By Nikolina J.

@adventuresallaround www.adventuresallaround.com.hr

It’s no secret that Naples is one of the Italian cities you should definitely have on your travel bucket list. Home to many interesting landmarks with its rich history, breathtaking scenery and let’s not forget – incredible mouth-watering cuisine – this city has something for everyone!

Despite Naples being so popular, you may hear that many people would describe Naples as “unsafe”, especially for female solo travelers. So naturally, I started researching all over the Internet when I booked my ticket to Naples. I couldn’t escape from a whole palette of comments and reviews – from great ones to not-so-great ones. This reputation got me a bit worried, but giving up wasn’t an option. I wanted to see it by myself, and in the end was glad I did!

Turns out – yes, Naples is a bit of chaos. There is a lot of trash on the streets, pickpocketers, homeless people, and sketchy streets which you probably don’t want set into. On the other hand, there is so much beauty!

Naples is a city of many contrasts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. I would rather say that you just have to know how to do Naples right – and if you give it a chance you might actually find yourself falling in love, like I did! 

These are the things I learned & places I would recommend from my 5-day trip to Naples.

Where to Stay – Best Neighborhoods

Naples is a vibrant city with so many interesting neighborhoods to explore. Since it’s quite a big city – actually the third-largest city in Italy, looking for accommodation can be a bit overwhelming. 

These are some of the neighborhoods in Naples that are considered the safest, and best since they are in close proximity to all the interesting landmarks:

Old Town (Centro Storico) – the historic center of Naples is a great choice for visitors who want to be in the heart of the action. It’s home to many of Naples’ most famous sights, and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy.

Chiaia – a vibrant and picturesque neighborhood in the heart of Naples. It is known for its elegant buildings, high-end boutiques, and upscale restaurants. This neighborhood has a waterfront promenade where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Bay of Naples and the majestic Mount Vesuvius. 

Vomero – is located on a hill overlooking the city and is considered one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Naples. It’s home to many historical landmarks, trendy cafes and restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene. It’s a quieter area than some of the other neighborhoods.

Posillipo – an upscale neighborhood located on a hill overlooking the Bay of Naples. It is known for its stunning views, beautiful villas and gardens, and luxurious lifestyle. Historically, this was a popular residential area for wealthy families, and it’s a great choice for visitors who want to relax and take in the stunning scenery and for those who can also afford a bit of luxury.

Port of Naples – a bustling area located on the waterfront. It’s a great choice for visitors who want to be close to the water and enjoy the lively atmosphere of a working port. This was the area where I stayed and loved that most of the main attractions were within walking distance. It’s also considered a more budget-friendly area.

Spanish Quarters (Quartieri Spagnoli) – a historic, densely populated neighborhood known for its narrow streets, vibrant street life, and authentic Neapolitan atmosphere. It’s also known for its street art, including colorful murals and graffiti. While it has a reputation for being rough around the edges, it’s generally considered safe and is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the real Naples.

Every Foodie’s Heaven

There is a popular saying “Love goes through the stomach.” – and with local Napoleatan food, there is no doubt that you will fall in love! 

Naples, the birthplace of pizza Napoletana, is a food lover’s paradise! From pizza and pasta to seafood and pastries, Naples offers such an incredible culinary experience. This is a list of 8 must-try foods in Naples:

1. Neapolitan Pizza – try the city’s traditional pizza, Margherita, made with fresh San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
2. Pizza Fritta – a deep-fried pizza that is popular street food in Naples.
3. Scialatielli ai frutti di mare – thick homemade pasta with mixed seafood.
4. Cuppo – a cone-shaped paper filled with a variety of deep-fried foods (Cuoppo di Terra is made from fried vegetables, Cuoppo di Mare is made from seafood).
5. Sfogliatella Riccia – a crispy shell pastry filled with ricotta cheese and candied orange peel.
6. Sfogliatella Cioccolato – a variation of sfogliatella, a crispy shell pastry with a hole on the top that is filled with the creamiest chocolate filling.
7. Baba – a cake that is soaked in rum syrup, giving it a distinct flavor and a moist texture.
8. Sfogliatella Frolla – one more variation of sfogliatella, it has a softer, cake-like texture and a smoother filling.

Taking any food tour is recommended and for sure the best way to dive into the rich culinary scene of Naples.

For the best, Michelin-star pizza, and a popular filming spot from the movie Eat,Pray,Love – visit L’antica Pizzeria da Michelle. They stick to the original pizzas only, which means there are only 4 types to choose from, at extremely affordable prices. 

If you decide to visit, be prepared to wait for your turn to get inside as it usually tends to get busy (especially during the full season). But it will be worth it!

List of the Best Places to Visit

1. Explore the Historic Center
2. Wander through the Ruins of Pompeii
3. Experience the Enchanting Beauty of Mount Vesuvius
4. Check out Piazza Del Plebiscito
5. Stroll along the Promenade of Via Caracciolo
6. Visit Galeria Umberto
7. Hop on a day trip to the Amalfi Coast
8. Explore the Spanish Quarters
9. Visit one of the most beautiful metro stops in Europe – Toledo
10. Take a Cable Car to Vomero and Enjoy the Panoramic Views from the Terrace of Castel Sant’Elmo

Staying Safe as a Solo Female Traveler – Safety Tips

1. Stay in well-populated and well-lit areas

Stick to well-populated areas, especially at night, and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas. Stick to main roads and avoid dark alleys or secluded areas, especially if you’re alone.

2. Use reputable transportation 

Use only official taxis or reputable transportation services, and avoid hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers. If you’re using public transportation (which is the best option in my opinion), be cautious with your belongings and be aware of pickpocketing.

3. Keep your belongings secure 

Take care of your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items such as expensive jewellery or electronics in public.

4. Be cautious with strangers 

While most people in Naples are friendly and welcoming, follow your gut feeling when interacting with strangers. Be cautious with sharing personal information or accepting offers from unknown individuals.

5. Follow traffic rules

Traffic in Naples can be extremely chaotic, so be very careful when crossing the road (even if it’s a green light for pedestrians) and use only designated pedestrian crossings. The drivers can be a bit careless!