Authentic southern Italian city with its gritty vibes, compact corridors, endless history (and monuments), and best-in-the-world Napolitan pizza.
In short, Napoli is truly awesome. It’s no surprise that most travelers in western Europe don’t venture that far south into Italy as it’s more convenient to just stay up north. But they don’t know what they’re missing out.
Napoli is a mix of Rome, Florence, and Lisbon. Tons of historical monuments and architecture all in a condensed space, with a bit of hills, also you have water areas. While Napoli isn’t as romantic, elegant and fancy as Florence…it’s more local, youthful and lively, far less touristic.
You can do it in 2 days to feel like you saw the main things, or put 5 days to really see many things. It’s also no surprise to me that I saw many travelers who came here for a week and then stayed for months. If I had to stay in Italy for months, I’d also probably choose Napoli over the more touristy (overly-crowded) Italian cities in the north.
Where to stay:
- Quarter Spagnoli – as close to Via Toledo as you can. As a local explained to me. This is the best location, central to many tourist things and also viewpoints and food. Go south (on Via Toledo) to the water for sunset views and tourist stuff. Go north (on Via Toledo) for good/cheap local food.
Other locations are probably also good as well but I recommend Quarter Spagnoli for first timers as it’s most geographically convenient.
Hostels:
- I found a nice one on AirBnB but it didn’t have an official name.
Neighborhoods & Walking areas:
- Via Toledo – this main street takes you to everything you need to see.
- Centro Historico – lots of buildings and architectural things.
- Water area – go here for views and hanging out. Most locals don’t eat around here, as it’s more expensive for them. But the prices are still reasonable enough for foreigners IMO.
Activities to do:
- Walk the streets
- Squares
- Buildings
- Museums
Restaurants & Cafes:
- Trattoria da Nennella – super famous restaurant that EVERYBODY goes to. When you come up to it, don’t try and wait in line. Go to the front and take a number, then hang around until you’re called. They have many tables so it goes fast enough (even though it appears not to).
- Pizzeria Nennella – I believe it’s run by the brother of the trattoria/restaurant. And has amazing pizza. They also do pasta as well but I’d imagine everyone in this region says you have to try the pizza. Basically same quality food as the other (really great pizza), and without the waiting.
Pizza is really cheap in Napoli. Like 6euro for a whole pizza.
Bars & Clubs:
- Centro Historico – this is probably where you want to be for nightlife like bars and clubs. Just follow the noise. You can find loud rowdy clubs on the brighter streets or chiller/classier bars on the darker streets.
Miscellaneous tips:
- Transportation – the public metro/bus here works well. For all other needs, you can use the FREE NOW app. I was able to go right from my Quarter Spagnoli place on tiny street to the airport for 15 euro. Another option is to call a taxi, they come fast once they pick up. The one we used was Taxi Napoli 8888 (+39 081 8888). I believe they also have an app.
Nearby towns:
- Pompei – half day trip. I hear it’s totally worth it, even going from Rome.
- Salerno – another Amalfi coast town.
- Positano/Amalfi – southern version of Cinque Terre.
I haven’t been to any of them. Don’t quote me.
Unfiltered notes: