Naples

Naples the birthplace of Pizza and with stunning architecture   

City Overview

Naples has it own history, dedicated with fashionistas cruising on Vespas through sun-drenched piazzas, simple but sublime cuisine, and, of course, UNESCO certification as the birthplace of pizza.

This city is home to some of the most breath-taking architecture and art in all of Italy, from the ornate churches and palaces of the historic centre to the stunning views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.

The Italians in Naples are more informal so do not be offended if they do not greet you with “Ciao or Buona Sera” like the Italians in other cities. They are not being rude!

Naples as a repetition of being a dangerous or unsafe city. This is an old image of the city when the mafia operated strongly in the city. Naples is not any more dangerous than other large urban cities in Europe.

There are a few additional things you can do to ensure that you are as safe as possible. Firstly, don’t wear any flashy jewellery. Leave the watch or the gold chain necklace in the hotel. People don’t dress in high-end clothing like they would in Milan or Florence. Secondly, don’t wander dark alleys outside the city centre way past midnight.

Italy’s third-largest city has come a long way from its staunchly Catholic traditions but can still be considered conservative compared to other Italian cities so be discreet with public displays of gay affection.

Napoli is much cheaper than the rest of Italy, which means inexpensive food and drinks!

Getting Around

The best way to get around Naples is on foot as most of the city's attractions are located within walking distance of one another.

The city offers a comprehensive network of public transportation. Though there is no central bus station in Naples, Piazza Garibaldi is the main hub of for bus and tram transport.

Regular tickets can be purchased at tabacchi (tobacco stores), news kiosks, and ticket machines at select bus stops. Bus/tram tickets must be validated when you board the bus by inserting the ticket in the small machine that stamps the date and time.

Airport Transfer

Naples Airport \ Capodichino Airport (NAP) is located 5 km away from the city centre.

Alibus shuttle busses run from Naples Airport to the centre  of Naples and then continue to the seaport. The Alibus buses run daily, every 15-25 minutes from 06.00 am to 23.25 pm with journey time of 15 minutes. The bus stop can be found approximately 200 meters from the exit of the arrival area Terminal 1

Places to stay

The Centro Storico area is where you will find the city’s main attractions, so this is where to stay in Naples if your main priorities are culture and history.

The Spanish Quarter in Naples is a neighbourhood where you can truly get a sense of the city’s history and a vibrant, colourful, lived-in neighbourhood. Colourful street artwork adds to jazz up some of the tired building facades. Wandering around the narrow streets of the Spanish Quarter, you’ll come across beautiful churches like Sant’Anna di Palazzo and Santa Maria della Mercede in Montecalvario as well as lovely palaces like Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano.

The Lungomare di Napoli is an iconic 3km stretch of coastline in southern Italy. This long promenade that runs along the waterfront of the city of Naples dating from 1884. There are also some free, small beaches throughout this area where you can lounge on the white rocks to sunbath. There are many good restaurants serving up fresh fish, often right off the boat, as well as plenty of Naples’ most cherished creation ‘the pizza’ restaurants.

Sightseeing

Piazza del Plebiscito is the main square in Naples and features the Royal Palace and the Basilica Royal and fantastic place to visit. This square is filled with important buildings and statues and aside from the aforementioned structures, it also contains the Palazzo Salerno, the Prefecture Palace and a statue dedicated to Charles III of Spain.

Climb Mount Vesuvius which dominates the skyline and landscape surrounding Naples and is a legendary volcano that famously erupted in 79 AD. Vesuvius stands as the only volcano in mainland Europe that has erupted in the last 100 years. You can take a bus from Naples to visit and then with a 20-30 minutes climb up its slopes to peer into the crater.

Visit the ruins of Pompeii which is an ancient city that is sat in the shadow of the iconic Mount Vesuvius. This settlement was highly advanced and extensive and was destroyed at its peak during the devastating eruption of the volcano in 79 AD.

Bars, Clubs & Parties

Naples is one of Italy's most closeted cities, but gay travellers can still find a few places to hang out. Many of the gay community prefer to hang out at gay friendly bars or clubs to not be seen and identified as LGBTQ.

Use your gay radar and start in Piazza Bellini, known as the meeting point of the gay community before a night out on the town.

Cactus is a gay disco cruise bar with a cosy and inviting atmosphere with dim lighting, stylish decoration, and a great selection of cocktails. This bar is known for its live music and drag shows which are fun to watch. The staff are friendly and welcoming making Cactus a great spot to socialize and make new friends.

Macho Lato is Naples’ first and oldest gay bar popular with a mixed diverse crowd. This bar is huge as it takes up two floors of a vast central city complex. Begin your evening lounging at the bar or dining area with a drink and light meal, then step onto the dance hall to make the most of the music and space. Then if you feel adventurous, you could try the darkrooms and cruising area and complete it with a movie or a last drink on the outside terrace.

Cafes & Restaurants

Naples is known as the original home of Italian pizza. Many commentators say the best pizza restaurants are in Naples.

Pizzeria di Matteo is definitely a recommended restaurant with delicious pizza, unique fried appetizers, and handsome waiters. Try the “Frito Mixto” when you sit down for dinner as an appetizer and follow with a pizza of your choice accompanied by some Italian wine. It you have room at the end of the meal try one of the great deserts with Italian coffee.

Fetish Bar\Clubs

Depot is a modern gay bar offering all that you’d expect from a quiet space to enjoy a drink & chat or to dance and let loose and dance. However, the bar hosts a range of themed nights so don’t be surprised if you spot most clients wearing leather or underwear or if the dancefloor has cages.

Depot allows you relax and embrace your LGBTQ identity be that with leather fetishes or your darker side.

Saunas

There is no gay sauna in Naples but the gay-friendly Sauna Blu Angels is an excellent alternative. Sauna Blu Angels is located in a part of town and offer all the basics you could want from a good Sauna. It is open from 1.00 pm – 8.00 pm.

Main LGBT Events

Carnival is celebrated in Naples during February and an opportunity for the LGBTQ to dress up and have fun with all the locals in the city.

Since 1996 Napoli Pride has been the main LGBTQ event in the city for LGBTQ community and same-sex couples to celebrate their identity with up to 40,000 attendees in June.

The festivities kick off with a colourful parade through the streets of Naples, featuring dazzling floats, fabulous costumes, and plenty of dancing and music.

The parade ends at Piazza Plebiscito, where a massive outdoor festival takes place, featuring live performances and entertainment.

The younger Neapolitans do not faze by LGBTQ community but outside of the areas known for flying the rainbow flag, public demonstrations of affection between men are still rare. Therefore, be discreet.

Other

Currency – Euro (EUR)

Language – Italian

Visas - Not needed for travellers from the US, Canada and Europe

Best Time To Visit – February - September

Timezone – European Mean Time (GMT +1)

Homosexual Activity – Legal but be discreet in Naples as display of public affection are rare due to cities culture