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Naples, Italy Points of Interest Photo Walk

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Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest
The roof of an old indoor shopping are in Naples

Naples scared me.  It has a reputation for being hard, full of mobsters, and garbage.  Prior to this trip with my niece Bethany, I had never spent longer than 30 minutes in Naples.  And I must admit that those 30 minutes yielded one of he scariest cab rides I’ve ever taken complete with swearing and hand gestures!

However, this time Bethany and I were on a quest to have the best pizza in Naples, and that was going to take much more than 30 minutes in Naples this time.

Taming the Beast of Naples

We spent a whole afternoon in Naples eating pizza, walking around the streets, trying deserts, going into churches, and seeing castles; all thanks to our hosts Dario and Katrina. They used to live in Naples, so it was a real treat to walk around with people who knew the city and all of the cool points of interest.

Traveling with locals is always better.

Naples is one of those cities that is very easy to be intimidated by, and having a local show you around brings that intimidation factor down. I was able to relax in the city and realized that what I initially thought was scary about Naples was actually the stuff that made it interesting and unique.

In fact, I now think of Naples as a cute little kitten as opposed to the man-eating lion I vision I had from my previous visit.

Once I spent more time in Naples, I realized that what I really loved about it was the grittiness of the city.  It had a hard edge to it.  It wasn’t full of tourists looking for limoncello, it was real.  Locals were out and about shopping, there were little fresh markets on the corners, and people made quick stops in coffee bars to get their espresso fix.

Learn how to spend a day eating traditional Naples food (and lots of Pizza!)

Photo Walking Naples Points of Interest

There are many points of interest in Naples, but the best way to see Naples is by foot.  Simply take the day walking around and absorbing the culture. Thanks to our slow walking pace we were able to see and photograph some cool sites such as this tree mixed in with graffiti art (my favorite tree ever by the way).

Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest
Probably my favorite mix of graffiti and real life that I’ve seen.

Venice’s Narrow Alleys

Be sure to explore the narrow laundry-lined streets and alleys. The streets looked like a giant Christmas tree with lights and decorations strung from branch to branch in the form of laundry.  In addition, you often had beautiful, soft light shining through the alleys that gave them a romantic feel.

Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest
Laundry strung like garland on a Christmas tree

Piazza del Plebiscito

You’ll find this curved architectural beauty across from the royal palace.  It’s a large public square in central Naples where no cars are allowed.

Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest
The Piazza del Plebiscito is one of Naples’ largest public squares.

Naples Pizza – Where it All Began

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so you’d be a fool to miss out on eating some while in Naples.  It simply is the best.  If you talk to locals everyone has their own favorite pizza place, but if you want to follow the tourists then head to Sorbillos for their tasty (and famous) pies, but be prepared to wait a while.  One thing that the locals will agree on though is HOW to eat pizza.  Take notes from the locals  – it’s all in the folding!

Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest
Pizza Margherita from Sorbillos
Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest

Castle Nuovo

A popular stop is the Castle Nuovo erected in 1279. It was a royal seat for kings of Naples, Aragon, and Spain until 1815. The castle is surrounded by a moat and also has 3 big towers. It is now a museum and open to visitors.

Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest
Early kings ruled from the Castel Nuovo.
Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest
A cannonball hole in the Castle door still remains
Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest

Explore the dirty side of Rome, Italy

Churches in Naples

As I walked around the city I found churches in nearly every block! Many were practically hidden or didn’t look like churches from the outside.  Wander into as many as you can as each is different and grand.

Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest
A stop in a moody church
Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest
Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest
Naples Piazza

Naples Markets

Be sure to take some time to wander the colorful markets and see all of the fresh fish and vegetables.  You’ll find little markets set up in many places in the city. Make sure you find the Porta Nolana market where you can see the large variety of fish the city has to offer.

Photo Walk through Naples Italy Points of Interest

I’ve still only barely scratched the surface of Naples, but now since it’s a fuzzy little kitten in my mind, I think I’ll be planning a trip back!

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    13 Comments

    1. Travel blogs are so much more satisfying than travel magazines. This post reminds me why. Thank you for these beautiful images, unstylized and straightforward.

    2. Your pictures really capture downtown Naples so well! I love that you now think of Naples as a kitten. Naples is the oldest city in the Western World and probably my favorite in Europe… even though it has the reputation of being the armpit of Europe.

      Thanks for the positivity of your post! 🙂

    3. Aw, thanks for mentioning us again, Sherry. You’re the best! We had a great time with you and Bethany. Have been talking to some other bloggers about maybe arranging a do-it-yourself blogging trip there, where we contact the tourism board(s) and make a big outing / reunion of it!

      Oh, and the big ol’ piazza above the castle is Piazza del Gesù.

      Cheers and happy travels!

      1. The couchsurfing group there is supposed to be great – try to meet up with a local to show you around and that will melt any intimidation you have away!

    4. Very, very nice photos! I’ve always wanted to go to Naples, but my other half keeps telling me it’s dirty and dangerous. Will use your post to convince him otherwise 😉

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