I arrive in Naples this Wednesday morning, and depart Friday morning. I have read guide books thoroughly but would be interested in a few recommendations from people who have been there. I tend to be an art and architecture type of person so will definitely go to the Naples Archaeological Museum and the Capodimonte but in my limited time, is there anything you recommend as just really a special experience? For example, should I take the funicular up Piazza Vanvitelli? or go to Caffe Gambrinus and walk along the water? Thank you.
Posted by
Western Canada
3100 posts
I would avoid Cafe Gambrinus, except to just look in to see the lovely interior.
We had coffee there a few years ago and had terrible service and mediocre coffee!
The best coffee was in a hole in the wall bar along the Spaccanapoli !
Be sure to try sfogliatelle, a wonderful pastry found all over Naples.
Then walk the length of the Spaccanapoli, the street that splits the city.
Lots to see.
We also loved the Cloisters.
Oh, and the Veiled Christ sculpture.
We also enjoyed a tour of the Opera House, but I don't know if they still do those.
Last visit in 2019, we took an evening street food tour, and that was great.
I think I booked it through Viator.
You'll have to return for longer on your next trip!
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7269 posts
You are ahead of season, so maybe you won't have to wait so long for a table at a pizzeria. I prefer less Neapolitan pies, but you have to have one while you are there. Find a good looking bakery and order a Baba over the counter.
Do not overlook the Farnese Marbles if you go to see the Pompeii relics at the Archaeological Museum. They are tremendously influential works, and you'll be almost alone with them.
We only had one day in Naples, so we did not try to follow the path of That Hamilton Woman, who was quite an influential diplomat back when British women were still little more than chattel.
Are you including the Royal Palace of Caserta on your trip? We also did not have time for the Cave of the Cumaean Sybill or an alleged classical tomb (I forget which poet ??) in the same area. I would not sit in a cafe ahead of those things.
Posted by
755 posts
I will second the veiled Christ as well as the Archeological Museum. After seven trips to Napoli I never made it to the Capodimonte as I have heard the collection isn’t that great. Try to get to Herculaneum though and the Cimetero delle Fontanelle if you have time.
The pizza is the best in the world, and yes you can eat the whole thing!
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts
67 posts
Thank you for your responses. It is helpful to know the Veiled Christ was particularly impressive. Sometimes all the guide books suggestions seem like words on a page and knowing I can't do everything, it's good to have some priorities. Good to know also I can eat a whole pizza, as I am a small eater and was wondering about my capacity for piazza.
Posted by
40 posts
We were in Naples for a few days in 2018 went to the archeological museum and seeing all the wonderful artifacts that had been recovered from Pompeii before going back to Pompeii was amazing, it gave life to the ancient city. Do not be put off by Naples being a bit rougher looking, graffiti and so forth, it is so interesting use Ricks guidebook and take a walk through the Spanish quarter, it’s like walking through a movie, such life, wonderful street food, friendly people. The train to Pompeii from Naples takes about 40 minutes and let’s you off right at the entrance, see Pompeii and if you go early enough on the return train trip get of at Herculaneum, the other ancient city buried by Vesuvius, though smaller than Pompeii it is unique with many of the buildings intact, walls and frescos, you get off the train and walk down the hill a short distance to the site, we stopped for pizza before getting back on the train for Naples. Our hotel was in the Chiana area, a good safe area with lots of restaurants and folks walking around in the evenings. Naples really is worth the visit, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Just keep you eye out for pickpockets on the little train to Pompeii, only time I have dealt with one, had my front zipper on purse open in a second, only felt a tiny whisper of a touch before I yelled HEY and he whipped off the train, his only prize my Kleenex…..used! Ha score one for me.