Bucket list experience:
Naples, Campania, Italy
Home to one of the greatest hoards of Greek and Roman treasures anywhere in the world, this 17th-century palazzo houses King Ferdinando’s enormous collection, along with artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae.
The collections include room after room of brilliant sculptures, mosaics and wall paintings, including the famous Farnese marbles. Another highlight is the Gabinetto Segreto, a collection of pornographic artifacts and mosaics from the houses of Pompeii and other sites.
It would be easy to spend a whole day here; arrive early to appreciate the works in some degree of peace. Audio tours in English are available at the entrance, where you can also book a tour of the Gabinetto Segreto.
For logistical reasons (often staff shortages), various rooms in the museums tend to close temporarily and without much notice. It’s worth checking on the website ahead of your visit in order to avoid disappointment.
The museum is open all year round, Tuesday-Sunday.
The museum is popular for noisy school trips which tend to happen in the mornings; visit in the afternoon to avoid gangs of bored, chattering students.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Naples
€50 | Rating 4.66 / 5 [21 ratings]
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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Naples, Campania, Italy[15.3 miles]
Climb to the summit of one of the world’s most famous active volcanoes for sweeping views of Naples.
Best for ages: 8+ | £8 | 2 hours
Naples, Campania, Italy[24.1 miles]
The remarkably-preserved ruins of a thriving Roman town famously smothered in choking volcanic ash. Stroll Pompeii’s streets and see the town as it was that day in extraordinary detail – right down to ruts in the roads caused by chariot wheels.
Best for ages: 13+ | £13
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Naples, Campania, Italy[9.8 miles]
Pompeii‘s less famous neighbour, the Roman town of Herculaneum was also destroyed by the AD 79 AD eruption. Only partially excavated (a large part of the ancient town still lies under modern Ercolano) it is much smaller but better preserved than Pompeii, and in many ways more vivid. Short suburban train from Naples.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
