At a glance, Naples may seem like a typical Italian tourist hot spot. But this city has so much to offer. You can visit it again and again and still discover something new and exciting each time! So here are some noteworthy spots for your list of places to visit while in Naples:
Mark the historic center or Centro Storico on your travel list. Here, you can walk along the Piazza Garibaldi, the city’s main walking path in front of the station. This will lead you to the Piazza Plebiscito where many wonderful, ancient churches can be seen, including the Sansvero Chapel, a church built in 1590 adorned with ornate religious icons. Linger a while longer in this piazza to see more terrific sites including the Royal Palace and the Galleria Umberto.
For a breathtaking view of the water, head on over to the island of Capri, often referred to as the “jewel of the Mediterranean.” Here, you can bask in the warm, luxurious sun, surrounded by all the wealth this rich island has to offer.
Reggia Di Capodimonte is both a wonderful museum and a natural preserve featuring several hundred varieties of trees. This palace museum houses some exquisite artistic treasures, including an impressive porcelain collection.
Be sure to schedule in some time for a walk along Via San Gregorio Armeno, also referred to as the famous “nativity scene road” since this is where many crafters and artists use old traditional techniques to create beautiful figurines used in nativities. Many artists and commercial businesses are in this area offering some great shopping opportunities.
More shopping adventures await you at the Galleria Principe Di Napoli. This is a very sophisticated shopping center with fashionable boutiques within. It opens out into a square leading to the National museum.
If you’re traveling with children or want a more whimsical diversion, visit Edenalandia, a theme park complete with rides and a theatre bound to provide lots of family entertainment. Another kid-friendly excursion is a visit to the Naples’ zoo called the Giardino Zoologico, where you can see animals from all over the world.
At the National Archeological Museum, some of the world’s best artifacts of Greek and Roman times are on display including ruins from Pompeii and other ancient sites.
For an inside look at the city, why not go to underground Naples known as the “city under the city.” Here, you can explore more artifacts from Greek and Roman times. Guides provide tours to the public in some of these underground areas.
Teatro San Carlo, built in the early 1700’s is the oldest opera house in Europe. You can see the latest operas as well as ballet performances in grand style. There are also special programs and performances available for children.
Finally, don’t leave Naples without an authentic taste of some Neapolitan pizza, renowned worldwide. Visit the ever-popular Brandi, an old-fashioned pizzeria that originated back in 1780; or try some pizza at Ciro A Santa Brigada, where pizza-making has been elevated to a nutritional art!
