As we start the new year, now is the time to plan your perfect getaway trip. You can learn so much from traveling outside of the country and traveling to a place you have never been will end up being a rewarding experience. Traveling gives you a chance to learn about a new place, grow as an individual, free your mind and try new things all at the same time. You will come back from your trip as a cultured individual, knowing more about a foreign land.So where should you travel to this coming year? To Naples, Italy, of course.
Although my strong neapolitan roots may make me a bit biased, Naples is the perfect place for you to travel to this year.You'll never go hungry with all the food and dessert there is to eat there. The art and history behind the land will teach you way more than your high school history textbooks ever did and the lively streets at night will always provide you with something to do. This old historic city does not receive enough credit for being a hot travel spot. The city combines ancient buildings with modern people running through the streets in a way that blends two societies together effortlessly.
1. It has the best pizza in all of Italy.
Naples is the place where pizza was created, so obviously it is going to be the best. The Neapolitans have been developing pizza into an art since the 19th century. How often do we want to just pig out on the couch with a whole cheese pizza to ourselves? That thick, greasy mess American's call pizza is nothing compared to what the Neapolitans have created in Naples. After you have this pizza you'll never crave late night Dominoes again.
2. The National Archaeological Museum is a must see, and in Naples.
You will have a whole new appreciation for art and history after visiting The National Archaeological Museum. Think of it as Museum of Modern Art meets the Museum of Natural History except without animals.This museum is one of the best in the world and known for having national treasures from Pompeii.You will learn so much about the history of the city through the museum.
3. It's a city fit for a princess, with three castles you must visit.
The first castle is Castel Nuovo built by by Charles I of Anjou. It was built in 1279 making it 736 years old. The second castle is Castel Sant’Elmo which was built in 1275 making it 740 years old. Lastly, there is Castel Capuano, which was built sometime in the 12th century, give or take. (This is what happens when people did not have smart phones to take photos and document the occurrence of events.) One of these castles is bound to be a perfect fit for the princess in you and you should have no issue finding yourself a handsome Italian stallion to be your prince while on your trip!
4. Pastries and dessert everywhere ... exactly what you need to go along with all that pizza you just ate.
Not only is Naples known for their pizza, but for the art of their pastries as well. Between the 12th and 19th century the Neapolitans created tons of pastries that are to die for. Baba, sfogliatelle and zeppola, are just a few that you have to have while in Naples. Even if you tried these pastries in the U.S. I can promise you they taste nothing like the true pastries you will eat in Naples unless they are my Nonna's, of course.
5. The lively streets at night are perfect for any 20 something year old traveling to find him or herself in a foreign city.
The streets are laid-back at night and packed with people out to have a good time. There are dozens of restaurants and bars open late. Two hotspots in the city at night include Piazza Dante, which is the stretch of bars and restaurants. This is the perfect spot if you're looking to go out and have a good time the Neapolitan way. The second is Chiaia, which is an elegant nightlife area between Piazza Amadeo and Piazza dei Martiri (more of an area if you are out looking for a prince charming to live in those castles with).
