Authentic Naples: Vesuvius, pizza and the old town
Photo by Fabio Fistarol · unsplash.com
Chaotic, authentic, irresistible: Naples is the most alive and contradictory city in Italy. Neapolitan pizza (a UNESCO heritage), the National Museum with the treasures of Pompeii, Vesuvius and the most beautiful bay in the world make it an unmissable destination.
🌤️ Best time to visit
April-June and September-October for the ideal climate. Summer is scorching but allows swimming in the gulf.
✈️ How to arrive
Capodichino airport (NAP) 6 km away with Alibus (5 euro). Central Station with high-speed trains from Rome (1h10) and Milan (4h30).
🚇 How to get around
Funicular, Metro Line 1 (art stations with artworks), buses and taxis. The city is walkable in the historic centre but the climbs are demanding.
🏛️ Main attractions
National Archaeological Museum
The most important museum of the ancient world: the mosaics of Pompeii, the Farnese Collection with the Farnese Bull, the bronzes of Herculaneum.
Closed on Tuesday. Allow at least 3 hours. The Secret Cabinet (Roman erotic works) is visited with a guide.
UNESCO Historic Centre and Spaccanapoli
The UNESCO historic centre with the decumanus (main street) that cuts the city in two, the baroque churches and the very lively alleys.
Stroll through the Spanish Quarters at sunset. Visit the Sansevero Chapel with the Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino - book ahead.
Pompeii and Vesuvius
The excavations of Pompeii (30 min on the Circumvesuviana train) and the climb of Vesuvius are the unmissable excursions from the base of Naples.
Pompeii opens at 9. Bring water and a hat. For Vesuvius book the shuttle from Herculaneum.
🍝 Typical cuisine
Neapolitan Pizza (Margherita and Marinara), Spaghetti alle Vongole, Friarielli (Neapolitan greens), Sfogliatella, Pastiera Napoletana, Struffoli.
🍽️ Recommended restaurants
L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele (since 1870): the most famous pizza in the world - only Marinara and Margherita. Sorbillo: the most talked-about pizzeria. Di Matteo: fried pizza in the historic centre.
🏘️ Where to stay
Spaccanapoli: the authentic centre. Chiaia: elegant and bourgeois. Posillipo: panoramic and residential. Spanish Quarters: picturesque and characteristic.
🗺️ Nearby day trips
Pompeii and Herculaneum (30-40 min on the Circumvesuviana). Island of Capri (45 min by ferry): the Blue Grotto and the Faraglioni. Amalfi Coast (1h by bus/boat): Positano and Amalfi.
💡 Practical tips
Driving in Naples is an experience for experts - prefer public transport or taxis. Neapolitan coffee (a short espresso) is the best in Italy. The nativity scenes of San Gregorio Armeno are famous all over the world.