Traveling alone can be intimidating, but when planned well, it can be an amazing, life-changing experience. Naples, the bustling capital of the Campania region, offers an abundance of things to do, see and eat, making it a great destination for solo travelers.
Since we’re sure you have many questions, we’ve compiled an ultimate guide for solo travel Naples (with specific tips for digital nomads in Naples, too), so you can discover the best spots to make new friends, spaces to get some work done, and tips to navigate safely.
Solo travel Naples: Is it safe?
Naples sometimes gets a bad reputation, but it’s perfectly safe to travel here alone. Do be sure to stay extra aware of your surroundings though, as drivers and motorcyclists can get pretty crazy.
Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind during your solo travel Naples adventures:
- Stay vigilant: Always maintain awareness of your surroundings.
- Keep valuables hidden: Avoid showcasing expensive jewelry, possessions, or carrying large sums of cash.
- Secure your belongings: Ensure your bags and personal items remain close to you at all times, never leaving them on the ground or hanging from the backs of chairs. Zip your bags, keep items from protruding from pockets, and so on.
- Handle street approaches: In particular, when street vendors or individuals offer unsolicited assistance, maintain a firm stance and simply ignore them. In Italy, they can be persistent, so stand your ground.
- Taxi and gondola precautions: Exercise due diligence when dealing with taxi or gondola drivers. Negotiate fares in advance, and research to understand standard pricing to avoid being overcharged.
- Trust your instincts: If an offer or situation appears too good to be true, it likely is. Always rely on your intuition to assess the legitimacy of offers or deals.
Where can I work, connect to wifi, or charge my phone?
Whether you’re a digital nomad or just looking for somewhere to relax and charge your phone after a long day of exploring, here are five centrally located spots to keep on your radar:
- Located in the grandiose Royal Palace near the sea, the Biblioteca Nazionale has been open to the public for over 200 years. With intricate wood paneling and beautiful high ceilings, it gives off a unique, charming historical feel.
- Modern bookstore and creative lab Spark, located next to the university, has a cute café where you can grab coffee and browse books, connect to their wifi, or charge your devices.
- When it’s warm, Barrio Botanico is the perfect spot to work outdoors. There are two locations, one in the center of the city (Via Medina, 24) and one in the neighborhood of Vomero (Via Alessandro Scarlatti, 139). The one in the center is located in a picturesque courtyard of the historical building Palazzo Fondi.
- Quartiere Intelligente is a coworking and event space, perfect for digital nomads that need to get some work done. For 10€ you can get a day pass, which will provide you with your own desk. During the warmer months, they often have fun events in their garden, so check out their event calendar even if you’re not interested in using their coworking space.
- Spazio Tra is another coworking spot run by art and design collective Disintegrati. Their well-designed and luminous space is a great spot to meet other digital workers, compare notes, and hear about events in the city. Inquire about day passes, which aren’t pricey.
Where are some places to stay if I want to meet new people?
If you’re on a budget, the best places to stay are hostels. Luckily, Naples has no shortage of hostels, but there are three that are particularly friendly and clean. Tric Trac, Ostello Bello, and 6 Small Rooms all are centrally located and offer mixed and female dorms, as well as double or private rooms. Ostello Bello even has a rooftop terrace where they hold events when it’s nice out!
If you’re looking to socialize but prefer a hotel or B&B over a hostel, the best neighborhoods to choose are the Centro Storico and the Quartieri Spagnoli. Naples, especially during spring and summertime, has a very lively atmosphere and much of the city’s social life is based on open-air events and drinks.
Chances are, if you go to dinner or drinks by yourself, you’ll end up in a conversation.
Where can I go in the evening?
Sometimes, the most stressful part of solo travel is after dinner, when you want to explore but you don’t know where to go! But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered – read on for five ideas for a fun, Neapolitan evening.
- Piazza Bellini and Piazza San Domenico Maggiore are two main squares in Naples that become hubs for nightlife in the historical center. They get flooded with people on the weekends drinking Aperol spritz and beer for low prices. Grab a drink and take a wander between these two squares and you’re likely to find something interesting.
- At the Modernissimo cinema on Thursdays, they often screen original language films (English included!) Nearby you’ll find the ever-trendy Oak (Vico Quercia, 10), where you can hear a mix of languages and grab a craft beer, and Mentelocale – a new wine bar with a great selection of tasty bites to enjoy.
- If you’re in the city during a Napoli game, catch it at a pub called Birraiuolo (Via Vincenzo Bellini, 48). The small wood-paneled bar gets packed during games and you can get into the spirit while enjoying a beer or cider from their extensive list.
- Slash+ (Via Vincenzo Gemito, 20) in the Vomero neighborhood has a calendar of musical and cultural events on their social media pages. Past events include dj sets, open mics, jazz jams, and even karaoke. Talk about a good way to break the ice!
- Libreria Berisio (Via Port’Alba, 28) is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Bring a book and relax in the cozy, warmly lit atmosphere. The bar also offers a good list of quality cocktails and mocktails.
What are some fun activities when it comes to solo travel Naples?
Solo travel Naples—or any city that you find yourself in—is what you make of it! Consider some of the following activities which will keep you busy and also offer opportunities to meet new people if that’s your goal.
- Take a cooking class: Learn the art of making authentic Neapolitan pizza, pasta from Naples, and more!
- Explore Spaccanapoli: Wander through the historic center and along Spaccanapoli, a narrow, bustling street with shops, cafes, and historic sites.
- Take a food tour: Explore the essence of the city through the Ultimate Naples Food Tour, discovering hidden culinary gems guided by experts and meeting local families behind Italy’s renowned cuisine. Or, if you’re a pizza lover, don’t pass up the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the best pizza makers in the country (and learn the traditions and history behind what they do) on the Secrets of Pizza: Original Naples Pizza Tour.
- Visit Pompeii: Take a day trip to the ancient city of Pompeii to explore its remarkably preserved ruins and learn about its tragic history.
- Mount Vesuvius hike: Hike up Mount Vesuvius to witness breathtaking views of the bay and the surrounding countryside.
- Explore Naples’ beaches: Enjoy some downtime at one of the beautiful beaches in Naples.
- Amalfi Coast day trip: Embark on a day trip to the picturesque Amalfi Coast to visit charming villages like Positano and Amalfi.
- Naples street art: Discover the city’s vibrant street art scene by strolling through neighborhoods adorned with colorful murals.
- Local markets: Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring markets like Mercato di Porta Nolana and Mercato di Pignasecca.
- Coffee culture: Get to know the rich Naples coffee culture by trying espresso and other coffee specialties at historic cafes.
Naples is a vibrant and exciting city for solo travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads. There’s always something new and interesting to see during the day, and lots of places to relax and socialize in the evening.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip now and kick off your Neapolitan adventure adesso!
