dolci-natalizi-napoletani

I love Naples: 10 things to do when you visit Naples (Italy)

If you’re planning your next tour to Naples and looking for information and suggestions on things to discover in a city full of energy and amazing contrasts, Ville in Italia offers a quintessential list, compiled with the help of “real Neapolitans”:

Here are 10 things to absolutely “do, see and taste” in Naples and its environs:

In the City of Naples

Pastry from Naples1) Neapolitan Pastry

Taking Via Toledo and continuing to Via Roma, you’ll see the entrance to Galleria Umberto I on the left. Once inside, you’ll find Mary to your left: it’s a small stand, but you’ll recognize it right away by the long line of people… anxiously waiting to savor one of her extraordinary sfogliatelle.

(If you’ve planned to visit Naples during Christmas time, remember to ask an Italian friend or even a passerby, to translate the little notes hung on the Christmas tree when you go through the Galleria … some are hilarious!)

2) Neapolitan Food

In keeping with the culinary theme, another obligatory stop is the Trattoria Nennella: excellent cuisine and a characteristic atmosphere that will make your tête-à-tête absolutely unforgettable. The address is Vico Lungo Teatro Nuovo, in the heart of the Spanish quarter… an historic area and amongst the most typical of the city.

Neapolitan pizza3) Neapolitan Pizza

Don’t miss the fabulous pizza of Pizzeria Sorbillo, in Via dei Tribunali… to tell the truth, it’s a little touristy, but so good that it’s always extremely crowded… even with real Neapolitans! We also recommend Michele and Gambrinus… but rest assured, you can’t go wrong no matter what place you choose regarding food in Naples!

(if you want to know more about other delicious Pizzerias in Italy, check out the post Authentic Italian Pizza: 10 best pizzerias in Italy)

4) Art and Churches in Naples

The Christian culture, which has created true masterworks for the artistic heritage throughout Italy, has given Naples one of the richest treasure troves. We recommend, in particular, the monastery and cloister of Santa Chiara, the Veiled Christ located in the Cappella San Severo, the Cathedral of San Gennaro and the church of San Gregorio Armeno.

Altarino di Maradona5) Neapolitan Folklore

To breathe this city’s characteristic spirit, take a turn into the stalls of used books in the Spaccanapoli Quarter, at Port Alba and in Via Mezzocannone. In Spaccanapoli, then, just after Piazzetta Nilo, you will find the Altarino di Maradona: a real “place of worship” for Neapolitans, who have made “El Pibe de Oro” a quasi-mythological personality that incarnates the spirit of comeback and the desire of an entire population to reemerge.

6) Neapolitan Architecture

From a cultural and architectural point of view, it is impossible to leave Naples without having visited the Palazzo Reale and the Teatro San Carlo… and without stopping to admire the splendid Piazza Plebiscito.

7) Naple’s Panorama

Don’t miss the view of the Gulf of Naples from the Certosa di San Martino… and if you have time and the weather allows, take a ferry going anywhere… Only when you can enjoy the view of Naples from the sea, can you understand the saying, “See Naples and die.
Napoli's panorama

In the Environs:

Pompeji with Vesuvio in the background8) Neapolitan History

The archeological excavations of Pompei, one of the best testaments in existence with regard to the life and culture of Ancient Rome: you can walk amongst the villas, houses, public and recreational buildings, temples… and you will seem to have mistakenly entered a “time machine” and been catapulted into another dimension.

9) Neapolitan Tradition

Reward yourself with a stroll in Sorrento, particularly characteristic at Christmas time

10) Neapolitan Beauty

To conclude your Naples tour with beauty: the Amalfi Coast, definitely a “must see” but rather far from the center of Naples, isn’t an excursion to undertake in a day… we therefore recommend exploring the vast assortment of luxurious villas and locations that Ville in Italia has selected for you.Amalfi Coast