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“Naples, a city that you like or don’t like. We have found the city a lot of charm from the city’s heritage, its architectural richness, the warmth of its inhabitants, its Neapolitan cuisine and the Vesuvius”
Naples is in our opinion unfortunately an underestimated city, but find out why we loved it!
6 reasons why we loved Naples
- The vibe of the city
- They have the best pizza’s in the world
- Warmth of its inhabitants
- Its unique gastronomy with pasta, coffee and rum baba
- Its unique historical heritage
- The panorama at the foot of the Vesuvius
About Naples
Yes, Naples is a chaotic, noisy and messy city but beautiful and authentic at the same time. The atmosphere is worth visiting the city. You cannot compare the vibe to the one in the classic beauty of Rome or to the one in the elegance of Milan. It has something different. Naples is considered as the soul of Italy”, while Rome being its heart.
When I was in Naples, It felt like an ‘European Havana’ version, and it felt like a trip back in time. The alleys of the historic center of Naples are very tight. From the top of their balconies, the inhabitants call to each other, talk to each other, hang out their laundry. The buildings are quite old-fashioned as well.
As already said above, I also liked this city for its gastronomy. At every corner of the street, you will find typical food shops. We highly recommend you to try different food specialities for lunch. Furthermore, do not leave the city without having tasted their famous pizzas! 🤤
Where to stay in Naples?
We recommend you to stay in the historical center of Naples (1). It has an atmosphere from another century, architectural masterpieces in shambles and charming squares. Then, from here, you will have easy access to the most touristic attractions. Naples has different districts, as you can see on the image below.
We spent 1 night here, but honestly 1 more night would have been even better. Our hotel was situated in the historical center, not far from every main sites. Everything was good, and our hotel host was also very friendly. We highly recommend that accommodation, booked it via booking.com.
11 Things to see in Naples
The best way to visit the city is like we usually do: just walking around and getting lost in the streets. Most of the things to see are situated in the historical center. I have named the most popular places to see/know during your visit.
1 | Spaccanapoli
Spaccanapoli is the straight and narrow main street that traverses the old, historic center of the city of Naples, Italy. The name is a popular usage and means, literally, “Naples splitter”. By walking along that street you will find many touristic spots.
2 | Castel dell’Ovo
Walk along the Castel dell’Ovo, which is located on the Naples coastline. This is the oldest standing fortification in the city. It has a nice sight with view over the harbor.
3 | Piazza del Plebiscito
It is a large public square in the center of Naples.
4 | Galleria Umberto
One of the other things to see in Naples is the Galleria Umberto. This is a public shopping gallery and closely resembles the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle II in Milan.
5 | Via Toledo
This is the commercial street of Naples. The street connects two of the city’s main squares, Piazza Dante and Piazza Trieste e Trento.
6 | Spanish Quarter district
It is, certainly, the most authentic part of Naples. Explore that district in the day. It is not recommended passing there by night.
7 | San Gregorio Armeno street
Via San Gregorio Armeno is a road in the heart of Naples, known worldwide as the best place of the exhibition of cribs (Nativity scenes, which are a specialty of Naples).
Most of the exhibitions are conducted during the Christmas Season from November to January 6. A wide range of cribs is displayed during these days. Via San Gregorio Armeno is home to the famous church of the same name.
8 | The Basilica of Santa Chiara
This is the largest Gothic church in Naples. Situated on the ‘Piazza del Gesù Nuovo’ and opposite the Church of Jesus, it was included in the adjacent Poor Clares Convent.
9 | Districts of Chiaia, Santa Lucia, and Mergellina
Walk along the Naples seafront and discover the districts of Chiaia, Santa Lucia and Mergellina. Chiaia is a fairly chic beachfront area and very lively.
Panoramic view’s over the city
10 | Belvedere san Martino
Hike to the Belvedere san Martino via Naples stairs. The stairways of Naples are ancient pedestrian paths that connect the hills with the center and the coast. Consisting of 414 steps, running along the slope of the Vomero hill, and connects Naples historical center. You will get an amazing view once up there! You can also take the funicular in order to access it more quickly.
11 | Castel Sant’Elmo
If you plan to visit the castle, you can go around the roundabout and enjoy the 360 degree view of the city. We didn’t do it, but it can be nice.
Food addresses in Naples
- Looking for a pizza? Try Gino Sorbillo, situated in the historical center. You will certainly have to wait before to be served, because that is one of the most famous pizzerias of Naples! 🍕
- Have a drink in the evening at Piazza Bellini. 🍹
- Eat a rum baba and have breakfast at the famous Pasticceria Giovanni Scaturchio is situated on the ‘Piazza San Domenico Maggiore’. It is delicious ! 🥮
- Try the pizza fritta in the local street’s shops.🍕
I hope you liked this article – 6 reasons why to visit Naples and its things to see. Do not hesitate to leave a comment.
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