Naples, Mediterranean Cruises Port Profile

Whether you want to take a break from your hectic work schedule and travel with friends or family or wish to go on a romantic getaway with your partner, getting the tickets done and hooking on to one of the Mediterranean cruises will surely be a memorable experience for you, an experience that freshen you from the insides. Of the many pit stops that Mediterranean cruises take, the port city of Naples certainly ranks among one of the finest places to see in Italy.

Lying between two volcanic regions, Naples is the capital of Campania and has a rich art and cultural heritage. Its historic legacy is as rich as its culinary inheritance that draws tourists from all parts of the globe. If the wanderlust in you has already been stoked by a sneak peek of what this wonderful port city has to offer and you are looking for detailed information about this place, you have come to just the right place.

What to do upon arrival in Naples

Once you arrive at the port city of Naples, Italy in the course of your Mediterranean cruise, check to see if the cruise line you are traveling on offers shoreline excursions to nearby places such as Capri. If not, simple take the cruise shuttle from the port for the city centre and begin exploring the city on your own.

Popular places of visit in Naples

There is a lot to see in Naples. However, if your cruise docks in the city for just a day or so, you should make it a point to cover the following attractions.

• Museum of Prehistory at Castel dell'Ovo
• The medieval castle of Castelnuovo (Maschio Angioino) – the main city museum is located in this castle and displays some of the most prominent Italian paintings from the 19th century.
• The architectural museum of Museo Archeologico Nazionale that is bigger than the National Museum of Rome
• The Carthusian monastery of Certosa di San Martino
• The underground tunnels of the Roman City at Napoli Sotterranea, which served as a shelter during the Second World War
• The catacombs on Capodimonte hill, which belong to the medieval period
• The Museum of Music History that is located at the site of San Pietro a Maiella Conservatory.

Where to eat in Naples

There are a number of food shops in Naples. Here, you can enjoy local delicacies and sample fine wine. However, for a more formal dining experience, you should head to one of the many restaurants that have mushroomed across the city. Head for the Borgo Marinaro area that is lined with eateries serving the best authentic Italian fare in town. However, these can be a little expensive and if you are looking for more inexpensive options, you need to go to Mergellina area that is dotted with restaurants that serve Iocal specialties at a reasonable rate.  You can get full course meals here, complete with starters and desserts. There are a number of pizzerias all around the city and you can grab a quick bite in one of these if you feel a sudden craving for pizza.

Shopping in Naples

Naples is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Italy. Whether you are interested in high end fashion shopping or want to buy antiques and home décor items, you can find it all in the shops in this city. Most of the big and popular shops in the city remain open all day long while the smaller shops open from nine in the morning and close by eight in the evening and pull down their shutters for 1-2 hours in the afternoon for lunch.

Shopping in Central Naples is synonymous with buying coral jewelry and leather goods such as handbags, coats and shoes. On the other hand, shops surrounding the Piazza dei Martiri, along Via Chiaia retail everything from antiques to knick-knacks. The best place to find perfume stores and renowned clothing line outlets in Naples is the area between Piazzetta Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Camerelle.

Getting around Naples

It is easy to get around the city, as there are various modes of conveyance available for all types of tourists. While some can travel around the city using public modes of transport such as bus, tram or the underground train or metro subway, others can avail the services of taxis that ply around the city or hire a car from a car rental company. A number of rental agencies also offer bikes on rent. These are an excellent way of traveling around the city if you know how to ride a two-wheeler and do not want to be stuck in the traffic. Moreover, these are more pocket friendly options in comparison to car rentals.

Other useful tips

You will not have much problem in communicating with the locals in Naples if you know Italian or can speak English. Anywhere you go in Naples, be it a restaurant, a hotel, a museum or other popular place of interest, you can converse with the locals in English. You can even attend a Sunday mass in English in one of the many churches that dot the city.

In case you feel like smoking, it is best to check the rules regarding the same in the place that you are at in Naples. While smoking is allowed in most pubs and restaurants, it is restricted in other public places and there are no smoking signs and symbols communicating to the same at several public spots.

Tipping is quite common in Naples, though it depends largely on the discretion of the person. However, most cab drivers, waiters and luggage handlers in the city expect a small tip for their services. For more information about Naples, you can contact the tourist information offices in the city that remain open on weekdays from 8 am to 12:30 pm and again from 3 pm to 7 pm.

The emergency number for police in Naples is 113 and you can reach the fire department by dialing 115. As for safety tips, you should be careful of pickpockets and take special care of your hand baggage.

Original Article Written for www.mediterraneanfuncruises.com