Naples isn’t as scary as i thought it would be!

My partner has always been wanting to travel around the world and has suggested we head to Naples (or Napoli) for my first trip to Italy. As usual, I went on Lemon8 and tiktok to check out the city. Many of the posts shared that it’s easily one of the MOST DANGEROUS CITIES IN ITALY - It’s rowdy, loud and has lots of pickpockets. 😱😥

As Naples was the most convenient and affordable place among the iconic places we wanted to explore (pompeii, capri, positano, amalfi coast and ravello), we stayed there for 4 nights.

Here are some of the tips that we thought would be useful if you’re planning to head there!

✅ Be aware of your surroundings 👀

There were indeed many people hanging around in the hardcourt near the metro station late at night. You’d easily see cardboards and sleeping bags lying around along the hardcourt and the hardcourt reeks of piss. (posted a brief pic of the hardcourt but it’s much much much bigger)

There were also some street vendors selling bags, shoes, power banks and more. However, most of them were just minding their own businesses. We avoided getting near large crowds as much as we can and always had our sling bags in front of us, zipped and clipped. It might also be due to the summer holiday where there wasn’t much crowd tbh.

If you’re worried, would be a good idea to stay around Via Toledo as there are many tourists there and it’s very lively - very much the brighter side of Naples.

Apparently, Toledo is also very well known for its artistic lights along the station. Though it is slightly further away from the more convenient Napoli Centrale station, staying around via toledo would definitely make you feel safer.

Nonetheless, be aware of your surroundings as always!

✅ Be respectful and calm

Some people came up to us along the streets asking for change. Some were leashing their dogs, some with big bags which we supposed they are homeless, and some just had drinks on hand.

We politely turned them down with a smile, or just stay focused on our direction without looking at them. They took the signals and did not disturb us or follow us.

✅ Go to the ferry terminal early

Go early. Leave yourself enough time! We were on a chill trip and we didn’t pre-book the ferry tickets in advance, it led to a mad rush and unnecessary panics. According to the advice we found online, it was suggested that we pre-book the tickets as there will be many people at the terminals and it will take about an hour of queuing before we could get our tickets. We booked our tickets while having breakfast about a 16 min walk away from the terminal. We booked the ferry that would be departing in 1hr 10 min. By the time we receive the tickets via email, we noted that we had to be at the terminal to change the ticket at least 60 minute before departure. 🤡 Definitely couldn’t make it for the check in so we gobbled down our breakfast and ran to the terminal. Italian summer run is just crazy. 🙅‍♀️🥵🥵

‼️Google maps and apple map were showing different routes and the drop pin was not accurate‼️

Thankfully, we managed to find our ferry provider and check in about 20 minute before departure. Maybe because it wasn’t too crowded, they won’t strict about the last check in timing.

Nonetheless, would definitely advise leaving some time allowance to avoid the mad rush and the complicated route along the port. It’s HUGE. 🥵

✅ Pre-book the restaurants

Naples has AMAZING food!!!!!! 🐟🦐🐙🦞🦑

It was my first time in Italy and Naples was the first city I’ve visited, followed by Rome and Venice. Naples set the bar so so high that everywhere else pales in comparison.

We tried some popular resturants and they are MAD GOOD. PLEASE GO TRY:

👨‍🦳Osteria Da Antonio

🍕Antica Pizza Fritta Da Zia Esterina Sorbillo

☕️Gran Caffe Gambrinus

🥩La Locanda Gesu Vecchio

🥐Cuor Di Sfogliatella

Also just for the hype, join the queue for the pizzeria featured in Eat Pray Love;

🍕L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele 🍕

If we were to head back again, these are the things that we would do:

🏩 Stay along ‘Via Toledo’

🔥🥵Avoid going in summer….

🍕 Pre-plan and book the restaurants. Better restaurants need bookings — we were turned down on the first day at La Locanda. On the 2nd day, we managed to get a seat and saw many groups being turned down.

💰Bring some cash with you - most places accept cards, but some small amounts, below 5 euro, they don’t usually accept card

💦Carry a bottle with you for capri, amalfi coast trips. Water stations are easily available.

Please share with us your Naples experience - Good food, places to visit, unique findings, etc! We’d love to head back there in time to come!!!

With Love,

R.

#ThingsToDo #summerdiaries #italytravel