Naples Travel Tips From Local Experts

French People Arr. Rude Podcast Show Notes

S1, E10: French Disease, 3 Times Blood, Suspended Coffee, Queen’s Tribute

Forget what you think you know about Naples. This week on French People Arr. Rude, Sean and Brandon are joined by Gaetano—a local who was born here, raised here, and has seen it all. He spills the real story behind the city’s bad reputation, world-famous food, and chaotic charm. These Naples travel tips break it all down so you can stop Googling and start planning.

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Naples Travel Tips – Podcast Show Notes

Segment 1: Naples Stereotypes

#1 People are thieves or con artists: Mildly true. Naples has its share of scams, especially near the train station. Don’t buy anything off the street, and keep your wits about you. That said, most Neapolitans are just charismatic—and occasionally too good at sales.
#2 Great hospitality: Absolutely true. Neapolitans put heart into everything—their cooking, their conversations, their chaos. If you’re their guest, they probably won’t even let you pay.
#3 Everyone is in the Camorra: False. Organized crime exists, but you won’t see it. They run mostly legitimate businesses and stay underground.
#4 Tourists don’t go to Naples: False. It might not pull the same numbers as Rome, but Europeans have been coming here for centuries. Pompeii was a pre-WWII tourism magnet.
#5 It’s a poor city: Partially true. Some neighborhoods struggle, but Naples also has elegance, wealth, and a proud local culture.
#6 Best food in Italy: Strong case. Naples invented pizza and does shellfish, fried snacks, and mozzarella like nowhere else.

Interessante Fact: There’s a saying: You cry when you arrive, and you cry when you leave. It feels chaotic at first, but give it a day and you’ll fall for the art, food, and people.

Segment 2: Getting to & Around Naples

By Train: Rome to Naples takes just over an hour on the high-speed train, and drops you centrally at Napoli Centrale.
From the Station: Take a taxi to your hotel—especially if you’re staying near the water. Avoid walking with luggage through this area.
By Car: Don’t. Traffic is hectic and parking is a nightmare.
Metro: Surprisingly efficient and safe. A new airport line is even in the works.
Amalfi Coast: Train to Sorrento, then ferry to Positano or Amalfi.

Interessante Fact: Neapolitans love the ‘art of managing everything’. People will ‘watch’ your car for a few euros. You still need to pay the meter.

👉 Book exclusive Pompeii or Amalfi Coast experiences

Segment 3: Where to Stay in Naples

Below, you’ll find our recommendations mentioned in the Naples travel tips podcast. For a full list, check out our article on Where to Stay in Naples.

Where to Stay from Naples Travel Tips podcast

Neighborhoods we love:

Borgo Marinari: Waterfront vibes, local seafood, postcard views of Castel dell’Ovo.

Santa Lucia: Close to the action but calmer, with breezy views and upscale hotels.

Lungomare Mergellina: Where locals go for a sunset walk and spritz. Solid base.

Where to book:

Grand Hotel Santa Lucia | Classic, sea-facing, and great value for the views.
Partenope Relais | Cinema‑themed rooms facing the bay; breakfast comes with Vesuvio panoramas.

Book Your Naples Accommodation

Or, check out our article on Where to Stay in Naples.

Segment 4: What to Eat in Naples

Pizza making workshop in Naples, one of our favorite mentioned in the Naples travel tips podcast — Pizza making workshop in Naples

Pizza Fritta: Deep-fried, folded pizza filled with ricotta, pork fat, and tomato.
Spaghetti alla Nerano: Pasta with fried zucchini and provolone.
Spaghetti alle Vongole: Briny, garlicky, and absolutely essential if you like clams.
Mozzarella di Bufala: Pair with tomatoes or eat with your bare hands—no judgment.
Parmigiana di Melanzane: Eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella, baked until bubbling. Not strictly Neapolitan, but beloved here.
Casatiello: Savory Easter bread stuffed with salami, pancetta, cheese, and whole eggs baked into the crust.
Sfogliatella: Flaky pastry filled with sweetened ricotta or almond paste. Local and legendary.

Interessante Fact: Ask the barista for a caffè sospeso and you’ll pay for two coffees—one goes to you, the other waits behind the counter until claimed by someone in need.

👉 Love eating? Taste your way through Naples on a food tour

Segment 5: What to Do in Naples

Photo courtesy of Cathedral of San Gennaro in Naples — Photo courtesy of Cathedral of San Gennaro

Napoli Sotterranea: Tour the underground tunnels, aqueducts, and bomb shelters beneath the city.

Naples Duomo (Cathedral of San Gennaro): Famous for the liquefaction of the saint’s blood, three times a year. When it doesn’t liquefy, locals get very nervous.