Napoli - the not so typical Italian destination

Busy, loud, messy, chaotic, energizing and absolutely delicious - that sums up Napoli, the southern town of Italy located in the Campania Region.

Napoli (Italian or Naples in English) is often a pitstop on the way to its neighboring more popular destinations on Amalfi coast. We feel like Napoli deserves to be explored on its own as it is the heart and soul of Italian culture.

The moment you arrive, you might be in for culture shock. The traffic is insane, cars and particularly scooters operate in even the smallest streets, full speed maneuvering between people, parked cars and shop stands. On this evidence Italians must be some of the best drivers in the world!

The streets are colorful and charming. You see hanging clothes drying in the sunshine. Nonna is pulling down a little basket from her balcony to pick up groceries delivery. People  are loud and expressive, you hear “ragazzi” shouted from every corner.

As you stroll down the streets you see people singing, you see people dancing. It feels like everyday there is something to celebrate. That something is life.

Italians are very passionate and especially in the South. They love their family, they love their country, they love Italian food, and they love life. You really feel it when in Napoli, these people are proud of their heritage and happy being where they are. Oh, and let’s not forget about Diego Maradona, the national football hero there. Neapolitans love him and are very proud of him too.

At times it feels like you go back in time. It is very typical for Italy, something that makes it so unique, somewhat nostalgic, giving you a warm cozy feeling. Buildings and communities appear to be exactly as they were decades ago, most probably, they are exactly the way they were when they were founded. Small bars where you can grab a quick morning espresso or a Pasticceria on every corner that will provide you with fresh and indulgent sweet bites. The restaurants look like you are in a cosy family kitchen.

When in Napoli, let’s talk about food, more specifically, pizza!  We have all heard about Neapolitan pizza, and Napoli being the home of pizza. Be sure to find some of the world's most famous pizza places there and try one or two. The dough is fluffy like no other, sweet and savory San Marzano tomatoes and the juiciest regional mozzarella will surely leave you satisfied and craving more :)

Napoli is also popular for a crispy pastry called “sfogliatella” originating from the Campania region. The traditional flavor is ricotta filling. The pastry also has the soft alternative (sfogliatella frolla) but trust us when we say that you should try the crispy version first. The crisp is something else.

We briefly mentioned espresso. Do not miss out on trying espresso when in Italy. Italian coffee is good literally everywhere. Be it a gas station, a little shop, or a fancy restaurant,  it’s part of the culture. Coffee has to be good and strong. A cup of coffee will likely cost you 1.10 Euro but can be more in some places.

Whilst we are on the subject we have a little list of places not to miss during your trip to Napoli!

Pizza:

L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele - Via Cesare Sersale, 1, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy

The most famous pizza place in Napoli. Family business dates back to 1870 and cherishes the tradition of pizza craft. It only makes two types of pizza: Margherita and Marinara (you can also go half-half). Napoli spot is the original one, and was also featured in the “Eat, Pray, Love” movie.

Little tip from us: if you don’t want to wait in line, although it moves fast, you can go for a take-away. Pizza will arrive quickly, and you can enjoy it sitting down across the street.

Gino e Toto Sorbillo - Via dei Tribunali, 32, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy

Fantastic Neapolitan pizza with many flavor options. The place does not take reservations but the little aperitivo bar across the street ensures a pleasant wait.

Little tip from us: try to avoid going on Friday or weekends as the waiting time could be long.

Pizzeria Napoli in Bocca - Via San Carlo, 15, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy

This place is a hidden gem. Not so obvious when choosing from a wide variety of places but definitely worth a visit. There are only two options of pizza: Margherita and Marinara. We will be honest with you, the pizza is huge, but somehow still possible to finish without feeling overfull.

Pasticceria (pastry shop):

Cuori di Sfogliatella - P.za Giuseppe Garibaldi, 93, 80142 Napoli NA, Italy

Right when you arrive at the central station from the airport, make sure to stop by this place to start your trip with a sfogliatella and espresso. There are many different flavors of sfogliatella. If you want to try something other than a classic, go for pistachio or almond. 

Sfogliatelle Attanasio - Vico Ferrovia, 1-2-3-4, 80142 Napoli NA, Italy

Perhaps, the most famous sfogliatella place in Napoli and a very traditional one. You should definitely try their classic sfogliatella.

Gran Caffè Gambrinus - Via Chiaia, 1, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy

If you want to go fancy then this is the right place. Founded in 1860, it used to be a literary salon, and you can certainly feel that in the elegant, chic interior.

Little tip from us: the prices differ if you choose to sit down or get your espresso/pasticcino (pastry) at the bar/to-go.

We hope you enjoyed reading about Napoli, and that you will enjoy visiting Napoli as much as we did!

Tag @magpaper.digital when you visit one of the places we recommended :)