Things to do in Naples

Spaccanapoli

Spaccanapoli is the beating heart of Naples, a straight road over a kilometer long that literally cuts the historic centre in two, dividing the city between north and south. It is not the name of a single street on the map, but the union of seven different streets (including via Pasquale Scura, via Benedetto Croce and via San Biagio dei Librai) that follow the ancient lower decumanus of the Greek-Roman era.

We suggest talking a walk and stopping for some traditional food, including the pizza a portafoglio (folded pizza) and o’cuoppo, a cone-shaped foil filled with local fried fish, potatoes, veggies.

Amongst the many things worth seeing are:

  • San Gregorio Armeno, street originally dedicated to Christmas cribs and which hosts plenty of traditional artisanal shops selling all kinds of funny statuettes.

The Cathedral of Naples

The Cathedral of Naples (or Duomo di Napoli), dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption, represents the spiritual heart of the city. What makes the place even more extraordinary is the veneration of Saint Januarius and the miracle of his blood liquefying three times a year. This miracle symbolizes the Saint’s protection of the city (and overall, a sign of good luck!).

Amongst the many things worth seeing are:

  • The mural of Saint Januarius The Worker. Located just steps from the Naples Cathedral the mural was painted in 2015 by Jorit, one of the most famous Italian street artists. The artwork emphasized the importance of Saint Januarius for the Naples and the Neapolitans.

  • The exhibition by the Italian sculptor Jago, hosted at the church of Saint Aspreno ai Crociferi, just a 10-minute walk away from the Cathedral of Naples (for tickets: https://jago.art/it/museum/).

Chiaia District

Chiaia is considered among the most refined and upscale districts in the city. At the same time, it’s a typical Neapolitan district, thanks to the staircases, or to the network of alleys that run through it and where you can discover the best local craftsmanship, or enjoy traditional cuisine.

Amongst the many things worth seeing are:

  • Palazzo Reale di Napoli – The Royal Palace of Naples is one of the city’s most significant landmarks, standing prominently in Piazza del Plebiscito. Built starting in 1600, it served as the seat of monarchical power for three centuries. It is located steps away from the well-known San Carlo Theatre. (https://palazzorealedinapoli.org/)

  • The Galleria Umberto I is a grand 19th-century shopping arcade in Naples, renowned for its majestic glass and steel dome and intricate marble floors. The arcade was completed in 1890 as part of the city’s gentrification project.

Be sure to stop for an authentic espresso at Caffè Gambrinus, Naples’ landmark literary café located on the square. Founded in 1860 and with original Art Déco interiors, the café’s most distinguished guests reportedly included the Austrian Empress Sissi, the Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, the Irish writer Oscar Wilde, the American novelist Ernest Hemingway, and the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre.

Posillipo District

A hilly, upscale residential district in Naples, which offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples, the Vesuvius, and the islands. Its name comes from the Greek Pausílypon, meaning “respite from worry”.

We suggest taking a walk (or a taxi!) up the hill to:

  • Admire Palazzo Donn’Anna, a monumental 17th-century Baroque palace situated on the water at the beginning of the Posillipo district and which represents one of Naples’ landmarks.

  • Spend the morning and take a swim at Baia delle Rocce Verdi, a beautiful resort by the water (please note that the Resort does not take reservations, so we recommend going there early to secure a spot: https://www.baiadellerocceverdi.it/mare-e-piscine/)

  • Visit Marechiaro, a picturesque fishing village in Posillipo that epitomizes the charm of Southern Italy.