Things To Do
in Caserta
Caserta sits in Campania, just east of Naples, blending royal history with southern Italian charm. It is best known for the vast Reggia di Caserta, a grand 18th‑century palace surrounded by formal gardens and fountains. The city combines stately architecture with lively markets, trattorie, and a relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere.
Its proximity to Naples, Pompeii, and the Matese mountains makes Caserta a convenient base for exploring southern Italy.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through its ornate gardens and marvel at the fountains, sculptures, and the impressive architecture of the palace. Don’t forget to grab a coffee at the nearby café to fuel your exploration.
After lunch, take a guided tour inside the palace to discover its opulent rooms, including the grand staircase and the royal apartments. Learn about the history of the Bourbon family and the palace's significance in Italian culture. Spend some time in the adjoining park, where you can relax by the lake or continue exploring the extensive grounds.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a charming local trattoria, savoring traditional Campanian dishes such as 'gnocchi alla Sorrentina'. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the illuminated gardens of the palace, where the fountains come alive with light. End your evening with a gelato from a nearby gelateria to sweeten your memories of the day.
Start your morning by wandering through the historic center of Caserta, where you can admire the beautiful architecture of the churches and palaces. Visit the bustling local market, where you can sample fresh produce, cheeses, and local delicacies. Engage with the friendly vendors to learn more about the region's culinary offerings.
After shopping, enjoy lunch at a local pizzeria famous for its wood-fired pizzas. Then, explore the nearby Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo and its stunning Baroque interior. Spend some time in the Piazza Vanvitelli, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps enjoying a quick espresso at an outdoor café.
In the evening, treat yourself to a dining experience at a restaurant known for its local specialties, such as the famous 'casertano' cheese. After dinner, catch a performance at the Teatro Comunale di Caserta, which showcases local talent and cultural events. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll through the city streets, soaking in the nighttime ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍝Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚆One-way public transportation ticket | $1.5-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich UNESCO-listed architecture and grand palaces
- Beautiful gardens, fountains, and parkland
- Excellent base for day trips to Naples, Pompeii, and the Matese mountains
- Can be crowded around the palace during peak season
- Nightlife is more low-key than in larger cities
- Some tourist infrastructure focuses on the palace area
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning / Hello
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Grazie" - Thank you
Places to Visit in Caserta
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Baroque staircase and expansive interior rooms; the surrounding fountains and courtyards make for dramatic shots.
Long avenues of cypress trees and formal gardens ideal for landscape photography, especially at golden hour.
Rugged stone lanes, ancient churches, and panoramic views over the plains provide charming photo opportunities.
Fountains, reflective pools, and symmetry in the palace’s grounds yield striking architectural photos.
Food in Caserta
Caserta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Soft potato gnocchi baked with tomato, mozzarella, and basil; a quintessential Campania dish widely available in trattorie.
Must-Try!
Large ridged pasta tubes with a slow-simmered meat ragù, often finished with a kiss of pecorino.
Fresh buffalo mozzarella, best enjoyed in slices with tomatoes and olive oil, or in regional salads.
Eggplant parmigiana layered with tomato, mozzarella, and grated cheese; a staple of Campanian homes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling civic market offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and ready-to-eat snacks; a great place to sample local flavors.
Grab a quick piece of pizza al taglio or fried street foods from bakeries and snack stalls around the historic center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin conversations with a polite greeting like 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera.' Handshakes are common in formal settings; a kiss on both cheeks is typical among friends and family in casual contexts.
Arrive on time for meals; avoid excessive talking with your mouth full; keep elbows off the table and greet hosts when entering homes.
Safety
Tipping in Caserta
Ensure a smooth experience
In Italy, tipping is customary but not obligatory. A small tip (5-10%) for good service is common in nicer restaurants if there is no service charge; otherwise round up the bill. For cafés and casual spots, rounding up or a euro or two is appreciated but not required.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and hotels. Carry some cash for small markets, street vendors, or rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and sunny; plan early morning or late afternoon visits to outdoor sites; stay hydrated and seek shade; beaches and cool interiors are refreshing options.
Mild temperatures with colorful countryside; great for walking tours and photography with softer light; occasional rain is possible.
Cool but generally mild; some sites may have shorter hours; indoor attractions and cafes are comfortable options.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming gardens; ideal for outdoor sightseeing and market visits; showers can occur.
Caserta at Night
Hiking in Caserta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Elevated forest and ridge trails with panoramic views and seasonal wildlife; suitable for varied fitness levels.
Gentle hillside paths around the medieval village offering scenic overlooks of the plains.
Airports
How to reach Caserta by plane.
Main international gateway for Caserta; about 25–35 km away; accessible by road and rail.
Larger international hub about a few hours away by high-speed rail; useful for international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of local families, university students (including the Vanvitelli campus area nearby), and commuters; visitors from nearby provinces also frequent Caserta.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and matches attracting community support.
Popular on country lanes and park edges; scenic routes around Caserta are favored by riders.
Common at local clubs and hotel facilities; suitable for casual play and lessons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Caserta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Caserta offers vegetarian-friendly options such as tomato-based pastas, mozzarella and burrata dishes, grilled vegetables, and fresh salads; many restaurants can adjust recipes on request.