Naples, Italy - Travel Guide

Naples is a vibrant and historic city, the birthplace of pizza, and a gateway to stunning archaeological sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as the beautiful Amalfi Coast. It offers a rich cultural experience with its bustling streets, grand architecture, and delicious culinary scene.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

NapoliCampaniaPompeiiMount VesuviusAmalfi CoastSorrentoCapriIschiaProcida

🇮🇹 Country Information: Italy

CapitalRome

CurrencyEuro (€)

LanguageItalian , German, French, Slovene, Ladin, Albanian, Greek, Sardinian, Catalan

Phone Code+39

Electricity230V (Type C, F, L)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service; 5
10% in restaurants for good service; rounding up taxi fares; 1
2 euros per bag for porters; 1
2 euros per night for hotel housekeepers

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments; cash is still common for smaller purchases and local markets
It is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller towns and certain local vendors
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites
"Fare la bella figura" (making a good impression) is important, so dress neatly
Meals are social events and can be lengthy; wait to be seated in restaurants
Italians often greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks among friends and family

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Italy recognizes civil unions for same-sex couples, but not marriage. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited in employment.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, even for small amounts; penalties include heavy fines and imprisonment

Special Laws

It is mandatory to carry identification at all times
Driving in ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) without a permit can result in fines
Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas

Common Phrases

NoNo (noh) No

YesSì (see) Sì

HelloCiao (chah-oh) Ciao

PleasePer favore (pehr fah-voh-reh) Per favore

Excuse meMi scusi (mee skoo-zee) Mi scusi

Thank youGrazie (grah-tsee-eh) Grazie

Climate

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Hot Season: Jul
Aug
Earthquake Season: Naples is in an active seismic zone; minor tremors can occur year
round

Getting There

Fly into Naples International Airport (NAP) from major European cities and beyond
High
speed trains connect Naples to Rome (1
5
2 hours, \~$30
50), Florence (3 hours, \~$50
80), and Milan (4
5 hours, \~$70
100)
Buses are available from various Italian cities, often a more budget
friendly option

Getting Around

Naples has an extensive public transportation network including buses, trams, and a metro system (ANM)
The funiculars are also a key way to navigate the hilly areas
While traditional taxis are widely available, ride
sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are present but might have limited availability compared to other major cities

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Varicella, Polio, Flu) are recommended
Hepatitis A/B and Rabies are recommended for some travelers based on activities
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Probiotics can be helpful for digestive health, especially when trying new foods
Motion sickness remedies might be useful for boat trips to islands or coastal tours
Malaria is not a concern in Naples or Italy

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available through major Italian providers like TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad
Global eSIM providers like Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly also work well in Italy

Local Cuisine

Pizza Margherita must_try

The iconic Neapolitan pizza, featuring San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil, representing the colors of the Italian fla

Ziti alla Genovese regional_speciality

A rich and savory pasta dish, despite its name, it is a staple of Neapolitan cuisine, not Genoese. It features long, slow-cooked onions and meat (ofte

Salsiccia e Friarielli regional_speciality

A classic Neapolitan combination featuring pork sausage (salsiccia) often slow-cooked or grilled, paired with friarielli, a local variety of bitter gr

Frittelle (Zeppole/Panzerotti) street_food

Various fried dough snacks popular as street food, including savory options like zeppole (small fried dough balls) or panzerotti (fried pockets filled

Spaghetto a Vongole (Fuiute) regional_speciality

A creative variation of spaghetti with clams, this 'fugitive' or 'runaway' version omits the clams. It uses garlic, oil, parsley, and cherry tomatoes,

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Pompeii Archaeological Site Tickets Attraction

Book at least 2 weeks in advance, especially for peak season.

Tickets for the famous ruins can sell out, and booking ahead is considered almost mandatory to secure entry and avoid long lines, especially outside of winter.

Sansevero Chapel (Cristo Velato) Tickets Attraction

Book 1–4 weeks in advance.

The chapel houses the famous Veiled Christ sculpture and has limited capacity, making advance booking essential to guarantee a visiting time slot.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Guided Tour of Pompeii tour_or_activity

Book 1–4 weeks in advance.

Guided tours, which are highly recommended for a better experience, can fill up, especially those offered by reputable local operators.

Capri or Ischia Ferry Tickets Transport

Book 1–3 weeks in advance.

Ferries to popular islands like Capri and Ischia fill up quickly, especially during the summer, and booking ahead secures your preferred departure time.

Palazzo Petrucci Ristorante Reservation Dining

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance.

As a highly-rated fine dining restaurant, reservations are necessary and fill up quickly, especially for weekend dinner slots.

Fun Facts

1. The name "Naples" translates to "new city," originating from its ancient Greek name, Neapolis.
2. Naples is home to one of the longest and most used funicular railways in the world, the Central Funicular, which opened in 1928.
3. The city's historic center is the largest in Europe, spanning 4,200 acres, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Naples has three large historic castles dating back to at least the thirteenth century: Castel Nuovo, Castel dell'Ovo, and Castel Sant'Elmo.

Ready to explore Naples?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip