A Weekend Guide to Naples’ Culinary and Cultural Highlights
by Adriana ruiz
Naples is a sunny city in the south of Italy, where travelers can enjoy its ancient history, lively culture, and delicious food. A perfect destination for a weekend getaway, Naples offers stunning views of Mount Vesuvius, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the world-famous Neapolitan pizza. In this guide, we’ll explore how to reach Naples by train and create an itinerary for an unforgettable two-day visit.
How to Get There by Train
Navigating the Italian rail network to reach Naples is a seamless experience. Use platforms like Rome2Rio or Trainline to compare train options, prices, and frequencies. From major cities like Rome, Florence, or Milan, high-speed trains such as Frecciarossa provide a comfortable and scenic journey. Consider booking tickets in advance to secure the best deals. Upon arrival at Napoli Centrale or Napoli Piazza Garibaldi, easily access the city center via metro, bus, or taxi.
What to See and Do
Naples National Archaeological Museum
Begin your day at the Naples National Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Marvel at the well-preserved artifacts, including mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures, offering a glimpse into daily life during the Roman Empire.
Spaccanapoli
Take a stroll down Spaccanapoli, a narrow, bustling street that cuts through the heart of the historic center. Admire the charming architecture, visit traditional shops, and sample authentic Neapolitan pizza from one of the many pizzerias along the way. You can begin from Via Pasquale Scura in the Spanish Quarter and finish in Via Tupputi, or the other way around. The street is roughly 1.2 miles (2 km) long.
Naples Underground
Explore the hidden layers of Naples by visiting Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground). Descend into ancient aqueducts, tunnels, and catacombs, discovering the city’s fascinating subterranean history.
Piazza del Plebiscito
Begin at the heart of the city, Piazza del Plebiscito. Surrounded by landmarks like the Royal Palace, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, and the Teatro San Carlo, this grand square is the perfect introduction to Naples’ architectural splendors.
Royal Palace of Naples
Photo from palazzorealedinapoli.org
The Royal Palace of Naples is located in the heart of the city. Explore the opulent rooms, stroll through the beautiful gardens, and enjoy panoramic views of Naples from the palace grounds.
Napoli Cathedral and San Domenico Maggiore
Visit Napoli Cathedral, renowned for its Gothic facade and the Chapel of San Gennaro. Nearby, discover the artistic treasures of San Domenico Maggiore, featuring works by Caravaggio and frescoes by Giotto.
San Gregorio Armeno
Stroll through San Gregorio Armeno, known as the “Christmas Alley.” Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and explore shops offering handmade nativity scenes and figurines. You can find traditional characters, such as the Holy Family, the Three Kings, the shepherds, and the angels, as well as modern celebrities, politicians, sports stars, and even Elvis Presley. You can also see the typical Neapolitan scenes, such as the pizzeria, the fish market, the bakery, and the tavern. The figurines are made of terracotta, wood, papier-mâché, or resin, and are painted and dressed with great attention to detail.
Castel dell’Ovo
Take a leisurely walk to Castel dell’Ovo, a historic seaside fortress with panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples. The castle is the oldest castle in the city and was built on the former island of Megaride, where the first Greek settlers of Naples founded their colony in the 6th century BC. The castle was later expanded and renovated by the Normans, the Angevins, and the Aragonese, who used it as a royal residence, a prison, and a treasury. The castle also witnessed some important historical events, such as the imprisonment of Empress Constance, the execution of King Conradin, and the miracle of the blood of Saint Januarius.
Palace of the Spaniard
The Palazzo dello Spagnolo is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture in Naples, located in the historic Rione Sanità district. The palace was built in 1738 by the architect Ferdinando Sanfelice for the Marquis of Poppano, Nicola Moscati. The most striking feature of the palace is its monumental staircase with double ramps, which was designed as a social space for the residents and visitors. The palace was later owned by a Spanish nobleman, Tommaso Atienza, who gave it its current name. The palace has a richly decorated interior with stucco and frescoes, some of which are still preserved. The palace also hosts a museum dedicated to the famous Neapolitan actor Totò, who was born in the same neighborhood
Naples Gastronomy
Naples is a city with a rich and diverse gastronomy, blending simple local ingredients with complex flavors. You can find many typical dishes and specialties that reflect the history, culture, and traditions of the city. Here are some places where you can eat the items included in your list:
Pizza Napoletana
There are many pizzerias in Naples that claim to make the best pizza Napoletana, but some of the most famous and authentic ones are L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Antonio & Antonio, and Sorbillo. These places use high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and extra virgin olive oil, and bake their pizzas in wood-fired ovens for a few minutes, resulting in a thin and soft crust with a slightly charred edge.
Frittura di paranza
Photo from napolitoday.it
This is a common street food that you can find in many places, especially near the port and the fish market. Some of the best places to eat frittura di paranza are Osteria Sannazaro, Gragnano E Pizza Di Lanzini Immacolata, and da Lia. These places offer fresh and crispy fried fish, served with salt and lemon juice, in a paper cone or a basket.
Spaghetti alle vongole
This is a classic pasta dish that showcases the freshness and flavor of the clams, which are abundant in the Gulf of Naples. Some of the best places to eat spaghetti alle vongole are Zi Teresa, ‘a Figlia d’’o Marenaro, Mimì alla Ferrovia. These places cook the pasta al dente and toss it with the clams, garlic, parsley, olive oil, and white wine, creating a light and aromatic sauce.
Pasta alla Genovese
This is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that originated in Naples, despite its name that suggests a connection to Genoa. It is made with a slow-cooked onion sauce, beef, and cheese, and usually served with ziti or rigatoni. Some of the best places to eat pasta alla Genovese are Trattoria da Nennella, Antonio & Antonio, and Tandem Ragù Ristorante Napoli. These places prepare the sauce with high-quality meat and onions, and simmer it for hours, until it becomes thick and rich.
Pasta fresca con scampi
Photo from buonissimo.it
This is a delicate and elegant pasta dish that is made with fresh handmade pasta, scampi (large shrimp), cherry tomatoes, and basil. It is a dish that requires skill and quality ingredients, and some of the best places to eat it are Umberto, Antica Capri, and Trattoria Pizzeria Spaccanapoli. These places make their own pasta from scratch, and use fresh and juicy scampi and tomatoes, and fragrant basil, to create a delicious and colorful dish.
Neapolitan ragu
This is a rich and savory meat sauce that is made with beef, pork, tomato, onion, carrot, celery, wine, and herbs, and simmered for hours. It is usually served with pasta, such as ziti or rigatoni, or with polenta or bread. Some of the best places to eat Neapolitan ragu are Tandem Ragù Ristorante Napoli and Osteria da Carmela. These places use tender and flavorful cuts of meat, such as locena (beef chuck) and ribs, and cook them slowly with the tomato and vegetables, until the sauce becomes thick and aromatic.
Cuoppo
Photo from napolitoday.it
This is a cone-shaped paper bag filled with assorted fried snacks, such as croquettes, arancini, mozzarella, zucchini, and seafood. It is a typical street food that you can find in friggitorie (fry shops), and it is perfect for eating while strolling through the streets of the center. Some of the best places to eat cuoppo are Via San Biagio Dei Librai and La Passione di Sofi. These places offer a variety of fried treats, made with fresh and quality ingredients, and served hot and crispy in a paper cone.
Sfogliatella
This is a crispy and flaky pastry, filled with ricotta cheese, candied citrus, and cinnamon. There are two types: riccia (curly) and frolla (smooth). It is a typical dessert that you can find in pasticcerie (pastry shops), and it is best eaten warm and fresh. Some of the best places to eat sfogliatella are Antico Forno delle Sfogliatelle Calde Fratelli Attanasio, La Sfogliatella Mary, and Pescheria Mattiucci. These places make their own pastry dough and filling, and bake their sfogliatelle daily, creating a crunchy and creamy treat.
Baba al rhum
This is a soft and spongy cake, soaked in rum and sugar syrup, and sometimes filled with whipped cream or pastry cream. It is a typical dessert that you can find in pasticcerie (pastry shops), and it is often eaten as a snack or a breakfast. Some of the best places to eat baba al rhum are Al Capriccio, Bar Capparelli, and Sfogliatelle Attanasio. These places offer moist and fluffy baba, soaked in aromatic rum syrup, and filled with smooth and sweet cream.
Naples is a city of sunshine, history, and culture. As you spend a weekend there, you will be enchanted by its old-world charm, vibrant atmosphere, and delicious food. Naples is a treasure of southern Italy, nestled by the blue sea and the majestic Mount Vesuvius. It invites you to explore its stunning sights, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to the famous Neapolitan pizza.
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