We love Naples, but at the same time we hate it. We’ve found it to have a lot of Italian charm, thanks to its rich architectural heritage, the warmth of its people, its delicious Neapolitan cuisine and Vesuvius. Discover this exuberant and quite surprising city!
Naples, is the capital of Campania, a region in south-west Italy, 2h30 from Rome. It is Italy’s third-largest city, with around 970,000 inhabitants, just after Rome and Milan. Due to its geographical location, the Naples conurbation is subject to a significant natural risk in the event of a volcanic eruption of Vesuvius, like the eruption of Pompeii in the year 79. The Gulf of Naples is the departure point for numerous ferries to nearby islands such as Ischia, Procida and Capri, as well as to Sicily and Sardinia. Further south, the Gulf of Naples takes us to the splendid Amalfi Coast, one of Italy’s most beautiful roads, which has captivated us and is sure to seduce you.
We invite you to read our articles on the Amalfi Coast to help you plan your trip and discover some very nice places.
- Our favorite accommodations in Naples
- Our mini guide to the Amalfi Coast
- Procida, an island made simple
- The most beautiful hilltop villages on the Amalfi Coast
The city of Naples is extremely rich in churches, museums and palaces, making it impossible to see it in less than 4 days! However, we only had a few days to spare and wanted to stroll around the city to soak up the atmosphere and not run around. Here are just a few of our favorites and places to visit during your stay.
SOMMAIRE DE L'ARTICLE :
1 | THE HISTORICAL CENTER AT THE SPACCANAPOLI NEIGHBORHOOD
This is the true heart of Naples, bisected by the main street Spaccanapoli which means “break” (“spacca” in Neapolitan dialect) and divides the city into two parts. Youcan see it clearly in the photo. This district is home to some twenty Unesco World Heritage palaces and churches, so you can be sure you won’t be bored! It’s a district that we really loved both day and night, ideal for strolling around and spending a good evening, as it’s an authentic, lively district, with a multitude of bars, little boutiques and restaurants, each one nicer than the next. The Benedetto Croce and San Biagio dei Librais streets are the most interesting and can be explored on foot. The New Jesus and San Domenico Maggiore are not to be missed, nor is the placette Nilo.
The narrow streets of Naples’ historic center are very tightly packed, but so much in their own right, and that’s what we loved most here! From their balconies, residents call each other, talk to each other, hang out their laundry… you can imagine everything that goes on here. Scooters are king, and pedestrians get lost on these streets with their heads in the air! It’s an Italian atmosphere.
Discover:
- Naples Cathedral, also known as ” Cathedral San Gennaro”
- The Basilica and Convent of San Lorenzo Maggiore, practically the oldest in Naples.
- The basilica St. Clare: in Piazza del Gesu Nuovo, Naples’ largest Gothic church.
- Piazza de Dante, busy day and night.
- The Via Toledo: the ideal place for shopping and Neapolitans’ favorite avenue for its passeggiata, the shopping bellerue.
- The magnificent Galleria Umberto I dates back to the 19th century, and is very lively inside with its classy bars and boutiques.
- Plebiscite Square: which has the same architecture as Rome’s Pantheon. This is the place to feel the guaranteed Neapolitan atmosphere.
- The Naples catacombs apparently a fun tour for the whole family and a lot of fun to do
- The Bank of Naples Historical Archives Museum apparently worth the detour, from €5.
For music lovers, we recommend a visit to the San Carlo Theater inaugurated in 1737 as a venue for opera and ballet. It is one of the most famous and ancient operas in the world. Come in just to discover this place steeped in history. A guided tour is offered to the general public every day at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30 and 16:30. To find out about their programming, click on their website here
On Naples’ seafront, discover the districts of Chiaia, Santa Lucia and Mergellina. Chiaia is a fairly chic, lively seafront district. In the evening, head for the little port of Il Borgo Marinaro for its romantic side much frequented by Neapolitans.
2 | THE RUE SAINT GREGORIO ARMENO IN NAPLES
If you’re visiting Naples over Christmas, discover the picturesque street of San Gregorio Armeno, renowned for its handmade Christmas decorations. You won’t want to miss it, as this street links Via Tribunali to Via San Biagio dei Librai and passes through the historic heart of Naples. You can buy a Polichinelle puppet, a typical commedia dell’arte character from Neapolitan theater.
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3 | THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF NAPLES
If you’re wondering where the best views of Naples are, we’ve listed a few interesting spots.
- The Colline de Pausilippe known for the beauty of its gardens, mansions and beautiful views over the Bay of Naples.
- The Monastery San Martino to immerse yourself in the history of the city of Naples. The monastery can be reached by two funiculars. One from MonteSanto station in the historic center of Naples, the other from Toledo station in the Spanish Quarter. You can also take a cab.
- Castello Sant’Elmo
4 | WHERE TO SLEEP IN NAPLES
To find little nuggets, I use the booking site a lot. Find what you’re looking for here. We have also tested a number of accommodations in Naples and list below our top picks. favoritesfor accommodation in Naples.
You can also click on our Airbnb link and create an account to benefit from – 40€ on your first accommodation booking. You must have a new account and reserve for a minimum of 65€. As soon as your account is finalized, you’ll receive €9 to use to book an experience worth at least €43.
5 | WHERE TO EAT IN NAPLES
Don’t forget that pizza was born in Naples in 1889 and is an institution here! Here are just a few that are sure to impress!
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Pizza number 1 in Naples Sorbilo (via dei Tribunali): first of all, to get to Sorbillo, you need to be patient, or come early from 6.30-7pm to be placed directly. If you arrive later, tell your name to the usher at the entrance, and ask him how long it will take (if he says 1h, it’ll be 1h30 or even 2h!). You can wait around for a drink. When you’re finally seated, you’ll have to choose from a variety of crazy pizzas. In short, it’s a Neapolitan must-see that has unfortunately become very touristy.
- I’ve always been told that “when a place is good, it’s crowded”, and so it was with this address. Get ready to smile and applaud here. It’s a typically Neapolitan lunch in a supercharged atmosphere, welcome to the Pizzeria Ntretella, Vico Maddalenella degli Spagnoli, 19. The menu is €12 without antipasti. Impossible not to go there, it’s a must for Neapolitans!
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Pizza 50 kalo (Sannazaro Square, 201/c, 80121): A must in this sector, good value for money but beware, it’s often crowded. Try their pata frit (fried pizza dough or calzone) with a glass of Greco.
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Dine in the Vomero district on the hillside at Da Fofo (22 Via Bernini). The restaurant is fairly simple, but apparently the owner is very nice and the pasta is delicious. Count 10€ to 12€ for the dish
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Dinner at Hosteria toledo (Vico Giardinetto, 78, 80134), it’s a nice place run by Neapolitans with pretty good food.
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The Da Carmine trattoria for an authentic and popular location (via de Tribunali)
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Giuliano Pizzeria for a cheap pizza
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Next to the Basilica of San Giovanni Maggiore: Pizzeria Palazzo Petrucci and Ecomesara
→ Test the Taralli caldi, sold in many kiosks.
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🖤 ACTIVITÉS COUP DE CŒUR | SPECIALITÉS DE NAPLES
- Vous adorez la cuisine italienne et bien ne ratez pas ces activités. Ne partez pas de Naples, sans avoir fait un petit cours de cuisine! C’est l’occasion d’apprendre à faire une vraie pizza napolitaine sous l’œil d’un chef pizzaiolo pro.
➡️ Vérifiez les disponibilités et réservez le cours de cuisine
- Pour ceux qui aiment découvrir une ville par sa cuisine, je vous invite à tester le food tour. Je les souvent testé dans plusieurs reprises dans plusieurs villes d’Europe et cela vous donne un autre aperçu du pays. Le food tour vous permet de goûter à plusieurs spécialités sur une 1/2 journée ou journée entière et de rentrer dans des lieux où les locaux vont uniquement.
➡️ Vérifiez les disponibilités et réservez le food tour
6 | WHERE TO DRINK A COFFEE / A GLASS IN NAPLES
- Coffee break at Coffee Central via benedetto Croce 16 and buy an Italian coffee maker
- For your evening outings, think of the historic district and Spaccanapoli around Piazza San Domenico Maggiore and Piazza del Gesu Nuovo, which are very lively, pulsating and authentic places. The Chiaia district is a little more chic, but very lively and festive. You’ll find more loungy and chic bars on the Piazza del Martiri side.
- Some bars recommended to me: Vibes, Kinky Bar, S’move, Al Barcadero and Enoteca Belledonne.
7 | VISITS TO NAPLES
To make your trip even more enjoyable, you can opt for unusual or different tours to discover Naples and soak up its unique atmosphere. For example, you can:
- Discover the vineyards of the region. This excursion takes you on a panoramic tour of the Vesuvius vineyards, with a typical Mediterranean lunch and local wine tasting. You don’t have to do a thing, your driver will pick you up at your hotel in downtown Naples. Your guide will take you to discover the vineyards at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Enjoy breathtaking views of the vineyards and volcano, then stop off at a vineyard for a tour of the estate. You’ll discover the secrets of Italian wine-making and taste local wines: Falanghina, Lacryma Christi, Agnianico… At the end of your meal, your driver will take you back to your hotel.
➡️ Information and reservations here
- Discover less touristy areas such as the Sanita Ward
- Sinking beneath the San Genero catacombs, in southern Italy. They cover an area of around 5,600 square metres, carved out of the tufa of the Capodimonte hill, and house some 2,000 mortuary niches and 500 arcosolia.
- Take a day trip from Naples discover Vesuvius in the company of a guide. A unique experience to discover this incredible mountain and enjoy the fantastic view over the city of Naples and the surrounding coastline.
➡️ Click here to book your guide
- Rent a vintage vespa as Neapolitans do to walk the streets. Antoine and I would have loved to do it, but we found it late and had to move on, unfortunately.
➡️ Information and reservations here
8| VISIT HERCULANUM AND POMPEI
- If you don’t have a car, to get there from Naples, take the combined train + entrance for Pompeii.
- Line-cut ticket to enter the Pompeii. Click here to book online and save time!
- Line-cut ticket to enter the’Herculanum. Book your queue-cutting tickets quickly and online here
- You can alsoune guided tour of Pompeii in French in the company of a local woman who will give you precise, detailed explanations. Click here to book your guide
- If you are looking for accommodation not far from the Pompeii site, we invite you to visit the booking site for reservations.
- Don’t hesitate to click on our Airbnb link and create an account to benefit from – 40€ on your first accommodation booking. You must have a new account and reserve for a minimum of 65€. As soon as your account is finalized, you’ll receive €9 to use to book an experience worth at least €43.
- Lunch in Pompeii at Pizza & Pasta, Piazza Bartolo Longo, 2 Pompei
- Price of 3-day pass for the 2 sites: €22/p
- Quick tip: if you can visit Herculaneum, this will allow you to get the 3-day pass and avoid the crowds of tourists at the Pompei ticket office.
- Admission to Pompei alone 13€, remember to bring a hat, comfortable shoes, sun cream and water as the site is exposed to the heat
Practical information | Naples
Don’t forget travel insurance!
Before you leave, make sure you’ve taken out travel insurance to avoid any unpleasant surprises! If you’re planning a short break, a long-haul trip or even a round-the-world tour, travel insurance will provide you with the essential cover you need to enjoy your stay with complete peace of mind: cancellation, baggage, assistance, medical expenses, hospitalization, death, repatriation and all the hassles you could avoid. Also opt forCovid cancellation insurance and border closures. Find out more in our article dedicated to helping you to find the best insuranceand on the Chapka, notre partenaire de voyage depuis notre Tour du Monde
GETTING TO NAPLES
- From Paris, Naples is within easy reach in 2 hours 10 minutes only. Find your flight with skyscanner flight calculator
- Naples airport is only 7 km from the historic city center, i.e. about 20-minute transfer by bus or cab depending on traffic, of course.
- If you prefer to take the train from the Côte d’Azur, for example, Find your cheapest train ticket to Naples
HOW TO VISIT NAPLES ?
Get the card Campani Artecard as it combines transport, entrance fees to museums and main sites: 32 € /3 days.
- On foot
- By scooter
- By bike
- Kayaking
| THE ISLANDS OFF NAPLES
BON PLAN : DÉCOUVREZ LA BAIE DE NAPLES ET SES ILES EN BATEAU
Si vous souhaitez plus d’intimité, que vous êtes en famille ou entre amis et que vous souhaitez privatiser un bateau au départ de Naples avec ou sans skipper, vous aurez l’embarras du choix en cliquant ici sur cette plateforme: bateaux à moteurs, voiliers, yachts, bateaux sans permis, avec ou sans skipper, c’est vous qui voyez. N’oubliez pas de réserver assez longtemps à l’avance car tout est plein en été et sur la haute saison et vous aurez beaucoup de mal à trouver votre bonheur.
➡️ Vérifier les disponibilités des différents bateaux et réserver maintenant
(sans minimum d’achat et réservations illimitées)
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CAPRI
J’ai eu la chance de m’arrêter quelques jours à Capri il y a quelques années. J’en garde un bon souvenir mais j’ai trouvé l’île trop surfaite avec ses boutiques de luxes et ses nombreux hôtels étoilés. J’ai entendu parler d’Anacapri un peu plus dans les hauteurs de Capri et apparemment plus authentique. Cependant si vous souhaitez y faire un arrêt, sachez que vous pouvez rejoindre Capri depuis Naples et la côte Amalfitaine au départ de Positano, Sorrente et Amalfi.
- Depuis Naples (port de Molo Beverello), il y a des départs tous les jours et en saison toutes les 30 minutes. La traversée dure 50 minutes.
- Depuis Amalfi, il y a 5 départs par jour et comptez 50 minutes de traversée. (environ 50€ la traversée). La balade le long de la côte doit être très très jolie!
Les compagnies maritimes principales qui desservent les îles comme Capri, Ischia ou Procida sont la Snav et Caremar (un peu moins cher). En saison, pensez à réserver à l’avance car tout est souvent complet! Pensez aussi à payer en espèces aux guichets, les cartes bancaires sont rarement acceptées. Sur le site de directferries.fr vous pouvez comparer sélectionner votre traversée au meilleur prix.
➡️ Je vérifie les départs et les disponibilités des croisières pour les îles ici
Si vous ne souhaitez pas vous embêter, je vous propose de découvrir Capri avec un habitant de l’île pendant toute une journée. Ce combiné permet de découvrir l’île mais aussi Anacapri et quelques grottes autour. Le déjeuner est inclus.
➡️ Informations et réservations ici
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ISCHIA
Au départ de Naples, comptez une quarantaines de minutes en bateau pour atteindre cette jolie île. Nous avons fait le choix de ne pas y aller car nous avons vu beaucoup de touristes s’y rendent le jour où nous y étions. Elle doit avoir un charme fou mais je pense qu’il vaut mieux y passer au moins une nuit pour profiter des lieux en toute tranquillité.
➡️ Je réserve ma traversée pour Ischia sur le site de directferries.fr
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PROCIDA
C’est la plus petite île des trois et notre coup de cœur sans hésiter. C’est une petite perle au large de Naples, vraiment adorable! Procida est un véritable coup de cœur car cette île est moins touristique que ses voisines. Lire l’article ici sur notre mini guide de Procida
➡️ Je réserve ma traversée pour Procida sur le site de directferries.fr
| LA COTE AMALFITAINE
J’espère que cet article vous a donné envie de faire une escapade en Italie et de découvrir la jolie ville de Naples. Découvrez tous nos autres articles sur ce pays que nous adorons notamment:
- Notre mini guide pour découvrir la Côte Amalfitaine
- Les villages perchés de la Côte Amalfitaine
- Notre mini guide pour découvrir les Cinque Terre
- Notre Top 5 des villages perchés des Cinque Terre
Si vous avez des suggestions ou d’autres adresses à nous partager, n’hésitez pas à nous laisser un petit commentaire et nous réactualiserons les informations.
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