Napoli Travel Guide

Naples, IT (Napoli) Money Exchange: For American travelers, be aware that the Italy runs on the Euro and not the Lira. The exchange rate when I left was about $1.20 -> E1.00; check the exchange rate and before you leave and plan for the increase in spending. Activities/Sightseeing: Plenty, history buffs will love Pompay and Hurculium (never could remember how to spell those towns), hiking Vesuvius; there is an absolute abundance of old arcitecture (Roman, gothic, etc.) great shopping, etc. Food & Restaurants: Oh...My...God, if you travel to Naples for no other reason, this is it. The food is to die for; a must is the motzerella di buffala (water buffalo motzerella), the tratatoris (again spelling, but these are the mom and pop food joints that are just about everywhere in Naples) are a must. The house wines are hit and miss, but generally they're easy on the wallet and fairly good. Health: Don't drink the water...anywhere. Always ask for bottled water; though you rarely have to ask, since that's whats usually what's served in restuarants. Nightlife: Naples is a metro of around 2 mil, so if you can think of it, it's probably there. Woman travellers: Safe-ish; the men of Naples tend to be chovanistic (MS Spell Check, save me!); that said, it wasn't to bad that I noticed; but then again, I'm not in a position to notice and am only passing on what was told to me. Interacting with Locals: First off, be aware that Neopalitons are a breed apart from the rest of Italians. They have a very laize faire attitude about life, and keeping time isn't one of their best qualities; if you can get past that, its almost an endearing quality; if you can't, it's infuriating. The people of Naples are very (extremely) friendly, and will go out of their way to help you. Dangers and Annoyances: Despite what was said above (which still holds true), one MUST be aware that Naples has/had a 30% unemployment rate and petty crime is a huge problem. DO NOT flash cash around or look like an easy target. Also, while violent crime is almost unheard of (with notable exception that I will get into in a second), pickpocketting does happen, and many times they dont bother with subltey. If this happens, DO NOT 'fight' back. Striking someone with a closed fist is something of a federal offense, like assault. The "acceptable" response is slapping (open palm striking). For whatever reason, this is far more acceptable then stiking someone with a closed fist. Next is the driving expirence in Naples: if at all possible, don't. While on foot, these people are some of the most loving and caring people on Earth; on the road, they're demons. It's like a Dr. Jeckal/Mr. Hyde thing. It's like Rules of the Road are something other countries have. If you ever want to personally experiance social darwinism, go ahead and take the A-1 Hwy. (and I mean darwinism in its most literal form). that yellow line in the middle of the road (the one that suspisiously looks like what we'd call a double yellow line that means no passing and two way traffic) is nothing more then street decoration to them. Seeing someone throw their car in reverse on the freeway because they missed their off ramp is fairly common (oh, and they don't bother moving off to the shoulder to do so). Oh, and forget the Autobahn; if you want to see how fast your car goes, this is the place; remember, speed limit signs are just more road side decoration. (i got pulled over for going to slow - was only doing 180 kph) Lastly, and this is more to the point of a Danger (less like my ranting about the emotional scars i have from driving) is the Camora, or what we'd call the Mafia. They are there and they are there in a big way. Luckily for us, they love tourists, and they love Americans. You see, there is a fairly large American base there, along with a fairly large Nato base, and the respective militaries give out a 'housing allowance' for their personel to rent apartments/villas/houses. Now the Camora has its hands in just about everything, and they have found out that they can charge 3x the normal rent and get away with it. That said, the American military (the only one i can speak for) has said that if to many of its soldiers get into trouble off base, then they will bring them all onto base housing. Soooo, the landlords go to extremes to keep their foreign tenents happy, and by extention, any foreigner. Basically, while I won't say that the Camora are good guys, they're certaily 'good fellas'. Oh, lastly, Vesuvius is about 15 years over due for an eruption, goelogically speaking. This isnt that big of a deal since, geologically speaking, 15 years isnt even as long as a blink of the eye. General Impressions: Naples is truly a wonder; it's a gritty, cosmopalitan, wonderous, city that wears its emotions on its sleave.

what to say I fell in love in that city maybe some day I well go there and live there.. I don’t have words to explain but if you lake sea, sun, beach, and romantic music... that combination you need...

Beware pickpockets. The Cammora are in charge of most of the crime in Naples and the city is notorious for its pickpockets. Have your wits about you especially on public transport like the buses or metro's, if on a bus try to get a seat as pickpockets will often surround their standing target in a gang of three and take your pocket contents and pass it to their partners in crime. This is because when standing in an overcrowded bus you are less likely to notice anyone nudging or touching you. They will often attempt to pick your pocket as you get off the bus, if you catch them in the act they will retreat but it is best not to confront them, they are armed and will mug you if guile doesn't work. So have zip pockets, try not to look like a dopy tourist like I did, i kept my wallet and saw the pick pocketers off but they got onto my bus because i was obviously a tourist. Find seats on public transport or keep an eye on those around you. Don't take shortcuts through small alleys, especially in rough areas. Muggings are common, the pickpockets will often throw something into the face of the victim like newspaper and whilst they are disorientated take their valuables and pass them on to runners, violence isn't often necessary but they will use force if it calls for it. So best advice is be sharp and ready because Naples is a rough spot and not your normal kind Italian destination! It is a far leap from the peace of Sorrento just a few miles away.