Naples, Italy

Exploring Naples: Chaos, Culture & the Heartbeat of Southern Italy

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The sound of vespas, the smell of espresso, and a stranger shouting “Forza Napoli!” as we walked by, the energy of this city was contagious.

Coming to Naples, Italy felt like a rite of passage for experiencing Southern Italy. This city is the epitome of Italian pride, passion, and food. It’s the birthplace of pizza, the home of world-famous espresso, and a living museum of history that stretches back millennia.

Naples will forever have a special place in my heart. It was the first European city where I spent more than just a layover. I met up with my friend Benedetta (a foreign exchange student my family hosted in high school) and her sister Arianna, who traveled down from Milan by train, another perk of life in Europe: public transportation connects everything.

A few days later, I met up with Dominik and his mom, Monica, to continue our summer travels. From wandering cobblestone streets to sipping espresso at 10 p.m., Naples quickly became a city I’ll never forget.

About the City

Located in Southern Italy, Naples is the capital of the Campania region, sitting beneath the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.

It’s a city of contrasts. Chaotic yet charming, gritty yet gorgeous, historic yet alive. Known as the birthplace of pizza and the soul of Italian espresso, Naples overflows with life, laughter, and layered history.From a historical aspect, there are ancient ruins, a passionate football culture like no other, and jawdropping cathedrals surrounding you. This is the perfect city for anyone who loves real culture, deep history, and a bit of beautiful chaos!

History and Culture

Naples was originally founded by the Greeks as Neapolis (“new city”), later becoming an important part of the Roman Empire.

During World War II, it was heavily bombed because of its key port, yet it was rebuilt with a resilience that still defines its people today. Now the third-largest city in Italy, Naples wears its layered history proudly — from ancient ruins beneath your feet to Baroque cathedrals above your head.

Nearby, you’ll find the haunting ruins of Pompeii and the towering presence of Mount Vesuvius, constant reminders of the city’s intertwined beauty and danger. This historical landmark is a must see for anyone visiting Naples. There are buses that can take you directly to and fro, the ride only being around an hour each way. 

Tip: go early in the morning if you are hoping to skip some of the crowds!

For an unforgettable look underground, explore Napoli Sotterranea. Tunnels and ruins dating back to Roman times that stretch beneath the modern city. Even casual walks through museums or local streets reveal centuries of history layered together.

Local Legends & Symbols

Not only can you feel the culture as you meander the narrow streets of Naples, if you travel to the area of Montecalvario, you will find a quarter full of murals, memorabilia, flags and so much more representing Diego Maradona. Diego is an Argentine soccer legend who became a godlike figure after leading Napoli to two Serie A titles in the 1980s. 

Another Napoli staple is Pulcinella, “The Neopolitan Troll”. A trickster character from traditional Italian theatre (Commedia dell’arte). He symbolizes the spirit of Naples: witty, street-smart, and irreverent. You can find statues of Pulcinella in the Quartieri Spagnoli.

Lastly, the red horn that you will see EVERYWHERE. When I first saw this, I knew it had to have some sort of significance, but after more wandering and more red horn sightings, I decided to look it up. Known as Cornicello, the red horn is Naples’ famous good luck charm! It has the shape of a chilli pepper or horn, and is used to ward off the “evil eye”. So, before leaving, I was sure to grab myself a bracelet with a cornicello (and it only cost 1 euro!!) 

What to Eat & Drink

Where do I start with the food and drinks, my oh my! As I have mentioned, Pizza! The famous Pizzeria Da Michele from the iconic movie Eat, Pray, Love, is a must try when in Naples. Boy, will you never forget that taste! You can also find street vendors everywhere that serve pizzas wrapped into cones, and made to be eaten by one person ( I was a fan of that!). 

The restaurant Zi Teresa, located in the Porticciolo di Santa Lucia, is most famously known for their array of seafood pastas. I will say the people are NOT wrong. With each bite I took of my dish, I wished my bowl would never end! I highly recommend trying some seafood pasta in Naples!

Of course, the espresso! In Naples, Caffè Napoletano, are small but mighty espresso shots served with a glass of water. This is very common to see at all times of the day, people of Napoli enjoy their espresso at 10am and 10pm as an after dinner treat!

One little cafe that completely blew my socks off, the Florist, I cannot begin to describe the feeling of happiness that this spot made me feel. The owner, chef, barista, and server, all ONE lady, the magical Stefania Salvetti ladies and gentlemen! Her cafe is a farm-to-table style nook, where you can sit in her urban garden at wooden spool style tables and sip on a homemade tea or delectable cappuccino. The sandwiches we tried were like every want-to-be homesteader's dream, fresh from your garden, good! I aspire to be Stefania one day!

Lastly, the pastries of Naples! Sfogliatella, the most delightful, flakey, cream-filled, heart shaped goodness. This pastry melts in your mouth with every layer, it’s so light I think I could eat about 5 in one sitting! Then, we have Babà al Rum. You can interpret the shape of this pastry however you please, but beyond that, this small cake will make your tongue tingle! Each cake is soaked in syrup and hard liquor, mostly rum, which gives a good punch to every moist bite! It is hard to not write about this pastry in a sensual way, you are just going to have to try it before you blame me!

Things to Do & See

These are going to be just a few of the highlights I experienced while in Naples. A must-see is Spaccanapoli. This narrow, lively street slices through the heart of the old town. It’s loud, colorful, and endlessly photogenic, the kind of place where you can (and should) get lost.

Where I stayed was the perfect place if you are looking to indulge in a bit of the nightlife. The air bnb was nestled in the Bellini Square, a quaint apartment located in the heart of Naples. I was able to grab a late night snack, and also enjoy an espresso at a cafe right across the way in the mornings.

Another beauty of Naples are all of the cathedrals sprawled among the city. Just by walking you will stumble upon them around countless corners. Some require an entrance fee and others are free, each one beyond beautiful! Some of the ones I visited are as listed: Complesso Monumentale San Lorenzo Maggiore, Piazza del Plebiscito, San Giuseppe. 

Naples is also full of seaside fortresses! The San Ferdinando district was where we explored one day, we grabbed lunch and went down to the port to enjoy lunch on some of the boulders. We watched people jump in the sea while embracing the sign of Mount Vesuvius in the background. Porticciolo di Santa Lucia was a sight to see at night, there were lights that lit a castle along the hill and illuminated the boats that swayed in the still water of the docks.

The Piazza del Plebiscito, is a huge square that has a long held mystery. They say if you walk blindfolded from one end of the square towards the cathedral at the other end you will always walk in a straight line and be led directly to the steps at the base of the cathedral. While trying this, I cannot say it works for everyone, however, it was a fun activity.

Our Personal Take

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with all this magnificent city had to offer. I felt welcomed by every person I encountered, I felt alive and embraced the chaoticness that surrounded me. I will say, beware if you have never been to a European city, the style of driving is manic! There were certain points during my taxi ride from the airport I had to close my eyes and pray to God I made it there safely. Come to find out, this is a common occurrence in Europe. Small roads, lots of pedestrians, and lanes being more of a suggestion than a law leads to rides that feel like a rollercoaster, so brace yourselves!

If you visit Naples, come with curiosity, not expectations. Although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I highly recommend experiencing this city.

There is so much more that Naples has to offer, and if I ever ventured back I would be sure to allot a week or longer to really dive into the culture and history of the city at a deeper level.

• Recommendations in Naples:
  
  
  
  • Avoid driving if possible.
    
    
  • Keep valuables close (pickpocketing is common).
    
    
  • Learn a few Italian phrases — locals appreciate it.
    
    
  • Visit during spring or fall for best weather.
  • Wear closed toed shoes (the streets tend to be dirty). 

See the world, experience the culture, enjoy the ride. 

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