There is so much more to Italy than your pizzas and pastas! Indulge in the mystery and cultural depth of places like Naples to know just how much you can get out of your trip to Italy! Considering how this southern Italian city has roots as Greek settlements in 600 BCE, it is a goldmine of ancient historic spots that you can’t miss. Get the most accurate depiction of what Naples is by going underground at Napoli Sotteranea. Since Italian cities are often built on top of the ruins of previous civilizations, you can see the city exactly as it was centuries ago. Isn’t that absolutely mind boggling.
Castles are another remnant of Naples’ occupational history. Did you know there are seven castles in the city? In fact, Naples used to be referred to as the “city of the seven castles” since it was the only place in the world to have so many castles. The two we suggest seeing are Castel Nuovo and Castel dell’Ovo. Walk across these majestic structures to take in the fairytale vibes as most of these structures still stand strong in their original element.
And in case you are a history buff, there are many museums in Naples to experience, but the best one to check out with the family is the Archaeological Museum of Naples. Be sure to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum – these are archaeological sites you just have to see. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can actually see an ancient city as it stood over 2,000 years ago. Archaeologists have unearthed these legendary places from the ashes of Mount Vesuvius’ explosion centuries ago.These findings have given us remarkable insights into the civilizations that might even surprise you. Walk through ancient cobblestoned roads, explore old homes, temples, shops, civic buildings, and public spaces that intricately illustrate everyday activities in the city.
But of course how can we ignore and deny the sweet sensation of pizza- you don’t go to the place of origin for pizzas and don’t have pizza there! When in Naples, Italy, you have to eat the original Neapolitan pizza! Pizza Napoletana is fresh and simple: basic dough, raw tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil. These famous pies often have more sauce than cheese and are cooked at very high temperatures for no more than ninety seconds. First opened in 1916, we recommend going to Glorizia for a taste of tradition.One of the most exciting things about going to a new city is experiencing the local cuisine.You can actually even opt for a Savoring Naples Food Tour. This is a major experience as you savor the foods that make Naples unique, like mozzarella di bufala, spaghetti alla puttanesca, and Neapolitan pizza. Part walking tour, part food tour, you’ll eat your way through the city while learning about its culinary history with a local. It just doesn’t get any more authentic than that! At the end, you’ll have the amazing opportunity to make your own pizza at one of Naples’ traditional pizzerias. With the guidance of a trained pizzaiolo, you’ll get your hands dirty by kneading dough, spreading sauce, and sprinkling mozzarella. Become a master in pizza-making, impress your friends, and remember Naples forever in this hands-on walking tour. This is something that shall stay with you forever, even when you come back and have your dough-expert arms flying pizza rounds about in the kitchen as you treat your family to the goodness you learned in Naples.
And in case you are looking for some quality couple time, there’s nothing more romantic than browsing a museum together! The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea is perfect for couples looking for an adventure. While Naples isn’t widely regarded as a city with the best contemporary art, it has an amazing modern scene that can unfortunately go missed if you don’t look for it. Naples first became a center for modern art in the 1960s when the top artists of the time, including Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Cy Twombly spent time in the city and became inspired by the local Neapolitan flavor. The southern Italian city of Naples houses a vast set of sights that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Whether you’re staying for a day, a week, or for a longer term, we’ve talked about all the best things to do in Naples, Italy to help pinpoint exactly what you need to see in this historic mine of a city.
