Practical tips for Naples: getting here, getting around, when to go

Naples is easy to enjoy if you know a few little secrets: how to get here from the station or the airport, how to get around without a car, when is the best time to come. In this guide we have gathered the tips we give our guests before they arrive, with special attention to those staying in the historic centre.

How to get to Phaedra House

[foto da caricare] Naples Central Station in Piazza Garibaldi

From the Central Station

Napoli Centrale station, in Piazza Garibaldi, is where high-speed trains arrive. From here you have two options:

• On foot: about 1 km, roughly fifteen minutes, through the historic centre.
• By metro: from Garibaldi station on Line 1 to the Duomo stop is just one stop; from there it is about 300 metres on foot.

With a suitcase the walk is doable, but remember that in the historic centre the pavements are narrow and the streets are paved with stone.

From Capodichino airport

The airport is a few kilometres from the centre. The most convenient options are:

• Shuttle bus (Alibus): it connects the airport with the Central Station and the port; from the station continue as above.
• Taxi: only use the official white taxis at the rank in front of arrivals. For rides from the airport to the main areas of the city there are usually fixed fares: ask the driver before you set off.

Times, routes and fares change: check the official website of the airport and of the shuttle service.

From the port

Ferries and hydrofoils to the islands arrive at Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa. From Molo Beverello you can take metro Line 1 at Municipio station and get off at Duomo, or take a taxi.

You will find the address, map and detailed directions on our Location page.

Getting around the city

• On foot: the best way to see the historic centre. Almost all the main sights can be reached on foot from the apartment.
• Metro Line 1: it connects the Central Station, the historic centre (Duomo, Università), the port (Municipio), Via Toledo, the Archaeological Museum (Museo) and the Vomero. Some stations, such as Toledo, are decorated by artists and are worth a visit.
• Funiculars: four funiculars climb from the centre to the Vomero and Posillipo; convenient and fast.
• Taxi: use the official ranks or the radio-taxi apps; always ask for the meter or the fixed fare.
• Car: not recommended. Much of the historic centre is a limited traffic zone (ZTL), the streets are narrow and parking is difficult. If you are arriving by car, consider a garage and write to us before you arrive.

Tickets and passes for the metro, funiculars and buses can be bought in stations, tobacconists or with official apps: fares change, so check the official website of the public transport company.

When to visit Naples

[foto da caricare] The Gulf of Naples in spring

• Spring (April–June): ideal weather, long days, perfect for walking.
• Summer (July–August): it is very hot; visit churches and museums in the middle of the day and go out early in the morning and in the evening. It is the season for the islands and the sea.
• Autumn (September–November): temperatures are still mild and there are fewer crowds; in September the city celebrates San Gennaro.
• Winter (December–March): cool but rarely cold; in December the nativity street of San Gregorio Armeno is at its best, and the city fills with lights.

Three special dates: the celebrations of San Gennaro in May, on 19 September and on 16 December, which we talk about in our guide to the churches of the historic centre.

Tips for your stay

• Tourist tax: Naples charges a municipal tourist tax, paid at your accommodation; for up-to-date details check the official website of the City of Naples.
• Online check-in: it is mandatory, with an ID document for each guest, before arrival.
• Safety: Naples is a big city: take the usual precautions, especially in crowded places and on public transport. Keep backpacks and bags in front of you and your phone in your pocket when you are not using it.
• Water: in cafés it is normal to be given a glass of water before your coffee.
• Mealtimes: people have lunch after 1 pm and dinner after 8 pm. You will find ideas in our guide to where to eat in the historic centre.
• Sundays and public holidays: some shops and restaurants close, while museums and churches are often very busy.

Payments and small expenses

Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is useful to have some cash for small purchases: a coffee at the counter, a sfogliatella, a folded pizza, a tip. In cafés you often pay at the till before ordering your coffee at the counter: show the receipt to the barista.

What to pack

• Comfortable shoes: the streets of the centre are paved with basoli, smooth and uneven volcanic stones.
• A sweatshirt or light jacket: useful in the evenings in spring and autumn, and essential for underground visits, where it is cool all year round.
• A scarf or a top to cover your shoulders: for entering churches.
• An adapter if you are coming from outside Europe: sockets in Italy are type F and L.
• A reusable water bottle: there are drinking fountains around the city, and tap water at the apartment is drinkable.

Useful numbers

The single emergency number in Italy is 112. For everything else, during your stay you can message us on WhatsApp.

Plan your visit

If you want a ready-made plan, choose between the itinerary Naples in one day and Naples in three days. And for the most common questions about your stay (check-in, pets, parking) you will find the answers in our FAQ.

A convenient apartment for everything

Phaedra House is in Piazzetta Sant'Arcangelo a Baiano, in the historic centre: about 1 km from the Central Station and about 300 metres from the Duomo metro stop. Discover the apartment and see where we are.

For more ideas, browse the Practical tips section of our guide.