Steve, unlike in Rome - where such things have happened several times - in a decade or so I've only once found a hand in my pocket whilst in Naples, when the already cramped queue at a bus/tram stop all squeezed up ready to get on board... luckily the perfectly-respectable looking young man backed away and scuttled off!

If you've not seen it, try this advice leaflet, issued on behalf of Trenitalia and their railway police force - the Polizia Ferroviaria...

http://www.fsnews.it/cms-file/allega.../Polfer_06.pdf

Pretty basic stuff, but the sort of things we all overlook at one time or another?

Peter

Thanks again Peter.

Nanbug, Peter or anyone else,

As I noted earlier we will be in Naples Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Oct 7, 8 & 9) We are wondering about hours and days that the shops and markets will be open. We like all types of shopping, including clothing, leather, artisan, etc. Not the touristy souvenirs. Thanks

Hi, Steve ~

Most of the shops -- leather, woodworking, jewelry, etc -- in the center historic district and on its fringes were open at night, even in the dead of winter when we were there. Many close for lunch, but you should have no problem finding places that will be open during your stay.

Most shops were closed on Sunday, though. Sunday was a very quiet day. There were a few families wandering about buying pastries to take home for Sunday dinner's dessert, but that was about it. We scheduled museum visits for that day and just cafe hopped. So you may want to plot your visits to the sights ahead of time and plan for that.

Have a great trip!

Hi NanBug, :)

Thank you for getting back to me and sharing that bit of information. Sunday will be a touring day.

It says in DK that the shops are closed Sundays and Monday mornings in Winter; then Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons in Summer. We will be there around the first week in October. Does anyone know about these Winter/Summer distinctions in shops beings closed, and if so; do you know how that might translate into early October? It would be nice if they were open both days, however; we need to plan time carefully as we arrive on a Friday and leave on a Monday.
Thank you for your help this far!

LOL Marija. The only time we had in Naples was, from the train station to the Circumvesuviana. We held on tight to our bags, but alas, like you, were "disappointed" to see a crime-free train. Then taxi from Sorrento to the airport..and no crime in the busy, hectic , bright airport either!! Imagine!!

I LOVE this thread! Next time, based on all the wise advice above, I will NOT let myself be scared off from Napoli!

It says in DK that the shops are closed Sundays and Monday mornings in Winter; then Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons in Summer. We will be there around the first week in October. Does anyone know about these Winter/Summer distinctions in shops beings closed, and if so; do you know how that might translate into early October? It would be nice if they were open both days, however; we need to plan time carefully as we arrive on a Friday and leave on a Monday.
Thank you for your help this far!

Hi Steve,

Looks like you've gotten some wonderful advice! We've enjoyed Napoli so much that we've visited 3 times, though we've never spent a night there (daytripped in from Sorrento). Next time, I hope!
The National Arch Museum is incredible and contains great finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum plus many other interesting exhibits. Cappella Sansevero is beautiful and we found the statue of The Veiled Christ to be very moving. We enjoy Santa Chiara, especially its beautiful tiled cloister, in the early evening shortly before closing... we had it to ourselves twice! There is a very impressive church very closeby with an interesting facade (triangular sculpture).

P.S. We took the Sotteranea tour. There were a lot of stairs... it was a bit of a challenge for my mother who has arthritis in her knees. There is also one optional part that takes you through a very, very narrow passage. I'm of slim build and my shoulders were brushing the sides of the passage on both sides. If you have claustrophobia, you will want to skip this part.

Thank you TexasAggie. We've decided to do the Catacombs over the Sotteranea tour.

I'm interested in comments on shopping in Naples. What to buy and where to go? Should I buy leather in Florence or Naples? Will the shops be open on Saturday, but not Sunday? Thanks

Naples is famous for its unique and highly detailed nativity scenes. On one of our trips when we were there in late November, we saw figures being sold in several piazzas. I don't recall seeing the makeshift stands in May and June but there are still stores selling them. They range from cheap to truly high, high quality.

We have always bought our leather in Florence. There are numerous fine shops selling custom items (shoes, jackets, etc.). There is also a fun market outside San Lorenzo church (very near the Medici Chapel). You can bargain and they sell all sorts of stuff including a wide selection of leather goods. Some things are cheapy quality but quite a lot of the merchandise is very nice. I;m still using a wallet and a pair of gloves I bought there in 2004 and both still look and function great!

I have been to the San Lorenzo market in Florence and bought some things. However, I would like to buy some leather, but I'm concerned about cheap knock offs. I'm looking for something that is made in Florence and would like to find a shop. I wondering about those at the Lorenzo market. Also, there seems to be hidden shop in the area near the Pitti palace.

My wife and I visit Naples practically every year for an extended time. She has three sisters and two brothers who are Italian, while she is a native born American. If we want to shop for relatively high end stuff, we go to the Piazza Di Martire, near the Piazza Vittoria. Not only is it a lovely area, but they have some great shops there. On a previous trip, we went to Spaccanapoli and bought many little figures that make up a nativity scene. With a little work and some imagination I built a Presepio of my own. Funny story-- My wife's brother in law once took us to some out of the way place. He made a rather distinctive knock on the door, and a face appeared through a window on the door. The guy looked closely and then let us in. We went up a flight of stairs while we were being monitored by surveillance cameras, and then entered a large loft. BEHOLD!! There was a factory making some lovely leather jackets and coats. This was really good stuff, but strictly not kosher. We saw some great stuff at ridiculous prices. However, I'm chicken, and did not want to get involved, so we passed on some good bargains. Better safe than sorry.

Waldo, Thank you for the story and shopping tips.

The thing to buy in Naples is men's ties:

http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy-feat...oli/tie-naples

If you live someplace cold enough to wear gloves, Madova in Florence is a quality maker, nearly 100 years old, with fair prices. You can ask at Madova who else in Florence sells quality leather if you want jackets or purses.

http://www.madova.com/negozio.html

I would be very concerned about buying leather in Naples. There is just too much rip-off stuff around, even in stores, not just street vendors. But I've often thought some of the costume jewelry sold on the street in Napoli is striking. Just be careful about taking our your wallet on the street.

http://www.beadventures.com/files/im...d%20Street.jpg

Last time I was in Naples, I bought from a street vendor 3 nested serving baskets with nets (the kind you use at picnics to keep bees off food) because they were just so pretty. When I asked him the price, he told me 12 euros for the 3, and then was visibly shocked when I handed him 12 euros. Personally, I don't like haggling, and I liked the baskets. But I suspect haggling is the norm.

Thank you Zeppole. Ties in Naples? I would of never guess that. I always bought my ties in Florence, but will make a point to look in Naples.

You are correct about the ties in Naples. My wife's family is in that business.

Thanks Waldo I will make a point to get a tie in both Naples and Florence(I know of two shops. And Zoppole I will look for the leather shop Madova in Florence. Thank you for that tip.