Naples Tourist Traps

If you want a "tour" of Naples that's really a shill for all the local shopping centers, then Naples Trolley Tours is for you! And only $25 per person. Don't bother. On a rainy day, go to the Silver Spot Cinema at Mercato Mall instead. Every seat can be reserved, and they're all like first-class airplane seats. But don't take the Trolley to get there.

We stayed very near to the Piazza Garibaldi and these guys were everywhere selling knockoffs of everything you can imagine from Fendi to Dolce and Gabbana, Rolex, Movado you name it they had a cheap knockoff that they would want twenty euro for. Don't fall for these cheaply made goods.

Unique Suggestions: Ignore the street hawkers unless you want something and then bargain hard and be prepared to walk away.

Advertised opening hours at Pompeii are 08:30 to 19:30 April- October. We arrived at around 10:15 on a Tuesday to find notices on all gates saying closed until 11:30 for a "Staff Meeting". We interpreted this to mean industrial action by employees.

When the gates eventually opened a little after the time the notices advised many coaches had arrived all expecting the opening to be from 08:30. Combined with all the other visitors the result was quite simply chaos.

On returning to out Hotel we learned that this is not an unusual occurrence and announcements are never made in advance. We also learned from other travellers that Herculaneum and presumably other sites suffered the in the same way.

This did not spoil our day at one of the greatest historical sites in the world but I pass on this information as a warning

Be careful when you travel to naples. As mentioned in my page, north of this city (close to train station) full with stranger, foreigner and bad guys! Even local ppls, you cant trust them. SO many tourists (I found from internet forum) was cheaten by local ppl. I received many advice from my officemate, be careful with a wallet and bags. When you pay something, check a balance, because they like to give less than actual balance. In museum, the ticket cost me 10 euro, but the cashier didnt give me any balance even I gave him 20 euro (1 note). I have to argue with him until I get back my balance. For restaurant, try to pay exact amount as your bill. If there any balance, the waiter likes to keep as a tip! (if forbidden by law in Italy).

There is lots of stuff to buy, almost too much. Walking through the Mercato Porto Nolana (I'm pretty sure that's where I was), I felt positively accosted by things. Many were interesting and different from anything I might find at home. My problem, it was difficult to ask questions or understand the answers. Is it permissible to try on the shoes? Without knowing, I wouldn't try it. Knick knacks for the home--do I want to carry them for 2 weeks. Besides, most prices aren't marked. I'm not quite adventuresome enough to do the markets when I don't speak the language that well. Also, I'm just not that much of a shopper.

Unique Suggestions: The markets are fun to walk through. My favorite part is watching all the other people and just looking at the things. Some people, on the other hand, are shoppers and may enjoy it and even get bargains. I don't want to be bogged down carrying packages of things I don't really need, but somehow, when I get home from a vacation, I always wish I had bought something to remember it by.

Fun Alternatives: If you do like shopping, especially the street-type, Naples has plenty.
--Mercato di Sant Antonio Abate on via Sant Antonio Abate is open Mon-Sat from 9:00-20:00. It is a loca food market that ends at Porta Capuana.

Be extremely aware of what is happening around you! There are opportunists watching you very carefully. We found out the hard way! On our way to Sorrento we had to change trains at Naples station.Unfortunately, my husband with two big suitcases in tow got into the carriage after my daughter and myself and found himself unable to move closer to us because of the "crowd" around him.The "crowd" got off just as the train started to take off with the addition of his wallet and credit card.
A day or two after we reluctantly ventured back into Naples to visit the Naples museum and found ourselves being followed and accosted by various gypsies, beggars and more pickpockets!!! The Ferry area is crawling with gypsies and beggars so keep your money close to you.

Unique Suggestions: Make sure you keep all precious belongings in a money /belt bag secured under your clothing next to your skin!! Watch carefully for any suspicious people who you see more than once in your travels. Gypsies particularly young children will try and distract you.

Fun Alternatives: If there is more than two of you have one of you walking slightly behind so they can watch what people walking past are looking at. That way you can detect anyone taking a bit more interest than necessary in the people up front. Stop every now and then and check to see that no-one is following you. If you do, make sure they know you know!

Be ware of the gypsys that say 'put out your thumb' because they will tie a string around your awrist and hand. Then they will charge you for it ex. 5- 25 Euros. beware of pick pockets

Unique Suggestions: Say no, walk away, or ignor e them. Also keep important personal items in a under the clothes money belt, or neck pouch. Never carry anything in your pockets, or a purse if you are carring one.

Capri is a real pearl in the gulf of Naples, but be careful with the shops and the restaurants and the bar and the taxis, and the beaches. Everything costs the triple, so if you want to spend a day in the island you'll pay the same rate of the whole trip in Italy...