Dear Alex
I hope this works for you and if it has turned into a novel then I apologise in advance.
So, you are going to be in Naples, hopefully you have booked a place in the historical centre as this is definitely the place to be, it offers an authentic experience that you definately won't find elsewhere. The impact of Naples for the first time visitor, may start off a little wary, but the city will grow on you and you WILL become addicted.
To make the most of your trip, I've compiled a list of must-see places which will work within your timeframes. While you may not have time to visit them all as you do not have too much time available, I encourage you to research each one and decide which ones work best for you. Trust me, these are experiences you do not want to miss. Just remember that there is so much more......
a) The San Gregorio Market. A truly unique and vibrant destination. Quirky with a fun atmosphere which sets it apart from any other market in the world. Located in the heart of Naples, Italy, this market is a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience. From the colourful stalls selling handmade crafts and souvenirs to the delicious street food vendors, there is something for everyone here. As you wander through the narrow streets and alleyways, you'll be transported to a world of whimsy and wonder. The market is especially famous for its intricate nativity scenes, which are crafted by skilled artisans and displayed throughout the year. See if you can find Trump amongst the various statuettes!
b) The Spanish Quarters are known for their vibrant street art scene and great atmosphere.
Some examples of graffiti and street art in Naples are:
San Gennaro graffiti in via Duomo, which depicts the patron saint of Naples with a modern twist. It was created by Jorit Agoch, a local artist who is known for his hyperrealistic portraits of people from different backgrounds and cultures1.
The Art of Waste project in Piazza Garibaldi, which consists of several murals made with recycled materials such as plastic bottles, cans, and cardboard. It was initiated by the artist Rosk & Loste and aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and waste management1.
The Street Art Museum in La Sanità district, which is an open-air gallery of murals by various artists such as Roxy in the Box, Cyop & Kaf, Diego Miedo, and more. The project was started by the association Osservatorio Memoriale Sanità and involves the local community in the creation and preservation of the artworks2.
The Graffiti Park in Ponticelli district, which is a space dedicated to urban creativity and social inclusion. It was opened by the association Inward and features works by artists such as Jorit Agoch, Zilda, Tvboy, Mr. Thoms, and more. The park also hosts workshops and activities for disadvantaged children
"Gabriele" says: Graffiti and street art in Naples are not only a form of artistic expression, but also a way of transforming the cityscape and engaging with its history, culture, and society. They are a reflection of the diversity, vitality, and creativity of Naples and its people. If you are interested in exploring this aspect of Naples, you may want to visit some of these places or join one of our street art tours.
c) As you go around the city there is a church every 200 yards and sometimes even less (might be exaggerating) but you must go in as you will always find the unexpected.
d) Check out Piazza Del Plebiscito. I absolutely love this piazza. It is so close to the Galleria Umberto 1, magnificent and the Royal Palace, a true feast of marble.
e) Head to the shrine of Maradona (do not mention any cheating or dislike for him. Maradona is Naple's patron saint (who is actually San Gennaro). In the Spanish Quarters at the top of Via Emanuele de Deo. There is a film directed by Paolo Sorrentino that you should watch before going to Naples. Called The Hand Of God, the love for Maradona will be explained and will help you to get prepared for your trip. As far as the San Gennaro mural, you will find it in Forcella, which in the 50s was a place you were advised to to avoid. It has the ambience and the timelessness of a De Sica film.
f) Run to see The Cristo Velato - https://www.museosansevero.it/en/the-chapel-and-the-veiled-christ/the-veiled-christ WOWWWWW if you are into this kind of thing. The beauty and intricacy of this piece evokes a strong sense of perfection. Also in the chapel, there are some truly beautiful sculptural pieces which show the true skill of its creators.
g) The Archeological Museum. Simply astounding. The sculptures are magnificent and gigantic.
h) Naples boasts an abundance of clothing and shoe shops, each offering incredible deals. Particularly concentrated around the station and Via Toledo, a bustling thoroughfare reminiscent of London's Oxford Street, shoppers can also explore Via Calabritto, Naples' answer to Bond Street. With so many options to choose from, fashion enthusiasts are sure to find something to suit their style and budget.
i) Underground Naples (not great if you suffer from claustrophobia) but what history. To experience the city below the city and learn the history and the story behind it all, will provide you with a whole new perspective.
Naples is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, bustling nightlife, and delectable cuisine. If you're a pizza lover, be sure to visit Pizzeria Brandi, where the famous pizza Margherita was first created. When dining out, it's best to choose restaurants frequented by locals and make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment. OR why not enjoy our 3-day foodie trip
I have so many other places for you to experience but you would need more time. For excursions outside the city try:
The island of Capri. I do not really need to say much about this island as so much has already been said
The island of Procida. A small fishing island and a great setting for many films like the talented Mr Ripley and Il Postino
Pompeii and Vesuvius -Do not try heading to Vesuvius on your own as you need to prebook
Sorrento
Caserta and its Royal Palace, really worth a visit as it is magnificent
Pozzuoli
WHILE IN NAPLES TRY:
If you're looking for a logical choice, pizza is always a safe bet. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you should definitely try Pizza fritta from their menu. When it comes to traditional pizza in Naples, there are two types - Margherita and Neapolitana. Interestingly, despite their differences in name, they are actually the same. Margherita is the more popular option, topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. The key to making a perfect traditional pizza is cooking it at high temperatures for a short period of time. In Italy, it's customary to eat pizza with a knife and fork.
Gelato – the home of ice cream. Mouth-watering options.
If you’re looking for different tastes of ice cream in Naples, you have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the best ice cream parlors in Naples according to "culture trip":
Officina Gelati, which offers expertly prepared ice cream with toppings such as chocolate, wafers, nuts and red wild strawberries. They also have a taste of the month feature1.
Gay Odin, which is described as the best gelateria in town and specializes in producing exceptionally high quality, milky chocolate. They have been open since the 1900s and have the best chocolate flavors in town1.
Otranto Gelateria, which uses fresh, high quality ingredients and natural milk imported from Campania to create classic yet enticing flavors. They also produce a variety of cakes smothered in cream and chocolate drizzle1.
Casa Infante, which originated in 1940 and has a reputation for producing authentic, artisanal gelato with natural ingredients. They have flavors such as hazelnut, pistachio, lemon, coffee, and more2.
Fantasia Gelati, which has several locations in Naples and offers a lot of original flavors such as tiramisu, cheesecake, Nutella, and more. They also have vegan options and sorbets
Some of the most popular flavors of Italian ice cream are:
Pistachio, which is a mainstay in every gelateria and combines pistachio paste with the classic base of milk, cream, eggs, and sugar3.
Stracciatella, which is a classic Italian dish with an especially milky and creamy taste embedded with chocolate chips1.
Lemon, which is a refreshing and tangy flavor made with fresh lemons3.
Hazelnut, which is a rich and nutty flavor that pairs well with chocolate or coffee3.
Chocolate, which is a favorite among many ice cream lovers and can vary from dark to milk to white3.
Then there is.......
Spaghetti alle Vongole
Panzerotti, a little like Calzone stuffed with mozzarella and fresh tomatoes
Cuoppo which is the yellow straw paper which holds the various delights. From fried seafood like calamari, sardines or anchovies, rice balls or potato croquettes.
Frittata di pasta – More fried options. Usually mixed with eggs, pancetta or bacon with a touch of mozzarella then fried in a pan.
Rice balls. Naple’s answer to Sicily’s arancini
Polpette (meatballs). They are not eaten with spaghetti, Italo-American style. They are a delicacy unto themselves.
Spaghetti alla Puttanesca made differently from Spaghetti alla Puttanesca Lazio style/
Pasta al ragu Napoletano “In its essence, Neapolitan ragù is a meat and tomato sauce cooked over a very low flame for a long time. Unlike ragù alla Bolognese, Neapolitan ragù is started without a battuto (the combination of carrot, onion and celery at the start of many Italian dishes); includes copious amounts of tomato sauce; and uses whole cuts rather than chopped or ground meat” Great Italian Chefs - https://www.greatitalianchefs.com/recipes/ragu-napoletano-recipe
Melanzane alla Parmigiana
For dessert Baba; Zeppole di San Giuseppe; definitely a sfogliatelle
Check out Tripparia a restaurant specialising in the preparation of tripe (just thought I would throw that in)
If you get home sick there is THE PUB https://experiencethepub.com/naples
Hope this helps .............
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