NapoliMania
📍 Address: Via Toledo, 312, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
Located in the heart of Via Toledo, Naples’ main thoroughfare, ‘NapoliMania’ is not just a souvenir shop. Founded in 1994, this store is committed to passing on Naples’ unique humor and culture to future generations, featuring a wide array of unique items that will make you chuckle.
Inside, you’ll find 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 that embody fierce Neapolitan jokes, such as garbage bag-style bags featuring the logo of local football rivals, Juventus. Costing around 1 euro, they’re incredibly popular among tourists as small gift bags.
The staff are very friendly and happy to explain the meaning and stories behind the products. These items embody the true essence and passion of Naples, making it a highly recommended shop for those who want to take home a piece of deep Neapolitan culture that you won’t find anywhere else.
Souvenir Aurora
📍 Address: Via dei Tribunali, 331, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy
Walking through Spaccanapoli (Via dei Tribunali), filled with old-town Neapolitan charm, ‘Souvenir Aurora’ catches the eye with its display of traditional, classic souvenirs. If you’re looking for quintessential Neapolitan keepsakes, you can’t go wrong here.
The shop is packed with items like traditional Neapolitan mask character ‘Pulcinella’ figurines and clocks, as well as goods featuring the red horn amulet ‘Cornicello’ (Corno) seen everywhere in the city. It’s said that ‘receiving a Cornicello as a gift brings good luck,’ making it perfect for small, shareable gifts for loved ones.
Furthermore, the biggest charm of this store is its incredibly warm staff, who treat you like a second family. Even when purchasing fragile items like clocks or ceramic trinkets, they provide professional and perfect packaging to ensure they make it home safely in your suitcase. This is a renowned shop where you can experience the genuine warmth and humanity of Neapolitans, a stark contrast to ‘cold, tourist-oriented stores.’
Grangusto
📍 Address: Via Nuova Marina, 5, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy
Located on Marina Street near the port, ‘Grangusto’ is a luxury supermarket and food complex boasting a vast 2,000 square meter space. It also features restaurants and an enoteca (wine shop), making it a gourmet paradise where high-quality ingredients from all over Italy are gathered.
The store boasts wide aisles and a very clean, sophisticated atmosphere. The first floor offers relatively affordable daily necessities and quality sweets, while the second floor features organic products and luxury ingredients. The wine section, in particular, has an overwhelming selection, with items like truffle salt and beautifully designed canned olive oil – a perfect lineup for ‘slightly upscale souvenirs’ for superiors or foodie friends.
Note that this store has a unique rule upon entry. To prevent shoplifting, if you have luggage or a backpack, it will be placed in a locked mesh bag at the entrance, and staff will unlock it upon your departure. While it might be surprising at first, this is a unique local system designed for you to enjoy luxury grocery shopping with peace of mind.
Sole365
📍 Address: Via Incoronata, 14/16, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy
Sole365 is a community-focused supermarket that supports the daily lives of Neapolitan citizens, upholding the motto ‘Every Day Low Price.’ This branch on Via Incoronata is deeper than it appears from the outside, with an incredibly rich selection of products. For tourists, it’s an exceptionally convenient supermarket for everything from buying water and salads to finding ‘baramaki’ snacks and affordable wines.
Beyond general souvenir hunting, the deli and charcuterie (processed meat) sections are also a must-see. In the showcases displaying delicious cured hams and cheeses, you first take a numbered ticket, and when your number appears on the digital display, you place your order with the staff. This way, you don’t have to feel anxious about ‘when to speak up’ while waiting, and even tourists can easily get small portions of various cured meats sliced.
Also, be aware of the ‘basic rules for Italian supermarkets’ when buying fruits and vegetables. You must wear the disposable plastic gloves provided in the produce section, put your items in a bag, and place them on the designated scale. Then, input the item number written on the shelf tag into the scale; a sticker with the price and barcode will be printed, which you attach to the bag before taking it to the checkout. 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 stopping by between souvenir hunting and 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 breathtakingly beautiful sight.
While often compared to Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, it might feel a bit quieter with fewer apparel stores and other tenants compared to Milan. However, this allows you to leisurely admire its architectural beauty and take wonderful photos.
A must-see when you visit is the ’12 Zodiac Signs mosaic’ depicted on the central floor. Locally, there’s a legend that if you stand on the mosaic of your zodiac sign and turn around once, you’ll find happiness. There are also cafes nearby serving delicious Neapolitan specialty pastry ‘Sfogliatella,’ so why not enjoy a graceful break immersed in the historical atmosphere?
3 Key Tips for Buying Souvenirs at Supermarkets in Naples, Italy
Here are some practical tips to make your shopping in Naples even smoother and more enjoyable. When using local supermarkets and shops, there are a few rules that differ from Japan, so it’s good to know them in advance.
The first tip is ‘mastering the self-weighing system.’ When buying fruits and vegetables at supermarkets like Sole365, do not touch items with bare hands. Always wear the provided disposable plastic gloves, bag your items, and use the scale in the produce section to enter the product number and print a barcode sticker. Forgetting this will require re-weighing at the checkout and holding up the line behind you.
The second tip is ‘bring an eco-bag.’ In Italy, plastic bags (shopping bags) are not free and are often of poor quality (they tear easily). It’s recommended to bring a large, sturdy eco-bag, or alternatively, buy a unique tote bag, like those sold at NapoliMania, and use it immediately.
The third tip is ‘crime prevention and luggage storage.’ In some stores, like Grangusto, you might be required to place large bags or backpacks into a locked mesh 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 a non-zero risk of pickpocketing near checkouts or in crowded aisles, so always keep a close eye on your wallet and smartphone, and make sure to hold a closed bag in front of your body.
