Plan Your Naples Holiday: Best of Naples
Explore Naples
Essential Naples
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Food & drink
A food tour of Naples
- Gran Caffe Gambrinus12,388Coffee in Naples hits differently. Locals tell me it's the water, or it may be a unique toasted blend of beans. Start on a high note with a cappuccino at Gran Caffe Gambrinus, located right in Piazza del Plebiscito, the city's main piazza. This elegant coffee shop dates back to the 1860s and features marble floors and hanging chandeliers. Pay at the cashier and bring your receipt to the bar. Italians enjoy their coffee standing up, so you should, too.
- La Sfogliatella Mary1,985One of the city's most famous pastries is the "sfogliatella" which comes baked in two versions: "riccia" (curly or crunchy) or "frolla" (soft and round). No matter which kind you choose, tasting a sfogliatella is a rite of passage in the city. Try one at La Sfogliatella Mary, a takeaway pastry kiosk in the 19th-century Galleria Umberto I, a beautiful "mall" with vaulted ceilings. Be prepared to wait in line because it's a popular spot.
- Mennella Il Gelato1,357Gelato is everywhere in Naples, and the best spot for a cone is Mennella, which has several shops around the city. This artisanal gelateria dates back to 1969 and serves creamy ice cream with all-natural ingredients. There are no fillers or artificial colours or flavours, so you can feel good about indulging. The nut flavours are a highlight: try pistachio and cremino al sale, a peanut flavour with salted hazelnut chocolate ribbons.
- Di Matteo8,203You have to try "fritti" when you're in Naples. Street food is everywhere in the city, and these fried treats are the perfect way to whet your appetite between meals. Di Matteo is an institution with a pizzeria upstairs and a small window that serves freshly fried crocchè (potato croquettes), arancini (rice balls), and frittatine (fried pasta with creamy bechamel sauce) downstairs. Order one of each and enjoy them street-side with a cold Peroni beer in hand.
- Palazzo Petrucci Pizzeria1,229There are hundreds of pizzerias, and this is one of the best. Located in a pretty piazza in the historic centre, this upscale pizzeria has an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy dining al fresco (many pizzerias in Naples don't have outdoor space, so this is a plus). This is the sibling of the seaside, Michelin-starred restaurant Palazzo Petrucci and offers the slightest gourmet spin on Neapolitan pizza. You can't go wrong with the simple Margherita.
- Sea Front Pasta Bar655Naples doesn't just make incredible pizza — it also excels at pasta. Owned by Pastificio di Martino, one of the region's best pasta factories, this upscale, modern restaurant serves tantalizing pasta dishes using all sorts of shapes. From linguine with clams and paccheri with rabbit and mushrooms to seemingly simple spaghetti with the juiciest tomato sauce, Sea Front Pasta Bar will show you how creative you can be with high-quality pasta noodles.
- Isabella De Cham713One of the few women making pizza in Naples, Isabella De Cham is famous for her signature pizza fritta: deep-fried pizzas stuffed with ricotta and fatty pork bits. Fried pizza has a long tradition in the city because it is fast, affordable, and delicious. Isabella serves classic flavours and creative options like polpo with octopus, sauteed escarole, and stilton cheese.
- L'Antiquario228One of the trendiest cocktail bars in Naples, L'Antiquario is located in the hip Chiaia district along the city's seafront. Its speakeasy vibe, curated décor, and excellent cocktails have earned it a position on Italy's list of fifty best bars. It's one of the few places open daily until late, and is very popular with locals, so book in advance to guarantee a spot. Try a Volcano Daisy, a cocktail homage to Vesuvius with apricots, Strega liquor, maraschino, and lemon.
- Palazzo Petrucci Ristorante1,633The perfect place for a romantic dinner, Palazzo Petrucci has a Michelin-starred restaurant menu that showcases the best of Campania's fresh seafood. Book a table outside to admire the view of Palazzo Donn'Anna, a 17th-century seaside palace, Mount Vesuvius, and the island of Capri in the distance. The "crudo" tasting menu includes creative seafood dishes like herb gratin monkfish with glazed aubergine or risotto with shrimp, saffron, and blueberries.
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Naples travel advice
Public Transportation
According to forum posts, Naples offers a variety of public transportation options, including buses, a metro system, and funiculars. The metro is highly praised for its efficiency, and there are comprehensive options for navigating the city using these services. A daily ticket is recommended as it covers all forms of transport within the city.
Train Services
For those traveling between Rome and Naples, travelers have noted that high-speed trains operated by Trenitalia and Italo Treno are the most convenient, offering frequent services and a journey time of approximately 70 minutes.
Special Transport Cards
Some travelers mentioned the ArteCard, which is particularly useful for tourists planning to visit multiple sites. There are versions of this card that include transportation and entry to sites, with a three-day version covering regional attractions and transport.
Alternative Transport Options
For direct transfers such as from the airport to the city center, the Alibus is frequently recommended, providing an efficient link with a fixed fare system. Additionally, for travel between Naples and Sorrento, options include local trains like the Circumvesuviana and seasonal services like the Campania Express, as well as year-round ferry services.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Recommended Areas
According to forum posts, popular areas to stay in Naples include neighborhoods near the Municipio, Toledo, or Dante metro stations on the #1 line. These areas are in the historic center, providing easy access to main tourist sites, restaurants, and nightlife.
Accommodation Tips
Some travelers have recommended staying near the Municipio station for its connectivity to various parts of the city, including easy access to buses and ferries. The area around Piazza Dante is also favored for its central location and proximity to cultural sites.
Area Characteristics
The Lungomare area is frequently mentioned for being quieter and upscale, with easy access to livelier parts of Naples. Conversely, the Quartieri Spagnoli is highlighted for its vibrant street life and local shops, offering a more authentic Neapolitan experience.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Major Attractions
According to forum posts, major attractions in Naples include the national archeological museum, Napoli Sotterranea (underground tour), and Cappella Sansevero. These sites are open with some restrictions like mandatory masks and temperature checks at certain locations.
Historical Sites
Some travelers mentioned that places like Pompeii, although partially restricted, remain accessible with one-way walking paths. Herculaneum is another significant historical site that is open to visitors.
Local Recommendations
For an authentic local experience, travelers have called out Piazza Dante, Piazza Bellini, and Quartieri Spagnoli as vibrant areas frequented by locals, offering a genuine feel of Naples away from typical tourist spots.
Unique Experiences
Forum users suggested unique experiences such as trying to walk a straight line with eyes closed across Piazza del Plebiscito and enjoying the panoramic sea views from Lungomare, a popular seafront promenade.
Cultural Insights
Travelers also recommended exploring less crowded museums like Capodimonte and discovering Naples' rich Baroque architecture and archaeological zones, which are often overshadowed by more famous sites.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Recommendations
According to forum posts, Da Michele is frequently recommended for its unique pizza, praised for using tomatoes grown in volcanic soil. However, some travelers have noted long wait times and less-than-ideal service there. Another popular suggestion is Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi, which is highly favored by locals and known for its bustling atmosphere.
Traveler Preferences
Some travelers suggest that searching for the best pizza may not be as straightforward, given the high general quality of pizza in Naples. Instead, they recommend visiting multiple pizzerias to experience a variety of what Naples has to offer. Places like La Lazzara and 50 Kalo were also mentioned as personal favorites by some users.
General Advice
Travelers have pointed out that in Naples, the quality of pizza is consistently high across the city, so visitors are unlikely to be disappointed wherever they choose to dine. For an authentic experience, it is suggested to observe where locals dine or look for places that aren't predominantly filled with tourists.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Passport Control and Customs
Some travelers have indicated that Naples Airport has electronic passport gates which speed up the process; however, an official might still direct you to a manned booth for a stamp, particularly if you're using a UK passport. The time taken at passport control can vary depending on the number of flights arriving and the efficiency of border control staff.
Baggage Claim and Security
According to forum posts, travelers transitioning through Naples Airport on separate tickets generally need to exit airside, collect any checked luggage, and then pass through security again to board their next flight. This is important for travelers with tight connecting flights or those carrying duty-free items that might not be allowed through security checks.
Customs and Layovers
For international arrivals, such as flights from non-Schengen countries, passengers must go through customs and passport control. Travelers have mentioned the possibility of long queues, so it's recommended to allow sufficient time for these procedures, especially if connecting to another flight.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Public Transport Options
According to forum posts, travelers can reach Pompeii from Naples via the Circumvesuviana train or the Campania Express. The Circumvesuviana is cheaper but often crowded, while the Campania Express is more comfortable, running four times a day with a fare of €15.
Guided Tours
Some travelers have suggested that guided tours can be booked upon arrival at Pompeii, with licensed guides available at the park entrance. It is also possible to explore websites like the official Pompeii site for guided tour information and pricing.
Bus and Taxi Alternatives
For those preferring buses, the public bus from Naples to Pompeii runs Monday to Saturday and is noted to be less crowded than the Circumvesuviana train. Additionally, travelers inquiring about taxi costs were advised to consider taxis for direct access, though costs were not specified in the posts.
Self-Guided Options
Travelers have indicated the option of making their way to Pompeii independently by train and then opting for a private tour with local guides, potentially offering a balanced experience of convenience and detailed exploration.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?ArteCard Purchase and Usage
According to forum posts, the ArteCard can be purchased online or at various points in Naples, including train stations. Once acquired, it is primarily used digitally, with options to download and set up an account on the ArteCard app before purchase to save time. Travelers have suggested waiting to purchase the card in Naples to address any potential issues with assistance readily available.
Transportation Coverage
The ArteCard includes public transportation but is restricted to travel to and from ArteCard sites within the Campania region. Forum users noted that it does not cover trips to or from the airport or along the Amalfi coast unless traveling to specific ArteCard sites. The card allows unlimited travel within the validity period, typically three days, and must be used on consecutive days. It is valid on metro, buses, and regional trains like the Circumvesuviana, which is largely used for trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Children and Special Uses
For many users, it is important to note that while the ArteCard offers significant convenience and cost savings for adults, there is no specific ArteCard variant for children. Separate transportation tickets must be purchased for children for any travel not covered under an adult's ArteCard.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Recommended Tour Guides
Some travelers have recommended hiring professional guides like Silvia Braggio for a private tour of Pompeii, highlighting her outstanding service. According to forum posts, licensed guides are available at the entrance of Pompeii, and it is possible to join a group tour upon arrival or book a private guide for around 120 euros for a two-hour tour.
Booking and Costs
According to forum posts, while some travelers suggest booking guides upon arrival, others recommend pre-booking to avoid waiting. The cost of hiring a private guide directly at the site might be cheaper compared to booking through tour sites, where prices can exceed 200 euros for the same service.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?