Address: Via Miano 2

Hours: Mon.- Sat. 10:00am- 7:00pm; Sun. 9:00am- 2:00pm

    This museum started in 1738 and is situated in the royal palace within the Capodimonte Park.  Charles VII commissioned the museum to hold the art collection of his mother, Elisabetta Farnese.  It holds paintings and artwork from many celebrated Italian artists, such as Raphael, Bellini, and Botticelli (specifically his work, “Madonna”). 

    Be sure to check out the exquisite porcelain room (within the royal apartments) that belonged to Queen Amalia of Saxony.

Hours: 9:00am- 4:30pm

    Virgil’s tomb resides in the town of Campania, Piedigrotta district, just north of Naples along the coast. Virgil, who died in B.C. 19 in Brundusium, desired that his body be brought to Naples. Legend has it that his bones protected Naples from invasion for a long time, and anyone who tried to attack the city became plagued with flies.

Address: Vico S. Anna di Palazzo 52

Excursions: Thurs. 9:00pm; Sat. 10:00am, 12:00pm, 6:00pm; Sun. 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 6:00pm.  Tours last about an hour, and the meeting point is in Trieste e Trento square at Bar Gambrinus.

Transportation: Bus lines R2 and R4

    Descend into the underground of Naples to experience the system of underground tunnels and waterworks that dates back to the Roman times.  The underground tour provides an experienc unmatched in any other city, and gives a unique insight into the history of Naples.  Make sure to bring a jacket since it can get a bit chilly, and as for the claustrophobic, be aware that the tour may go through smaller, constricted areas.

Address: 1 Piazza Plebiscito

Hours: Thurs.- Tues. 9:00am- 7:00pm

Tickets: €4

    The palace in Naples was constructed in the early 17^th century, and the Bourbon King Charles III wished it to imitate Versailles in France.  Montesquieu deemed the Scalone d’Onore (staircase of honor) to be the grandest in Europe.

Address: Piazza Museo 19, Piazza Cavour metro station

Hours: 9:00am- 8:00pm (last entrance at 7:00pm); closed Tuesdays

Tickets: €6,50, €3,25 for ages 18-25

    Museo Archeologico Nazionale is one of the most important museums of archeology in the world. Established in 1615 as the Palace of Royal Studies, it was later moved to accommodate the Bourbon Museum and Royal Library.  It contains artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae, among many others.  Another unique attraction is the Cabinet of Obscene Objects; created in 1817, it contained objects that were only viewed by prominent males with special permission.  The items were dispersed at the turn of the century, but the cabinet is now undergoing reconstruction and enlargement in the museum.

Hours: 9:00am- 7:00pm, closed Sundays.

Tickets: €5,15

    Also known as Castle Nuovo, this dramatic fortress was built in the 13^th century under Charles of Anjou. An arch stands between two towers and was built to commemorate Alfonso I of Aragon’s entrance to Naples in 1443. Inside you can find the Museo Civico and Palatine Chapel, and outside on the bronze doors, you can still see an embedded cannonball, supposedly fired by accident by French soldiers.

Address: Via Duomo 147 (bus stop Via Duomo)

Hours: 9:00am- noon, 4:30pm- 7:00pm, (closes at noon on Sundays).

    Built in the 13^th century under Charles of Anjou, this Gothic cathedral has undergone much restoration work, specifically after an earthquake in 1349.  The cathedral is famous for the Capella del Tesoro di San Gennaro; San Gennaro’s coagulated blood is kept in two vials next to his bust.  Three times a year (in May, September and December), a miracle occurs when the blood liquefies and saves Naples from any possible disaster.  Within the Duomo, you can also view an underground excavation site of ancient roads for €3.

Address: Via Cesare Sersale 1/3, between Piazza Amore and Piazza Garibaldi

Hours: 10:00am- 11:00pm

    Since 1870, the Condurro family has been making masterful pizzas, the Marinara and Marghertia.  The pizza is cheap (about €4) and delicious, apparent by the frequent line out the door.  However, most backpackers and Naples residents alike would agree this legendary pizza is worth the wait.

Flights: Aeroporto Capodichino (NAP) handles flights to Italian and European destinations. 

Trains:  Backpackers can head to Naples’ train station, Stazione Centrale, to get to Rome (2hr), Milan (9hr), and Pompeii. 

Ferries:  Another option for those backpacking in Naples is the ferries.  Head to Stazione Marittima or Molo Beverello to catch ferries to Capri, Ischia, and Palermo. 

Public Transportation: Naples public transportation network consists of a metro, buses, funicular, and trains.  The metro runs from 6am-11pm and the funicular runs from 7am-10pm.  Tickets cost €1 for 1.5hr and €3 for a day pass.

Address: Via dei Mille 40 (bus C25 to Riviera di Chiaia)

Hours: Thurs.- Sun. 10:00pm- 4:00am

    One of the most established night clubs in Naples, La Mela is the nighttime destination for the chic and popular.  The house DJ spins dance music until 4:00am.  Be sure to dress in up-scale club clothes-- the bouncers can be very selective.

Address: Via Marina

Hours: 9:30pm- 4:00am Oct.- April

    For the alternative rock scene, check out Jasay.  It’s located between the city and the suburbs and is meant to help revive the port area.