Naples - the city of a thousand impressions

Those expecting a typical tourist city may be disappointed. Or surprised – as I was. Because this city is different, yet still has so much to offer. Here are my recommendations for sights in Naples.

Things to see…

… in the middle of the old town

Let us go to the “Historic Center” of Naples – because there is a lot to see here:

• The Cathedral (Cathedral of San Gennaro): Not exactly big, but definitely worth it.
• Via dei TribunaliThis street connects important points of the old town. You'll definitely find yourself walking here more than once – and you certainly won't starve ;). A dining tip from me at this point: The restaurant "Casa Capasso” (Address: Via dei Tribunali 100) offers great value for money, delicious food and friendly service.
• Street art by Banksy: Directly on the Via dei Tribunali is Banksy’s “Madonna with a pistol” – naturally behind glass (address: Piazza Gerolomini, 106-115)
• The Nativity Street: Famous is the Via San Gregorio Armeno for its numerous shops and stalls selling nativity figures. Here you can find figurines of every kind…
• Piazza Vincenzo Bellini: Definitely one of my favorite places in Naples. This little green oasis (see post image) is the perfect place to relax. There's a lot going on here in the evenings. My recommendation: The "Bar Lemmelemme” – The bar isn’t anything earth-shattering, but it’s a comfortable place to sit and the staff are super friendly!
• Basilica of Santa Chiara: The church itself is beautiful – but I liked the immediate surroundings of the basilica even better: A small dog park borders the forecourt, diagonally opposite, behind a truly special façade, is the Jesuit Church of Gesù Nuovo and the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo also has a lovely atmosphere.
• National Archaeological Museum: On the northern edge of the historic old town is the "Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli." To be honest, I wasn't expecting much, which led to a pleasant surprise. Here you'll find numerous excavations from Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as some truly fascinating and beautiful ancient statues. A little tip from me: It's best to come in the morning, as some areas of the museum are closed in the afternoon!

… beyond the core of the old town

There are also many sights to see in the rest of Naples (strictly speaking, some of the points on this list also belong to the historic old town – I'll just take the liberty of separating them from the rest of the old town):

• Toledo: Even though I found Via Toledo rather tiring, it still has to be on this list. There are numerous shops here and you can reach the Umberto I Gallery, a truly beautiful, light-filled gallery. The Toledo metro station is also considered one of the most unusual metro stations in the world.
• Spanish Quarter: Directly adjacent to Via Toledo is the “Spanish Quarters”. Many narrow streets form a dense network of residential buildings, shops and a few churches.Ground floor apartments, so-called Bassi, characterize the neighborhood. The living room and kitchen in these apartments are separated from the street by only a single door – so that when the door is open, you can peek directly into the lives of the people...
• Piazza del Plebiscito: This square, not far from Via Toledo, connects the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola with the Royal Palace of Naples, a 17th-century royal palace. It's always busy and a popular photo spot. It's worth stopping by!
• Via Chiaia: The charming alternative to the large shopping street Via Toledo. It may be narrower, but it still offers a lot: The huge bridge Chiaia Bridge For example, at first glance, it might seem out of place, surrounded by all the small residential and commercial buildings. Here you'll find bakeries, bistros, and ice cream parlors, as well as boutiques and well-known brands. Perfect for exploring, strolling, and taking a break.
• Via PartenopeThe promenade is perfect for an evening stroll at sunset. It is surprisingly quiet here, as cars and motorcycles are only allowed to pass on a limited basis. The view of the sea and the golden sunset Castel dell'Ovo invites you to dream…

… and otherwise?

• Naples' underworld: Deep beneath the alleys of Naples stretches a labyrinth about eighty kilometers long. Napoli underground, the "city beneath the city," is definitely worth a visit. The tuff caves have been used for a variety of purposes since the fourth century BC. There are several above-ground entrances throughout the city that lead to the underworld. A guided tour is highly recommended (approximately €10 per person)!
• A cemetery of a different kind: In this catacomb-like grotto, the Fontanelle Cemetery, alongside the many victims of the plague, there also lie the Neapolitans who could not afford a burial in the Middle Ages. The thousands of stacked bones and skulls date back to four generations. Truly impressive! The cemetery can be reached, for example, by walking through the Sanità districtOn the way to the cemetery, you can admire many beautiful and unique street art pieces in this rather poor area.

Of course, these are by no means all the sights Naples has to offer. Just strolling around can reveal many special places. Naples is a city where you encounter something new around every corner. Just be brave (and a little caution). )!

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What are your favorite sights in Naples? Share them with us in the comments!