Top 10 Things to do in Naples

Naples really is an underrated city. It is fascinating in its historical and cultural heritage. When visiting Naples however you must be sure to do all of these things to make the most out of your trip.

Climb Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is one of the very few volcanoes still active in Europe. It is located on the Gulf of Naples only 9 km away from the centre. It is one of several volcanos that make up the Campanian Volcanic arc (including also Mount Epomeo, Campi Flegrei, Palinuvo, Vavilev, Marsili and Maganghi). The major eruption of Mount Vesuvius was in AD79, when it caused the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum, two roman cities. Pompeii is now extremely famous for its ruins and is worth going to visit. Vesuvius is considered to be one of the most dangerous Volcanos in the world, considering its last eruption was only in 1944 and considering the large amount of individuals living close to the volcano it could be catastrophic.

It is possible to take a walk up to the volcano for the price of 10 Euros. The walk takes 1H30 minutes and you will follow a tour guide who will enlighten you with the history of this natural beauty.

For more information on times visit the website: Guide Vesubio

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Grab a typical Espresso.

Naples is well known for its excellence in pizza, mozzarella di bufala, sfogliatelle and espressos. Espresso coffees date back to the eighteenth century, when the first espressos were being produced in Naples. The espresso in Naples is made differently to many of those made in the rest of Italy, and it all comes down to a few secrets. Firstly, the water in Naples is the main reason as to why the coffee tastes so good and secondly is the Neapolitan mixture and the roasting of the coffee bean. As long as the coffee bean is roasted in the right way, it will gain a dark brown colour and this is when the flavour is at its best. The typical Neapolitan coffee will be created by mixing the exact temperature to the exact quantity of coffee added to the machine creating a soft and creamy coffee.

Gran Caffé Gambrinus is the master in this. Founded in 1860 this café is a legacy in Naples’s history. Come here to taste the best coffee of the city.

Caffé Gambrinus: Piazza Trieste e Trento 42.

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Walk down Via Toledo

Via Toledo is almost the most important street of the city. It starts at Piazza Dante and runs one kilometre down to Piazza Trieste e Trento. It is Naples’s shopping street and home to various important sites such as Galleria Umberto I, Palazzo Cirella, Palazzo Berio, Palazzo Lieto, Palazzo Buono, Basilica di Santo Spirito, etc.

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Galleria Umberto I

Take a walk through the enchanting shopping gallery situated on Via San Carlo. (There are three other entrances: Via Toledo, Via Santa Brigida, and Via Verdi). This gallery, similar to the Galleria di Milano is a masterpiece in terms of architecture. Designed and built in the late nineteenth century this elegant gallery portrays renaissance architecture in Naples. I find the glass dome fascinating and also the detailing on the floor. This beautiful gallery is part of the UNESCO world heritage site. It must be seen whether for some window-shopping, a coffee or simply admiration.

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Via San Gregorio Armeno

If there were a typical Neapolitan Street then this would be it. Presepi are little nativity scenes, which are a Christmas tradition in Italy. Most Christian households will have small nativity scenes next to the Christmas tree and this street is where the nativity scene makers sell all of their figurines. In this pedestrian street you will see all kinds of figurines including Christian figurines, pizzerias, fruit markets, politicians and many others. There also are many accessories for the nativity scene including waterfalls powered by electric engines, trees, small lakes with real water and many more. It is quite fascinating to walk down this street however it will be very busy so be prepared.

Visit I Campi Flegrei (Phlegrean fields)

The Campi Flegrei is a caldera located underwater in the northwest of Naples well known for its volcanic activity. Only an hour away from the centre, this area has a cultural importance as in the past the romans built aqueducts, amphitheatres and villas. Furthermore the Aeneid epic poem, written by the Latin poet Virgil was set around this area. The Campi Flegrei comprises Pozzuoli, Bacoli and Baia, areas that have very important historical sites to visit.

In Pozzuoli you must visit the Amphitheatre of Flavius, the temple of Serapis known today as the Macellum de Pozzuoli, the lake of Averno and Cuma’s acropolis, which is where the Greeks came into just before founding Pozzuoli.

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You must also visit the sunken city of Baia, which is today an underwater archaeological park. You will find the ancient remains of this city that was once famous for it’s healing hot springs. It is possible to visit this through glass bottomed boats, snorkelling and scuba diving. To visit with a glass-bottomed boat, check out their website for pricing: Baia Sommersa.

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A third thing you must visit in this area is Bacoli, which is well known for it’s Roman underground reservoirs. These include the Piscina Mirabilis and the Cento Camerelle. The Cento Camerelle, one of the most fascinating antique remains of the area. They are the remains of Patrician villas and it honestly looks like a gigantic labyrinth, whilst the Piscina Mirabilis was an aqueduct which supplied water to the villas.

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Spaccanapoli

Spaccanapoli is seen as the heart of the old city centre of Naples. It incorporates several little roads including Via Toledo, Via Maddaloni, Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, Via Benedetto Croce, Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, Piazzetta Nilo, Via San Biagio dei Librai and Via Duomo. It is along this road that you will encounter the most important historic sites of Naples including la Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo in Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, the statue of Nilo in Piazzetta Nilo and the Duomo di San Gennaro in Via Duomo. Walking down Spaccanapoli is a quick and easy way to ensure you see the important attractions.

Have lunch in Nennella

Nennella is a definite “must go to” place when visiting Naples. It is a traditional restaurant located in the Spanish quarter of the city. Being a very classic and casual restaurant with paper plates and paper menus you really get a feel for the city. The food is incredible and the pricing is very cheap considering the high quality of the food. The food is not the only reason you should go however; the waiters are crazy – they are the classic waiters that will shout at you, start singing, start dropping plates on the floor and honestly ensure that you have the time of your life when in the restaurant. The only downside is that there will always be loads of people and you cannot book, but honestly the 20-minute wait will be worth every second.

Stazioni dell’Arte

The Stazioni dell’arte is an ensemble of metro stations that display various contemporary artefacts. There are around 180 artefacts from over 90 international artists intended to open the eye to art. In fact in 2012 the Daily Telegraph named the station of Toledo the most beautiful metro station in Europe.

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Neapolitan Streetfood

When in Naples eat like a Neapolitan! Pizza al Portafoglio is one of the most common street foods in Naples. It is basically a Margherita pizza folded up in two like a wallet, for it to be eaten on the spot. It is delicious and must be tried when in Naples. Another common street food is the “o’Cuppetiello”, a mixture of arancini, potato croquettes, fried mozzarella bites inside a brown paper cone; you can also find a seafood version including fried squid rings, fried prawns and fried octopus. Not out of the most slimming options but super tasty for a real Italian street-food experience.

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Go to Capri:

Going to Capri is always something I would recommend if you have enough time because this little island is an enchantment. You can take a boat which costs 14 Euros from the port of Naples and arrives to Capri in 1hr20. However the alternative is to take a jet which costs between 19 euros and 22 euros and only takes 50 minutes. I would suggest taking the jet because it will save you 30 minutes and the ride is a lot more pleasant.

To book your ticket: http://www.capri.net/it/orari-traghetti

Visit Pompeii:

Pompei is in the province of Naples and here you will find one of the few archeological sites in the world. It was rediescovered in the sixteenth century after it was completely burried by the volcanic eruption of Vesuvious. You will find the forum, amfitheatres, temples and sanctuaries.

Location: Via Villa dei Ministeri

Opening times:

• 1st November-31st March: 9. 00-17. 00
• 1stApril-31st October: 9. 00-19. 30

Tickets: 11 Euros for adults and 5. 50 euros Reduced.

How to reach Pompeii from Naples?

Easiest way is to take a train from the Stazione di Napoli Centrale to Pompei by booking here: Trenitalia.

Take a Drive down the Costiera Amalfitana

The Costiera Amalfitana is one of the most beautiful coasts in Europe. Here you will find Amalfi, Praiano, Positano and many more beautful towns that I would recommend visiting by renting a car. In this way you can be sure to see everything and maybe extending your visit to Sorrento. From Napoli to Amalfi it is 1. 5 Hours in the car. If you would prefer using public transport then you can get a 40 minute train from Napoli Centrale to Salerno and consequently either a ferry or a bus.

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