Top 3 Things to Do in Naples, One of the Oldest Cities in the World

Sitting on the Bay of Naples is the third largest city in Italy and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It had undergone numerous changes from being a Greek settlement in the Bronze Greek Age starting in the second millennium BC to eventually becoming a cultural center of the Roman Republic in the sixth century BC. Today, it is famously known for its rich history--enclosing 27 centuries of memories and is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Enjoy your trip to Naples with the Naples Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is best known for its eruption in AD 79 that led to the burying and destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The eruption that rocked the Roman Empire is said to have released a hundred thousand times the thermal energy released by the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings. At present, Vesuvius remains active and is the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted within the last hundred years. Enjoy a stunning view of this sleeping dragon from the ruins of Pompeii or visit the Mount Vesuvius National Park.

2.      Castel Nuovo

Right in the heart of central Naples is the scenic and imposing castle that was erected in 1279. The medieval site is considered one of the main landmarks of the city. When Charles I of Naples became King he ordered a new castle to be built not far from the sea to house his court. Three years later, Castel Nuovo housed royalty up until the War of the Sicilian Vespers. Castel Nuovo soon became a witness to famous historical events so it's definitely a site not to be missed by history buffs.

3.      Catacombs of San Gennaro

The series of underground paleo-Christian burial sites located in the northern part of the city can easily be identified by the church of Madre del Buon Consiglio. What was once separate cemeteries, dedicated to Saint Gaudiosus, Saint Severus, and St. Januarius is now interconnected by spacious passageways along two levels. The lower level dates back to the 3rd-4th century and may actually be an earlier pre-Christian cemetery.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Montreal, Canada’s Party City

Montreal is one of Canada’s most popular cities known for having the liveliest nightlife in the region. Keep in mind though that is more to Montreal than its nightlife. Here are a few compelling reasons to check the city out. And make sure you have your Montreal Travel Guide and Offline City Map when you do.

The Food

Canadians love good food, especially those who live in Montreal. Montreal has the most restaurants per capita in all of North America. Numerous food-related festivals are held throughout the year the most famous ones being the Burger Week and the MTL à Table. You can even get food without going to a restaurant. Food trucks roam all around the city during weekdays, most of them affiliated to a local chef. The star players of the Montreal food scene are of course still the restaurants. Here are the ones you should check out:

·         The Manitoba in the Mile-Ex serves Nordic/boreal dishes

·         The Junior in Griffintown specializes in Filipino cuisine

·         The Salmigondis in Petite-Italie is known for its modern Italian cookery

·         The Biiru in Downtown offers Japanese izakaya.

The Architecture

Architecture in Montreal is one of the most varied in North America with American, French, and English architecture being the main influencers. Canada is one of the most desirable immigration destinations in the world. Montreal has immigrants from Portugal, China, Israel, Italy, Ireland, Philippines, and more and these immigrants also brought their own styles and preferences in architecture. The marriage of so many architectural ideas makes exploring the city such a marvelous experience. Must-see structures include:

·         Canadian Centre for Architecture

·         Old-Montreal cobblestoned streets

·         Plateau Mont-Royal townhouses

·         Outremont mansions

The Unique Vibe

There are several things that make Montreal such a one-of-a-kind destination. Below are just some of them’

·         It is the largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris.

·         It is the most laid-back city in North America.

·         It is technologically modern and traditionally artistic at the same time.

·         Canadians are known the world over for being overly friendly and helpful.

You can find a truly extraordinary experience in Montreal. For more guides and offline digital maps, turn to eTips.