Naples: 7 reasons for a weekend trip to the city on Mount Vesuvius

Naples is like a well-seasoned stew—wild, surprising, sometimes hot, and almost always a bit over the top. Anyone visiting here for the first time should know: The city thrives on its contrasts. Travel reporter Katharina was there and presents seven good reasons for a short trip to Naples.

The city has not forgotten him – and he never left: A mural of Maradona.

Source: Katharina Viktoria Weiß

The most popular neighborhoods for travelers are:

• Centro Storico : The historic heart of Naples with its narrow streets, baroque churches, and Spaccanapoli – ideal if you want to be in the center of the action. Authentic, loud, and lively.
• Vomero : Slightly higher up and more elegant. Here you can observe the hustle and bustle from above – for example, from Castel Sant'Elmo. Ideal for those who prefer a quieter stay.
• Chiaia & Mergellina : Coastal, chic, with many boutiques and a great waterfront promenade. Perfect for those on a budget, enjoying sunsets, and stylish aperitifs.
• Quartieri Spagnoli : Authentic and sometimes wild—but also full of culinary treasures and street art. If you're looking for Maradona, you'll find it here.

Up high, at a leisurely pace – the funicular “Funicolare” takes you from the hustle and bustle to the view.

Source: Katharina Viktoria Weiß

Getting around Naples: The metro (especially Line 1) is surprisingly reliable—and beautiful! Many stations are artistically designed. For steep climbs, the funicular is recommended. And if you're fit, you'll experience Naples most intensely on foot. Taxis are unfortunately comparatively expensive.

But now for the seven good reasons to visit Naples:

Life is bustling here: In the narrow streets of Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali, laundry hangs between the houses, and the smell of deep fryers and life fills the air. If you're lucky, you might spot a street musician, a wedding, or simply the most fascinating spectacle of all: Neapolitans in everyday life. And yes – Maradona, who played for SSC Napoli for many years, is almost more sacred here than the Pope. Pictures, murals, and small altars in his honor hang everywhere. A true city saint with football boots, especially around the Chiesa di Sant'Arcangelo a Baiano.

Via dei Tribunali, in the heart of life: amidst the smell of pizza, shouting, and sunshine, travel reporter Katharina glimpses into the vibrant heart of Naples.

Source: Katharina Viktoria Weiß

Anyone who thinks a spritz is always orange and Aperol has never been to Naples. Whether it's Limoncello Spritz , Campari Spritz , or football-inspired signature drinks at Cammarota Spritz , the selection is vast. What's particularly charming is that in small side streets, you can get an XL glass for as little as €2.50. In hotspots, it can be as much as €9—at least with a view.

Aperol on every corner: Between building walls and billboards, the Spritz shines like a promise – to lightness, summer, and another drink.

Source: Katharina Viktoria Weiß

A real insider tip: the Lost Paradise Club in Bacoli . Nestled between pine trees and the sea, it entices guests with pools, stunning design, and excellent food —a perfect mini-vacation within a vacation. Those who can't quite make it out of town can round off the evening with a sundowner along Via Partenope . The prices are touristy, but the view is a nice change from the street scene.

Turquoise water, shimmering music, and the taste of salt on your skin – a summer dream between rocks and open spaces at the Lost Paradise Beach Club in Bacoli.

Source: Katharina Viktoria Weiß

Naples without pizza? Unthinkable. But finding the truly outstanding pizzerias among 10,000 is an art. Let us give you some tips! Our favorites:

• Starita (great & recommended by locals)
• Pizza Battarra (even Angela Merkel ate here in early summer 2025)
• Sorbillo Piccolina (central location and also ideal for takeaway)
• Pizza Madre (a rare, solid place to eat in the tourist area above the harbor)

Also a must-try at Sorbrillo: frittatina – fried pasta, creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside. The best chain for frittantinas is Passione di Sofì , which can now be found all over the city. Less exciting: the famous pizza fritta . Sorry, Napoli!

Castel Sant'Elmo towers high above the Vomero district – with a panorama that never fails to amaze even locals. For 5 euros, you not only get a 360-degree view, but also a few pleasantly cool walks through the thick fortress walls.

Tip: Take the underground funicular up – that alone is an experience.

View from Castel Sant'Elmo: The city lies at your feet, the wind blows from the sea, and for a moment the world seems to stand still – bella Napoli!

Source: Katharina Viktoria Weiß

The surroundings of Naples are stunning:

• Pompeii and Vesuvius : History meets embers.
• Sorrento : lemons, cliffs, vintage charm.
• Amalfi Coast : World famous and still worth seeing – but better during the week.
• Ischia and Procida : For sea, magic, and a touch of the Dolce Vita. Tip: Even if you're short on time, a trip is worthwhile – the Circumvesuviana train takes you out of town quickly and affordably.
• Capri: The flair of past jet sets.

Hot springs, rugged coastline, quiet bays – a day on Ischia is like a poem about the southern Italian paradise.

Source: Katharina Viktoria Weiß

Naples thrives on food – and it tastes best where there aren't any big neon signs. For example, at Amici Mei : family-run, elegant, with a passion for quality . Or for those on a smaller budget: the charming Osteria La Chitarra , where pasta and personality go hand in hand. Here, the cooking is still like at home – only with better wine!

Also good and inexpensive is Ciro a Santa Lucia , where they serve a simple but delicious Bolognese.

Friendship in a bottle: At the Amici Mei restaurant, you're not served, you're welcomed. The owner herself comes to toast.

Source: Katharina Viktoria Weiß

Naples conclusion: Naples is raw, wild and beautiful. Those who embrace the chaos will be rewarded – with flavor explosions, sunsets, a zest for life, and at least one glass of Spritz too many. So: book your tickets, open your eyes, and join the fray!

Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter .