Tourists who make it south of Rome tend to pass over Naples on their way to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, or the island of Capri. Nothing breaks my heart more! Naples is home to some of the most fascinating historical sites, magnificent artwork, and amazing food. It’s a city not to be missed, and I hope more southern Italian travelers will start venturing to the City of the Sun.
Here are my Top 10 Things to Do in Naples to truly experience all it has to offer!
Spaccanapoli
Explore Naples’ historic alleyways starting with Spaccanapoli. The street, with its cobblestones, many storefronts, and bustling crowds, is the heart of Napoli and gives a real feel of what it means to be Neapolitan.
While strolling along the Spacca, try some sfizi (fried snacks). Zeppoline (fried dough balls), pizze fritte (fried pizza), croche (fried mashed potatoes with cheese and/or ham), and cuoppa di mare (a cup of mixed fried seafood) are available at almost every food stand. Wash down these local delights with an Aperol Spritz (prosecco mixed with Aperol, an Italian citrus liquor), often served in a plastic to-go cup!
Capella di Sansevero and the Veiled Christ
Off of Spaccanapoli, the Sansevero Chapel is home to one of the most breathtaking statues I have ever seen. Sculpted from one piece of marble, the statue gives the illusion that you are looking at Christ covered by his sheer burial veil. Giuseppe Sanmartino’s mastery gives goosebumps.
Speaking of goosebumps, if you want to give yourself a bit of the heeby jeebies, head down to the basement to view the preserved circulatory systems of a man and woman that date more than 200 years old.
Christmas Alley (Via San Gregorio Armeno)
Naples is famous for its elaborate “presepe” (nativity scenes), and you can experience them year round on Via San Gregorio Armeno or, as I lovingly call it, Christmas Alley. The narrow street is filled with shops selling statues and decorations of all shapes and sizes. You can pick up your classic Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus, but don’t forget to add some guest stars like the Pope, Napoli’s top soccer stars, or Elvis Presley!
Naples Underground & The Bourboun Tunnels
Visit the ancient aqueducts of Naples with two amazing tours, Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground), just above Via San Gregorio Armeno, and The Galleria Borbonica (Bourbon Tunnels) off the lungomare in Chiaia. Both tours bring you below the city to showcase different areas of the aqueducts and explain their role in Naples’ history. Learn all about the ancient waterway, WWII bomb shelters, and planned escape route for the Bourbon Kings. Take BOTH tours, they are unique, and not to be missed.
Enjoy a glass of wine in Piazza Bellini
Only a few blocks away from Napoli Sotterranea you will find the charming Piazza Bellini. A favorite hang out spot for academics and ex-pats, P. Bellini hosts a number of quaint and cozy cafes and restaurants. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy the shady square. Great for people watching and relaxing!
Pompeii Pornography at the Museo Arceologico
Just a short walk from P. Bellini, make sure you head to the Museo Arceologico. The museum houses amazing collections, from Renaissance statues and paintings to Ancient Egyptian artifacts. Make a point to visit the Pompeii room (Il Gabinetto Segreto), where you will find a large collection of XXX frescoes and statues from the ancient city.
The Catacombs of San Gennaro & The Cemetery of the Fontanelle
With Vesuvius lurking luminously in the background, Naples is extremely devout to its Patron Saint, San Gennaro. They parade his blood around town twice a year and have built their Cathedral in his honor. In return, he makes sure the volcano remains dormant each year.
Visit the Catacombs of San Gennaro to see his rumored resting place (the bones have since been moved to the cathedral), and the underground burial ground of thousands of Neapolitans. Don’t be surprised by the lack of skeletons, they have since been moved to the Cemetery of the Fontanelle nearby. Don’t forget to pray to a skull when you visit, he may tell you the winning lottery number in your dreams!
Shopping on Via Toledo & The Galleria Umberto
From Piazza Dante all the way to Piazza Plebiscito, Via Toledo is full of shopping for all your heart’s desires. Visit the smaller shops for authentic Neapolitan style or grab yourself a pair of “vero cuoi” (real leather) Italian shoes!
Forgot to pack something and don’t want to bust the bank? There are also big name stores, like H&M and Zara, so you can grab those staple pieces you may have left at home! When you find yourself nearing P. Plebiscito make sure you stop at the Galleria Umberto and its high end shops, the architecture will make your jaw drop!
Teatro di San Carlo and Cafe Gambrinus
At the end of Via Toledo you will find the famous Teatro di San Carlo where you can see classic opera, orchestra, and ballet performances. Try to get tickets to a show, just make sure not to sit along the wings if you want a decent view of the stage (the floor and center seats are well worth the price). If you cannot make a show, take a day time tour to see the grandiose architecture.
Before visiting the theater, stop in to the Cafe Gabrinus where Oscar Wilde is known to have frequented. The cafe may have pricey coffees, but the interior is fit for kings. Make sure to get a sfogliatella riccia or babà with your cafe; you can’t visit Naples without trying their two most famous pastries.
Lungomare Chiaia
From P. Plebiscito you can meander down to the ocean, where you will find yourself at the start of the lungomare (boardwalk) in Chiaia. Walk alongside the ocean and enjoy the beautiful view of Mergellina and the Castel dell’Ovo. Stop at one of the restaurants for a bite to eat. Naples’ famed Piazzeria di Sorbillo in Vomero has a second location along the lungomare, why not stop and try “the best pizza”* in the world?
*Disclaimer: Neapolitans are serious about their pizza and the city’s residents have many opinions about which pizzeria is the best, Sorbillo’s just happens to be among the top contenders.
Enjoy your time in Napoli and safe travels, my friends!
roaming bull travels 