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.

The post 5 tips in case you are going to visit Naples appeared first on HikerTips.

After my travel experience in Naples, I totally agree with these statements, but I would add that nothing compares to Gino Sorbillo’s Pizza. I dare say that this is probably the best pizza in the world and that I can’t even imagine a better one. It goes without saying that I’m really glad I had the chance to taste this delicious pizza.

Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo was the first place that caught my attention while we were driving in the narrow streets of Naples, trying to find our hotel. Driving slowly in one of those narrow streets, I saw a mass of people who were waiting in front of a building. The first thing that crossed my mind was that there might have been an important tourist attraction.

The next day while I was exploring the city, I once more saw a lot of people waiting in front of the same building. We were really surprised to discover that this building was a pizza place and of course we decided to take a number and wait along with the other people.

After a while the nice staff invited us to enter and enjoy a tasty pizza in a really warm atmosphere. Believe me, the taste was worth every second we had waited outside! Standing in a queue is not pleasant, but the serving was impeccable and before we knew it we had a delicious pizza in front of our eyes.

You can choose from a variety of different types of pizza such as Italian sausages, salami, prosciutto or seafood, fish and vegetables. This fabulous pizza is made from quality ingredients which are seasoned with olive oil and organic flour and tomatoes. Just talking about it, I’m craving for a slice of that pizza right now!

This pizza place is owned by Gino Sorbillo who is considered the best Neapolitan pizza maker. He won a lot of awards and a recent example would be the 1st place at the Championship of Neapolitan Pizza. Situated in No.32, Via dei Tribunali, Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo is the main attraction in the neighborhood and for good reason.

An interesting aspect is the fact that every pizza is named after one of Gino’s family members. For example Pizza Ciro is named after one of his uncles and Pizza Esterina took the name of his aunt.

Gino has an innovative marketing strategy. He changes his menu every three months and he tries different combinations. Naples, Milan and New York are the only three cities in the world which are blessed with this famous pizza place.

I don’t know when or if I get back to Naples, but I’m sure I would be capable to fly to Milan just to eat a slice of this delicious pizza.

All things considered, make sure you will try Gino Sorbillo’s pizza in case you ever get to Naples, Milan or New York.

The post Enjoy the best Neapolitan Pizza at Gino Sorbillo appeared first on HikerTips.

After my experience there I can definitely say that this city is worth visiting thanks to all the things it has to offer. For example visiting the Catacombs of San Gennaro is a very interesting experience. This was a unique experience for me because it was the first time I have visited a catacomb.

This visit will give you the chance to find out a lot of details about the history of this place. The Catacombs of San Gennaro (Le Catacombe di San Gennaro) are the most important catacombs in southern Italy. The archaeological site is an underground cemetery which shelters the ancient tombs of the Early Christians and bishops of the City of Naples.

The name of the catacombs comes from San Gennaro, who is the patron saint of the City of Naples. The catacombs are really shocking at first sight, if we take into account the fact that there are almost 3000 tombs which have been unearthed so far. However, it’s important to know that all the bones were moved to a real cemetery to find their eternal rest.

Together with the underground basilicas and the valuable frescoes and mosaics, the tombs tell a story which is over a thousand years old.

Once you enter the site you will be astonished by the simplicity of two small basilicas which are still used as places of prayer. One of them is Basilica of Saint Agrippino, who was the first patron saint of Naples and the other one is Basilica of San Gennaro Extra Moenia. Both are equally simple and loaded with a special type of energy.

The Crypt of the Bishops and the Tomb of San Gennaro are other two important places which deserve your attention. The beautiful frescoes and mosaics perfectly complete the unique architecture of these catacombs. One of the most famous and well-preserved frescoes is the Fresco of Theotecnus’ family.

You should know that you cannot enter the site without a guided tour, but this is a perfect opportunity to find out a lot of details about the history of this place. Equipped with walkways, ramps and a special lighting system meant to protect the interior, the site is really accessible and safe.

After this interesting visit, you can rest for a few minutes in the Basilica Incoronata Madre del Buon Consiglio, which is situated near the entrance into the catacombs.

Displaying a perfect blend between art and history and also a unique architecture, the Catacombs of San Gennaro are definitely worth visiting. That’s why you should add them to your trip list in case you are planning a trip to Naples.


The post The mysterious Catacombs of San Gennaro appeared first on HikerTips.

I have simply chosen not to let myself influenced by the negative aspects of this city and to enjoy only the positive ones.

From impressive castles and churches to its vibrant chaos, Naples has always something interesting to offer. Despite the multitude of castles, churches and palaces which I enjoyed visiting, one of my favorite places in Naples is a restaurant. I am talking about Renzo e Lucia Restaurant, a beautiful place situated on top of the Vomero Hill.

This hill also shelters two other important tourist attractions: Castel Sant’Elmo and Certosa di San Martino, which is an old monastery and museum. Situated in No.33, Titi Angelini Street, Renzo E Lucia Restaurant is located just a few steps away from these two beautiful places.

The restaurant and the terrace are beautifully decorated and the ambience is really pleasant.

When it comes to the quality of food, I’m not able to say too much because I didn’t try it. From what I saw in the menu, the restaurant has a variety of delicious dishes and refreshing cocktails which look really appetizing.

I only enjoyed a glass of beer and a plate of chips, peanuts, pretzels and olives, while I was admiring the most beautiful view over the city of Naples.

This view is actually the reason why I recommend this restaurant. This incredibly beautiful panorama will make an ordinary meal in Naples really unique.

All things considered, make sure you will not miss this experience in case you are going to visit Naples. Situated on top of the Vomero Hill, Renzo e Lucia Restaurant is waiting for you to enjoy a lovely meal and an amazing panorama.

The post Enjoy the best view over Naples at Renzo E Lucia Restaurant appeared first on HikerTips.

Even if it might not be appealing to many tourists because of its high level of crime and poverty, Naples deserves to be visited at least once in a lifetime.

When in comes to food,  Naples is considered the birthplace of pizza, but you can also try delicious pasta and seafood there. This is the place where I have tried fried pumpkin flowers and believe me they were unexpectedly delicious.

If you are able to look beyond the trash, the graffiti and the chaos, Naples can be considered an unusual Italian masterpiece. Leaving aside the negative aspects, the city shelters a multitude of sculptures, castles, churches and other beautiful buildings.

The Square of Gesu Nuovo shelters three landmarks: Chiesa di Gesu Nuovo(the Church of Gesu Nuovo), the Spire of the Immaculate Virgin and Complesso Museale di Santa Chiara(The Museum Complex of Saint Chiara). This religious complex shelters the Church of Saint Chiara, an archaeological museum and a few tombs.

The Square of Gesu Nuovo & the Spire of the Immaculate Virgin

The Church of Saint Chiara

The interior of the Church of Saint Chiara

Chiesa di Gesu Nuovo

Pio Monte della Misericordia is among the top Neapolitan attractions. This beautiful church is famous for a few valuable works of art.

Naples shelters a lot of religious edifices. The most important one is the Cathedral of Naples (Il Duomo di Napoli) which is also the seat of the Archbishop of Naples. This Roman Catholic cathedral shelters the Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, a really beautiful place loaded with a special type of energy.

The Cathedral of Naples

The Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro

Opposite this cathedral, there is another interesting church called Chiesa dei Girolamini.

Chiesa dei Girolamini

Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno, Chiesa di Santa Maria di Monteoliveto, Chiesa di San Giovanni, Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore and Cappella di Sansevero are other beautiful churches and chapels that can be admired in Naples.

Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore

Besides the multitude of churches and cathedrals, Naples is also blessed with a few interesting castles. One of them is Castel Sant’Elmo, which is a medieval fortress located on a hilltop where I had the chance to admire a few amazing views over the city of Naples.

View over the city of Naples

The way to the Castel Sant’Elmo

View over the city of Naples

The beautiful Certosa di San Martino is another beautiful monastery and also museum situated a few steps away.

You can also visit Castel Dell’Ovo and Castel Nuovo, two medieval castles situated very close to Piazza del Plebiscito. This square is the largest in the city and it shelters the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), Basilica di San Francesca di Paola, the statue of Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies and the statue of Charles III of Spain.

Castel Nuovo

Piazza del Plebiscito

If you have enough time, you can also admire Palazzo San Giacomo, the imposing city hall which is situated in the same area.

In case you are a museum lover, you can visit the National Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

You can also let yourself surprised by the underground world of Naples Sotterranea, a place which offers you the chance to explore Naples’ ancient labyrinth of aqueducts, passages and cisterns. Whether you choose this guided tour or not, you should definitely not miss one of the most representative places of the underground world of Naples. I am talking about the interesting Catacombe di San Gennaro.

Catacombe di San Gennaro

Basilica Incoronata Madre del Buon Consiglio situated very close to Catacombe di San Gennaro

One of the best places in case you want to admire a few lovely panoramic views over the Gulf of Naples is the famous district of Posillipo. A walk on the cliff will be a great opportunity to get rid of the fuss of the city and take a few lovely pictures.

No visit to Naples is complete if you don’t add a few hot shopping spots to your list. Galleria Umberto I is a public shopping gallery embellished with modern architectural elements.

Via San Gregorio Armeno is a street which shelters a lot of workshops where different works of art are created, while Spaccanapoli is the straight and narrow main street that goes through the old historical center of the city.

Via San Gregorio Armeno

Spaccanapoli

Even if Naples is not appealing to many tourists because it is too chaotic, dirty and unsafe, I don’t regret my experience there at all. All things considered, Naples is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

The post The most important tourist attractions in Naples appeared first on HikerTips.