The most “unruly” city in Italy, whose inhabitants pathologically love football, hasn’t lost its authenticity over the centuries. The explosive combination of anarchy with the aristocracy and the poor houses with villas highlight the reasons why it remains one of the most elegant cities in the world. Its castles, temples, museums and of course the aura of Diego Armando Maradona are some of the reasons you should visit it. Of course, the genuine Italian pizza is an additional reason to travel to Naples.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +39
Nearest airports from city center: Naples Airport (6km), Rome Ciampino (214km), Rome Fiumicino (241km) and Bari Airport (255km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** LARGO MARADONA (Via Emanuele de Deo, 80134 Naples)
For every football fan and anyone who loves sports in general, a stop at the open-air monument to Diego Armando Maradona is necessary. Visit it and you will shudder!
*** CASTEL NUOVO (Via Vittorio Emanuele III, 80133 Naples)
In 1279 the medieval castle that was the royal residence was built on the beach of Naples. It has also been a stronghold of the Angevins dynasty for years. Important personalities of European culture were found in this castle. Visit it to see paintings from the Renaissance.
*** NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (Piazza Museo, 19, 80135 Naples)
You have the opportunity to enjoy the impressive murals from Pompeii. It also has awesome mosaics and Greco-Roman sculptures by Farnese. And all these are located in a building of unparalleled beauty of the 16th century.
*** CHAPEL OF SAN GENNARO ( Via Duomo, 147, 80138 Naples)
Towards the end of the 13th century the imposing Gothic church was built (in the 19th century it took its final form on the facade) which was dedicated to the patron saint of Naples. Here are the relics and vials with the solidified blood of the Saint.
*** TEATRO DI SAN CARLO (Via San Carlo, 98, 80132 Naples)
It is the oldest operating lyric theater in Europe, having opened its gates in 1737. Even if you are not a fan of opera, a visit is a must to admire the frescoes on its vaulted ceiling and interior.
*** NAPOLI SOTTERRANEA (Piazza San Gaetano 68, 80138 Naples)
You will have an incredible experience if you visit it. You will be 40 meters below the streets of the historic center and you will discover a Greco-Roman theater and a Roman market. You will also see 1st century aqueducts and 2nd century catacombs.
*** CASTEL DELL’ OVO (Via Eldorado, 3, 80132 Naples)
This castle has a special history. In particular, the poet Virgil was considered a man who could predict the future. According to legend, he hid an egg in its foundations and if it breaks, then there will be a series of catastrophic events in Naples!
*** CAPELLO SANSEVERO (Via Francesco de Sanctis, 19/21, 80134 Naples)
See the famous 18th century marble statues in the main hall of the chapel – mausoleum built in the 17th century and belonging to the Di Sangro family. The statue of the “Covered Christ” by Giuseppe Sanmartino has a special place. Visit it and it will excite you with the feeling of mystery.
*** ROYAL PALACE OF NAPLES (Piazza del Plebiscito, 1, 80132 Naples)
This museum of neoclassical works of art was the royal palace of the 17th century. More than 2 thousand papyri are housed here in the National Library.
*** CAPODIMONTE MUSEUM (Via Miano, 2, 80131 Naples)
The royal palace of the Spaniard Charles III, built in the first half of the 18th century, is now a magnificent museum with works of art by leading artists of the 13th to 19th centuries in 160 rooms! Here you will see paintings by El Greco, Titian, Bellini, Botticelli and many more.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** A walk in Piazza del Plebiscito should be one of your basic choices.
*** Castel Sant’ Elmo is an impressive castle and you should visit it and take lots of photos.
*** If you have time it is worth a visit to the Certosa e Museo di San Martino.
*** Wear good walking shoes and hike for about 30 minutes to reach Mount Vesuvius! Ask at your hotel for a tour guide.
*** If you have time it is worth making a 40 minute trip by car or bus to be in Pompeii and see the ruins of the ancient city.
*** We would also recommend you to visit the imposing Basilica di San Francesco di Paola which is west of Piazza del Plebiscito.
FOOD AND DRINK
Welcome to the homeland of genuine Italian pizza, Neapolitan sauce and mozzarella. Your trip will have … failed if you do not try the original version of Pizza vera Napolitana. You can eat many pasta variations, from spaghetti alle vongole to pasta e fagioli or pasta with seafood. Be sure to try the pasta pie stuffed with meat, fish or cheese (timballo) or the local aubergines accompanied by mozzarella and sauce. Visit the Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba which was “born” in 1830 and is the oldest pizzeria in the world! Street food is unbelievable, like squid rings or small fried mozzarella. Of course, accompany them either with local beer or with the excellent wines that come directly from the vineyards of Vesuvius. Naples, like all Italian cities, has great coffee!
WHERE TO STAY
It has expensive and cheap hotels and apartments in the city center. It is a city whose accommodation is addressed to all categories of… wallets!
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Mercato di Antignano in the Vomero district has many shops for clothes, bags and shoes.
*** Via Toledo has several department stores and malls for anything you want to shop.
*** The Galleria Umberto I, built in the 19th century, is a must-have for stylish shopping.
*** The streets via San Biagio dei Librari, via Tribunali in Spaccanapoli has many souvenir shops and local items that are ideal for gifts.
*** The «Edenlandia» is a Family Amusement Park will turn you into a kid again!
*** Parco Virgiliano is ideal for walking and relaxing.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by metro.
CITIES NEAR NAPLES
Major cities close to Naples are Salerno (54km), Rome (225km), Bari (262km), Lecce (416km) and Florence (470km).
