Naples, the City of Legends, displays evidence of each successive culture that shaped it over its history and boasts numerous monuments from antiquity to modernity that reflect that evolution.
Don’t miss the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), its seemingly plain exterior belying an astounding interior. Be sure to book timed tickets ahead of time in order to avoid disappointment!
History
Naples was named capital of Italy during the 19th century; until that point, it had often been united politically with Sicily. Situated along the Gulf of Naples and with fertile soil and pleasant weather conditions, its position made Naples popular during Roman times as a summer resort favored by Claudius and Tiberius emperors alike.
Herculaneum and Pompeii both boast ancient Greek walls, theatre ruins, aqueducts and catacombs as testament to its rich cultural heritage. Once one of Magna Graecia’s premier cities and later Roman civitas foederata (free city), Herculaneum and Pompeii stand as testaments of its former prominence as commercial centres and major ports.
Due to its Mediterranean climate, wealthy Romans constructed villa estates here. Posillipo district takes its name from one such estate whose remains can still be seen within it today; Lago di Napoli (Gulf of Naples) derives its name from Greek words meaning “salt sea”.
Naples was an important centre of learning and culture during the Middle Ages and Early Modern periods thanks to figures such as philosopher and poet Giacomo Leopardi and jurist Francesco de Sanctis, while during the 18th Century Naples served as one of the primary gateways through which Italian Enlightenment reached into every part of Italy.
Gastronomically, Naples has long been associated with pizza since it first emerged here. The traditional flatbread with tomato and cheese topping is generally mozzarella; other cheeses or ingredients may also be added for variety. Naples also gained worldwide renown during its period of mass Italian emigration during the 1920s and 30s due to Neapolitan songs such as Tu vuol fare l’Americano by Renato Carosone or O Sole Mio by Luciano Pavarotti; among many more renowned songs.
Naples’ religious legacy can be found in its numerous churches. Sometimes known as the “city of five hundred domes”, Naples contains some of the world’s most impressive Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque structures – and was even named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995!
Festivals
Naples hosts numerous festivals that are sure to excite your eyes, ears, and tastebuds. Beyond art galleries and music performances, dance groups, food, and food vendors, Naples provides events for history enthusiasts as well as music events throughout the year. Each festival brings something different – so make sure that you make time to visit.
The Naples National Art Festival is an annual event that attracts tens of thousands of local residents and visitors to Naples. Featuring handcrafted paintings, unique jewelry designs, and decor pieces created from recycled materials. Artists present will share their inspirations and techniques. Held during the first weekend in January at 5th Avenue South.
The Mercato Brew-Hah-Ha Craft Beer Fest offers an enjoyable beer tasting experience and gives participants an opportunity to meet other enthusiasts while supporting local charities; all proceeds from this event go towards supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida and you’ll have access to over 100 types of beers at this festival.
At Taste of Collier, you can enjoy some of Naples’ finest cuisine from local restaurants. This festival typically occurs as the year concludes and provides the ideal chance to indulge in local foods and beverages.
Naples hosts many popular events throughout the year, such as the Naples International Boat Show where visitors can view yachts and marine technology from around the world. Kids especially will love taking a ride on its famous swamp buggy. This festival provides an unforgettable way to enjoy Naples’ beauty and culture!
The City of Naples hosts an exciting Fourth of July Parade and fireworks, providing the perfect way to commemorate this holiday with family and friends. Additionally, Naples holds its Mangrove Festival which promotes environmental education and protection of natural resources through hands-on activities, seminars and tours of mangrove estuaries.
Nightlife
Naples is an idyllic beach destination by day, yet once night falls it comes alive with vibrant nightlife activity. Packed with nightclubs, lounges and live music venues that provide all sorts of after-dark activities – Naples truly transforms from beautiful beach destination into vibrant nightlife hub.
Dimension is one of the city’s premier nightclubs, renowned for its vibrant lights and state-of-the-art sound system. Playing EDM, hip hop and Latin rhythms as well as hosting prominent local and international DJs, Dimension boasts one of the highest customer satisfaction rates of any nightclub in town.
Bar Tulia offers an ideal environment for dancing the night away: its relaxed yet cozy environment makes for an enjoyable time out on the town. Not only is this waterfront bar popular for their delicious drinks and snacks, but its breathtaking view of Cocohatchee River will leave guests rejuvenated after drinking refreshing drinks while socializing with their friends while listening to soft music.
Naples offers an eclectic nightlife scene, from stimulating arts and culture to all-night parties at clubs and bars. Many of Naples’ top museums and galleries stay open late so visitors can dive deep into its rich cultural history; hidden courtyards and piazzas may offer intimate spots where locals enjoy after-dinner drinks such as an aperitif or wine before retiring for the evening.
Naples once had an avant-garde underground club culture centered on Diamond Dogs club, drawing artists and musicians such as Toty Roggier, Joseph Beuys and Andy Warhol for performances at this venue. It created an exciting yet provocative period in Naples nightlife.
Now, Naples’ nightlife scene is defined by twinkling lights and dancing crowds at clubs, dance bars, and club-restaurants. Fifth Avenue South and the newly constructed Mercato entertainment center in North Naples offer especially lively nightlife scenes; many clubs require cover charges that may spike during peak hours or special events; taxis and rideshare services can take you home after an eventful evening out in town – tipping is customary in Naples: 15-20% of your bill should go directly to your driver as tipping.
Shopping
Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate Naples and Marco Island for its selection of high-end boutiques, trendsetting fashion stores, exquisite fine jewelry brands and swimwear brands as well as bargain hunting in outlet malls or thrift and consignment shops.
Artisan tailors and boutique jewelers offer authentic Neapolitan fashion, while open-air markets are full of delightful trinkets and essentials. Fifth Avenue South is where locals go for luxury brands; however, Third Street South features historic charm with plenty of boutique stores as an alternate.
If you’re in search of something a bit different, visit Via San Gregorio Armeno – commonly referred to as Christmas Alley – for handmade nativity scenes and other unique handcrafted items. Here, craftspeople have been honing their skills over decades; here you can purchase lifelike statues of angels as well as biblical characters who appear in traditional manger scenes.
Resina Market in Naples offers everything from clothing and kitchen gadgets to supplies and artisan-crafted leather goods, while Poggioreale Market boasts numerous fabric stores as well as shoes galore.
Waterside Shops in Naples’ Gulf Shore Boulevard area is an upscale mall that specializes in fashion trends and designer clothing, jewelry and accessories, home goods and quality grocery items. There is also a selection of restaurants such as True Food Kitchen and California Pizza Kitchen as well as cafes serving coffee or offering Haagen-Dazs frozen treats. Another shopping option in Coastland Center includes well-known retailers alongside budget essentials from Big Lots and Dollar Tree – offering affordable options!