DESTINAZIONE
Discover essential tips for visiting Naples: transport, safety, where to eat and what to know before you go. A practical guide for travellers.
Naples welcomes you with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the lively noise of the narrow streets and the genuine warmth of its inhabitants. But visiting this extraordinary city requires a few precautions to ensure you enjoy the experience to the fullest. Whether you are planning a romantic weekend or a family holiday, knowing a few practical aspects will make the difference between a memorable trip and a stressful one.
In this guide, you will find practical advice on how to get around, where to eat at a reasonable price, how to stay safe and all the tricks for experiencing Naples like a local, avoiding the classic tourist traps.
The Naples metro is the most efficient way to get around. Line 1 connects the airport to the historic centre and main stations, with stops at museum stations such as Toledo and Università (true works of art). A single ticket costs €1.10 and is valid for 90 minutes.
Practical tip: Buy the Unico Campania daily pass (£4.50) if you plan to make multiple trips. It includes the metro, buses, funiculars and Circumvesuviana.
Only use official white taxis with meters. Fares are fixed from the airport: £23 to the city centre, £30 to the central station. Avoid unlicensed taxis that will approach you at the airport exit.
Reliable alternatives: Free Now, Uber (private hire only), ItTaxi.
The historic centre is perfect for exploring on foot, but be careful: the cobblestones are slippery when it rains and pavements are often non-existent. Comfortable shoes are essential. For families with pushchairs, bear in mind that many pedestrian areas have steps and steep slopes.
Naples is no more dangerous than other large tourist cities, but pickpockets operate in crowded areas. Spaccanapoli, Forcella and the central station require caution.
Golden rules:
For families and couples, it is best to avoid the following areas in the evening: some alleys in Forcella, Piazza Garibaldi after 10 p.m., and the innermost areas of the Quartieri Spagnoli (although these are undergoing rapid redevelopment).
Areas that are safe even in the evening: the seafront, Vomero, Chiaia, Via Toledo, Piazza del Plebiscito.
Forget restaurants with tourist menus in five languages. The best pizzerias are those frequented by Neapolitans: often small, no-frills, with a basic menu.
Recommended pizzerias:
Budget: A margherita pizza costs £4-5 in historic pizzerias, £7-10 in the more renowned ones.
Don't miss the cuoppo di frittura (€4-6), pizza a portafoglio (€2-3), and coffee at the bar (€1 at the counter, €2-3 at the table). Coffee is strictly drunk standing at the counter.
Stay away from restaurants with:
Add about 40% to the couple's costs. Many museums have free admission for under 18s.
The best time: mild climate (18-24°C), little rain, pre-season prices. Ideal for families and couples.
Intense heat (up to 35°C), very crowded, high prices. In August, many places close for holidays. If you come in summer, choose July or the first half of June.
An excellent compromise: still mild weather, fewer tourists, October is particularly pleasant. Risk of rain from November onwards.
Low season, low prices, less crowded. Mild weather (10-15°C) but rain is possible. Perfect for those seeking authenticity.
Most tour operators speak basic English. In traditional restaurants and neighbourhood shops, English is less common.
Useful phrases in Neapolitan:
Neapolitans appreciate those who make an effort to speak Italian, even with mistakes.
Neapolitan pizzerias are generally family-friendly. Always ask for a high chair ("seggiolone per bambini").
The metro is accessible with lifts. The historic centre is complicated: consider a baby carrier for the narrow alleys.
Free Wi-Fi is available in many bars, restaurants and hotels. 4G/5G coverage is good in the city centre, less so in outlying areas.
For those staying longer: consider an Italian prepaid SIM card (TIM, Vodafone, Wind) with 20-30GB for €10-15.
The 3-day Artecard (£32) includes:
It is worth it if you visit at least 2 major museums (Archaeological Museum £18, Sansevero Chapel £10).
If you only visit free attractions (churches, seafront, neighbourhoods) and use transport infrequently.
Naples is not a city to look at, but to experience. Embrace the chaos, try everything, spend time chatting with the Neapolitans and don't rush. The real secret to enjoying it? Plan the essentials but let yourself be surprised by the rest. And remember: in Naples, they say 'chi ha tempo non aspetti tempo' (those who have time should not wait for time) – enjoy every moment because this city has a way of staying in your heart.
Final tip: Book accommodation in the centre (Chiaia, Centro Storico, Vomero) to be close to everything and save time. And don't forget to try a freshly baked sfogliatella – it's an experience worth the trip.
