Naples, Italy

• Naples sits on the bay with Vesuvius in the background. The historic center has Baroque churches, narrow streets with laundry hanging overhead, and locals who argue over espresso. It's loud and chaotic - scooters don't stop for pedestrians, vendors shout, and everything happens at high volume.
• This is where pizza was invented. You'll find some of the best pizza you'll ever eat for €4-5, but the city takes getting used to. The energy is intense and can feel overwhelming if you're not expecting it. Once you adjust to the constant noise and movement, people are generally friendly.
• English works in tourist areas like Chiaia and most hotels. Elsewhere you'll need basic Italian phrases. The emergency number 112 has English operators, and Tourist Police at 113 have some English speakers.
• Safety varies by neighborhood. Chiaia and Vomero up on the hill have better lighting and lower crime. The historic center needs more awareness, especially at night. Pickpocketing is common on the crowded metro Line 1. The metro connects most areas well, but stick to main streets after dark.

Italian is the main language. English works in tourist areas like Chiaia, major hotels, and with some younger people in upscale neighborhoods. Emergency number 112 has English operators available 24/7. The U.S. Consulate (081 583 8111) has English-speaking staff during business hours. Tourist Police (113) have some English speakers. Download Google Translate.

• How you dress matters here. Italians care about 'la bella figura' - looking put together in public. Stick to smart casual. Athletic wear and flip-flops in the city make you stand out as a tourist. Cover shoulders and knees for churches. Even for casual things, locals dress more formally than northern Europeans or Americans.
• Italian is the main language. English works in tourist areas, nicer hotels, and with younger people in Chiaia and Vomero. Elsewhere, not so much. Learn 'buongiorno' (good morning), 'grazie' (thank you), 'per favore' (please), and 'scusi' (excuse me). Download Google Translate.
• Meal times are rigid. Lunch is 1:00-2:30 PM, then many restaurants close until 7 PM. Dinner starts at 8 PM or later. Espresso at the bar costs €1, at a table €3-4. Don't order cappuccino after 11 AM - locals only drink it at breakfast.
• Basic politeness goes a long way. Say 'buongiorno' when you enter a shop, 'buonasera' in the evening, 'arrivederci' when you leave. People respond better when you try a little Italian.
• Catcalling ('ciao bella') happens, especially in Naples. It's usually just verbal and doesn't escalate. Don't engage - keep walking. If someone persists, head to a busier street or find police. More common in working-class areas than in Chiaia or Vomero.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Universal Emergency (English available): 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The metro works well. Line 1 connects Garibaldi station through Toledo, Museo, and up to Vomero. Toledo station has blue mosaics that look nice. Tickets cost €1.10 and work for 90 minutes on metro, buses, and funiculars. Watch your belongings - pickpockets target crowded trains.
• The Alibus runs from the airport (Capodichino) to city center and ferry ports, 5:30 AM to midnight, €5. There's a metro connection to the airport being built but it's not done yet.
• Official taxis are white with meters and 'Taxi' signs. Confirm the fare before getting in - usually €10-15 from the train station to the historic center, more at night and on holidays. Use licensed taxis or the MyTaxi app. Don't accept rides from people approaching you at the station.
• Walking works for the historic center - Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali are compact. Just watch for scooters, which don't always stop for pedestrians even in pedestrian zones. After 11:30 PM, take taxis if you need to cross the Garibaldi station area.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Naples with local guides and curated experiences.