If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to explore Naples, the Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes City Game might just be what you need. This playful, story-driven mystery turns the city into your personal crime scene, allowing you and your group to solve a thrilling murder case at your own pace. While it’s not your typical sightseeing tour, it offers a blend of puzzle-solving, city exploration, and some good old-fashioned detective work that appeals to a variety of travelers.
What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s completely flexible — start anytime on your chosen day, and play as long or as short as you like. Second, it’s fantastically engaging for families, friends, or even colleagues who want a shared adventure. That said, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t a guided tour with a live guide or personal interaction. Instead, you’ll rely on your phone and the clues you uncover along the way. For those who love puzzles and a bit of mystery, this is a clever way to pass a couple of hours while soaking in the Naples atmosphere.
For travelers who enjoy independence, detective stories, or simply want a different kind of activity that’s both affordable and immersive, this game is likely to score well. It’s especially suitable for families with kids, groups of friends, or solo explorers who relish a challenge and a good story. Keep in mind, it’s a fairly easy difficulty level, making it accessible for most ages and skill levels.
Key Points

- Flexible start times allow you to enjoy the game at your convenience.
- Story-driven gameplay immerses you in a Sherlock Holmes mystery set in Naples.
- Group size up to 4 per device makes it ideal for small groups or families.
- Cost-effective at around $31 per group, offering an engaging activity without breaking the bank.
- Easy difficulty makes it accessible to most players, including children.
- No guided interaction means you’re on your own to solve puzzles and explore.
How the Experience Works

The self-guided Sherlock Holmes City Game is designed for those who enjoy a challenge without the pressure of a guided tour. After booking, you’ll receive an email with instructions, including a link to download the Loquiz app, which houses the game. From there, it’s just a matter of heading to the starting point at Piazza del Plebiscito, a central and scenic spot in Naples, and beginning your detective story.
Once underway, the game guides you through a series of clues, puzzles, and tasks that bring the story of Balthasar’s murder to life. You’ll meet digital characters, crack codes, complete fun photo challenges, and follow a suspenseful storyline filled with twists. Each step takes you closer to uncovering the truth, with the city itself acting as your backdrop.
The game is designed for approximately two hours of gameplay, but you can pace yourselves as needed. Because it’s played on your phone, it’s also free to start whenever you want, making it easy to fit into your sightseeing schedule. The only requirements are a smartphone, a sense of adventure, and a readiness to think like Sherlock Holmes.
You can also read our reviews of more guided tours in Naples
What Makes it Special

This experience’s story-driven focus is its main strength. Unlike typical scavenger hunts, the game offers a narrative that draws you into a fictional world of mystery, suspects, and secrets. It’s not just about finding clues but about becoming part of a story that feels authentic because it uses the real scenery of Naples.
Another appealing aspect is its social nature. You can work solo or in a team of up to four players per device, making it adaptable for various group sizes. The inclusion of digital characters and puzzles means you’ll need to think creatively and work together, making it a good activity for family bonding or team-building.
The price point—around $31 for a group of up to four—offers good value considering the entertainment and engagement it provides. It’s an interactive experience that doesn’t require extra costs for guides or admission tickets.
While the actual route isn’t fully detailed in the provided info, we know the game starts at Piazza del Plebiscito, a grand square famous for its impressive architecture and lively atmosphere. From there, you can expect to explore some of Naples’ charming streets, uncover clues hidden near historic landmarks, and perhaps even pause for a quick coffee or snack if the game allows.
The game’s use of city scenery adds an immersive layer—every alley, monument, or piazza could hold a piece of the puzzle. This means you’ll get to see parts of Naples you might not encounter on a standard tour, making it a valuable way to blend sightseeing with entertainment.
Participant Reviews and Feedback

Though only one review is available, it’s noteworthy: a traveler named James_T called it “a great game and good way to spend a morning or afternoon in Naples. Good level of difficulty.” This highlights that the game strikes a good balance—it’s neither too easy nor overly complicated. For many, the enjoyment comes from the interactive storytelling coupled with the chance to explore the city at their own pace.
Since it’s a self-guided activity, traveler reviews tend to emphasize the convenience and independence it offers. The lack of a tour guide means you’re free to create your own experience, which can be a plus or a minus depending on your preferred style of travel.
Practical Details and Considerations

The cost of $31.07 per group is quite reasonable for what is essentially a two-hour detective adventure. Larger groups can simply purchase multiple tickets if more players want to join, making it flexible for different sizes.
Since the activity is played on your smartphone, it’s essential to bring a charged device and possibly a portable charger, especially if you plan to extend your exploration beyond the game. The instructions are clear, and the app is designed for ease of use, so technical issues are unlikely. The activity is near public transportation, making it convenient to reach starting points around Naples.
The duration of approximately 2 hours means this experience works well as a standalone activity or as a fun complement to other sightseeing. Its easy difficulty makes it suitable for families and travelers of all ages, including children.
You can also read our reviews of more city tours in Naples
Cancellation and Booking
Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—a welcome feature for those with unpredictable schedules. Once booked, you’ll receive confirmation instantly, and the activity can be started at any time during your chosen day.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This?

The Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Naples City Game is perfect for travelers who love puzzles, stories, and exploring at their own pace. It’s especially suited for families, friends, or solo travelers who want a break from traditional sightseeing and are eager for a bit of adventure with minimal planning. The activity’s affordability, combined with its engaging storyline, makes it a great value for those seeking an interactive, fun experience.
If you’re a detective story fan or enjoy activities that blend city exploration with storytelling, this game offers a unique way to experience Naples beyond the usual tour routes. Its easy difficulty level ensures it’s accessible without requiring special skills, while the flexibility allows you to tailor the outing to your schedule.
In essence, it’s a lively, inventive way to see Naples through the lens of a detective, creating memories that combine discovery, puzzle-solving, and the city’s vibrant life. Just remember to keep your phone charged and your wits sharp—your detective adventure awaits.
FAQ
How do I start the game?
After booking, you’ll receive an email with instructions and a link to download the Loquiz app. You start the game at Piazza del Plebiscito whenever you’re ready.
Can I play this game alone?
Yes, you can. It’s designed for solo players or groups of up to four per device, so it’s flexible depending on your preference.
What is the difficulty level?
It’s rated as “easy,” making it suitable for most ages and skill levels, including families with kids.
How long does the game last?
The estimated time is about 2 hours, but you can pace yourselves and extend or shorten your playtime.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers the murder mystery game itself. There are no additional costs, but you’ll need a smartphone and a charged battery.
Where does the game start and end?
It begins at Piazza del Plebiscito and concludes back at the same location.
Is it suitable for large groups?
Yes, larger groups can buy multiple tickets, with each group playing separately on their devices.
Are there any physical guides or interaction with the city?
No, this is a self-guided game played on your phone, with no tour guide or direct interaction with city personnel.
To sum it up, this self-guided mystery adventure offers a clever way to explore Naples with a twist of detective fun. Its affordability, flexibility, and engaging storyline make it worth considering for anyone eager to turn their sightseeing into a storytelling quest. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or visiting Naples for the first time, it promises an evening or afternoon filled with intrigue, discovery, and a touch of Holmesian genius.
More City Tours in Naples
- Naples Interactive City Tour
- Naples, panoramic city tour and SPA thermal baths.
- Private Transfer Naples City Centre (Airport, Hotel, Port, Train Station)
- Shore Excursions: explore the Ancient city of Pompeii from Naples
- Naples Shore Excursion: Naples City and Pompeii Half Day Sightseeing Tour
- Private Transfer from Naples Airport to Naples City
More Guided Tours in Naples
- 6 Hours Private Tour of Capri with Certified Guide
- Caserta Royal Palace Private Tour from Naples with Guide, Driver
- Napoli 3h Walking Shared Tour of Naples with local Tour Guide
- Guided Small Group Boat Day on Capri
- Guided tour of the Royal Palace of Caserta with train option
- Mount Vesuvius Guided Horse Riding Tour with Sample Wine
More Tour Reviews in Naples
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Naples we have reviewed
- 6 Hours Private Tour of Capri with Certified Guide
- The Spanish Quarters, Street Art and Local Market Tour in Naples
- Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello tour from Naples
- Private driver Naples
- Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii private tour
- Pompeii: Private Day Tour from Naples
- From Naples: “Private Tour Positano & Sorrento”
- Paestum with Buffalo Mozzarella Tasting From Naples or Sorrento
- Ravello: Private Transfer from Naples one way
- From Naples: Private Tour to Pompei, Sorrento and Amalfi
- Positano and Amalfi boat tour from Naples – Shared
- Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Naples City Game
