NapoliMania
📍 Address: Via Toledo, 312, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
Located in the heart of Via Toledo, Naples’ main thoroughfare, ‘NapoliMania’ is more than just a souvenir shop. Founded in 1994, this store aims to pass on Naples’ unique humor and culture to future generations, featuring a wide array of distinctive items that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
The shop offers a rich selection of T-shirts and mugs printed with Neapolitan proverbs, as well as goods inspired by local hero Maradona. Particularly amusing are items imbued with strong Neapolitan humor, such as ‘trash bag style’ bags featuring the logo of local football rival ‘Juventus’. Priced at around 1 euro, these are incredibly popular with tourists as small gift bags.
The staff are incredibly friendly and kindly explain the meaning and stories behind the products. Since all items embody the true essence and passion of Naples, this shop is highly recommended for anyone wanting to take a piece of deep, unique Neapolitan culture back home.
Souvenir Aurora
📍 Address: Via dei Tribunali, 331, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy
As you stroll through Spaccanapoli (Via dei Tribunali), brimming with downtown Neapolitan charm, your eye will be drawn to ‘Souvenir Aurora’, a shop lined with traditional, old-fashioned souvenirs. If you’re looking for classic, quintessential Neapolitan souvenirs, this is definitely the place to go.
Inside, the shop is packed with statuettes and clocks featuring Pulcinella, Naples’ traditional masked character, and an abundance of ‘Cornicello’ (Corno) lucky charm goods – the red horn amulets seen all over the city. Cornicello are said to bring good fortune when received as a gift, making them perfect small souvenirs for loved ones.
Another major draw of this shop is its warm staff, who treat you like family. Even when purchasing fragile items like clocks or ceramic trinkets, they provide professional and perfect packaging to ensure you can bring them home safely in your suitcase. This is a renowned establishment where you can experience the genuine humanity of Neapolitans, a complete contrast to ‘cold, tourist-oriented shops’.
Grangusto
📍 Address: Via Nuova Marina, 5, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy
Located on Via Nuova Marina near the port, ‘Grangusto’ is a luxury supermarket and food complex boasting a vast area of 2,000 square meters. With a restaurant and enoteca (wine shop) also on-site, it serves as a gourmet paradise where high-quality ingredients from all over Italy are gathered.
The interior is spacious, very clean, and sophisticated. The first floor offers relatively affordable daily necessities and quality sweets, while the second floor features organic products and high-end ingredients. The wine section, in particular, boasts an impressive selection, and items like truffle salt and beautifully designed canned olive oil make for ‘slightly nicer souvenirs’ perfect for superiors or foodie friends.
Please note that this store has a slightly unique rule upon entry. To prevent shoplifting, if you have handbags or backpacks, they will be placed in a lockable mesh bag at the entrance, and staff will unlock it when you leave. While it might be a bit surprising at first, this is a local system designed for you to safely and leisurely enjoy shopping for luxury foods.
Sole365
📍 Address: Via Incoronata, 14/16, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy
Sole365 is a local supermarket supporting the lives of Neapolitan citizens, operating under the motto ‘Every Day Low Price.’ This particular store on Via Incoronata is deeper than it appears from the outside and boasts a very extensive product range. For travelers, it’s an incredibly convenient supermarket for everything from buying water and salads to finding bulk sweets and affordable wines.
Beyond souvenir hunting within the supermarket, the deli (prepared foods) and charcuterie (cured meats) sections are also a must-see. At the showcases filled with delicious prosciutto and cheeses, you first take a numbered ticket. Once your number appears on the electronic display, you place your order with the staff. This system eliminates the stress of waiting and wondering ‘when should I speak up?’, allowing even tourists to easily get small slices of various hams.
Also, be aware of the ‘basic rules for Italian supermarkets’ when buying vegetables and fruits. You must wear the disposable plastic gloves provided in the produce section, put the items in a bag, and weigh them on the dedicated scale. Then, enter the number written on the price tag of the item into the scale. A sticker with the price and barcode will be printed, which you should attach to the bag before taking it to the cashier. It gets quite crowded with locals in the evening, but the checkout process is surprisingly fast and smooth.
Galleria Umberto I
📍 Address: Via San Carlo, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
Finally, we introduce Galleria Umberto I, a beautiful arcade representing Naples, perfect for visiting between souvenir hunting or shopping. Completed in 1890, this cross-shaped arcade boasts a magnificent and intricate glass dome reaching up to 56 meters at its highest point, a breathtaking sight.
While it is an architectural marvel often compared to Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, it may feel somewhat quieter with fewer apparel stores compared to Milan. However, this allows you to leisurely appreciate its architectural beauty and capture stunning photos.
A definite must-see when you visit here is the ’12 Zodiac Sign Mosaic’ depicted on the central floor. Local folklore says that if you stand on your zodiac sign’s mosaic and spin around, you’ll find happiness. There are also cafes nearby serving delicious ‘Sfogliatella’, a famous Neapolitan pastry, so why not enjoy an elegant break amidst the historic ambiance?
How to Master Souvenir Shopping at Supermarkets in Naples, Italy: 3 Essential Tips
Here are some practical tips to make your shopping experience in Naples smoother and more enjoyable. When using local supermarkets and shops, it’s reassuring to know in advance that some rules might differ slightly from those in Japan.
First is ‘mastering the bulk weighing system.’ When buying vegetables and fruits at supermarkets like Sole365, do not touch them with bare hands. Always use the provided plastic gloves, put the items in a bag, and then enter the product number on the scale in the produce section to print a barcode sticker. Forgetting this will require a re-scan at the checkout, delaying the line behind you.
Second is ‘bringing your own eco-bag.’ In Italy, plastic shopping bags are charged for, and their quality is often not very good (they tear easily). It’s recommended to bring a large, sturdy eco-bag, or even purchase a unique tote bag like those sold at NapoliMania and use it on the spot.
Third is ‘security measures and bag storage.’ At some stores, like Grangusto, you must place large bags or backpacks into a special lockable bag at the entrance. This is a common measure to prevent shoplifting, so don’t panic and simply follow the staff’s instructions. Also, there’s always a risk of pickpocketing around cash registers or in crowded aisles, so always keep an eye on your wallet and smartphone, and make sure to hold closed bags in front of your body.
