Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Drinking & Entertainment
Neapolitans aren't big drinkers and in the
centro storico
, many people simply buy a bottle
of beer from the nearest bar and hang out on the streets. Here, bar hot spots include Piazza
Bellini, Via Cisterno dell'Olio, and Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, where a high concentration of
students, artists and bohemians lend a energetic, live-and-let-live vibe. Those after
fashion-conscious prosecco sessions should sashay straight to Chiaia's sleek bars, famed
for their evening aperitivo spreads (gourmet nibbles for the price of a drink, nightly from
around 6.30pm to 9.30pm). Popular strips include Via Ferrigni, Via Bisignano and Vicolo
Belledonne a Chiaia.
Although Naples is no London, Milan or Sydney on the entertainment front, it does of-
fer some top after-dark options, from opera and ballet, to thought-provoking theatre and
cultured classical ensembles. To see what's on, scan daily papers like
Corriere del
Mezzogiorno
or
La Repubblica
(Naples edition), click onto
www.napoliunplugged.com
,
or
ask at the tourist office. In smaller venues you can usually buy your ticket at the door; for
TO MARKET, TO MARKET
Porta Nolana and La Pignasecca are only two of Naples' loud and legendary markets. Stock up on
cheap shoes, designer fakes and the odd vintage gem at the following favourites.
»
Bancarelle a San Pasquale
Offline map
Google map
( Via San Pasquale a Chiaia, Via Imbriani
& Via Carducci; 8am-2pm Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat, closed Aug; C25 to Riviera di Chiaia)
Hit the
stalls on Via Imbriani for hip threads, sarongs and avant-garde jewellery. The section between Via Car-
ducci and Via San Pasquale is great for fish, spices, fruit and vegetables. Don't haggle.
»
Fiera Antiquaria Napoletana
Offline map
Google map
( Villa Comunale;
8am-2pm last 2
weekends of month, closed Aug; C25 to Riviera di Chiaia)
This waterfront antiques market sells
vintage silverware, jewellery, furniture, paintings, prints and wonderful, overpriced junk.
»
La Duchessa
Offline map
Google map
( Via San Giuseppe Calasanzio and surrounding streets;
8am-2pm Mon-Sat, closed Aug; R2 to Piazza Garibaldi)
Gritty, multi-ethnic and obscenely
cheap; head here for bargain denim, shoes, knickers, make-up and bootleg DVDs. Serious music buffs
head in early to hunt for original, recent-release CDs and the odd hard-to-find special edition for as
little as €3.
