“Vedi Napoli e poi muori!” (“See Naples and then you can die”) as the Italians say, and they’re not wrong. Naples is a beautiful city, truly unique and special. So much so that when you set foot there for the first time, you’ll wonder if you’re still in Italy
From Rome to Naples
Naples is located 222 kilometers away from Rome, and you can easily reach it by car, bus, or train.
BUS: The trip takes about two hours from Rome, and there are many companies offering this service.
CAR: Driving is the most convenient option, but keep in mind that Naples is famous for… car thefts.
TRAIN: This is also an excellent choice for a trip to Naples since the rail connections are very good.
Rome to Naples by Train
As mentioned earlier, taking the train to Naples is a great option. The journey is short, prices are reasonable, and there are many daily departures. Essentially, there are three categories of trains connecting Rome to Naples:
- TRENITALIA Conventional Train: Costs around €11, and the journey takes 2.5 hours.
TRENITALIA “Fast” Trains: Known as FrecciaRossa and Frecciargento, these trains reach Naples in just 1 hour. There are offers available, but they disappear in a flash. So, it’s essential to book tickets well in advance!
ITALO, Other “Fast” Trains: Italo is a private company that is a competitor to the state-run Trenitalia. Again, prices depend on how early you book!
Accommodation in Naples
Naples is a large city, so you won’t have trouble finding accommodation. The first time I visited, I stayed at a hostel called Hostel Mancini, very close to the main train station. While the area wasn’t the best, the hostel was quite nice, youthful, and everyone was very welcoming.
The second time I visited in, I stayed at an Airbnb.
Is Naples Really Dangerous?
I clearly remember people telling me, “It’s very dangerous, you’ll definitely get robbed there, don’t go!” when I mentioned I had planned a trip to Naples. Such prejudice! Sure, the mafia may still have a presence, and the city may have a higher crime rate than Florence or Venice, but it’s definitely not as dangerous or terrifying as people made it out to be—and of course, I wasn’t robbed.
Considering I’m from Piraeus, not some peaceful suburb in Sweden, I wasn’t walking around carefree with my bag in one hand. I kept my wits about me when using public transport and avoided wandering through dark alleys at night. I believe that’s enough, and there’s no need for panic or irrational fears. Naples is already heavily stigmatized by many Italians. It’s a shame, though, that they don’t tell you that in Naples you’ll have the best pizza you’ve ever eaten, the sweets will mesmerize you, the city is stunning, and the people are warm-hearted and welcoming.
Shopping in Naples
If you love shopping, Naples offers not only many well-known brands but also plenty of small shops with beautiful clothes and accessories at affordable prices. Shoes are a must for anyone shopping in Naples!
Attractions in Naples
The best way to see Naples, they say, is to get lost in the narrow streets of the historic center. If you’re short on time, you can take the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus and get a quick tour of Naples (tickets can be purchased here). While in Rome a map is more than necessary, to be charmed by Naples, leave the plans and routes behind and go wherever the streets take you… However, don’t miss the main attractions of Naples:
#1. VIA DEI TRIBUNALI
If you don’t know where to start or what to see first, begin here. The iconic street is enough to get you in the mood for the city and will lead you to its best attractions.
#2. The Duomo, the Cathedral of the City
A must-see in Naples, the Duomo is an impressive cathedral that showcases the city’s rich history and architectural beauty. Don’t miss the chance to explore this magnificent structure and admire its stunning interiors.
Naples has churches, and then some! If you’re not the church type and want to skip a few, I’ll insist on this one. You must enter: the Duomo of Naples gave me chills, and I was left speechless by how beautiful it is. I’ve seen many cathedrals in Italy—Milan’s, Florence’s, the Vatican—but this one has something different.
Extra tip: On the right as you enter, you’ll see where the blood of San Gennaro, the patron saint of the city, is kept. The church is famous for this miracle: the blood, which turns from solid to liquid every year, in front of thousands of faithful, with no scientific explanation.
#3. CHIESA DEL GESU NUOVO
I’m not insisting you enter this church, but at least you must admire its architecture from the outside! The design is stunning and truly reflects the grandeur of Naples. Even just standing in front of it, you’ll get a sense of the city’s rich history and beauty.
#4. VIA SAN GREGORIO ARMENO
The above street is famous for hosting everything handmade in Naples, including the famous nativity scenes (fàtne). The Neapolitans are crazy about nativity scenes, and the city is renowned for this tradition. So, don’t be surprised if you visit and find nativity scenes being sold in mid-August.
The red horn of Naples brings good luck, so don’t leave without buying one! Also, anything you can imagine—keychains, miniatures, trinkets—you’ll find on this street.
#5. CASTEL NUOVO
Another unique point of interest in Naples is its castles. Start with the first in line, Castel Nuovo. This historic fortress is an iconic symbol of the city and offers stunning views and a glimpse into Naples’ fascinating past.
Here, I did something really smart: I took the guided tour, and I highly recommend it 100%. There are two types of tours: one focused on history and the other on “mysteries,” which shows you the secret symbols of the castle. I took the first one, and after telling us a lot about the castle, they took us… to the underground chambers where the cannons were kept.
#6. CASTEL DELL’OVO
Another must-see castle in Naples is Castel dell’Ovo. Located by the sea, this historic fortress offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples. Its name, meaning “Castle of the Egg,” comes from a legend about a magical egg that is said to protect the city. It’s a great spot to explore both its history and its picturesque surroundings.
#7. Castel Sant’Elmo
Castel Sant’Elmo is one of the most iconic landmarks in Naples. Perched on a hill, this medieval fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Naples. It’s a great place to learn about Naples’ history while enjoying some of the best views in the city. The castle also hosts exhibitions and events, making it a great spot for both culture and sightseeing.
#8. Strong along VIA CARACCIOLO
A walk along Via Caracciolo is a must when you’re in Naples. This scenic promenade by the sea offers stunning views of the coast, the marina, and Mount Vesuvius in the distance. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the beauty of the Gulf of Naples. Whether you’re strolling, biking, or just sitting by the water, Via Caracciolo captures the essence of Naples’ charm.
#9. Piazza del Plebiscito
The main square that dominates most postcards and is the trademark of the city. This iconic spot is a must-visit, as it showcases the heart of Naples, surrounded by historical landmarks, beautiful architecture, and vibrant life. It’s a perfect place to experience the essence of the cit
#10. Mercato di Porta Nolana
For fresh fish… so fresh that it’s still alive! This bustling market in Naples is a must-visit for seafood lovers. You’ll find a wide variety of fish and other local produce, all at unbeatable prices. It’s a lively, authentic experience that immerses you in the local culture and flavors.
#11. The metro
No, I’m not joking. The metro in Naples, especially the Toledo and Garibaldi stations, is amazing. The Toledo station, in particular, is known for its stunning design, with colorful mosaics and modern art that make it feel more like an art gallery than a subway stop. It’s definitely worth taking a ride just to admire these incredible stations.
Authentic Italian Pizza in Naples
Lastly, don’t forget to try the authentic Neapolitan pizza at the famous pizzeria, DA MICHELE. When you arrive, you’ll take a number and wait in line just like at a government office. If there’s no room, they’ll seat you at a table with others. The decor is minimal, and when you get the menu with just two types of pizza—Margherita or Marinara—you’ll wonder why on earth you came here.
However, when the pizza arrives, you’ll taste perhaps the best pizza you’ve ever had, made with genuine ingredients, easy to digest, and absolutely delicious. Countless stars and celebrities have visited, and it’s where the iconic scene with Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love was filmed. For a whole pizza and a beer, you’ll pay the ridiculous sum of… €6.
Finally, I’ll add another pizzeria I visited famous for having the best pizza… in the world. Sorbillo. I liked it, ate the whole thing, and the ingredients were indeed very good. Personally, I would have preferred it with a little less oil… but since Dolce & Gabbana say it’s their favorite, who am I to judge? 🙂
Next time, I’ll definitely go to Mount Vesuvius. Once again, I stayed there just admiring it from afar…
NAPLES AND NEARBY CITIES
If you’re in Naples and want to explore more, there are so many amazing places nearby! Just a short distance away is the stunning Amalfi Coast, with towns like Positano and Amalfi, perfect for breathtaking views and picturesque streets. For history lovers, the fascinating Pompeii is a must-see. If you have time, head to Sorrento for wonderful limoncello and a laid-back atmosphere, or take a ferry to Capri for a dose of luxury and natural beauty. Each of these places has its own unique charm and is well worth a visit!
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Additionally, while I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, details like prices, opening hours, and availability may change. I recommend checking official sources before your visit to ensure you have the most current information.
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