November 2017
We left Naples with one simple question: how on Earth does this city manage its existence? How? Gorgeously beautiful in its disastrous decay, Naples looks like an autonomous organism which doesn’t need any external support to live. Which, of course, is not the case. Second biggest city of Italy, it is also one of the poorest and most dilapidated cities of Europe, Naples is considered as the “soul of Italy”, while Rome being its heart. Perhaps. No need to deny that its authentic dying beauty is striking and impressive, Naples, however, will leave a perplexed confusion for a non-prepared tourist. After our visit to Naples, we composed a little guide that will help you to prepare to your trip.
Why Visit Naples ?
It’s authentic
Too authentic I would even say. You don’t feel the pressure of the crowds of tourists like in Rome or Venice, and you can be sure as hell that a restaurant you will walk in will be of a good quality unlike the tourist traps with five-language menus. Feel free to practice the little Italian you’d rather possess – it will be helpful.
It’s beautiful
We all agree that beauty doesn’t consist in a perfectly clean and tidy sightseeing spot kindly established by a guidebook. Prepare yourself for a European Havana. :)
Pizza
Probably it should have been the reason number one. Pizza is one of the most famous meals in the world and it was created in Naples. It doesn’t mean that it’s particularly delicious in Naples, but you can literally feel how you touch something important in human culture and history. Like seeing Mona Lisa in Paris or touching the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
When to go to Naples?
Our trip took place in the middle of November and, I must say, we never regretted this decision. Pleasant chill and no tourists whatsoever (in Italian standards, naturally) in exchange for a short daylight. More reasons to be up earlier!
How long to stay in Naples?
In four full days you will have a decent walk in Naples. Count three days more to visit the things outside the city like Procida or Ischia or Capri. Ideally, spending a week or 10 days would be great to have a glimpse at all amazing things around. But well, it’s Italy, so probably the lifetime won’t be enough.
Where to stay in Naples?
Airbnb is always a good solution in Italy – it’s the best way to see some very stylish and typical interiors. At least so far we had a great experience. If you still don’t have an account on Airbnb, you can register by using this reference link and you’ll get up to 25€ off your first booking. We’ll receive something too, so this is fair for everyone! :) In Naples we booked a beautiful room in the city-center with a gorgeous garden and welcoming and helpful hosts. Here are some photos from the gardens.
What to see in Naples?
The most common advice should be also applied to Naples: lose yourself in the maze of the old streets. As simple as that. Like any Italian city it contains so many ancient historical buildings that you are guaranteed to lose your head in the list of churches and chapels. However, make sure you check out:
Centro Antico
The Heart of Naples, the old Centre which includes the ancient Greek and Roman towns is a certain must.
Spanish Quarter
A poor and overcrowded area, and yet it has unbeatable and unique charm.
Chiaia Sea Front
Vomero
If you take a funicular to Stazione Cimarosa you will find yourself in a different Naples. More looking like Rome and French Côte d’Azur, it’s obvious that it is aimed for another kind of population. If you get there early in the morning, you’ll see a fantastic sunrise over the roofs on the city.
Don’t be surprised when…
…you think yourself dead at least twenty times per day due to the hectic traffic.
…your bill in the restaurant is slightly modified with no reason at all.
…you are offered to buy cigarettes from at least three different sellers during your lunch on a terrace…
…and feel obliged to pay the musicians who will play just over your head. Still in that bloody restaurant.
…you don’t realize that you stand in front of something important because it’s hidden under the trash.
…you accidentally lose your possessions. Just the sad statistics.
…the central streets are so densely packed that you will find it difficult to force your way through.
What to eat in Naples?
Hmmm, difficult to say. What about this? ⤵
Jokes and pizzas aside, you should also try Sfogliatella – a pastry which is common for the region of Campania. It’s sold pretty much everywhere, so make sure you don’t leave without an enormous calorie bomb.
Mozzarella. But a true mozzarella made from buffalo milk. The difference will knock you down.
One address you need to note though: Osteria La Chitarra. For a more than just a reasonable price you can get there a real festivity for your taste sensors. Exquisite menu, simple but beautiful presentation and every bite is a revelation. It’s not an advertisement, but it’s a sincere advice.
What to see around Naples?
Luckily, Naples is a gateway for different glorious trips. I wish we had at least two days more to squeeze them all, but we’ll have to content ourselves with your feedback. So let’s see.
Pompeii
There is hardly anyone who hasn’t heard about Pompeii – a Roman city destroyed by a volcano. Unique atmosphere among the ruins that must be seen at least once in a lifetime.
Read the full article: A Visit Guide to Pompeii
Vesuvius
Climbing the famous volcano is one of the Naple’s musts. Unfortunately, we didn’t do it this time, but it will hang on our bucket list.
Procida
A tiny island, which steals hearts. Beware.
Read the full article: 2 Destinations From Naples: Procida & Ischia
Ischia
Another island, another everything. We hired a scooter to explore Ischia and it was AMAZING!
Naples City Pass
Don’t forget that you can also roam around Naples with the Naples City Card, which offers a lot of benefits, such as
- Entrance tickets to Pompeii
- Return shuttle transfer to Pompeii as an option
- Return Airport transfer
- 24h tickets for the Hop on Hop off
- 20% discount on bookings for other Naples top museums and attraction
More information, benefits and rates you will find by clicking on the link above!
Fore more pictures and tips, visit this beautiful article by Scarlett from Petite Suitcase
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Très sympa comme article, ça laisse un avis mitigé et averti sur Naples, on sait à quoi s’attendre!
Merci ! Ca sera un joli voyage tout de même si vous y allez :)
Wonderful guide you guys!!! I absolutely love how you captured Napoli. As always, yo take such beautiful photographs. “The European Havana” is SPOT ON!
Literally couldn’t stop refering to Havana all three days in a row :D
Juste un petiti commentaire pour dire que tes photos sont trop bonnes
Merci ! Ca fait toujours très plaisir, surtout quand tu n’es pas sûr de ce que tu fais.
Great post!!! I’m going to visit Italy in March with my wife.
Right now I’ve showed her your tips and awesome pictures. Thank you very much!!!
I hope you had an awesome trip!
Thank you. Nice article
Thank you very much!