A trip to Naples is incomplete without exploring the cafes of the city. Why? Because Naples café culture is as popular as the city’s Neapolitan pizza. You’ll find cute cafés on every city corner with cosy vibes. And the strong smell of traditional espresso and food is enough to lure you inside the cafes of Naples. So to make your solo travel to Naples extra caffeinated, I will tell you about the top ten cafés you can visit in Naples and witness the old–intricate relationship that coffee and Naples share.

1. Gran Caffe Gambrinus

Gran Caffe Gambrinus, which opened in 1860, is one of the oldest cafés in Naples. Although small and crowded with tourists, the café is worth a visit for its old-school vibe. The elegant interior transports you back in time.

The café is reasonably priced and offers both takeout and dine-in options. Aside from their espresso and pastries, try their pistachio coffee concoction – it’s delicious! Also, if you have time, choose their terrace seating area for the spectacular view of Teatro San Carlo from there. 

Price for one: €11-15

Timing: All days from 7 AM to 12 AM

Address: Via Chiaia, 1, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy

2. Caffe Del Professore

When in Naples, drink coffee the way the locals do. And do you know how Neapolitans drink coffee? Standing up. Yes, they drink coffee while standing at the bar or on the go. If you want to experience this ritual, Caffe del Professore is the place to do so.

The café is one minute from Teatro di San Carlo and beside the tourist hot spot Vucciria market. 

Price for one: is €10-15

Timing: Open 24 hours all days of the week

Address: Piazza Trieste e Trento, n.2, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy

3. Birdy’s Bakery

Birdy’s Bakery (isn’t the name cute?) is not your typical Neapolitan café. Instead, it expertly blends modern and traditional elements. It serves breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, desserts, and, of course, COFFEE! The food tastes refreshing on the palate and differs from authentic Italian food. So I guess you know where to head in Naples if you want a break from the typical pasta and pizzas. 

A Tip: If you have a sweet tooth like me, taste their milk cake and thank me later!

Price for one: €5-15

Timing: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 7 AM – 12 AM, Friday & Saturday – 7 AM – 1 AM, Sunday – 8 AM – 12 AM (Tuesday closed).

Address: Vico Belledonne a Chiaia, 14b, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy

4. Gran Caffé La Caffettiera

Gran Caffé La Caffettiera is located in one of the posh areas of Naples – Chiaia. Although it might be a bit pricey, the ambience, the service, and the coffee justify the cost. This café serves one of the best coffee in Naples. You can enjoy various coffee and pastries and have a little me-time here.

Price for one: €15-30

Timing: All days – 7:30 AM to 11 PM (the café remains open till 12 AM only on Saturdays)

Address: Piazza dei Martiri, 26, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy

5. Bar Mexico

Please do not go by its name. It’s neither Mexican nor an alcoholic bar. It’s one of the best cafes in Naples, popular among tourists and locals. And for all the right reasons. The place serves the best espresso with perfect richness and thick consistency in a hot cup. Do not miss out on trying out their signature Passalacqua coffee. It’s one-of-a-kind.

You can even purchase coffee beans as a souvenir! Is there any better way to carry the essence of Napoli back home than this?

Price for one: €10

Timing: All days, 6 AM – 7 Pm, except Sundays.

Address: via 80133, Via Alcide de Gasperi, 43, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy

6. Gran Caffe Cimmino

Thinking about which café in Naples to head to start your day? Without a second thought, visit Gran Caffe Cimmino in Naples. And you will see how time flies at this café. You can sit quietly and enjoy your cappuccino with some pastries (their croissants were finger-licking good!) while watching people pass by. 

A Tip: Always remember cappuccino is a morning coffee in Naples, unlike other parts of the world!

Price for one: €10-20

Timing: All Days – 7 AM – 12 AM

Address: Via Gaetano Filangieri, 13, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy

7. Chalet Ciro

Chalet Ciro is located on the seafront, away from the city centre. It offers everything sweet from coffees, pastries, hand-made cakes, and ice-creams—all these, along with an unparalleled terrace and gulf view of Naples! And a special mention of cona graffa (deep-fried doughnut like a cone with ice cream) is mandatory!

You can take a walk to reach this place alongside the beach. However, have some time on your hand as you might have to wait in a queue (this place is pretty crowded!). 

Price for one: €15-20

Timing: All Days – 6:45 AM to 3 AM

Address: Via Caracciolo frontal, Via Ratio, 80122 Napoli NA, Italy

8. Caffe Ciorfito 

You can expect a good location, great service, and the best of Napoli food when headed to Caffe Ciorfito. Their staffs are friendly and welcome you with warmth. It is a sheer joy to see them make the world-class espresso right in front of you! You can even make prior reservations at this café.

Price for one: €12-22

Timing: All days, 6 AM – 8 PM

Address: Via San Biagio Dei Librai, 90/91, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy

9. Stairs Coffee Shop

One of the budget-friendly cafes in Naples, Stairs Coffee Shop, is popular for its Cuban coffee. That said, the café exhibits an endless menu from pancakes, muffins, and doughnuts to burgers and salads. It is also one of the best cafés to grab a drink at night (they serve free snacks alongside).

Price for one: below €10

Timing: Sunday to Thursday – 7 AM to 11 PM & Friday-Saturday – 7 AM to 1 AM

Address: Via Luca Giordano, 96, Napoli, Italy

10. Jam café e beer

Just a 3-minute walk from one of the prime tourist attractions – Cappella Sansevero, Jam café e beer is undoubtedly one of the cutest cafés in Naples. The price doesn’t cause a hole in your pocket (apt for travellers on a budget).

The highlight of this café has to be the quality of its food. Whether you taste muffins or sandwiches, or homemade cakes, you will know right away how fresh it is! 

Price for one: below €11

Timing: Sunday to Wednesday – 8 AM – 7:30 PM & Thursday to Saturday – 8 AM – 12 AM

Address: Via San Biagio Dei Librai, 19, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy

So which of these cafes you’d visit in Naples?

Now that you know about the must-visit cafes in Naples, which one are you heading to on your café hopping journey in Naples? Let me know in the comments if you have already experienced the café culture of Naples. 

If you need further help planning, please refer to my solo travel guide to Naples. Until next time, happy travelling!