This June 2015, after attending Milan Men’s Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016, my friend and I decided to make a stop in Naples for a few days with the interest of visiting several artisans before making my way to Amalfi. It would be my first time in Naples but many warned me to watch my belongings, so I went in with the mindset that things can go awry like my Rome trip in January. I clenched on to my luggage starting at Milan Central Station, refusing to take out my laptop, but it felt unusually safe.
While our stay was short, I was surprised to find how raw but amazing the city is with its historic and cultural richness. Many visitors may use Naples as a porthole to majestic destinations such as Capri and Amalfi Coast, but the city has an anarchic and untouched atmosphere that only adventure seekers may appreciate. Sure there are neighborhoods such as "quartieri spagnoli", where I would not feel totally free to walk with my camera out, but precaution is essential in any travel situation, especially in dark alleys at night. Besides, Naples is the Mecca for craftsmanship and also offers one of the best pizza, pasta, coffee and seafood dishes- that is a winner in my books.
Capri
Other Places Visited:
- Rex Lifestyle Hotel
- We stayed at Rex Lifestyle Hotel for two nights. It’s affordable, clean, and I love how close it is to the water. The area is favored among tourists and very family friendly. Standard breakfast – croissant, juice, yogurt, etc. – was included.
- Website: http://www.hotel-rex.it
- Address: Via Palepoli 12, 80132 Napoli, Italy
- UNA Hotel Napoli
- UNA Hotel Napoli is an antique building restored to create a modern design hotel. We stayed for one night and it’s extremely close to Napoli Central Station. It’s one of the most modern places I’ve seen in Naples and it boasts a beautiful view of the city on their rooftop, where complimentary full breakfast – which includes scrambled eggs, bacon, etc. – was served.
- Website: http://www.unahotels.it
- Address: Piazza Garibaldi 9/10, 80142 Napoli, Italy
- L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
- I eat a lot of Pizza when I’m in Italy – like, every day! So it was natural for me to ask for recommendations in Naples and several friends suggested L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. Unfortunately, due to its popularity, the wait was extremely long and we never had the chance to try it.
- Website: http://www.damichele.net
- Address: Via Cesare Sersale 1/3, 80139 Napoli
- Baccalaria
- If you like seafood, particularly Baccala (Salted Cod) specialties, then this restaurant is a must. The service is extremely attentive and makes the meal even more enjoyable, especially when paired with a selection of great wine.
- Website: http://www.baccalaria.it
- Address: Piazzetta di Porto 4, 80134 Napoli
