In the 20th century, cultural icons such as Hemingway, Pablo Neruda and Andy Warhol were seduced by this cinematic city by the sea. Today, trendsetting young artists and writers along with top culinary innovators are drawn to the city’s many sensory appeals. Enjoy this a passeggiata through Naples’ historic center—a fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and a visual feast of exuberant street art and mouth-watering Neapolitan street foods.

For all you foodies—Naples is home to roughly 3,000 pizza makers, or pizzaiuoli. Beyond topping and crust variations, pizza can be experienced in other forms like a portable folded pizza “wallet” known as pizza a portafoglia, or even a super-indulgent fried pizza!  And there’s frittatina di pasta …. yes, deep-fried pasta! Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside medallions of pasta mixed with béchamel sauce, peas and other tasty fillings. And not to be missed is a portable cone-shaped cuoppo filled with mouth-watering fried calamari, small anchovies and sardines. You’ll also find cuoppi filled with other fried goodies. The key is that the fried items are so light, dry and delectable that the paper cone doesn’t become greasy in your hand. Naples serves up some of the best caffe in all of Italy and its sfogliatella is one of the sweetest street foods ever!

Street art created by local and international artists is everywhere. Look for the landmark mural of a Madonna with a gun instead of a halo above her head is located in Piazza dei Girolamini. The arresting image is by Banksy—a pseudonymous England-based artist and the world’s most famous street artist. You will also find Sofia Loren, born not far from Naples and many and varied depictions of San Gennaro, the city’s Patron and that of the notorious Baroque painter Caravaggio who spent some of the last years of his life in Naples.

Besides its vibrant street life, Naples offers many marvelous cultural attractions. You’ll also discover elegant caffes and restaurants, boutique hotels, independent design ateliers, art galleries and bookshops—ideal for some retail therapy.