Top 5 Insider Tips for Naples

Naples may be located in Italy, but this city is a world of its own. Beyond good and evil, anyone who has ever set foot on Neapolitan pavement knows exactly what we're talking about. We'll take you on our journey and share the best tips for Naples.

The city lies at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano, which already speaks to the fearlessness of the Neapolitans. They love their city with all their hearts, bursting with vivacity, and welcome all travelers with their hospitality. Anyone who speaks even a little Italian and has been to Naples can confidently say that you can leave your classic dictionary at home and instead buy an Italian-Neapolitan one. Neapolitan is not a dialect; it is a language that you can love or hate, but it simply belongs here. Those searching for the pinnacle of chaos will find it in the traffic of this city. Nothing is as characteristic of Naples as the jumble of cars and scooters, where even a dent is almost a rite of passage.

Here, people shout, curse, gesture wildly, mothers get insulted, and traffic lights are ignored. The color red is merely a 'suggestion', which most scooter riders tend to overlook due to the heat. Anyone in Naples must get lost at least once in the labyrinth of thousands of steep streets in the old town. Laundry lines dangle like Italian jewelry from house to house and are part of this city. In front of every entrance, you will find the oldest member of the family, either engaged in a lively discussion with the neighbors or quietly observing who strolls through the alleys.

Food is celebrated here just as in the rest of Italy, much like in the UK with the royal family. Every day! From morning till night, only the very best ingredients are served on the plate. The color of the tomatoes is more vibrant, the mozzarella is more intense, the clams are fresher, the pizza is lighter, and the basil is bigger than you can imagine. Here in Naples, food ideologies are transformed, and once you have dined here, you'll remember it for a lifetime. Our special tip for you: You simply must try buffalo mozzarella, the real deal, by itself, without anything else that could alter the taste.

I probably don't need to mention that you will find the best pizza in the world here. No one can really tell you which is the best pizzeria in Naples, so I suggest you try them all. To start, there's probably the most famous: L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, the mother of pizza, so to speak. Here, tradition is of utmost importance: They only serve pizza in the colors of the national flag, which means red tomato sauce, white mozzarella, and green basil. And one more hint: Look out for a small pastry with wild strawberries and vanilla sauce. Simply heavenly!

But Naples would not be Naples if it only had first-class pizza. After all, the city is located right by the sea. You may already suspect what I'm getting at? Exactly: delicious and fresh seafood. What could go better with this than the best Italian pasta!? So if you've had enough of pizza, you're in luck: just step into one of the good trattorias, you can't go wrong because it will certainly be delicious. However, you'll quickly notice where the best seafood pasta is found, as these restaurants are packed to the brim. But just in case you do need a tip, we recommend Anonymous Trattoria Gourmet, hidden in a side street: spaghetti vongole with a glass of white wine and homemade tiramisu for dessert. Solo perfetto!

We have already mentioned that the Neapolitan streets are full of life and chaos. You can imagine just how much hustle and bustle is taking place in the local markets. You should definitely visit such a market and soak up the atmosphere that exists in bustling Naples - amidst market vendors and hurried Neapolitans, plump red tomatoes and bright oranges. It's simply delightful to stroll through the colorful markets, passing quirky antiques, typical fashion, and fresh local produce. Treat yourself to an espresso in a café - true Italian style - and watch the city's chaos unfold around you like a movie.

Vacation Guru Recommendation:

For those who find the vibrant city and its labyrinth of alleys insufficient, you can also visit some beautiful and interesting sights in Naples. To give you a good overview, we'll list our favorite sights in Naples here:

A trip to Naples is only half complete if you haven't visited the enchanting islands. Therefore, we also give you a brief insight into the island dreams surrounding Naples.

This island in the Gulf of Naples has indeed fulfilled many South Sea dreams. A crystal clear and turquoise sea awaits you here in Southern Europe. Capri can serve as a beautiful alternative to a faraway trip due to its stunning beauty. An absolute must on this island is the Grotta Azzurra. If a boat ride feels too touristy to you, swim inside early in the morning or late at night, when there are no boats in the grotto. The moment when the blue of the sea shines in all its glory beneath you is simply unique, but also a little intimidating, so it's only for the brave among you. And if you want to stay here like the emperors did, be sure not to miss the Caesar Augustus Hotel.

On the beautiful island of Ischia stands a lovely castle, connected to the main island by a narrow road. The Castello Aragonese sits atop a rock that was formed 300,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption. Ischia is the green island of the Gulf of Naples and is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and hiking. If you're into active vacations, you should definitely make a detour here. Afterwards, the island's hot springs await you for relaxation.

Also the island dream of Procida lies in the Gulf of Naples and enchants you primarily with the colorful houses that adorn the entire island. We're particularly fond of the harbor: Little fishing boats bob in the water, in front of you the vast ocean sparkles in the sun, and behind you, the colorful houses climb up the hill. Simply perfect for a complete getaway.

For those who have now decided to dive into the Neapolitan chaos, there are direct flights from various cities in the United States to Naples and back for under $60. There are also hotels available in all price ranges, so nothing stands in the way of your city trip. We recommend checking out vacation rentals as well, as you can often find charming apartments and homes right in the center or even with a sea view for an unbeatable price.

If you are now eager to explore more Italian cities, you will find everything you need in our Travel Magazine about the land of pizza and pasta. Who of you has been to Naples before and has more insider tips? Or do you want to fly there soon? Take a look at our current Italian offers.