Naples Frequently Asked Questions

Is Naples a safe city?

Yes, Naples is as safe as many other big cities in the world. It has a bad reputation as being seedy and dangerous but, after visiting, you will realize these stereotypes are unjust. However, compared to the rest of Italy, Naples has more petty crime so it might be a good idea not to wear a lot of jewelry or carry expensive cameras or lots of cash while there. You might also want to avoid the central station at night time.

Can I visit the Amalfi Coast in one day?

If you are in Campania for just one day, your best bet will be to stay in Naples or explore the archaeological areas of Pompeii or Herculaneum. The Amalfi Coast deserves time and a relaxed pace, especially given the fact that the road connecting all the various villages is very narrow and often busy with traffic. Ideally, we’d suggest spending at least one night in Naples or on the coast in order to fully enjoy the beauty of the site.

Is it worth spending a night in Naples?

Absolutely! Naples is a wonderful city, rich in history and art. There are many beautiful hotels that can accommodate even the most demanding guest and most come at a more-freindly price, compared to the luxury hotels in other large italian cities. The Opera house in Naples is not only a stunning establishment but also the oldest working Opera house in Europe, so perfect for music lovers. Naples offers a wealth of archaeological and artistic sites for lovers of culture. For example, the Capodimonte museum houses a collection of Renaissance art only rivaled by the Uffizi or the Louvre. And the cuisine of Naples is unrivaled in freshness and flavor.

What is typical Neapolitan food like?

Naples and the whole Campania region are famous for their culinary traditions. Make sure to try at least one pizza and a mozzarella di bufala (buffalo mozzarella) during your stay. Fish dishes are always amazing and different depending on the part of the region you are visiting. Desserts like the sfogliatella and the capresina (a wheat-free chocolate cake) are to die for. Wines like the Falanghina and the Greco di Tufo are delicious, yet reasonably priced. Finally limoncello and coffee should be the sweet ending of every Neapolitan meal.

How far is Capri?

Capri is one of the three island off the bay of Naples. The islands are connected to the main land via ferry and hydrofoil. Capri is the most popular of the three, but also the most crowded and expensive. If you are looking for a quiet get-away opt for Ischia or Procida. All islands are about 90 min. from Naples using either a ferry-style boat or a hydrofoil. During the summer, water taxis connect Sorrento and Positano to the islands as well.

Is Pompeii a must-do?

Though Pompeii is one the most well-kept and famous archeological sites in the world, it's high tourist traffic makes it a less genuine experience and creates a kind of "Disneyland effect." Though Pompeii is usually at the top of the list for most first time visitors to Naples/Campania, you might want to consider opting for the smaller and less-visited Herculaneum, or going the even-less trodden path to the sites of Oplontis or Stabia. There are also amazing sites on the other side of the bay, at Cuma, Baia and the Campi Flegrei.

Where can I park in Naples?

Driving in Naples can be a harrowing experience. In a city where the red light means "hurry up", you need to take extra precautions if driving or simply to cross the road. That being said, if you are coming in for the day with a car and looking for a place to park, your best bet is the Via Brin parking lot, an 800 car facility located halfway between the main train station and the port (on the corner of Via Brin and Via A. Volta). The lot is open 24-hours a day and costs around 2 euro for the first four hours, followed by 50 cent. for every additional hour. There are also street-side parking spaces in the city, marked by bright blue lines. Anywhere else in town, not marked by blue lines should not be used for parking. To pay for these spots, one must go to a nearby booth that accepts coins and will print out a ticket listing the expiration time which you then have to place on your dashboard for the meter readers to check.

Can I make Naples a day trip from Rome?

If taking a high-speed Eurostar train, Naples is surprisingly close to Rome (the trip takes about 1.5 hours). Thus, Naples can definitely be done as a, slightly long, day trip.

Does Context have an office in Naples?

No, our only Italian office is based in Rome. Megan, the Naples city manager, can be contacted there. The phone number is 06.489.00042.

What is the Neapolitan etiquette in regard to tipping?

Tipping in the U.S. is mandatory because waiters and waitresses are paid below minimum wage. The first 8-10% of a U.S. tip simply brings the waiter up to living wage. This is not the case in Italy. Waiters make living wage by law. Thus, tips are intended to signal approval. I generally consider what I would tip in the U.S. and subtract 10%. So, if service was good, I give 5% instead of 15%. If it was exceptional, I give 10% instead of 20%. DonÕt believe waiters who tell you that service isnÕt included. Technically, they may be right: There is no tip specifically in the bill. But you need to think of the wider social picture.

Do you recommend using the public transportation in Naples?

If you are planning on moving around Naples quite a bit, the public transportation system, though not entirely trustworthy, can be of a great help. The Metro is an easy way to get between the station and the Archeological Museum (which, in turn, is within walking distance of most points of interest in the city center). Buses are good ways to venture out to Mergellina, Chiaia and Posillipo. The funiculars are fun ways to go up the hill to Vomero and Montesanto. For more information on using the public transportation system in Naples, please read our dedicated blog entry: http://blog.contexttravel.com/using-public-transportation-in-naples/

Where can I get taxis? And can I hail taxis on the street?

As in most Italian cities, one must go to designated taxi stands to pick up a taxi (look for the orange sign with taxi in bold letters). They rarely can be hailed on the street. You can call for a taxi from the following numbers; 081.5525252 or 081.5515151.

Can I store my luggage somewhere in town?

Yes, storing your luggage at the main train station (Stazione Centrale) in Piazza Garibaldi is quite simple. If facing the exit, with your back to the train tracks, the luggage storage is all the way to the right, near the ticket windows.

Can I book a full day itinerary if I am coming in for the day from a cruise ship?

Yes, we can help you arrange a full day based on your interests, even if you are in town for one day with a cruise ship. Many cruise ships dock right in Naples, making it very easy to explore the historical area near the port (Piazza del Plebiscito, Castel Nuovo, Palazzo Reale) and then head to the heart of the city, filled with Baroque churches and interesting museums. We can also take you to Pompeii or the less-visited archeological sites on Mt. Vesuvius, such as Herculaneum, Stabia and Oplontis, using a car service for the day. if you're docking in Amalfi, we can provide the same services, paired with a car service for the day. Please contact us for more details.