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10 things to do in Naples for the weekend
My favorites adresses of the city where you will find all the locals
10 things to do in Naples
Our visit with NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto super rewarding and I decided to make a second article to share my favorites spots of the city. In addition to coffee, there is a ton of treasures to discover so here are the 10 things to do in Naples for the weekend.
We had the help of a local guide, which I highly recommend if you want to immerse yourself in the Neapolitan culture. Do not hesitate to contact her, here’s her Facebook page>> https://www.facebook.com/dea.bolik
It's funny, because I always found pretty dum to have a guide but I realized for the first time that it’s the only way to find the best addresses in just a few days.
Here we go for the 10 things you have to do in Naples!
1. Get lost in the historic district
With more than 300 churches on a few kilometers square, It’s probably the densest area of the city where locals love to walk around. You will quickly be charmed by the narrow streets and all the shops that are there.
Be careful, on rainy days streets are too tight to let 5 people with 5 umbrellas !
More informations about this neighbourhood: https://www.mustdo.com/articles/historic-downtown-naples-shopping-dining-entertainment-and-more/
2. Drink a Spritz for 1.50 €
You will find door steps that offer Sprits for 1.50 Euros.
Italian oranges, real Prosecco, Aperol and sparkling water, yes we are in Italy!
3. Discovering the coffee culture
I told you everything about it in my article with the 5 best coffees in Naples. Ristrettos are part of a daily Neapolitan and diving in the cafes of the city is a way to immerse in their history.
Thanks to NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto, we were able to visit the most typical addresses of the city, the best way to soak up the Neapolitan coffee culture for the launch of their new capsule "Ristretto Napoli Style". A full-bodied capsule with an "extra" mousse as dense and thick like you can find it in Naples.
4. Eat a Dolce Ministeriale at the pasticceria Scaturchio
This chocolate can only be eaten in this famous pastry shop in Naples. Beware, it's very sweet and has a touch of alcohol, but it goes really well with a good ristretto. This specialty is a Neapolitan institution, it's a culinary passage you’ll have to pass!
More info: https://www.scaturchio.it
5. Enjoy a pizza at Di Matteo's
It will take a bit of patience but this pizzeria is an emblem of the city. Pizza and antipastis made with the tradition: Welcome to Di Matteo
Tips: If you come with a guide as cool as ours and who knows everyone, you can dodge the queue. That's what we had the chance to do, but we still had to wait 15 minutes for a table to be released.
More information : http://www.pizzeriadimatteo.com.
6. Visit the Spanish Quarter
Next to the Via Toledo, one of the main street of the city, welcome in this neighborhood dedicated to Maradona, to the linen that hangs between the balconies and the mini religious hotels (the Neapolitans have a deeply ingrained religious culture). You will be conquered and probably surprised by the authenticity of these streets and their Vascio which are apartments that look directly on the street. You will see, it’s good to walk there for hours.
For the anecdote, at the beginning of the 19th, the big cafes were located on Via Toledo and the most popular roasters were all in these Vascio.
7. Walk around Sant'Elmo Castle to overlook the city
Take the cable car from the market district and you will discover a breathtaking view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. This quiet little break will make you a good break with downtown‘s chaos.
Walking back down to the city, you will admire more affluent residential areas through Spaccanapoli, the street that crosses Naples in two.
More info : https://www.coopculture.it/en/heritage.cfm?id=82
8. Discover the metro stations
Under the direction of Achille Bonito Oliva, former director of the Venice Biennale, more than 14 stations have been decorated with more than 200 works by more than 100 artists and architects.
The subway stations TOLEDO and UNIVERSITA' are the most emblematic: between the big blue and psychedelic universe, it is a must stop of the city.
More info: http://www.anm.it/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1115&Itemid=250
9. Visiter la Pigniasecca, le marché de légumes et de poisson et déguster du poisson frai à la I SAPORI PESCHERIA AZZURRA
Visit the Pigniasecca, the vegetable and fish market and enjoy fresh fish at I SAPORI PESCHERIA AZZURRA is a crowded small restaurant offering fresh fish specialties.
It’s not “haute cuisine”, but it’s fresh with the most local atmosphere. It's worth it !
10. Eat in local addresses
The addresses that the locals shares are the guarantee of finding the best food around and this one was suggested by 3 different people! It’s another fish restaurant (even though I am vegetarian 🙂 ) but for the fish eaters you will refuel you OMEGA 3 and make the most of the specialties of the sea.
This restaurant is called LA FRESCHERIA , they work the fish in a pure state with a nouvelle cuisine. You should try for the “tray” that offers a wide range of tasting: oysters, different tartar, prawns, sashimi ... Raw fish lovers, you’ll love this.
For early birds and those who have a late flight on Sunday
Bonus : Getting lost at the flea market
I’ve search all around internet and I came across this flea market that looks just crazy (only open on Sundays). Everything is very well explained on the Wanderlust Women Travel blog > https://wanderlustwomentravel.com/2017/08/naples-flea-market-agnano-mercato/
With more than 200 exhibitors, it's definitely worth a visit if you're in love with second-hand stores like me.
More info: https://www.napolike.it/turismo/mercatini-a-napoli/