It is very important to have some information before visiting Napoli, to know what to expect. It has been said that information is power as it helps in filtering stereotypes from truth. There are about seven indispensable things you need to be aware of before going to Napoli – Italy.
Napoli is a vast sprawling city
It may not be possible to get an idea of the true picture of this enormous city while you are at the center of it. If you have the chance take a boat ride to Sorrento or just in one of the many islands found off the coast. Look back at the city of Napoli while standing on the island grounds. How is the city from the water? It’s just gigantic. See how buildings crawl pragmatically stretching up towards region of Mt.Vesuvius, occupying ever possible nook and cranny of the earth. Ideally, Napoli has two sides; modern and historic sides.
Napoli is a hilly place
Things you need to be aware of before going to Napoli Italy. In as much as the historic center is accessible on foot, it is always prudential to consult a local person before looking at a tourist map to establish the walkability of a place. While some parts like the Centro antico have a flat terrain, most places will involve either walking uphill or downhill, particularly when going to the train station, Archaeological museum or just when moving about anywhere. As a matter of fact, there is an infamous museum and palace branded as ‘Capodimonte’ that give visitors memorable experience in their tour. One thing you need to understand is the meaning of Capodimonte; it is interpreted as ‘top of the hill’.
Not all taxi drivers in Napoli are cheats
Perhaps you have heard ugly stories of how cabs charge exorbitant fares to unsuspecting visitors. Well, there are cases of such malicious practices happening, but there still exists trustworthy drivers. In actual sense, the crafty would disconnect mileage meters just too deliberately interfere with the true rationale for computation of travel charges. This creates a loophole for them to demand outrageous charges. What you need to know for you to be safe, don’t use any taxi with non-functional meter. Kindly ask to have it fixed and if they are not ready to turn the meter on, choose another taxi as there are many of them. Nevertheless, do not go to Napoli with a notion that all the taxi drivers are cheats. You will be surprised to find out some of them are actually quite entertaining.
You will find bad and really good pizza in Napoli
Pizza originated in Napoli. This fact has made people fall in love with Napoli pizza. It is advisable to try out different pizza joints for you to get your perfect favorite. In the process, you will realize that pizza in some places is not that good. Therefore, you have to keep your eyes open and be watchful where you to buy your pizza. Places crowded with locals in search for pizza could be the best joints; try them out. Mindi and Daryl have created an excellent guide on where to find the best pizza in Napoli.
If you are a foodie, you might want to check out this cheap but fantastic food tour of the city as well, where you will try the most famous dishes Napoli has to offer. You can read my experience of the tour here.Napoli is a safe place
Problems of crime have been evident in Napoli and the surrounding regions. But the crimes are not targeted to tourists but the usual petty crimes found elsewhere in cities. Perhaps the only thing you need to be aware of is the security challenge involving two main crimes-jewelry theft and snatching of purses. Pickpockets are there, as it would be the case in other major cities all over the world.
Napoli is not as dirty as alleged
Go to Napoli with moderate expectations since achieving ideal levels of cleanliness in a city as big as Napoli may not be an easy task. The level of Napoli’s cleanliness has nothing to do with touristic missions. You will find no garbage pilled along the ways of tourists in Napoli .
Napoli neighborhoods are also safe
There are rooms around the train station. This area is quite some distance from the historic center. Therefore, booking a room around the train station might not be a wise decision. Trekking in the daylight is not every interesting thing and it even becomes less appealing during night hours. It would be better to find a b and b in the historic center.
Napoli loos like a cool place to chill out. I loved the historic palace surrounded by blue water. It is so photogenic. I am a great pizza lover and as pizza originated from Napoli then I would surely have different varieties of pizza here . Good to know that Napoli is not dirty and it is safe also.
My grandparents were missionaries for 40+ years. Seventeen of which they spent in Ethiopia. I once asked my grandmother, out of all the places in the world you’ve traveled to, which is your favorite? She didn’t hesitate .. Italy. There’s no place in the world like it. My husband went long before we were married and has been longing for authentic Italian pizza ever since. It must be quite a place because everyone I know would so love to go back! xx
I would love to visit Napoli in the future! This place looks very nice and is on my bucketlist. Thanks for all tips! Your blog is very helpful! Wish you a great Friday and the whole weekend!
Napoli looks gorgeous, my husband is half Italian so hopefully one day we get to visit!
Gorgeous photos 🙂
Wow! A Euro trip has always been a dream and Italy is on my bucketlist. When I hear about Italy, Rome or Milan automatically comes to mind. Good to know more about Napoli, hope I can go there someday.
I haven’t really heard much of Napoli if I am honest but it seems like you have done your research, I really want to go to Italy done of these days, such a beautiful country
There is bad pizza in Napoli?! All my Italian friends are always bragging how the worst pizza place in Italy is still better than UK, well I guess not. I might be going to Napoli in July so im bookmarking this.
I have been to Naples in my teens, and all I can say is the only thing I can remember is their pizza! I also remember going to the Pompeii Ruins but OMG… I can still remember how the margherita pizza melted in my mouth..
Hey I never knew pizzas originated in Napoli. That’s news for me. I bet the pizzas there would taste amazing… Pizzas on a hilly place sounds really tempting. I loved your indepth post. Great job.. 🙂
It feels like Ive been on that place too because of all the information you posted here! And I will definitely love this place because of the pizza! Good to know that my favorite pizza originated from Napoli. I think I can live there for a very long time!