Experience the Top Attractions in Naples:
**Discovering the Hidden Gems of Naples: Beyond the Amalfi Coast**
Naples, a city rich in history, art, and culture, offers a captivating blend of experiences that goes beyond the picturesque Amalfi Coast. With its vibrant streets, ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes, Naples is a city that truly embodies the spirit of Italy.
**Exploring Ancient Sites**
The world-famous archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum provide a fascinating glimpse into life frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. These ancient cities, buried for centuries, offer a unique perspective on Roman life and art.
**Unveiling Naples' Underground**
Beneath the city's bustling streets lies a labyrinth of tunnels, caves, and galleries known as Napoli Sotterranea. This hidden network offers a unique perspective on Naples’ historical layers, including ancient Greek and Roman structures, WWII shelters, and aqueducts.
**Historic Landmarks and Castles**
Naples is home to several historic landmarks and castles. Maschio Angioino, a 13th-century medieval fortress, symbolizes Naples’ opulent past. The Ovo Castle, another seaside fortress, offers panoramic views of the city and the bay. The Royal Palace of Naples, situated in the impressive Piazza del Plebiscito, reflects Naples’ royal heritage as the capital of the Kingdom of Naples.
**Religious and Artistic Marvels**
Naples Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli) is a stunning Gothic cathedral with exquisite frescoes and mosaics. The Sansevero Chapel, renowned for its Baroque sculpture "Veiled Christ" and its scientific and artistic heritage, is one of Naples’ top cultural attractions.
**Panoramic Views and Nature**
Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano, offers hiking to the crater’s edge and opportunities to taste local wines grown on its fertile slopes. Vomero Hill, accessible via the Montesanto funicular, provides breathtaking views over Naples and the Bay of Naples, along with a pleasant green environment.
**Vibrant Neighborhoods and Streets**
The Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli) is a lively area full of local character, street art, and authentic Neapolitan life. The Historic Center and Via Toledo are ancient streets and bustling shopping avenues, including the beautiful Via Toledo, a historic shopping street leading to major city squares.
**Museums and Cultural Experiences**
Galleria Borbonica offers an insight into Naples’ past below ground, with WWII history and vintage vehicles. The Museo Civico at Maschio Angioino offers rich collections of historical paintings and artifacts. MADRE - the Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina, hidden away inside the nineteenth-century Palazzo Donnaregina, features an ever-changing schedule of temporary exhibitions, as well as site-specific installations from internationally renowned artists like Jeff Koons and Anish Kapoor.
**Tasting Naples' Delights**
Pizza, invented in Naples, is the absolute number one must-try food in the city. 50 Kalo is considered one of the best places in Naples to get pizza. Tarallo, a cross between a bread-stick and a pretzel, can be found all over the city. Crocchè di Patate, a potato croquette stuffed with cheese and sometimes ham, is one of the most popular fritti (fried snacks) in Naples. A cuoppo, a unique street food snack, consists of a paper cone filled with a mixture of fried snacks like seafood, veggies, and arancini.
**Accommodation and Getting Around**
Grand Hotel Oriente offers a clean and very comfortable atmosphere, great service, and a breakfast served on the roof terrace with some amazing views of the city and the distant volcano. Getting around Naples is easy; the city centre is small and easily walkable, and there are excellent buses within the town and cheap taxis.
Naples airport is only about a ten minute drive from the city centre, and British Airways, EasyJet, and Monarch all offer non-stop flights (two and a half hours) direct to Aeroporto di Napoli from Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton.
Beyond the Amalfi Coast, Naples offers a rich, diverse experience with a host of remarkable sights and activities that are sure to leave a lasting impression. From ancient ruins and underground tunnels to majestic castles and panoramic hills, it’s a city rich in culture and adventure.
- After exploring the ancient sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, indulge in a culinary adventure with Naples' famous food-and-drink, from authentic Neapolitan pizza at 50 Kalo to crocchè di patate and tarallo.
- To fully immerse yourself in Naples' lifestyle and culture, consider staying at the Grand Hotel Oriente, offering comfortable accommodations and breathtaking city views.
- Beyond the world-renowned archaeological sites, don't miss out on unveiling Napoli Sotterranea, a hidden network of tunnels, caves, and galleries beneath the bustling city streets.
- For a comprehensive understanding of Naples' history and contemporary art, visit museums such as MADRE, Galleria Borbonica, and the Museo Civico at Maschio Angioino, showcasing site-specific installations, historical paintings, and artifacts.
