Naples Tourist Information and Tourism

(Naples, Campania, Italy)

Naples is the largest city in South Italy and one of the most beautiful, particularly around the Bay of Naples. The capital of Campania, this sprawling metropolis was founded by Greeks and later enlarged by Romans, and as a result is rich in history and stunning architecture.

To one side of Naples is Mount Vesuvius, and near to the bay are the pretty islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, which all lend themselves to day trips. Pompeii and Herculaneum are full of some of the most interesting and revealing Roman ruins in Italy, after being destroyed by Vesuvius when it erupted almost 2,000 years ago.

In central Naples, the official tourist information centres stand on the Piazza dei Martriri, the Piazza dei Gesu Nuovo and the Via San Carlo, while further tourism outlets are based at the Mergellina and Stazione Central train stations. These branches all stock the excellent 'Qui Napoli' brochure, which comes with a good map and an English guide to the principal sights.





Naples city centre is compact and full of grand palaces, impressive churches, monasteries, convents, castles and other splendid buildings. Places of particular interest include the Duomo - an ancient cathedral that was built between 1294 and 1323; the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) - a superb example of the wonderful Italian architecture that can be found in this historic city; the Teatro San Carlo - an Opera theatre that features a unique backdrop, that can be removed to reveal the gardens of the Palazzo Reale; the Museo Archeologico Nazionale (National Archaeological Museum) - full of some of the most comprehensive collections in Italy; and the Napoli Sotterranea - a fascinating series of underground tunnels, passageways, stairs, rooms and halls, right in the heart of Naples. More information about Naples Tourist Attractions.

Naples stretches along the waterfront and throughout the city there are many squares, parks and gardens, but perhaps the most impressive is the Orto Botanico (Botanical Gardens), one of the largest botanical gardens in the whole of Italy, with an enormous collection of exotic plants from all over the world. The city is divided into districts and the main shopping area is based around the Piazza dei Martiri, along Via Chiaia, Via Roma and pedestrian-only Via Calabritto. The Galleria Umberto at Via San Carlo is definitely worth visiting, as much for its simply amazing architecture as for the many stores inside. This shopping centre in central Naples has a wide variety of retail outlets trading in the four glass-roofed arcades. The lively markets are also a great place to find a bargain, full of atmosphere and Italian market banter.

There are countless restaurants, cafés and bars in Naples, and many afford great views of the city and bayfront. Hotels in Naples vary greatly, with some of the most affordable choices being based around the Piazza Garibaldi and the Mercato quarter. Especially central is the Centro Storico, where accommodation is plentiful and within walking distance of many attractions. For a little luxury, the upmarket hotels in the Chiaia and Santa Lucia areas of Naples come highly recommended, as do those in the Vomero suburb, which is best reached by scenic cable car rides. Campers will find that the closest camping sites reside in nearby Pompeii and Pozzuoli

More Naples Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Italy (Italia)
• Status: city
• Area: 117 square kilometres / 45 square miles
• Population: 1 million
• Country population: 60 million
• Language: Italian
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT + 1 hour
• Country dialling code: +39
• Telephone area code: 02
• Religion: mainly Catholic
• Electricity: 220 volts AC, flat two or three pin plugs are used