Naples Foodie Weekend by Train – Pizza, Pastries and Street Food

Naples is Italy’s most energetic food city, offering an unforgettable mix of street snacks, world-class pizza, centuries-old traditions and bold southern flavours. Fast trains make Naples an easy weekend escape, and its compact centre is perfect for food lovers wanting to explore on foot.This guide covers what to eat, how to get around, what Neapolitan dishes really are, where to try them, where to stay and how to enjoy 48 food-filled hours.

Why Go?

Naples is passionate, colourful and overflowing with character. It’s the birthplace of pizza, home to some of Italy’s greatest pastries and a city where food is woven into everyday life. Markets spill into streets, conversations happen over espresso, and meals are lively and generous. Naples is loud, warm and delicious.

A Bit of History

Founded by the ancient Greeks, Naples became a major port, royal capital and cultural hub. Its history blends Greek, Roman, Spanish and Bourbon influences, shaping its food, architecture and identity. From the Spanish Quarter to the grand buildings of Via Toledo, Naples carries its layered past with drama and charm.

What to Expect

Expect bustling markets, energetic neighbourhoods, strong coffee, queues outside famous pizzerias and vibrant nightlife. The centre is walkable, with narrow streets filled with trattorias and bakeries. Dining is informal, lively and deliciously affordable.

Five Things to See and Do

Eat Along Via dei Tribunali: Naples’ legendary street for pizza, fried snacks and pastries.

Visit the Spanish Quarter: Murals, small trattorias and authentic local atmosphere.

Sansevero Chapel: Home to the Veiled Christ, one of Italy’s most stunning sculptures.

Seafront Promenade to Castel dell’Ovo: Perfect for sunset and seafood restaurants.

Funicular to Vomero: Panoramic views and excellent neighbourhood pizzerias.

Food Culture

Neapolitan cuisine is bold, emotional and generous. This is a city of slow-cooked ragù, deep-fried snacks, fresh seafood, creamy mozzarella and the world’s most famous pizza. Meals are loud, celebratory and communal. Expect rich sauces, fresh tomatoes, fried treats and pastries soaked in syrup or rum.

Neapolitan Food Explained

Pizza Margherita: The original, soft-crust Neapolitan pizza cooked at high heat for seconds.

Ragù Napoletano: A long-cooked meat sauce served with pasta on Sundays.

Sfogliatella: A shell-shaped pastry filled with ricotta, citrus and semolina.

Cuoppo: A paper cone of fried seafood or vegetables.

Mozzarella di Bufala: Creamy buffalo mozzarella from nearby Caserta.

Babà: Rum-soaked cake — iconic, sweet and indulgent.

Where to Eat

Gino Sorbillo (Centro Storico): Naples’ most iconic Margherita pizza.

Tandem Ragù: Slow-cooked sauces, rich flavours and generous plates.

Antica Friggitoria Masardona: The best pizza fritta in the city.

Pasticceria Scaturchio: Famous for babà, sfogliatella and chocolate desserts.

Gran Caffè Gambrinus: A historic café for espresso and pastries.

Where to Stay

Decumani Hotel de Charme (Centro Storico): Historic interiors and perfect location for food lovers.

Exe Majestic (Chiaia): Close to boutiques, cafés and the seafront promenade.

La Casa sul Vomero (Vomero): Peaceful residential area with panoramic views.

UNAHOTELS Napoli (Garibaldi): Convenient for the station and modern comfort.

Off the Beaten Track

Pignasecca Market: Naples’ most authentic food market — perfect for grazing.

How to Get There by Train

• From Rome: High-speed trains in around 1h10.

• From Florence: Approximately 2h45.

• From Milan: Around 4 hours.

Napoli Centrale gives quick access to the metro, funiculars and buses.

Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Naples. Explore the historic centre and Via dei Tribunali. Visit the Sansevero Chapel. Dinner at a classic pizzeria.

Day 2

Morning espresso culture in Chiaia. Walk the seafront to Castel dell’Ovo. Lunch on seafood. Climb to Vomero by funicular. Return home by train.

Real Travel Guides – Real Travel. By Rail.