Naples is Italy’s third largest city and one of its oldest. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its archaeological treasures are hard to beat and it contains enough lavish palaces, ruined castles and monumental churches to place most other cities in the shade. Add to this a rich artistic heritage, attractive nightlife, captivating bay and unparalleled culinary traditions and Naples certainly sounds tasty! And more lies underground - discover the whole other city - the Roman Neapolis - waiting for you beneath the city streets.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Naples
Centro Storico - A veritable labyrinth of history, with different periods almost literally built in layers over each other. Here you will find all the main sights and plenty of excellent pizzerias, cafes and bars to relax in. Baroque churches, underground Greco-Roman ruins, shopping streets such as Spaccanapoli and a vibrant nightlife to boot. A living museum that bursts with energy.
Agnano - This former volcanic crater was used by the Romans and the Greeks for its hot springs. Today it is the centre of Neapolitan fun: the city's largest disco and sporting centres are here. To relax in there are modern thermal baths and to explore there are the historic ruins of Roman baths and the WWF oasis of the Astroni crater.
Posillipo and Chiaia - Charming sights to take in as you walk by the sea enjoying the iconic view of Naples over the bay. Visit Norman castles, palaces and gardens and head underwater to tour the submerged ruins of a Roman city.
Arenella, Vomero and San Carlo all'Arena - To really escape the crowds these neighbourhoods offer peace and quiet in spacious streets dotted with trees, churches, castles and villas. In San Carlo all’Arena there is the largest monumental palace of Naples, the Ospedale L'Albergo Reale dei Poveri.
Things to See in Naples
You would need a lifetime to take in all the sights of Naples. They include unmissable views over the bay, the underwater Baia Ruins, the Baroque buildings of the historic centre, Roman ruins (both at street level and on a tour of hidden ruins under the city streets themselves), castles, palaces, magnificent villas and the list just goes on. Book yourself a tour to make sure you hit the main sights - walking tours, segway tours, Fiat 500 tours and even Vespa tours are available.
Things to Do in Naples
There are plenty of retail opportunities: explore the souvenirs, like the Neapolitan nativity figures, experience the bustling markets or browse the designer boutiques. Dining out is a gastronomic pleasure as Naples is one of Italy's epicurean heavyweights, and you can take classes to learn the secrets of making a pizza like a local. A tour of the Caravaggio masterpieces and locales will appeal to art lovers whilst the trendy nightlife will appeal to the beautiful people. Further afield there are trips to Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and Capri to enjoy, but first you’ll need to escape the charms of Naples.
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