The Ultimate Guide to Naples on a Budget: Pizza, History & Raw Beauty 2025

You're in the right city! The historic center is ground zero. For a classic experience, brave the queue at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Gino e Toto Sorbillo on Via dei Tribunali. For something quicker, look for "pizza a portafoglio" (folded pizza to go). Honestly, it's hard to find a bad pizza in Naples, so don't be afraid to try a small, local place!

Naples has a gritty reputation, but for tourists it is generally safe. The main tourist areas are fine, but like any major city, be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport. The Quartieri Spagnoli is much safer than it used to be, but it's wise to be cautious at night. Use common sense and you'll be fine.

It's very easy and cheap. Go to the main Garibaldi station and follow the signs for the Circumvesuviana train line. This local train runs regularly towards Sorrento. Get off at "Pompei Scavi" for Pompeii or "Ercolano Scavi" for Herculaneum. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes. Be aware that these trains can be very crowded.

A sfogliatella is a classic Neapolitan pastry you must try! There are two main types: "riccia" (curly), which has a shell-shape and is made of many crispy, flaky layers, and "frolla," which is a round, smooth shortcrust pastry. Both are typically filled with a sweet ricotta cheese mixture. You'll find them in any "pasticceria" (pastry shop).

The easiest and most direct way is the Alibus shuttle. It runs every 15-20 minutes from outside the airport and makes two key stops: one at the main train station (Stazione Garibaldi) and one at the port (Molo Beverello). You can buy tickets on board or at a "tabaccheria" (tobacco shop) at the airport.

Naples is fantastic for exploring on a budget. You can:

• Walk along the beautiful seaside promenade, the Lungomare.
• Explore the chaotic and fascinating streets of the Centro Storico and Quartieri Spagnoli.
• Visit the Castel dell'Ovo (Egg Castle) on the waterfront.
• Marvel at the elaborate interiors of countless churches, like the Duomo or Gesù Nuovo.
• People-watch in the grand Piazza del Plebiscito.

Yes, the core of Naples (Centro Storico, Quartieri Spagnoli, Chiaia) is very walkable, and this is the best way to discover its hidden alleys and vibrant street life. However, the city is very hilly. To get to the Vomero district for the best views, you'll want to use the historic funiculars, which are an experience in themselves.

For the most breathtaking panoramic view of the city, the Bay of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius, you must go to the Castel Sant'Elmo. It's a massive fortress at the top of the Vomero hill. You can take a funicular up to the neighborhood and then walk to the castle. The 360-degree view from its ramparts is unforgettable.

A "caffè sospeso" or "suspended coffee" is a wonderful Neapolitan tradition of anonymous generosity. A customer pays in advance for two coffees but only drinks one, leaving the second as a "sospeso" for someone in need who can then come in and ask if there is a suspended coffee available. It's a small act of social solidarity.

It's very simple. Go to the main port, Molo Beverello (a stop on the Alibus from the airport). From here, you'll find ticket offices for multiple ferry companies running frequent high-speed hydrofoils (aliscafi) and slower, cheaper ferries (traghetti) to all three islands. You can usually buy tickets on the day of travel unless it's a major holiday weekend.