Its bad reputation makes Naples one of the most controversial cities in the world. A large number of tourists avoid coming here because the city is considered unsafe, dirty and chaotic.
Despite the fact that these are the proper words to describe Naples, it is equally true that this city has a lot to offer.
However, if you are able to look beyond the negative aspects, you might live a great and unforgettable experience there. This is exactly what happened in my case and I must confess that every time I think about my trip to Naples, I do it with great pleasure. After my own experience there, I would like to suggest a few tips in case you decide to plan a trip to Naples:
1.Don’t let yourself influenced by all the negative things you may read about Naples. It is true that Naples is really dirty, chaotic and that it might be dangerous, but it also offers interesting experiences. In fact, it’s all a matter of perception and you might be surprised to discover really beautiful tourist attractions in this city. This is why you should see Naples with your own eyes and convince yourself that it is the type of place which has quite a lot to offer.
2.Don’t leave Naples without trying the local cuisine. Besides pasta, seafood and a variety of sweets, you should definitely try the delicious pizza and the fried pumpkin flowers. In case you want to enjoy the best Neapolitan pizza go to Gino Sorbillo, one of the most famous pizza places in the city. The taste of this pizza is worth standing in a queue for hours. When it comes to fried pumpkin flowers, I advise you to try them in a local fast food.
3.Walking down the streets of Naples will help you experience the authentic atmosphere of the city. Those tiny cobblestone streets whose image is completed by the clothes that flutter in the wrought iron balconies are really interesting to explore. You should definitely venture in the historical center of the city on foot, because a walk will give you the opportunity to explore its every corner.
Spaccanapoli is the main street of Naples which goes through the old historical center of the city. Make sure you won’t miss Via San Gregorio Armeno, a street where you can visit a few workshops and admire different works of art.
4.You have to be more careful with your belongings in case you don’t want to experience an unpleasant situation. I wasn’t pickpocketed in Naples, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Another advice is to pay attention to the multitude of scooters who drive chaotically in the streets, in case you want to avoid an accident.
5.Make a list with the most important tourist attractions in the city, in case you want to visit as many as possible. A well-planned itinerary will help you organize your trip in a better way and also prioritize the most beautiful attractions.
All things considered, despite its bad reputation, Naples is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
