Everyone here was incredibly helpful! Despite us not being able to speak Italian, everyone went…read moreabove and beyond with helping us. I'm just sad that I don't live nearby...

This shopping arcade is located close to the port area in the San Ferdinando district, across from…read moreTeatro di San Carlo and around the corner from Piazza del Plebiscito. The building itself 5 stars easily, it's the smaller version probably by a third of Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and was in fact modeled after its Milanese sibling. Milan's version completed in 1877, while Naples' broke ground 1887 and commenced construction in 1890. The monumental multi-level marble structure, colonnaded exterior and interior facade, mosaic tiled floor, glass arched ceiling and central dome are undeniably similar. The difference lies in the use and maintenance. Milan's retailer windows are lined with name brands and luxury shoppers, Naples is more down to earth filled with a mixed variety of retailers and restaurants. The latter is often characterized as having a more relaxed, more gritty, integrated atmosphere with the surrounding neighborhood, while the former is more aspirational and polished, even in the building maintenance--peering along the glass dome at Vittorio Emanuele II every seam appears gleaming, Umberto appears to show more signs of water/rust runoff. Meandering around the neighborhood, I'd recommend dropping by during the day, the interior is more impressive and inviting when the stores are open and sunlight flows into the building from above. On a Saturday evening it's a popular meet spot for locals, especially students headed for a night out in the Quartieri Spangoli (Spanish Quarter). A handful of popular dessert spots, cafes and restaurants make their base here, including Mary's Sfogliatella which I purposefully came to try (more on that in separate review). Unless you plan on eating or shopping here, probably need only 10 minutes to walk around and admire the architecture. I saw it as a short detour enroute to my final destination.

Really worth stopping in for photos, both in daylight and at night. The mosaic tile work is…read moregorgeous. Several shops, trinket stands, and cafes open during the day for a caffe or an Aperol spritz. Super convenient that you can use it as a cut-through to reach other streets without having to walk around the block. Gets very busy during the day with tour groups. At night be aware that unhoused people sleep both inside and outside near the entrances. Don't bother them and they won't bother you.

Got sunglasses while I was on vacation. They had a wide selection of options that I could try on…read more First Lady didn't really pay me much attention when I asked for help. The other lady helped me a lot by pulling all the options I wanted to see and showed me additional options that were similar. Eventually landed on one pair and it was on sale! I was expecting to spend over $350, but paid under $250 - score! I'd recommend this place for sunglasses.

I worked with Armando at the Via Toledo 238 location and he was fantastic…read more I was beyond thrilled. They made me a pair of progressive/ transition lenses by reading my sunglasses and they are perfect. Not only that, I was on vacation and they delivered them within a week to me in Sorrento. Fantastic service. Better prices than in the states and I'm stoked on my new glasses.