Naples, or Napoli as the locals call it, is one of the most eclectic cities I’ve ever visited, but it’s also a place that gets a pretty terrible rep.
You see, Naples is a city where you just have to go with the flow — succumb to your surroundings, and enjoy yourself. If you can see past the crime and pollution, you’ll find yourself in a truly unique place and you’ll be much happier.
I often see tourists complaining about every little thing they see…
“It’s dirty here”
“I’m constantly getting asked for money”
“People are always trying to rip me off”
…I honestly wish they would shut up. 
Pollution
Naples is polluted, no doubt about it. It’s super congested and if you’re visiting in the summer, chances are the smell of diesel will be caked onto your body.
Crime/Pickpockets
It’s a known fact that there is an abundance of crime in Naples, given the fact that they are home to the Camorra — one of the most prolific criminal organizations in Italy and the world.
Even with this stigma, as long as you pay attention to your surroundings you will be absolutely fine. There are people everywhere — most of them tourists — and police on nearly every corner.
You’re safe.
Just don’t be stupid.
The Pizza
Now that the “typical” stuff is out of the way, let’s talk about everything that makes Naples great…and the exact reasons why you should visit. First and foremost — the pizza.
Naples is known obviously for creating Neapolitan-style pizza, which is made using 00 flour, water, oil, and salt…and baked for about 60 seconds in a 900-degree wood oven.
Ever eat a Margherita pizza? Yep, created in Naples.
And by the way, Naples is home to numerous Michelin-rated pizzerias and the prices are cheap 😉
The Coffee and Desserts
Neapolitan coffee (or Espresso here in America) is bold and strong and something you need in your life. Head over to Bar Nilo and have a coffee along with a sfogliatella, a lobster-tail shaped pastry with a flaky crust and a citron/ricotta filling. You’ll thank me later.
The History
Naples is a very historic place and that will be immediately evident as soon as you arrive and see the obelisk known as Mt. Vesuvius — known for erupting and destroying the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Aside from Vesuvius, there are many other historic landmarks such as Cimitero delle Fontanelle…an underground burial ground for thousands of people who died during the great plague in 1656.
This is just a sampling of the history you can find in Naples. This place has it all, you just have to seek it out. As Naples is a large city, I’ve found that many of the locals are more than willing to practice their English and once you get talking to them, they are super curious about where you’re from and how you’re enjoying their city. Enjoy!
Do you have plans to visit Naples any time soon?
I was there back in 2003 and it was one of the highlights of the trip across Italy. There are many places in Italy that felt overly touristy. Naples was the first place I felt like I wasn’t overwhelmed with tourists and wasn’t being charged tourist prices. It was a vacation from my vacation.
You’re right, Mike. After a full day (10AM-6PM) I was wiped out, sweaty, and ready for a shower, but each time I’ve been to Naples it’s always been a pleasant experience.
Thank you for a less clickbait-y title than “5 things every tourist is doing wrong in Naples” or similar
I try Sven 🙂
Nice write up. Have been a couple times. In my estimation, you did a great job covering this accurately, fairly, and succinctly.
Thanks Wes!
[…] Pizza? Sfogliatelle? If you haven’t already read my guide on visiting Naples, be sure to do so — this is a great city and you should certainly go visit…especially […]