NAPLES, ITALY

For the second time, my friend, Guerre, and I decided to visit Naples between the menswear shows. This time our focus was to explore a different area but also meet with more bespoke tailors and artisans. We started off by staying at Hotel San Francesco al Monte, a former monastery located up a hill with views overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Between meetings, we spent our days maneuvering thorough the maze of the Quartieri Spangoli, taking espresso breaks, finding new pizzerias, and taking a day trip to a catacomb museum. Our stay was short again, but looking forward to exploring other parts of Italy soon!

No visit to Naples is complete without checking out the Quartieri Spagnoli. Yes, it was quite intimidating at times and a local even advised us to be careful, but it was fascinating to walk through the narrow streets filled with crumbling buildings, hanging laundries, and local shops. Perhaps considered as the soul of Napoli, the Quartieri Spagnoli gives you a genuine feel. Plus, there are practically no tourists! Only caveats are: (1) be careful with your belongings, (2) avoid walking at night, and (3) have a map as you can easily get lost.

Sitting just above the Quartieri Spagnoli, Hotel San Francesco al Monte is a luxury hotel that offers everything from breakfast, restaurant, bar, spa, pool, and a rooftop garden. What I personally love is the spectacular view of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius, especially during sunrise. Fortunately, I wasn’t able to sleep due to numerous espressos taken the day before and caught the fiery skies just in time.

Website: http://www.sanfrancescoalmonte.it
Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 328, 80135 Napoli, Italy

Website: http://www.catacombedinapoli.it
Address: Via Capodimonte, 13, 80136 Napoli, Italy