Naples: The Birthplace of Pizza

Naples, Napoli - the city of pizza, chaos and pure Italian energy. We’d been talking about this stop for weeks, and finally, it was happening. From Marche, we hopped on a six-hour bus ride that felt like a mini adventure in itself, driving through winding roads and beautiful mountains, random rest stops, and that growing thrill of heading south. By the time we arrived in Naples in the afternoon, we were running on caffeine and adrenaline, ready to dive into the madness of this city!

We head to our Airbnb and let’s just say it had “character.” It was tucked near the central train station — one of those places where you keep your wits about you but still love the buzz of it all. The narrow streets, the honking scooters, the smell of espresso and fried dough in the air, Naples hits you instantly with its raw, unfiltered charm.

First order of business: pizza. And not just any pizza — L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, the iconic birthplace of it all. If you’ve seen Eat, Pray, Love, you already know. But nothing, and I mean nothing, prepares you for that first bite. Only two options: Margherita or Marinara. No truffle oil, no pineapple — just the basics, executed to absolute perfection.

Once we were sufficiently stuffed (and borderline emotional over how good it was), we hit the streets to explore. Naples is one of those cities where every corner feels alive. If you’re planning a visit, make sure you don’t miss:

• Spaccanapoli – the heart of the old town, buzzing with life, history, and street food.

• Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea) – a surreal maze below the city that feels like stepping back in time.

• Piazza del Plebiscito – grand, open, and made for people-watching with gelato in hand.

• Castel dell’Ovo – perched by the sea, with views that’ll stop you in your tracks.

• Via Toledo & Galleria Umberto I – perfect for a little shopping and stunning architecture.

Naples isn’t neat or quiet — it’s wild, real, and unapologetically alive. It’s the kind of city that overwhelms you in the best way, feeds you like family, and leaves you wanting more.

As the sun dipped behind Mount Vesuvius, I couldn’t help but smile. Naples didn’t just meet the hype — it blew right past it.