Naples
Naples is one of the most famous Italian cities, third-largest after Rome and Milan, the largest in the south of Italy, the capital of the Campania region. It is located in the picturesque bay of the Gulf of Naples. As a rule, Naples is associated with two completely incompatible things — Mount Vesuvius and pizza. The first one has made the city famous for its eruptions that had killed many people. But the second has made thousands of people around the world happy with its existence. Every year, hundreds of tourists come here for top-class pizza, and nothing can stop them.
Naples is a city with an indomitable temper, beautiful panoramas, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, royal palaces, incredible sunsets, unique elegance. This is the most vibrant and colorful Italian city.
Districts of Naples
The Quartieri Spagnoli, with its lively and bustling Via Toledo, as well as other parts of the city, are also interesting for tourist strolls. Each Neapolitan stone has its own history and mystery.
Map Naples
Attractions
The Romans first said the phrase "see Naples and die" (vedi Napoli e poi muori) in the XVIII century about Naples. The beauty of this city, lying in the bay of the Gulf of Naples and combining many cultures, is striking at first sight. Everything here breathes history, majesty, and holds the memory of Caesar and Nero. The city offers a countless number of architectural monuments, art, and remarkable places. It is generally one big object of study for historians, worship for artists and poets. After having been here at least once, thoughts of Naples will always excite the soul.
Population of Naples
Brief history of Naples
Naples reached the peak of its medieval prosperity in 1266, becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Naples. The city was developing rapidly, with palaces and churches under construction. Then there was a new series of conquests, and by 1860 Naples had become part of Italy. Having survived many tragedies, wars, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, it withstood, thanks to its strong character and steadfast spirit of the Neapolitans.
Today it is an architectural treasure, a wellspring of information about the development of modern civilization, where you can find undiscovered mysteries at every step.
Trip budget
Before the trip, you should calculate the approximate budget that you will require for the travel:
Hotels | Apartment | Taxi | Gasoline |
Average bill | from 60 €/night | from 70 €/night | Start - 4.51 €, 1km - 1.13 € | 1.56 €/liter | 40 € for 2 person |
|---|
The best time to visit Naples
The average air temperature in summer is +26 ºC. The mellow season begins at the end of September when the water in the bay is still comfortable for bathing, and the air is filled with the warmth and scent of basil.
Useful notes
You can get to the center of the city from Naples Capodichino International Airport by bus, which has an ALIBUS sign on it. The ticket costs 4 euro. You buy it from the driver, and you have to compost it in the vending machine in the salon. Buses run daily at intervals of 20-30 minutes from 6.00 AM to 8.30 PM.
It is convenient to travel around Naples by public transport (bus or tram). It is advantageous to buy a single ticket, Unico Napoli, valid for an hour and a half in all types of transport if you want to save money. This ticket costs one euro.
Thieves in Naples are extremely dexterous, so hold your wallet tight and keep a sharp eye on your belongings. Do not carry documents — it is better to take copies, and leave the originals in the hotel vault.
It is better to avoid deserted streets after 20.30 as they can be quite dangerous. Most shops close at this exact time.
You must drive extremely carefully in Naples, as the local drivers are reckless, especially the owners of motorbikes. They do not follow the traffic rules and can cause an accident.
What should a tourist do in Naples?
- Try some real Neapolitan pizza. Not far from Garibaldi station is L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, which became famous after the release of the film "Eat Pray Love". The tradition of making pizza here has been passed down from father to son since the XIX century. Only two kinds of pizza are made here, Margarita and Marinara, and they are just great.
- Visit the catacombs of Sotterranea to get a better idea of this city. They date back to Greek times. For hundreds of years, the catacombs served as wells, garbage collectors, a shelter for the mafia, and even bomb shelters.
- Drink a delicious, refreshing Italian espresso with airy foam and cinnamon. Or try the magical Neapolitan ice cream: strawberry, chocolate, vanilla. It was in Naples that they invented to mix different kinds of ice cream in one serving. They know a lot about food here!
- Walk up to Mount Vesuvius, the most dangerous volcano in Europe. The event is not for the weak in spirit, but it is a necessary step to look at the world around us in a new way and understand why Neapolitans love life so much.
- Visit the flea market on Via San Gregorio Armeno. This is where you will see the whole range of feelings, emotions that Italians are capable of. Buying something here is a real performance. In the market, it's especially important to remember that you're in Naples and keep an eye on your wallets.
- Take a boat trip to Palermo, Sorrento, Capri, or any nearby city of your choice. From the sea, you will see Naples in all its majesty. The view of the Gulf of Naples is fascinating and enchanting.
- Climb the observation deck of the Castel Sant'Elmo and take the most romantic shots on your journey.
- Listen to classical music performed by Italian artists at Europe's oldest theatre, the famous San Carlo Theatre. Its unremarkable and modest facade hides the richest decoration inside. Opera artists and world-class instrumental ensembles perform on this stage.
- Rent the legendary Vespa scooter and go sightseeing. This will allow you to get to know Naples and feel its atmosphere to the fullest.
- Walk the streets, find a place in a cafe in the central Piazza del Plebiscito, order some limoncello, a local liqueur infused with lemon peel, enjoy the "dolce vita" in all its beauty, accompanied by street musicians.
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