Naples Underground Tours FAQs
Answers to the questions travellers ask most before touring the Naples Underground.
What is Naples Underground?
A network of tunnels, cisterns and a Greek-Roman aqueduct about 40 metres beneath the historic centre, later used as air-raid shelters during the Second World War.
Which Naples Underground entrance should I book?
There are several: Napoli Sotterranea at Piazza San Gaetano, the Spanish-Quarters underground at Vico S. Anna di Palazzo, the Neapolis Sotterrata under San Lorenzo, and the separate Bourbon Tunnel. Check the meeting point before booking.
How many steps are there?
About 121 steps down and back up on the main route; some visitors count closer to 150.
Is Naples Underground suitable if I am claustrophobic?
Parts are narrow enough to cross sideways. Most tours let you skip the tightest passage, but it is not ideal for severe claustrophobia.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The aqueduct tours are not. The Bourbon Tunnel is partly accessible for about 60% of its route.
How long does a tour take?
Underground-only visits run about 1 to 1.5 hours; combined city-and-underground walks run 2.5 to 4 hours.
Are tours available in English?
Yes, but English departures are limited; the official ticket runs English roughly around midday and mid-afternoon.
How much do Naples Underground tickets cost?
Entry tickets start around $21 to $22. Guided city-and-underground tours cost more depending on what they include.
Can I just buy a ticket at the door?
Often yes, but queues form in peak season. Skip-the-line tickets save the ticket queue, though you may still wait to enter.
Is Naples Underground the same as the catacombs?
No. The Catacombs of San Gennaro are a separate early-Christian burial site, not part of the underground aqueduct.
Is the Bourbon Tunnel the same place?
No. The Galleria Borbonica is a separate nineteenth-century tunnel with its own entrance on Via Domenico Morelli.
How cold is it underground?
Cool and steady year-round, which many visitors welcome in summer.
Is there a minimum age?
Typically three to four years depending on operator; steps and dark passages make it hard for very young children.
Do I need to book in advance?
Recommended in high season and for English-language slots.
Where do the tours meet?
Meeting points vary by operator: Piazza San Gaetano, Piazza Bellini, Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, Piazza Dante or Piazza Municipio. Always confirm yours.
What should I wear?
Comfortable closed shoes; it can be damp and uneven underfoot.
Is photography allowed?
Generally yes, and a phone torch helps in the narrow, dark sections.
Can I see the Roman theatre?
Yes, on the Napoli Sotterranea route, entered through a building above street level.
What was the aqueduct used for?
It carried the city's water for centuries before becoming an air-raid shelter in the Second World War.
Are pets allowed?
Service animals are accepted on some tours; pets generally are not.
How far in advance is it usually booked?
Popular tours are often booked weeks ahead.
Is hotel pickup included?
Only on some private tours; most meet at a central point.
Are food tours part of the Naples Underground?
Some Naples food tours pass by the underground entrance but do not go inside; check whether entry is included.
Can I combine the underground with the historic centre?
Yes; several walking tours pair the streets and churches with an underground visit.
Is the tour guided the whole time?
Underground sections are guided; some combined tours include free time above ground.
Do tours run in bad weather?
Yes; the underground is unaffected by rain.
Are gratuities included?
Usually not; tips are at your discretion unless the listing states otherwise.
How deep will I actually go?
The lowest galleries sit around 40 metres below street level.
Is there parking nearby?
Central Naples parking is limited; public transport is easier.
Can I cancel my Naples Underground tour?
Most tours allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before; a few are non-refundable, so check the tour before booking.