Useful tips for your trip to Naples

Naples is colorful, hectic, and loud. If you're traveling to this southern Italian city for the first time, it's easy to be overwhelmed by its vibrancy. Therefore, I'd like to share some helpful tips for your trip to Naples that will surely make your visit a unique and enjoyable experience.

Things worth knowing…

… about the city

Naples (Italian: Napoli) is the third largest city in Italy with almost a million inhabitants. And it really shows! Car engines, screaming children, loud conversations, or the roar of a motorcycle – the city never feels truly quiet.

Despite its large population, the city is not particularly large. As a tourist, it is almost everything within walking distance – in the one week I was there, I didn’t have to take the metro once (which of course was also due to the conveniently located B&B, where I spent the night).

The port city Naples is the capital of the Campania region and is considered the economic and cultural center of southern Italy. Naples has a long history, having originally been a Greek settlement before later falling under Roman rule. The "Centro Storico," or Old Town, is characterized by numerous historic buildings and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Despite its age, the city does not necessarily have the classic layout of an old city. There is no visible city center where important buildings are located and to which everything more or less leads. Rather, the city is a String of different districts and buildings. This can make it difficult to get an overview at first. However, exploring the old town is a good start (you'll learn more about that below).

The old town with its many narrow streets and overcrowding contrasts with the partly extensive suburbs. The difference between rich and poor is easily recognizable; the wealthier districts are located west of the center.

… about crime in Naples

With poverty often comes crime. Many websites warn about how dangerous Naples is. And yes, Naples does have a crime problem. However, as a tourist, you generally don't come into contact with it – provided you're a little careful. Due to the many warnings from the internet and relatives, I was almost paranoid when I arrived in Naples. I hardly dared to take out my cell phone or let my bag out of my sight for even a second. But that quickly became too much for me. I limited myself to not walking around alone at night and to keeping my bag securely closed and in sight. That way, nothing happened to me at all. So, a little caution is required – but you definitely don’t have to drive yourself crazy.

… about your stay in Naples

Ideal for a city trip, a few days are enough to get to know the city and get a feel for it. However, from there, you can also explore many Excursions into the surrounding area or on islands.It is worth staying a little longer and taking in popular tourist attractions such as Pompeii, Herculaneum or the Amalfi Coast.

In Naples there are mainly B&BsThis has the advantage that you can stay quite cheaply. A holiday in Naples should unexpensive Pizzas start at 4-5 euros, and public transport tickets, for example, are also pretty cheap. Yay!

It's worth noting that Naples is a "pure" port city and can't boast miles of white sandy beaches. There is a tiny "beach" strip at the harbor, but it's more like a small hole with a bit of sand sprinkled around it. At least the locals don't mind – they swim there anyway.

We spoiled holidaymakers are often not satisfied with this. But there is no reason to worry – the area surrounding Naples offers numerous Ways to lie on the beach and swimming in the sea: at the beach resorts "Bagno Elena" and "Il Bikini" or on the shores of Sorrento, for example (not to mention the islands of Capri and Ischia – I highly recommend them!). The only catch: Here, you almost always have to pay an entrance fee or a fee for loungers or parasols.

Tips for your trip to Naples

The traffic

Traffic in Naples, like in most other Italian cities, is truly insane. It feels like everyone is doing what they want, and it's not uncommon to see cars that look pretty beaten up. Pedestrians are barely considered, and motorcycles squeeze through the tiniest alleys. Yet everything functions surprisingly well; somehow, it all works out. The best thing for us as tourists is to simply adapt as best we can—so: go with the flow.

Save money with the artecard

If you spend more than two days in Naples, I can recommend the artecard I highly recommend it. The City Pass is available in various versions (3-day/5-day/Naples only/also the surrounding area/etc.) and is extremely worthwhile. With the Campania 3-day pass for 32 euros, for example, you receive 100% off the entrance fee for your first two entries and up to 50% off all subsequent entries from then on. Local public transport (bus, metro) in Naples and the Circumvesuviana line (see next point) are also included. The artecard can be ordered online and then picked up at the airport or train station in Naples. It is valid for three days (72 hours) from the first activation.
If you'd like to visit the crater of Vesuvius, please mention it when you pick up your ticket! I've heard of cases where Vesuvius entrance wasn't discounted... Better safe than sorry.

The only railway line you need to know

The Circumvesuviana Connects Naples and Sorrento, stopping at important sights such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mount Vesuvius. A ride to Herculaneum costs €1.30; the trip to Sorrento costs €3.90 one way. The trams are quite old and rickety, but they're also a cheap way to get to your destination. The ride to Herculaneum takes about 20 minutes, to Pompeii about 40 minutes, and to Sorrento a little over an hour. The Circumvesuviana is included in some artecard city passes (see above).

PRO TIP: If you are traveling from Naples and can easily reach both major train stations (Napoli Garibaldi and Porta Nolana), then depart from Porta Nolana This is the first stop on the Circumvesuviana, and you're much more likely to get one of the coveted seats here than on the Garibaldi. Most tourists board there, and it gets extremely crowded...

Don’t be surprised…

In restaurants you almost always pay 1.50 – 2 euros per person for the service (Tips are added on top).

Too hot?

As a “secret weapon” against the very high temperatures in the summer months, I strongly recommend a fan to take with me. That was at least my salvation!

Ferry trips

If you want to take a ferry to one of the nearby islands (Capri or Ischia), it is always better to early enough before the boat leaves the harbor Boat departure times often change spontaneously, and some trips sell out or are full early. The crossings are usually not very cheap, and there are various providers right at the harbor. A round-trip ferry trip to Ischia, for example, costs around €35 ​​per person. It's best to buy the return ticket at the same time as the outbound ticket!

If you want to take a tour of the island of Capri, it's a good idea to buy the tickets in Naples as a combined ticket. Unfortunately, you can easily get ripped off on Capri itself.

In general, I highly recommend Ischia. Capri is beautiful, but also very touristy. Ischia is large and lush. You'll find more locals here than tourists, and the island itself is considerably cheaper than Capri.

A Neapolitan specialty

Besides pizza, which originally comes from Naples, there is another specialty that you should definitely try and should definitely not be missing from your tips for Naples: SfogliatelleThis little puff pastry parcel is filled with ricotta and cinnamon and tastes truly heavenly! You can find sfogliatelle everywhere in the city—whether at a street stall, in a bistro, or in a bakery.

Do you need a break?

This point on the list of Naples tips is aimed at those of us who want to unwind a bit on our trip. So, my tip: Consciously seek out places of restAnyone who has ever been to Naples knows how hectic it can be. A constantly high noise level, heavy traffic, and streets packed with people. It can be exhausting and tiring. Nevertheless, there are, of course, some places in Naples where you can retreat. The beach promenade Via Partenope is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the old town and to Piazza Bellini You can enjoy a cold drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

A few final words

Naples is not Rome...or Milan, or Florence. Naples is rougher, stormier, and more chaotic than the aforementioned cities. Not every corner shines, and you sometimes even get to poorer places. The nice thing about it is that it's less touristy and more "real."This city is truly unique due to its many facets and has a more Mediterranean flair than other major Italian cities.

If you liked my tips for Naples, want to get more travel tips or learn something about healthy eating, mindfulness or sustainability, have a look here over.

If you have any other tips for a trip to Naples, please share them with us in the comments below this post.