A Tourist’s Guide to Naples

Each of the constituent regions of Italy has its own character and culture, with unique traditions, dialects and cuisine. Nestled between the volcanic regions of Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields on the coast of southern Italy, Naples is the capital of the Campania region. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, its rich history and culture (not to mention stunning location) make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Amazing Attractions to See

It's hard to know where to begin recommending Naples..it is the third largest city in Italy and holds the record for the highest number of historical and monumental churches in any one city (448!), so you aren't going to scratch the surface in an average holiday. However, this does mean that you can pretty much guarantee being in strolling distance of beautiful architecture and living history for the entirety of your stay, unless you're looking out across the stunning azure-blue harbour.

One of the most bombastically baroque sights in the world is New Jesuit Church at Piazza S.Domenico Maggiore and at the other end of the spectrum are the Catacombe di San Gennaro - medieval catacombs on Capodimonte hill. It's always worth trying to see something you won't find anywhere else. Besides the myriad galleries and museums displaying the more traditional fare are PAN - Palazzo delle Arti di Napoli, a contemporary art museum and Raccolta Mura - Museum of the Napolitan Song.

Exquisite and Delicious Restaurants

When you dine out, Naples will spoil you. As the home of pizza, they have set high standards for themselves – look out for pizzerias affiliated with The Naples Pizza Association (they have a pulcinella mask hanging over their ovens). Pizzeria Brandi, Chiaia Street, is the birthplace of the margherita and has a stone outside explaining its history! Being in a coastal region and a functioning fishing port since antiquity, much Neapolitan cuisine is seafood. It is also a wine producing region, so you'll find yourself spoiled for choice. You may not have guesses, however, that the area is famed for its pastries; try Pasticceria Scaturchio in Piazza San Domenico Maggiore to sample traditional Neapolitan pastry.

Getting Around in Naples

Naples Airport (also called Capodichino Airport – NAP) is probably the route most British tourists will take. From here you can take the Alibus for €3 to Piazza Municipio or Stazione Centrale (Central Station), which has excellent transport links with the rest of the city. Rail links from the airport, though under construction, have not been completed at time of writing. It's worth mentioning the traffic at this juncture – imagine the traffic jam scene from The Italian Job. Prepare yourself! Driving in Naples can be an ordeal, but if you must, Avis (and many other companies) offers care hire throughout the city and from the airport. Prices start at around £90.

Like any big city, Naples has accommodation to suit all travellers on all budgets, for B&B Naples, Via Pasquale Scura, at €35 per person per night to the 5-star boutique Romeo Hotel on the waterfront in the historic centre. Read other traveller's reviews to make an educated choice as to where to stay, especially if you're on a tight budget. “..five minutes' walk from..” tends to mean one thing to the hotel and another to the people actually doing the walking!

If you enjoy city breaks, you could do a lot worse than to take in busy-but-beautiful Naples.