Are you thinking of visiting Naples in Italy and wondering what you should know before you do?
This article will be perfect for you!
Naples is one of my favourite cities in Italy. I’ve visited several times and can simply not get enough. But it’s also important to mention that it’s a very chaotic and a bit overwhelming city.
Some people love it, others hate it. I love it but I do think you need to be prepared and know a bit what you’re getting yourself into if you want to make the best of your time.
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1. Avoid visiting in July and August
It’s incredibly hot in Italy in July and August and even more so in Naples. Southern Italy is blessed with beautiful weather but the summer months are really tough in the city since the buildings make it feel even hotter.
While it’s not impossible to visit in July or August (I mean, I’ve done it so you can!), it’s just not comfortable. It’s so hot that you have to stop a lot to drink and it makes your legs and feet swell which is not great.
Also, since it’s the summer holidays, Naples is super busy and everything tends to be more expensive.
If you can visit in May, June or September, you’ll get a much better experience.
2. Get used to the chaos
Naples is a chaotic city. It might very well be the most chaotic city in Europe to be honest. That’s something you need to get used to and embrace.
Yes, people don’t respect the rules, cars don’t stop for pedestrians, people drive scooters without helmets… that’s just the way it is and you need to get on with it.
I know this can feel quite weird when you’re not used to it but the more you try to fight the system (or lack of system) the harder you’ll make it for yourself.
Just accept the chaos.
3. Wear a money belt
There are quite a lot of pickpockets in Naples and theft is quite common. For this reason, it’s better to avoid putting your money in your backpack or in a handbag that doesn’t have a zip.
To keep your money and passport safe, I recommend using a money belt. I know it’s not the most stylish piece of clothing but it’s incredibly practical.
4. Use public transport and walk
Public transport in Naples is honestly quite good. There are only 2 metro lines which means it’s easy to navigate. The metro itself is also very clean and there is AC (which is a huge plus if you are visiting in summer).
Ultimately, you can walk to most places in Naples but if you need to cover more distance, public transport is great.
Also, the tickets are pretty cheap.
I also highly recommend using public transport to go to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Sorrento. From Garibaldi station, you can take the circumvesuviana train which is both very practical and cheap.
5. Don’t rent a car in Naples
There are two reasons why you shouldn’t rent a car in Naples. Firstly, driving in Naples is very chaotic which makes it very hard if you’re not from Naples. You need to get used to the madness and it can be very stressful.
Secondly, there is simply no point in having a car in Naples since you can use public transport and everything is very easy to access. Even if you want to go to Pompeii or Sorrento, it’s much easier with the train.
The only reason why you should rent a car in Naples is if you want to go a bit off the beaten track and outside of Naples.
6. Learn some italian
While a lot of people in the old centre speak some English, it’s always quite handy to know some Italian.
In the Spanish Quarters for example, most people don’t speak English. A lot of them don’t even actually speak Italian much since they only speak Napolitan but knowing some Italian will be useful.
I recommend learning the common words such as hello, thank you, please, coffee, water, toilet…
Also, locals love it when you try to make an effort even if it’s in broken italian.
7. Eat street food
Naples is one of the best places in Italy when it comes to food. Some would even say that it’s the best place, full stop.
It’s the birthplace of pizza as well as many Italian specialties. But the thing that Naples does better than any other city in Italy, it’s street food.
From the fried pizza to the frittata di spaghetti, you’ll find loads of things you can buy from local stands (especially in the Spanish Quarters) and eat on the go.
Also, it’s very cheap so there is no reason to not try it!
8. Do a walking tour in the Spanish Quarters
The Spanish Quarters are the most unique district in Naples. They are colourful, authentic, full of good food shops and where you can find the famous Maradona mural.
They used to be the most dangerous place in Naples and are now a lot more visited by tourists.
Walking around the Spanish Quarters is a unique experience that words can’t really describe. There is nothing like it.
Most of the locals here speak Napolitan, a lot of them don’t even speak Italian so that’s to say how authentic it is.
While it’s not unsafe anymore to visit the Spanish Quarters, you should still be careful. The best way to visit this area is with a walking tour. Being with a guide will give you the chance to truly understand this part of Naples and learn plenty about the football culture and food.
9. Withdraw cash
Cash is king in Naples. A lot of places don’t accept cards and even if they do, they definitely prefer cash.
If you buy street food, you will need cash, for coffees as well. For restaurants, some of them do take cards but it’s better to have some cash at all times.
10. Avoid exploring on your own at night
Technically, Naples is not overly unsafe however it can feel a bit overwhelming and even more at night.
I would recommend avoiding going out by yourself too much at night, especially in the Spanish Quarters.
11. Download Google Translate and the Italian language
People working in tourist attractions usually speak English, so do the waiters in the Old Centre but outside of that, most people don’t speak English.
For this reason, I recommend downloading Google Translate and the Italian language (so you can use it offline) beforehand. That way, language will never be too much of a barrier.
12. Don’t buy a Neapolitan horn for yourself
As you walk around Naples, you will notice there are a lot of Neapolitan horns. This is a good luck charm for the Neapolitans and you can find them everywhere as key rings.
They make for the perfect souvenir however, you shouldn’t buy it for yourself. The horn only brings luck when it’s gifted so you can buy it for your friends and family but shouldn’t buy it for yourself. Someone else should buy it for you.
I hope this article has helped you and you have a better idea of what to expect in Naples.
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