I have always carried Naples in my heart. Its energy, its warmth, and its unique mix of history, chaos, and beauty have a way of captivating you from the very first moment. Even after moving away, the city never stops calling me back, with its streets, its colors, and its voices that feel alive at every corner.

Living in Naples means embracing the unexpected. Days are full of contrasts: narrow alleys opening onto breathtaking views of the bay, scooters zipping past baroque palaces, and the scent of espresso mingling with the aroma of fresh pizza from neighborhood pizzerias. Life here is lived at its own rhythm – a rhythm dictated by laughter, music, and the scent of the sea.

Naples has two sides: the vibrant, chaotic one that bursts with energy in the markets of Spaccanapoli, in the chatter of street vendors, and in the lively piazzas; and the intimate, almost secret side, hidden in the quiet corners of historic churches, in the courtyards of palazzi, or along the peaceful paths overlooking the sea. The city reveals itself slowly, rewarding those who take the time to look beyond the obvious.

My Naples is made of countless small joys: a quick sfogliatella and cappuccino in the morning, a stroll along the Lungomare at sunset, or wandering the narrow streets of the old town discovering hidden artisan shops. Sfogliatelle Attanasio is the perfect place to enjoy both the classic riccia sfogliatelle and the frolla ones – a true Neapolitan delight. Over the years, I’ve realized that Naples is a city that celebrates life in its smallest details – from food to music, from street art to the most breathtaking views.

There is also a side of Naples I love deeply: the sense of timeless tradition. Elderly men playing cards in a café, women chatting while preparing the neighborhood feast, and an atmosphere where every gesture feels authentic and rooted in history. Here, you feel the Neapolitan spirit in its purest form – lively, generous, and full of heart.

Some of the places that are part of both my everyday Naples and its classic, timeless soul:
• Piazza del Plebiscito / the heart of Naples, where history meets the pulse of daily life.
• Spaccanapoli / narrow streets full of energy, local shops, and centuries of stories.
• Castel dell’Ovo / offering a quiet moment and breathtaking views of the bay.
• Caffè Gambrinus / the historic café for coffee and pastries with a touch of Neapolitan elegance.
• Via Toledo and Galleria Umberto / perfect for shopping and wandering, where tradition meets modern life.
• Certosa di San Martino / a serene retreat overlooking the city, full of art and history.

And the classic Neapolitan favorites, beloved by generations:
• Pizzeria da Michele / a temple of the true Neapolitan pizza.
• Teatro di San Carlo / the beating heart of Naples’ culture and music.
• Napoli Sotterranea / a journey into the city’s fascinating underground history.
• Lungomare Caracciolo / the perfect promenade for a sunset walk.
• Mercato di Porta Nolana / the place to experience the city’s daily rhythms and fresh seafood.
• Sfogliatelle Attanasio / a must-visit for classic Neapolitan pastries – both the riccia and frolla sfogliatelle are perfection.

Naples is a city that stays with you – alive, chaotic, beautiful, and full of surprises. Living it now, even from afar, I realize that its energy, history, and warmth will always inspire me, enrich me, and make me feel at home, no matter where I am.

Images and story by: Silvia Longobardi / @s_lo96