Naples

Italy·Europe

Currency

EUR

Language

Italian

Timezone

Rome

Continent

Europe

Our guide

Discover Naples

Naples is not visited the way Rome or Florence are: it is loud, dense and alive, and that is what makes it unforgettable. The Teatro San Carlo, opened in 1737, is the oldest working opera house in Europe. The National Archaeological Museum holds most of what was dug out of Pompeii and Herculaneum, half an hour away by train.

When to go

April to June, September to October. Summer is hot and crowded, especially on the neighbouring Amalfi coast. Winter stays mild and the city returns to its own rhythm, without tourists.

Getting around

The historic centre is walked, and must be: the lanes of Spaccanapoli are too narrow for anything else. Metro Line 1 is remarkable — several stations are genuine contemporary art installations. Keep an eye on your belongings in the dense quarters; Naples's reputation is exaggerated but not baseless.

Where to eat

Pizza was born here, and Neapolitan pizza is protected by a designation that fixes the dough, the bake and even the diameter. A proper margherita often costs under six euros. Neapolitan coffee is short and sweet, taken standing at the bar.

Good to know

Naples is the logical base for Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius, all reachable by regional train. Exactly one halal address is listed — very few, and worth planning seriously around if that matters to you.

Smart Planning