Shopping in Naples
One of the most utterly fascinating places in Italy
“ Naples is a paradise: in it every one lives in a sort of intoxicated self-forgetfulness. It is even so with me: I scarcely know myself; I seem to myself quite an altered man. Yesterday I said to myself, “Either you have always been mad, or you are so now.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
While sightseeing don't miss the opportunity to browse the numerous shops lined in the narrows streets of the city Centre in search of a good bargain! Antiques, furniture, home decor accessories, shoes, clothes and perfumes are waiting for you to come in and buy! Local products such as coral jewelry, leather goods, fabrics, hand crafted models and ceramics can be found on every street corner. Shops in Naples are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 / 3:30 p.m. To 7:00 / 8:00 pm.
If you wish to buy some typical, local handmade products, the best place to go is the Quartieri Spagnoli area, where you will find the highest number of old craftsmen's shops selling sophisticated and expensive Capodimonte porcelain, cameos, and gouaches, that is small paintings representing the most charming and characteristic Neapolitan views.
If you are interested in buying the famous nativity scene figurines made in terracotta, head for San Gregorio Armeno.
If you are looking for the great names of "Made in Italy" head for the elegant area of Riviera di Chiaia, including Via Poerio, Piazza dei Martiri, Via Calabritto, Via dei Mille and Via Filangeri. In Piazza Vittoria you will find the historical shop Marinella, established since 1914. Both Luchino Visconti and Aristotele Onassis, as well as the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio and Gianni Agnelli, where customers of the shop mainly selling men's clothing ( It is famous mostly for its ties) . Shoes and clothes can be bought in Via Toledo as well as in the boutiques of via Chiaia and Piazza dei Martiri (Versace, Armani, Gucci, Prada).
Via Port'Alba and Via dei Tribunali are lined with junk stalls, bookshelves and bookstores; Via San Sebastiano is lined with small shops specialised in the selling of musical instruments. For passionate readers Feltrinelli (piazza dei Martini, 081 240 5411) offers three floors of books, a ticket agency and a record store.
Don't forget that in July and August, many shops don't bother opening on Saturday afternoons, when everybody would be sunbathing on the beach. Summer sales starts by the end of July.
Both bargain hunters and shopping addicts should not miss:
- Via San Carlo - Galleria Umberto is a MUST STOP for every traveler!
- Via Chiaia, Via Roma & Via Calabritto surrounding Piazza dei Martiri, traditionally the main shopping area in the city for tourists and locals alike
- Via Santa Maria di Constantinopoli - The best place to find antiques and other such treasures
- Via San Gregorio Armeno - Where you will find every kind of locally crafted gifts
- Via dei Tribunali - Streets full of unique gift stores and other items
- Via B. Croce - For a less traditional approach to shopping. You will find artists of all sort, jewelers and craftmen
- Piazza Antignano - The Mercatino Antignano offers a wide range of wares, If you haven''t experienced the atmosphere of Italian markets yet this is a great place to start from!