GAY NAPLES
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in NAPLES ?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
WHAT TO SEE in NAPLES?
10 THINGS TO SEE in NAPLES
Plebiscite Square
Without a doubt it is one of the most spectacular squares to see in Naples and it is also one of the largest in Italy. Here is the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, with a dome reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome, and the Royal Palace of Naples, built in 1600 where you can visit the throne room, the ancient theater and the royal apartments. Next to the square you cannot miss two other buildings: the Teatro San Carlo, one of the most beautiful in the world and declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, and the Galleria Umberto I, with marble floors and an iron and glass roof, which reminiscent of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.
Spaccanapoli
The real name is via San Biagio dei Librai. It is one of the three main streets of the historic centre. With origins dating back more than 3000 years ago, when it separated the northern part of the city from the southern one, Spaccanapoli today gives its name to the entire historic center district. Unlike the tangle of labyrinthine streets that surround it, it is a street that runs straight along the whole of Naples (hence the name "Spaccanapoli"). Walking you will come across the Cathedral, the Monastery of Santa Chiara, the Piazza and Church of Gesu Nuovo, the Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, the Sansevero Chapel, the Altarino di Maradona and the famous Via San Gregorio Armeno, known for the tradition of the nativity scene statuettes inspired by famous people from all over the world. Another of the must-see streets in Spaccanapoli is Via Tribunali, with its 20 churches and beautiful old buildings with decaying facades.
Spanish Quarters & Via Toledo
True soul of the city. The origins of the Quartieri Spagnoli date back to the time of the Spanish domination during which the troops inhabited this area. The streets of the neighborhoods are a veritable labyrinth of narrow streets in which you can discover the authentic essence of the city, despite the fact that in the common imagination they have always been associated with the underworld and its affairs. We never felt "in danger" walking through these really picturesque streets. The main and commercial street of the neighborhood is Via Toledo, full of ancient churches, palaces, international brand shops and a subway stop that looks like a museum.
Cathedral of Naples
Built where a temple dedicated to Apollo once stood, the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is a monumental basilica as well as the cathedral and seat of the archdiocese of the city of Naples. Inside you can recognize different architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque, and a large number of works of incalculable value. Noteworthy is the Crypt of San Gennaro, patron saint of Naples, where some relics are kept, including his blood.
Castel dell'Ovo & Lungomare
If you want to admire a wonderful sunset over the bay with Vesuvius as a backdrop, Castel dell'Ovo is the one for you. This fortified citadel, built in 1128 on the islet of Megaride, was also used as a prison and royal residence. Inside there are the church of the Salvatore and some terraces with panoramic views. The castle stands next to the Lungomare di Napoli, a beautiful 3 km promenade that begins in Mergellina and runs along via Caracciolo, via Partenope and via Nazario Sauro. From here, in addition to admiring Vesuvius, you can also see the islands of Ischia, Capri and the Sorrento peninsula in the distance. Ideal for long walks or bike rides.
Maschio Angioino (or Castel Nuovo)
Another castle to visit in Naples is certainly Castel Nuovo, better known as Maschio Angioino, a Renaissance-style fortress. The interior has been restored and is now worth a visit.
San Severo Chapel & the Veiled Christ
In this church full of esoteric and mysterious symbols you can admire the sculpture of the Veiled Christ, one of the best sculptural works in the history of art.
Royal Palace of Naples
Overlooking Piazza del Plebiscito, it was built in the 16th century during the Spanish rule, and was the residence of the Bourbons, Gioacchino Murat and the Savoys. ceded by King Vittorio Emanuele III to the state, today it houses a museum and is also home to the National Library.
National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN)
Located in a splendid building from the 1500s and considered one of the most important museums in Europe. Here it is possible to admire precious collections, among these that of the remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum, saved from the ashes of Vesuvius.
Capodimonte Museum and Real Wood
The most important art gallery in Naples which houses the works of important names in Italian and international painting (Raphael, Botticelli and Bruegel), the Flagellation of Christ by Caravaggio and the Contemporary Art section with Vesuvius by Andy Warhol. There are also the Bourbon armoury, the royal apartment and the porcelain gallery. The museum is surrounded by the Real Bosco which develops into five long main avenues and numerous secondary roads, with hundreds of secular trees.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Classic Naples - Google Maps
Day 2 - Panoramic Naples - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
5 BEST EXCURSIONS from NAPLES
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Pompei, Vesuvio & Ercolano
Sorrento & Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi, Ravello)
Capri & Anacapri
Ischia & Procida
Caserta & Reggia di Caserta
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in NAPLES?
5 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in NAPLES
UNAHOTELS Napoli **** ® Tested by World Mappers
Nadine Penthouse (Apartaments) ® Tested by World Mappers
WHERE TO EAT in NAPLES?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in NAPLES Quality / Price
€€€ - Terrazza Calabritto (Seafood Restaurant - Luxury) ® Tested by World Mappers
€€€ - Officina del Mare (Seafood Restaurant)
€€ - Ristorante Zi Teresa (Seafood Restaurant) ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - Pizzeria dal Presidente (Pizzeria) ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - Gino e Toto Sorbillo (Pizzeria)
€€ - Trattoria da Nennella (Trattoria Napoletana)
€€ - Ristorante La Bersagliera (Seafood Restaurant)
€ - Pizzaria La Notizia 94 (Pizzeria)
€ - Pizzeria Starita (Pizzeria) ® Testato dai World Mappers
€ - Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi (Pizzeria)
The BEST SKYBARS in NAPLES
Beluga Sky Bar by Romeo Hotel ® Tested by World Mappers
UNAHOTELS Napoli ® Tested by World Mappers
Terrazza del Grand Hotel Parker’s ® Tested by World Mappers
GAY NIGHTLIFE in NAPLES
BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in NAPLES
La Mamada (Gay Club) ® Tested by World Mappers
Depot Napoli (Gay Club & Cruising) ® Tested by World Mappers
Macho Lato (Gay Club) ® Tested by World Mappers
TRAVEL TIPS about NAPLES by World Mappers
An alternative experience in Naples? Today Underground Naples offers the opportunity to explore a city under the city and learn about its various historical phases. A labyrinth of ancient tunnels dug into the tuff that contains 2,500 years of history. Forty meters down are aqueducts, sewer tunnels, rainwater cisterns, WWII bomb shelters and a Greco-Roman theatre. One thing that particularly struck us are the underground gardens, an experiment to grow various plant species far from pollution in the caves under the city. Underground Naples is accessed from Piazza San Gaetano in Via dei Tribunali (for info and costs click here). underground the temperatures are not like on the surface, so we recommend a sweater or a sweatshirt even if you visit these places in the summer and the heat outside is torrid.
The Most BEAUTIFUL PANORAMIC POINTS of NAPLES
Enjoy the city from above from the best panoramic viewpoints of Naples we recommend:
San Martino & Castel Sant'Elmo
Posillipo - Terrazza di Sant'Antonio
Parco Vigliano
Eremo dei Camaldoli
Via Aniello Falcone
"SECRET NAPLES"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Naples
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Naples" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 15 Things and Places to See in Secret Naples
Toledo Metro Station - This metro station in the center of Naples is said to be the most beautiful in Europe. The escalator that leads to the quay is dominated by a mosaic in blue and purple tones that recall the marine world and a tunnel that conveys the light from above: a mix of colors and lights that create a spectacular effect. The "Le Stazioni dell'Arte" project has entrusted the redevelopment of some of the city's stations to contemporary artists and architects in order to bring art into people's daily lives.
Galleria Borbonica - Designed underground in Naples as a secret royal escape route, this tunnel was never completed and was used several times in different historical moments. Together with Underground Naples, it is another great experience to discover something more about the history of the city. Guided tours are carried out and the itineraries offered are varied and very interesting (for info and costs click here).
Cimitero delle Fontanelle - In the Sanità district is a former ossuary with hundreds of skulls and human remains. Known for the practice of "pezzentelle souls" which involved the adoption of a skull by a Neapolitan in exchange for protection. For those who want to get to know the neighborhood and this site, guided tours are available every weekend.
Submerged Park of Gaiola - A protected marine oasis around the Gaiola islands known for the submerged archaeological remains. If you visit Naples during the summer it's a great place to escape the busy pace of the city and cool off in these crystal clear waters.
Aragonese Castle of Baia - The Gulf of Pozzuoli is dominated by the Aragonese Castle of Baia, a small fraction of the municipality of Bacoli about 25 km from Naples. The castle today houses the archaeological museum of the Campi Flegrei and offers an overview of the very rich history of these areas.
Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso - There are three catacombs in the Sanità district, those of San Gennaro (patron saint of Naples) and San Gaudioso are two well-kept examples of these underground cemetery areas. Inside they are striking for the size of the spaces and the frescoes, with scenographic lighting that makes everything more fascinating. The catacombs of San Gennaro are managed by a cooperative of boys (La Paranza) who also carry out guided tours... we had a really good time! The entrance ticket to the Catacombs of San Gennaro also includes those of San Gaudioso.
Church of Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco - Naples has many beautiful churches, but this one is truly a must-see. Known among the Neapolitans as the church "de 'e cape 'e morte" it is known for the cult of the pezzentelle souls (Marco is really fond of the term "pezzentelle"), the cult of the souls in Purgatory. They are actually two churches: one at surface level and one underground, devoid of any decoration, except for a black cross which symbolizes purgatory.
Lago d'Averno - If you have time for a trip outside Naples, we recommend the volcanic lake of Averno, in the municipality of Pozzuoli, a few kilometers from the city. A green and peaceful oasis with a walk of about two kilometers along the shores of the lake.
Palazzo Donn'Anna - Along via Posillipo directly overlooking the sea is one of the most famous buildings in Naples, full of history and legends. Its architecture and seaside location are astonishing. Too bad you can't visit it inside.
Vigna di San Martino - If you are looking for a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius we recommend this place. An urban vineyard on the Vomero hill "hidden" behind a gate. It is part of a farm managed by an association which periodically organizes guided tours. The vineyard is located under the Certosa di San Martino.
Palazzo della Borsa - A beautiful neo-Renaissance building that now houses the Naples Chamber of Commerce. The great Salone delle Grida will leave you speechless. But the thing that many don't know is that the building has incorporated a pre-existing church dedicated to Sant'Aspreno, first bishop of Naples. Access to the church is located to the left of the Stock Exchange building and is open every morning until at least 12:00. No reservations are needed and admission is free.
Casa Museo Zevola - The large apartment of the Neapolitan painter, poet and philosopher Giuseppe Zevola offers a glimpse of his life. It is a collection of Baroque furniture, mirrors and other unique objects that hang from the ceiling or rotate. All the doors and windows are painted in bright colors, as are the chairs, tables, tablecloths and dishes, while on the walls Indian mythological heroes stand side by side with saints and heretics.
The Doll Hospital - There is an extraordinary place at the end of Spaccanapoli, a "hospital" that has been taking care of dolls, soft toys and other toys for many years. A laboratory with an adjoining museum where the exhibition itinerary is structured as if it were a real hospital. If you had a problem with killer doll horror movies as a kid, maybe just look in the window. Heads, arms, feet and eyes of dolls will accompany you on your visit. Some dolls have been in care for a long time, others just passing through and will soon be back to their babies.
Palazzo Sanfelice - A beautiful building in the Sanità district known for the particular architecture of the double staircase that characterizes the facade. It is a private building and the courtyard is used as a parking lot. If you find the door open, take a peek. Unfortunately today it is not in very good condition.
Pharmacy of the Incurables - In the ancient hospital of the Incurables, the Museum of Health Arts and the Historical Pharmacy offer a glimpse into the medicine of the past. We were lucky enough to see this splendor of a pharmacy but today the pharmacy is closed for restoration. You can admire the collection of beautiful ceramic vases not far away at the Institute of Anatomy in via Armanni, just 50 meters from their original location, unfortunately the same cannot be said of the frescoes and splendid furnishings for which we will have to wait reopening of the pharmacy. Hopefully soon!
GAY FRIENDLY TOURS
Do you want to discover the city more deeply through Naples' Best Gay Tours? We recommend the following local operators:
Gaily Tour - Tour Operator offering tours and excursions dedicated to the LGBT + community throughout Europe. Special Tours and Gay & Lesbian Friendly Guides ready to make you discover the beauties of this destination. Info & Booking: info@GailyTour.com
Naples • Cultural Tour
Let’s start your amazing tour of Naples with our Gay/Lesbian Guide, explore the magnificient Plebiscite Square to admire the Royal Palace (ticket entrance included), Umberto I Gallery, San Carlo Theatre and Castel Nuovo, also called Maschio Angioino (view from the outside). Continue your tour to Castel dell’Ovo along Naples Seaside with a special view of Vesuvio Volcano, and take a walk in Borgo Marinari, a rocky little village where – according to the legend – the heartbroken siren Partenope washed ashore after failing to seduce Ulysses with her song. It's also where the Greeks first settled the city in the 7th century BC, calling the island Megaris. After the visit return to the Spanish Quarters and Via Toledo, where your visit will end. Included: * Gay or Lesbian Tour Guide for City Tour (3 hours) * Entrance Fee Skip-The-Line – Royal Palace of Naples (Closed on Wednesday and National Holidays)
Naples • Gay Tour & Bellini Square’s Secrets
Be ready to enjoy a special tour of Naples, with a LGBT point of view. Take a look to the famous Via San Gregorio Armeno, street of the nativity scene makers. Explore Naples city center and the secrets behind many LGBT artists who lived in this city. Visit the Sansevero Chapel Museum in the historic heart of Naples, a jewel of the world’s artistic heritage. Here, baroque creativity, dynastic pride, beauty and mystery blend to create a unique and almost timeless atmosphere. The Sansevero Chapel is one of the most impressive monuments that the human mind has ever conceived. Then continue to the famous Piazza Bellini where your tour will end and you will have free time in this bustling Piazza where you can find a multitude of gay friendly restaurants, cafes, and bars and the heart of the Gay night life of this city. Included: * Gay or Lesbian Tour Guide for City Tour (3 hours) * Entrance Fee - Sansevero Chapel Museum (Closed on Tuesdays except Special Openings)
Naples by Night • Gay Tour
Enjoy an enlightened Naples and an amazing walking tour through Naples' gay & lesbian bars and clubs to live on your skin the magic atmosphere and LGBT scene of the city. Enjoy your included drink (also alcohol free drink available) and own the night ! Included: * Gay or Lesbian Tour Guide for Night Tour (2 hours) * Aperitif in Gay Bar (1 Drink)
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