Hotels in Naples

Naples remains to be a city that is known to be quintessentially Italian. With red-roofed homes, small streets that seem to only fit people and Vespas, and pizza and gelato in every single nook and cranny, the city is buzzing with chaotic and vibrant energy that only Italy possesses. Going to this city will be a jam-packed adventure with its sunny islands, gastronomic fun, and history at every street corner you see.

How to Get There

Being the main transportation hub of Southern Italy, there are various modes to get here. The city has an airport called Aeroporto Capodichino that services different parts of Italy and Europe. Bus services connect it to the Piazza Garibaldi which is a big train and bus station that will take you to the centre or nearby cities.

Getting Around

Once you’re in the city, you’ll notice that the traffic is hectic. To save some time to go around and make the most out of your stay, it;s best to explore on foot. You will be able to get the most out of your stay in doing so, plus walking its cobbled streets would lead you to different hidden spots in the city while enjoying the aroma of pizza. You may opt to take a taxi, bus, and metro too if you are not in a rush.

Top Things to Do

Naples is one of those European cities that you should see once in your life. With a rich history and amazing culture, you will never run out of things to do. Whenever travelers visit Naples, they often link it to different things. Oftentimes it would be its ancient cities that got engulfed by the explosion of Mt. Vesuvius. The first among this would be Pompeii. The city that sits on the shadow of the iconic volcano, it has been known to be highly advanced during its time. The extensive damage that it met during the explosion is still clearly seen since it’s being preserved by the ashes of the volcano. You will be able to find amazing sights here such as the amphitheatre, Casa del Fauno, and the Temple of Apollo. You will also occasionally see casts of some of the victims that are held in perfect condition.

The nearby settlement of Herculaneum is also a must-see because of its better-preserved instances of Roman life during the explosion. In the 90s, they found 12 boathouses that became the final resting place of about 300 people. It also has well-preserved complexes such as the Villa of the Papyri and the House of Argus.

For a city deeply linked to Christianity, it is also understandable why various church edifices stand in several parts of the city. One of the most famous spots would be the Cappella Sansevero, a Masonic baroque chapel that is most known for the Cristo Velato or the Veiled Christ. It’s a marble statue of Christ that has fascinated travelers and locals for so long because of its realistic style. Aside from this, it also has Francesco Queirolo’s Disinganno and Antonio Corradini’s Pudicizia.

The inner city of Naples also has the Gesu Novio, a baroque church known for its breathtakingly opulent interiors. The interiors have been worked on by famous painters such as Francesco Solimena and sculptors like Cosimo Fanzago. A famous pilgrimage site is also located in Naples called the Catacombe di San Gennaro. It has been around since the 5th century and it takes visitors underground to see 2nd-century Christian frescoes to 5th-century mosaics.

Rich history aside, Naples also has a thriving modern art scene that showcases many local and international artists. The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donna Regina (MADRE) is the place to visit if you want to be updated with the latest trends in the city’s art scene. It has regular showcases that you can catch when you visit.

A visit to Naples isn't complete if you don’t drop by its neighboring islands. Hop on a boat that would take you to the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida to soak up some sun and go swimming. Towns like Amalfi and Positano are also nearby. Visiting these areas will transport you to the quaint island life of some Italians. It’s a great place for activities like lounging by the beach or yachts or taking a dive and cooling off at the sea.

What to Eat

Being the perfect example of an Italian city, it goes without saying that the cuisine in Italy is delicious and cannot be missed. With pizzerias in almost every corner and a variety of cafes to enjoy your morning coffee, a single visit to the city is simply not enough to take it all in. Your first stop should be pizza. Naples is known for its signature chewy, crispy dough, and you can find the best one in La Pizzeria Sorbillo. This is a restaurant known for its traditional dough, but unique toppings since Gino Sorbillo plays around with it a lot.

Another option would be L’Antica Pizzeria de Michele. The restaurant was featured in the film Eat, Pray, Love that attracted even more tourists. When you are here, you cannot also miss having sfogliatelle. This is Naples’ signature sweet pastry that has a dense filling of ricotta cheese. It comes in two varieties, riccia which has a flaky exterior and frolla that comes in a smoother texture. If you want to try this, a visit to the Sfogliatella Mary is your best bet since it’s known to be the queen of the pastry.

Il Gelato Mennella should be your stop to cool off after a long day of traveling under the sun. This gelateria is known for its hazelnuts and every other variety is just bursting with flavor. Each one is made fresh in the morning. Lastly, a visit to a cafe in Naples would always be a good idea since Italians take their coffee seriously. The oldest and most venerable cafe in the city is the Caffè Gambrinus which is famous for its Neapolitan coffee and interiors. It also has a history of hosting famous guests such as Oscar Wilde and Benito Mussolini.

Where to Stay

For a city so lively, you would definitely want to make the most out of your stay by being near almost everything. Thankfully, Naples is a city that has most of its attractions near each other, so it is highly recommended to stay in the city centre. If you opt to go here, this would take you near most shops and tourist sights.

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