Museums & galleries
Royal Palace of Naples
What it is
This is the former royal residence built for Spain's viceroys and later used by the Bourbon and Savoy monarchies, right on Piazza del Plebiscito in central Naples. Visitors go for the state apartments, with their court furnishings, tapestries and painted ceilings, and for the grand staircase and throne room, which give a sense of how Naples' rulers lived and governed. The palace also houses the National Library, and its facade niches display statues of the different dynasties that ruled the city.
Getting there
The palace sits in the heart of Naples' historic centre, an easy walk from Via Toledo and the waterfront. Most travellers reach it on foot in 10-15 minutes from the main shopping streets, or via the Municipio metro stop, a couple of minutes away on foot. From Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP), a taxi or the Alibus shuttle to the centre takes roughly 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
How much time to allow
Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk through the state apartments at a reasonable pace. Add extra time if you also want to see temporary exhibitions or linger in the palace gardens.
When to go
Mornings tend to be calmer than afternoons, and the square outside can get busy with tour groups and street performers, especially on weekends and in summer. If you're sensitive to heat, note that much of the visit is indoors, which offers some relief in the hotter months.
What to combine it with
- Piazza del Plebiscito (0km) — the square the palace faces onto, worth a slow walk across before or after your visit.
- Teatro di San Carlo (0.1km) — the historic opera house next door, viewable from outside or on a guided tour.
- San Francesco di Paola (0.2km) — the domed church that closes off the square opposite the palace.
- Church of San Ferdinando (0.2km) — a short walk away, easy to fit into the same loop through the square.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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