La Bella Vita Napoli Guide
Explore the best food, drink, and experiences in Napoli!
What to do in Centro Storico
Centro Storico is the historical heart of Naples, and as such there are plenty of things to see, do, and eat in the area. Technically, the area around Piazza del Plebiscito is the San Ferdinando district, but it includes a significant number of historic sites. This section considers San Ferdinando and Centro Storico to be the entire historical district. If you are at the port, this will be the closest area for you to explore by foot. It is also easy walking distance from the Garibaldi train station, which you can also get to via the Alibus from the airport. Below are some recommendations of the most prominent places to start your journey.
Piazza del Plebiscito
This large piazza is located at the terminus of Via Toledo and is the site of some of the most famous events in Naples history, and it is flanked by the Palazzo Reale, the cathedral San Francesco di Paola, and Gran Caffe Gambrinus. From here it's easy to walk downhill toward the Castel dell'Ovo and the Lungomare for a walk along the bay. Alternatively, you can quickly walk to Teatro di San Carlo, Galleria Umberto I, or the Castel Nuovo. All of these sites are steeped in history and highly recommended for anyone who wants to see examples of Neapolitan architecture and art.
Palazzo Reale
The Palazzo Reale fronts the Piazza del Plebiscito. Once the seat of foreign rulers of Naples (as shown in the statues in the front), it now houses an extensive museum, focused on the royal apartments, and the National Library. The palace construction started in 1600 and completed shortly after 1616, with further renovations throughout the 1600s. Today visitors can explore throughout the palace and the adjacent garden, and entry is free on the first Sunday of each month. Visitors should allot at least an hour to go through the museum, though there is enough to keep any interested visitor occupied for longer!
Galleria Umberto I
This building, located just off Via Toledo, contains several bars and stores, but its real claim to fame is the majestic glass ceiling and architecture. In the middle of the building, the signs of the zodiac are laid out in frescoes on the ground. The gallery was constructed in the 1880s, finishing in 1890. It won't take long to walk through, and you can sit and grab a coffee at one of the cafes. This beautiful building is well worth the time to stop and explore.
Gran Caffe Gambrinus
Naples is known for its cafes, and Gran Caffe Gambrinus is one of the best recognized. Founded in 1860, this coffee house contains not only coffee, but also artwork from numerous famous local artists. If you're looking for a more upscale coffee experience, or a sit-down meal, this is one of the more central, well-known places to go. However, since it is near the end of Via Toledo, be aware that there will be plenty of other patrons!
Il Duomo
The Duomo, or cathedral, is the main church of Naples and is also known as Cattedrale di San Gennaro. Saint Gennaro is the patron saint of Naples, and three times a year residents gather (the first Saturday in May, September 19, and December 16) to watch whether his blood will liquefy or not, a portend of the city's upcoming fortune. The Duomo contains a crypt under the main altar and a museum displaying the treasures of Saint Gennaro for a fee. Entry into the Duomo is free and offers breathtaking architecture, especially the ceiling frescoes.
Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli
The MANN is located at the northern end of Centro Storico, with access either by walking or taking Metro line 1 to the Museo stop. The museum hosts art and artifacts from several important periods, but the main attraction is its extensive collection of artifacts from Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum (Ercolano). The ground floor houses a large collection of impressive marble statues, mostly from the Roman Empire. Equally inspiring is the fresco exhibit, including the Alexander Mosaic. Entrance is normally €24, but is free on the first Sunday of every month. Get there early to avoid larger crowds!
Spaccanapoli
The Spaccanapoli is a famous 2 kilometer thoroughfare splitting the old town of Naples. Along the roads that make up the Spaccanapoli are several churches sprinkled among places to eat, drink, or buy souvenirs. Whether you're near the Garibaldi train station or Via Toledo, you will be able to find your way to this area easily. Try some limonata a cosce aperte (“open legs lemonade”), buy someone else a cornicello for good luck (it's bad luck to buy it for yourself!), and try to avoid the Vespas as they zoom past.
Eating and Drinking in Centro Storico
Naples has one of the largest historical districts in Europe, so Centro Storico contains a huge number of authentic Neapolitan pizzerias and trattorias. Some of the highest rated spots include L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Trattoria Canta Napoli, and Trattoria Don Vincenzo. Whether you're looking for pizza, seafood, local pasta, or fast street food, you will find it in Centro Storico!