10 Best Places to See Live Music in Naples

The San Carlo Theatre (Teatro di San Carlo) is a luxurious opera house built during the reign of the Bourbon King Charles III of Naples in 1737. Having survived both a 19th-century fire and a World War II bombing, it is the world’s oldest working opera house.

The San Carlo Theatre’s opera season runs from late January to May, while ballet performances take place from April to early June. Guided tours are available in English and Italian, taking about 30 minutes. Its ornate Neoclassical design was the model for many famous theatres around the world.

Napulitanata is a must-visit for an authentic taste of Neapolitan live music. What originally started off as a space to showcase the heritage of Italian music in Naples has since blossomed into a cultural and tourist hub of the city.

Napulitanata sits right next to the Naples National Archaeological Museum. More than 20,000 visitors are said to have passed through this historic space. It’s a great place to enjoy songs that tell the history of Naples as well as traditional dances such as tarantella (southern Italian folk dance) and tammurriata (dance of the spider).

Ex Asilo Filangieri, roughly translated as the ‘Former Asylum’, is a civic space created to advance Neapolitan art and culture. Originally a nunnery-turned-boarding school, this sprawling cultural complex hosts a wide variety of events, including musical performances, film screenings, and creative workshops.

Ex Asilo Filangieri is open to everyone and anyone who wishes to use the facilities to showcase their artistic talents. All concerts and screenings are free for patrons, though donations are accepted for the smooth upkeep of the expansive grounds and audio-visual equipment. A full timetable of upcoming events can be found on Ex Asilo Filangieri’s social media pages.

Pepi Vintage Room is best described as an intimate speakeasy in Naples. It’s a great place for unwinding and soaking up the sounds of soothing live music. Locals rave about its cocktails, with master mixologists able to whip up your tipple of choice just the way you like it.

While you knock back your drinks and make friends, you can also marvel at displays of vintage sunglasses collected from all over the world. In terms of music, expect to hear genres ranging from jazz to rock and roll, plus some 1980s thrown in for good measure.

Lanificio 25 has been a staple of the Naples nightlife scene for many years. Set in an old wool factory, this venue is full of character. The exterior can seem quite imposing due to its location in an industrial complex, so be sure to check the address and itinerary ahead of time.

The atmosphere inside, however, is warm and welcoming, with a variety of live music, stand-up comedy, and art exhibitions on show. This Neapolitan institution is also famed for its cocktails – excellent accompaniments to a night of revelry in Naples.

MMB (short for musicmelodybar) bills itself as a "place you eventually call home." The many visitors to this Neapolitan nightclub can certainly attest to the warmth and friendliness of the staff.

MMB’s location in the historic Naples city centre makes it an excellent spot to either start or end your night. Expect a varied audience, both young and old – given the range of genres that MMB serves up. An extensive list of cocktails, wines and aperitifs is available until late. Whether you go alone or with your crew, this welcoming bar deserves a spot on your Naples nightlife bucket list.

Kestè is so much more than just a live music venue in Naples. Set between the ancient Cappella Pappacoda and Basilica di San Giovanni, this Naples landmark hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, and cinema screenings, in addition to a wide variety of musical acts.

Crowds flock to Kestè not just for the events, but for iconic cocktails and ice-cold beers, too. Be sure to ask the staff for their wine pairing recommendations and enjoy your aperitif while listening to the local talents. Kestè calls itself "a multicultural and happy place to live," and that's certainly the feeling you'll get when you while away the hours at this well-known music venue.

Plaza Music Club sits in Quartieri Spagnoli, also known as the Spanish quarter of Naples. The airy Piazza Montecalvario is a great setting to mingle while sipping on a variety of classic cocktails. Speaking of which, drinks are delightfully cheaper than most bars in the city, with regular specials offering very attractive deals.

Plaza Music Club is usually packed to the hilt on weekends with a distinctly youthful and free-spirited audience. You can expect a wide variety of live music, from funk and house to hip-hop and reggaeton.

Bourbon Street Jazz Club serves up some of the finest live music experiences in Naples. It claims to be the longest-running jazz club in Naples, offering aspiring musicians the opportunity to showcase their skills.

Nestled on a side street near the Piazza Bellini, this cosy jazz bar boasts a laidback atmosphere enhanced by the smooth notes of musicians who take the stage. The crowd is quite cosmopolitan – a mix of young and old, locals and tourists – all with a love of jazz, blues, and soul. Be warned though, it does get full, so either arrive early or reserve a table in advance.

Sala Santa Cecilia Napoli Jazz Club in Hotel Toledo prides itself on creating a uniquely Neapolitan experience for fans of live music. Upon entering the club, you are greeted by an intimate yet carefully conceived concert hall, all designed to enhance acoustics.

Located in the historic Quartieri Spagnoli, expect a full-service bar with a range of signature Neapolitan dishes while you take in the ambience of live jazz. Reservations are possible (and encouraged), as the hotel terrace that forms part of the jazz club tends to fill up quite quickly.