12 Things to Do in Naples in Winter

A true globetrotter is not content to visit Naples with detachment, but wants to experience Naples as a true Neapolitan and to do so you need a good guide. In winter, believe it or not, there is plenty to see and do in Naples.

Christmas in Naples, Valentine's Day among the castles of San Martino and Sant 'Elmo, visits to crypts and catacombs, tasting seasonal clams, indulging the inner chocolatier with delicacies and cremating a witch for good luck cannot be missed to enjoy winter as the locals do.

The average temperature in Naples in winter is 14°, with the possibility of very cold and sea breeze. Therefore, an invitation to discover what the underground of Naples hides is an excellent idea. And did you know that there are a lot of passages right under the feet of all Neapolitans?

Tunnels, catacombs, an ancient aqueduct, an ancient Roman theater, passageways... Underneath the city of Naples there is a historical heritage almost as rich as on the surface and I recommend these three visits for you to get to know it:

• Guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro: located on the hill of Capodimonte, they are the most extensive in southern Italy. Normally, the visit also includes entrance to the catacombs of San Gaudioso, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Sanità and the Cloister of Santa Chiara.
• Guided tour of the catacombs of San Gaudioso: if you want to spend a little bit of fear, then I recommend this guided tour full of macabre relics, tenebrous frescoes and sacred tombs.
• Tour of subway Naples, a network of caves of Greek and Roman origin that was used during the Second World War as a refuge for 200,000 people.

The cold in Naples is not the worst in the world, far from it. But if during your winter stay you don't feel like enduring it, another way to escape it is by visiting some of its museums.

It is true that the capital of Campania is not particularly noted for its large number of galleries, but there are three that are very special and not to be missed:

• National Archaeological Museum of Naples: it is located in the heart of the city and I recommend it to anyone who likes the ancient world and everything that surrounds it. In addition, you can access both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
• Museo Città della Scienza: are you passionate about science? Definitely head to this museum. It houses very interesting interactive exhibits and a lot of curiosities about planets, stars, insects and science in general. If you go with children, they will love it too.
• Capodimonte Museum: both its interior and exterior are worth a visit, as it is located in a beautiful park. It is the ideal museum for painting lovers and houses works by Goya and Michelangelo, among others.

Cold or hot, Pompeii is a must for anyone visiting Naples, so it can not be missing in any guidebook. As winter is low season in the city, you will be able to visit the site at your leisure and, with a good coat, the rest will consist of enjoying a unique place on earth.

Pompeii was an ancient Roman city that was destroyed due to an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 and buried under volcanic ash. Everything was buried until many centuries later it was discovered. Despite what was expected, everything is preserved in an excellent state and we can witness the daily life of its population. Although we have also reached us shocking scenes that when you visit it will remain in your retina.

Pompeii can be reached by train from the central station of the city and by bus, although I recommend the first option. If you prefer a much more comfortable experience you can always book an excursion to Pompeii from Naples.

A stroll along the Street of the Nativity Scene Makers is an almost obligatory part of the things to do in Naples in winter. At the exhibition, artists work in front of your eyes and display their Neapolitan classics such as donna Carmela (the baker who brings prosperity to the crib), Il pescatore (a fisher of souls) or Il monaco, which represents the communion between the profane and the sacred.

The capital of Campania is also known as the city of cribs or nativity scenes. Throughout the year artisans sculpt figures and in December they open the doors of their workshops.

If those members were not curious enough, pay attention because Polichinela, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pope Francis, Trump and a hundred other characters are part of the infinite collection of these nativity scenes.

How to get to these workshops

Walk from the Mergellina train station, head to Piazza Carlo III and continue to Via San Gregorio Armeno, in the unique historic area of SpaccaNapoli, a 5-minute walk from the room to the Veiled Christ.

The streets of Naples dress up for Christmas with carols, food and flea markets like most countries, but what is special about Naples is its food. This is the gastronomic offer you will find during these dates:

• Cassatine
• Struffoli
• Roccocò
• Cuoppo di mare
• Panettone
• Pandoro
• Cannelloni with codfish, raisins and pine nuts

I can't even begin to mention the choices. The gastronomic offer is very rich and varied, but to get to know it in depth I recommend you either make friends with a Neapolitan or book a gastronomic tour of Naples.

It's hard to resist the charms of Naples. "I'm in love and I'm having a roll with my pizza," said Julia Roberts when she visited L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele in the movie Come, Pray, Love. And the Neapolitan atmosphere is seductive. On Valentine's Day it was not going to be less and the city dresses in deep red, as a promise of its eternal love for life.

The capital of Campania is an evocative city, perfect for creating memorable memories with your better half. In fact, you can surprise your partner with a romantic weekend getaway, as there are many things to do and see in Naples in 3 days. Here are some ideas of what you can do to surprise him or her in winter in this passionate city:

• Declare your love at sunset at the imposing Castel Dell 'Ovo, Castel San Martino and Castel Sant 'Elmo, past Monte Echia park, to the elegant Via Chiaia and San Pasquale a Chiaia.
• Take a romantic stroll through the old Spanish quarter of Naples, Via Toledo and Via Roma.
• If you don't want to miss, escape to Capri from Naples. Although it's cold in winter, the love of this island will give you the privacy and distinction you need with your partner.

In Naples even problems are portrayed with grace and the Carnival has become a social event where awareness is invited through dances, parades, art and good vibes.

In its years of existence, the Naples Carnival has changed the social landscape. It has been a landmark that not only became a meeting place for families and organizations in local neighborhoods, but on a national level it is an example that citizenship and revelry can go hand in hand with a commitment to improving lifestyle and the environment.

By taking an excursion to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast you can also enjoy the Carnival, but in a different way, as it is more glamorous and luxurious there.

Looking for a comforting, seasonal, Neapolitan signature dish? The answer is "Spaghetti alle Vongole". Although you can enjoy the clam dish year-round, the wild clam season is in winter, which is why Neapolitans prefer to enjoy it at this time and it is part of their traditional New Year's dish.

It's a simple dish: a combination of clams, garlic, olive oil, white wine, black pepper and parsley served on a bed of spaghetti. Although it sounds modest, when done right, it is a delicacy of the gods.

Spaghetti alle Vongole is popular throughout Italy, but it comes from Campania. In some regions they have varied the original recipe by adding cream, or changing the type of pasta, however, the classic will be available in the best restaurants in town.

In winter, the Neapolitan streets begin to breathe a particular atmosphere that leads us to get lost among its time-honored traditions. The festivals are part of them and, if you are interested in detaching yourself from the tourist vision to get to know the local culture for a while, it is part of the seasonal audiovisual experience.

Among these festivals stands out the Campania Theater Festival that Naples spreads throughout its neighborhoods every year. The winter season of this festival features plays, dance and art exhibitions where classical and contemporary art combined. The traditional venues in Naples are:

• Teatro Bellini
• San Carlo Theater
• Mercadante Theater

Sometimes the plays are performed in unconventional locations in the city to the surprise of festival-goers. The Castel Sant 'Elmo, or the Bourbon Hospice for the Poor, as well as churches and various historical monuments have lent their spaces for the festival.

In this magical Italian corner, New Year's Eve is a high-profile event where fireworks are seen everywhere.

After dinner comes the festivities at the town hall. In Piazza Plebiscito is held the biggest traditional New Year's concert, but not only this central square presents activities, the party is until dawn all over Naples.

The fireworks show at Castel Dell 'Ovo is as loud and spectacular as you can imagine. And the musical stages in Borgo Marinari, Piazza Vittoria and Via Partenope also make their presence felt tonight.

Epiphany is a very special feast. It is always welcomed with joy, but also with a bit of sadness because it marks the end of the Christmas vacations. Few know what Epiphany means more than southern Italy, and Naples emerges as the best for the celebrations.

Although legend has it that the Magi arrived in Bethlehem and delivered their gifts to the Christ Child, in Naples it's time to shop among the best bargains of the year in Piazza Mercato.

Piazza Mercato is home to one of Naples' largest Christmas markets, selling discounted sweets, clothing, toys, art and curiosities on the night of Jan. 5. Visitors like to frequent this place to experience the folklore and deep-rooted Neapolitan customs.

How to get to Piazza Mercato

Via Corso Umberto I and Via Antonietta de Pace you will find it quickly. The market is right in front of the Santa Maria del Carmine Church, one of the most traditional churches in Naples.

To finish the list with things to see and do in Naples in winter the unavoidable sweet touch could not be missing with the Chocolate Fair. During the month of February in the Vomero district visitors indulge themselves with the delicacies prepared by the chocolatiers who give life to the "Chocoland".

At the fair you will find many stands with a variety of presentations, prices and combinations created by master confectioners from all over Italy. Some of them will also offer cooking demonstrations.

From the traditional white or dark chocolate to the more particular with nuts, pistachios, liqueurs and much more, this fair is a guilty pleasure that delights its visitors.

How to get to the fair

The meeting point varies yearly but always stays among the ice cream parlors and terraces of Vomero, a 15-minute walk from Castel Sant'Elmo or a 5-minute walk from the Duca di Martina National Museum of Ceramics in Villa Floridiana.

Winter in Naples combines rain with mild weather. Between November and March temperatures range from 4.3 °C to 12.5 °C.

When traveling to Italy in winter it is time to bring out your raincoats, wellies, gloves, umbrellas and scarves. Naples is a warm city, but during the winter you may experience cold showers.

Wear rain-resistant clothing with an outer layer to keep out the rain and wind and inner layers, as well as socks and sweaters to keep you warm.

On the other hand, don't forget some smart clothes, especially if you want to dine at a nice restaurant or just want to mingle with the Neapolitans.

• The cassatine: a sweet cake with ricotta, marzipan and candied fruit.
• The struffoli: delicious honey and orange fried pastries.
• The roccocò: sweet doughnuts with almonds, orange and its famous ratatouille.
• The Capitone: baked or fried eel seasoned with fine herbs, a Christmas delicacy that you can enjoy at the gastronomic fairs.
• The Spaghetti alle Vongole: as we saw, the seasonal classic, a dish of fresh clams with spaghetti, fresh herbs and the house sauce, a dish that does not disappoint seafood lovers.