Entertainment Overview

Opera, music, dance, and film abound in Naples. Schedules of events are published in daily newspapers, particularly Il Mattino and the monthly periodical Qui Napoli (available in an English-language version and usually gratis at hotels and visitor centers).

In addition to the world-famous Teatro San Carlo, Naples has several leading concert halls and arts venues. Performance seasons typically run October through May. Classical and chamber music concerts are also frequently held in the city's historic churches -- check newspaper listings and street posters for information.

As soon as the sun goes down, nightlife ignites in Naples, which has more pubs and piano bars than you can shake a pizza at. There is something for everyone -- from 19th-century-style caffè-concerts at the Caffè Gambrinus in Piazza Trieste e Trento until 1 AM to the cutting-edge hangouts favored by the crowd now called Tendenza by the Neapolitan press. Baby Sophia Lorens and Frank Sinatras swarm the cafés and discos of Mergellina, Piazza Vittoria, Piazza dei Martiri, Via Partenope, and the Borgo Marinaro, and a bohemian crowd lingers in Piazza Bellini until 3 AM.

The youth set goes club-hopping in the historic center, particularly Spaccanapoli, from Wednesday to Sunday nights from 10:30 PM to 4 AM, with some places becoming so crowded that the street scene outside becomes a key part of the experience. The chic and stylish post-yuppie crowd sticks to Piazza dei Martiri, Via dei Mille, and Piazza Amedeo, frequenting old-guard watering holes.

Most discos issue a drink card at the door that must be returned when you leave, stamped to show you've consumed at least one drink. After the first or second drink, other drinks usually run less. Discos host nights devoted to various themes and trends -- techno/house, gay, retro-1970s -- organized by talented Neapolitan art directors and DJs.