Our Top 10 Things to Do in Naples
Naples will forever hold a special place in our hearts, as it was one of the first cities we traveled to post pandemic. At first it was a bit of shock to see the hundreds of endless vespas zooming by every narrow street you come across. The gritty and somewhat shady characteristics could be compared to cities like Marseille or Calcutta. But as you spend time peeling away the multiple layers, you will discover this metropolis is full of rich history and delicious food, particularly pasta and pizza. After all, this is the birthplace of the maragherita.
Wander the Back Streets of Quartieri Spagnoli
The neighborhood of Quartieri Spagnoli is exactly what you picture of Naples. The streets can be dark and sketchy. The cobblestone ground is worn down and very uneven. However behind the dark facade are some some charming alleyways and unchanged local family establishments worth wandering. Throw in the alluring illuminating bistro lights and the unavoidable clotheslines high above between the faded buildings are the little things that define Naples.
Discover the Best Views of Naples from Sant’Elmo
Take the funicular all the way up to Volmero Hill where you will find this unbelievably well preserved 13th century castle. This hexagon shaped fortress served once as a church and later transformed into a military outpost and a prison. Today visitors can discover some of the best views of Naples and the gulf at one of the many watchtowers and vantage points. Well worth the 5 euros regardless of you are a history buff or not.
Address: Via Tito Angelini, 20/A, 80129 Napoli NA, Italy
Phone: +39 081 229 4404
Site: https://www.beniculturali.it/luogo/castel-sant-elmo-e-museo-del-novecento-a-napoli
Entrance Fee: 5€
Funicular Fee: single tickets costs 1,10 € and can be purchased at many of the tobacco stands near Funicolare. Departs every 10 minutes (trip duration of 5-7)
Step Back in Time: Visit One of the Hundreds of Scattered Churches
Naples has one of the highest concentration of churches in Europe. Naples Cathedral is certainly the most popular but even the smaller spaces of worship such as Basilique San Lorenzo Maggiore have impressive interior design and artwork. The best thing is many of these religious institutions are free to visit. It is another way to stay cool during the hot summer months.
Treat Yourself to a Sfogliatella
This longstanding pastry has been devoured by locals and tourists since its recorded origins back in 1818. The distinct layers and ridges mimic the appearance of a lobster tail. The combination of the crispy exterior and soft filling of ricotta, mixed with candied citrus peels and almond paste makes for a perfect breakfast or midday snack. Although they can be found nearly every pastry shop and bakery, Scaturchio makes an unparalleled version that leaves you wanting more.
Address: P.za S. Domenico Maggiore, 19, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
Phone: +39 081 551 6944
Site: http://scaturchio.it/
Explore the Port of Naples
Take a break from the city center and walk along the harbor where you will see many boats, cruises and ships sailing by. Through out history it has been a central hub for transportation and cargo shipment, especially during the Greek/Roman empire era. It is the ideal spot to “people watch” or catch the sunset (or sunrise) with your cup of coffee (or cocktail).
Take a Stroll Down Via San Gregorio Armeno aka “Christmas Alley”
This street is the home to many artisan shops that specialize in handcraft figurines and ornaments. Not only can you find the typical nativity or Christmas figures but you will also discover secular gifts and unusual souvenirs for your loved ones. Even if you don’t purchase these one of a kind gifts, it is worth strolling down this picturesque alley where you will be instantly transported back to the 18th century. And those artisans hard at work handcarving those statuettes would be exactly who you would see a few hundred years ago.
Galleria Umberto I
The Galleria Umberto I is more than just a shopping center, it is a masterpiece that is part of the Historical Centre of Naples as a UNESCO world herritage site. This crossed shaped glass dome structure was opened sometime between 1887 and 1890, resembling the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. The stunning interior is filled with intricate designs, towering pillars and pristine marble.
Eat at a Local Osteria, Trattoria or Locanda
Some of the best Italian food is located away from the crowds, on a small street or down a narrow, dark alleyway. This was the case with La Locanda Gesù Vecchio where we devoured amazing charcuterie boards and tasty Neapolitan pasta unlike any other versions elsewhere in Italy. Support local businesses. Many of these restaurants specialize in a few dishes that are worth the trip alone. Although it may cost more than the average fast food chain joint, you will definitely taste the difference in quality.
Pass Through the Piazza del Plebiscito
Built in the early 19th century, this public square was formally a church dedicated to Saint Francis of Paola, the founder of the Roman Catholic Order of Minims. The magnificent facade that is composed of six columns, two pillars and a 53 meter dome bears a striking resemblance to the Pantheon in Rome. It was renovated in 1994, allowing locals and visitors to easily pass through the area while still admiring a special historical part of town.
Eat a Proper Margherita Pizza
Naples is the birthplace of the margherita, traditionally made with mozzarella cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil. Legend has been told in 1889 a pizzaiolo from Pizzeria Brandi named Raffaele Esposito created this iconic “red, white and green" pizza to honor the Queen of Italy and pay tribute to the Italian unification. To this day, you still taste this classic Neapolitan pizza at the same location at one of their many outdoor tables on the terrace. However if you are willing to make the trek outside of Naples center (away from the touristic area), you will discover an elevated version at Pizzaria La Notizia.
Pizzareia Brandi:
Address: Salita S. Anna di Palazzo, 1/2, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
Phone: +39 081 416928
Site: https://pizzeriabrandi.com/
Pizzareia La Notizia:
Address: Via Michelangelo da Caravaggio, 94, 80126 Napoli NA, Italy
Phone: +39 081 1953 1937