Naples: a day in Italy's most alive city
About 40 minutes by train from Pompei, Naples combines history, art, sea and the world's best pizza in one chaotic masterpiece.
The historic centre
The historic centre of Naples is among the largest in Europe: Spaccanapoli, the Spanish Quarters, baroque chapels and popular courtyards. Every street is a stage, with washing lines, workshops and churches opening without warning between the buildings.
Art and sea
Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace open onto the waterfront, with Castel dell'Ovo on the sea and the Vomero hill above the city. The National Archaeological Museum completes the Vesuvian itinerary, keeping mosaics and frescoes that came from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Getting there and around
The Circumvesuviana from Pompei reaches Naples Garibaldi in about 40 minutes; from there the metro brings you quickly to the centre. Naples is best explored on foot in the centre, with the climbs and stairs that are part of its character.
Eating in Naples
Neapolitan pizza was born here, among historic lotti and wood-fired ovens; with it frittatine, fried cuoppo, sfogliatelle and espresso at the counter. A Neapolitan day is measured through its meals too: planning them is part of the journey.