local pub

No matter where you go in the city, there’s one thing that unites Neapolitans: calcio (soccer or football, depending on which part of the world you’re from).

There are lots of pubs in Naples, but the best places to catch the Napoli game are L’Oca Nera and Frank Malone. Get ready to shout at the TV with locals rooting for Napoli.

What to eat and drink in Vomero

Craft beer

If you’re a beer connoisseur, Vomero is the place for you. There are lots of pubs that offer Italian, European, and American drafts, and some local breweries as well. Here are three of the coolest spots to check out:

• Loop Officina della Birra is one of the most well-known local breweries. They offer happy hour from 6:30-8pm, and serve not only classic meaty pub food, but also vegan and vegetarian burgers.
• Birra e Noccioline (Largo Antignano, 14) is a tiny hole-in-the-wall shop that’s a Vomero mainstay in the warmer months. They sell bottles of beer for just a few euros. Try a tarallo ‘nzogna e pepe with your beer. It’s a rich, crumbly, salty cracker, and a staple of traditional street food in Naples.
• Bayern Haus (Via Enrico Alvino, 65) is a mini tavern with a couple of wooden tables outside. It has a homey feel and is the perfect spot to grab a pint in the afternoon or evening.

Italy has a growing craft beer scene. Photo credit: Stanislav Ivanitskiy

Street food in Vomero

Have you ever heard of pizza al metro? It’s a type of long pan pizza that has origins in the Sorrentine peninsula. Some of them reach one or even two meters long—hence the name. It’s akin to a focaccia with toppings, and Vomero is the best neighborhood to try it.

Try it here:

• Fermo pizza (Via Francesco Cilea, 139) has indulgent slices generously topped with gooey cheese.
• Golocious Pizzeria (takeaway window at Via Domenico Cimarosa, 144) offers creative toppings like bacon and cheddar or sweet potato fries.

Looking for the best pizza in Italy? Look no further than Naples.

Neapolitans love burgers, and no one does it better than social media sensation Puok. They serve supremely juicy burgers with unique garnishes like crunchy peanut butter and rich caramelized onions. There’s no seating, so be prepared to eat standing up or find a stoop to perch on!

Traditional restaurants in Vomero

While street food in Vomero is quite popular, there are some wonderful eateries for a sit-down meal.

• Enrico Porzio pizzeria on main street Via Scarlatti makes mouth watering traditional Neapolitan pizza. Don’t miss their Margherrico—it comes with a fresh buffalo mozzarella on top of the pizza, plus a cheesy stuffed crust.
• Santarosa Trattoria (Via Luca Giordano, 20a) serves up traditional Neapolitan cuisine like pasta faglioli e cozze, or creamy pasta with beans and mussels.
• Vienm a Truvà (Via Michele Kerbaker, 108) serves generous portions of pasta and features different variations of homemade meatballs.

Sweet treats in Vomero

We can’t wrap up a guide without providing some recommendations for your sweet tooth:

• La Carlotteria, a pastry shop owned by a woman, earned a 2023 mention in Gambero Rosso, one of the best known and exclusive food guides in Italy.
• Chalet Ciro serves up delicious hot graffa, freshly fried donuts coated in sugar.

Il Gelato Menella (Via Alessandro Scarlatti, 97) is some of the best gelato we’ve ever tasted, and deserves an honorary spot on the list of best places for gelato in Italy.

When in Rome (or anywhere in Italy)… gelato! Photo credit: Sarah Bogush