Naples, a city of captivating contrasts, is a vibrant jewel on the southern coast of Italy. With its rich tapestry of history, art, and culture, it offers an experience like no other. Overlooking the serene waters of the Bay of Naples and framed by the imposing silhouette of Mount Vesuvius, the city is a harmonious blend of natural beauty and urban energy. Its streets pulse with life, filled with the aroma of world-famous Neapolitan pizza, the melodies of street musicians, and the chatter of locals embracing their storied traditions. From the narrow, bustling alleys of the Spaccanapoli district to the grandeur of Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples is a city where every corner tells a story. Ancient treasures like the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum lie nearby, while within the city, historical landmarks such as the Castel dell’Ovo and the San Carlo Opera House stand as proud reminders of its illustrious past. Yet Naples is not just a city of history; it is alive with creativity, innovation, and a dynamic energy that fuels its modern arts scene and vibrant nightlife. Visitors to Naples find themselves swept up in its unique blend of chaos and charm, discovering a place where tradition and spontaneity coexist in perfect harmony.
Naples International Airport (Capodichino) is located about 7 km from the city center. It offers direct flights to and from major European cities. Upon arrival, you can take the Alibus shuttle (running every 20-30 minutes) to Napoli Centrale Station or Piazza Municipio. Alternatively, taxis are available at the terminal, with fixed fares to the city center (around €25). For more convenience, car rental services and private transfers are also available.
Naples is a major railway hub, easily reachable from cities like Rome, Florence, or Milan via high-speed trains such as Frecciarossa or Italo. Trains arrive at Napoli Centrale Station, which is centrally located in Piazza Garibaldi. From there, you can access metro lines, buses, or taxis to reach your final destination. Regional trains also connect Naples to nearby attractions such as Pompeii and Sorrento.
Naples is well-connected by motorways. From Rome, take the A1 (Autostrada del Sole), which takes about 2-2.5 hours. From the south, use the A3 motorway from Salerno or the Amalfi Coast. Be aware that driving in Naples can be challenging due to heavy traffic and narrow streets. Parking is limited in the city center, so consider using public garages or parking outside the central area and relying on public transport to explore the city.
While the city centre of Naples is best explored on foot, the city is served by an underground metro system, which also connects the main train station Napoli Centrale at Piazza Garibaldi to the city centre and neighbourhoods beyond the centre. The metro system, also known as Metro Art, not only provides functionality but is itself an attraction of the city, featuring several stations specially designed by contemporary artists and architects. Trams, public buses and taxi ranks are also widely available. Naples has an extensive public transportation network, primarily managed by ANM (Azienda Napoletana Mobilità), EAV (Ente Autonomo Volturno), and Trenitalia. The main options include:
Metro: Line 1 (known as the “Art Line”), Line 2, Line 6
Funiculars: Centrale, Chiaia, Montesanto, and Mergellina
Buses: Various urban routes connecting the city center with the suburbs
Regional Trains: For nearby cities and towns (e.g., Circumvesuviana for Pompeii and Sorrento)
Trams: Limited routes
Ferries and Hydrofoils: For the islands (Capri, Ischia, Procida).
Located in the southern Campania region, Naples is Italy’s third-largest city and a major Mediterranean port. Its vibrant streets are home to museums, art galleries, theaters, and historical landmarks. Beneath the city lies a glimpse of its ancient past, with accessible ruins, streets, and catacombs. Naples boasts an unparalleled artistic and monumental heritage: over 200 architecturally significant churches, museums, castles, royal palaces, botanical gardens, fountains, and historical gates. Its open-air archaeological treasures include Greek and Roman walls, the San Lorenzo excavations, and ancient streets like the Cardo and Decumano.
Founded in the 9th century B.C. as Parthenope, later Neapolis, the city reflects layers of history. Remains of Greek walls and Roman theaters testify to its origins. Conquered by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century A.D., Naples evolved under the Normans and later the Angevin dynasty, which introduced French Gothic architecture in structures like Santa Chiara and the Cathedral. During Aragonese and Spanish rule, iconic landmarks such as Castel Nuovo and the Royal Palace emerged. By the 18th century, under Bourbon rule, Naples became a European cultural hub, marked by grand palaces and institutions like the National Archaeological Museum.
Naples is also a center for contemporary art, a reputation it gained in the 1960s. Notable venues include the MADRE museum, housing works by Jeff Koons and Richard Serra, and the Palazzo delle Arti Napoli. The city hosts international art projects, such as monumental installations in Piazza del Plebiscito. Naples’ innovative art extends underground. The city’s metro, particularly Lines 1 and 6, features contemporary art installations in stations designed by renowned architects, such as Alvaro Siza and Dominique Perrault. The Toledo station has been praised as Europe’s most impressive underground station.
We’re committed to making the International Conference on Social Robotics + AI not only inspiring for minds, but also respectful of our planet and inclusive for everyone. This means thinking carefully about how we plan, travel, eat, and interact — and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Why Sustainability Matters to Us
Conferences bring people together, but they also have an environmental footprint. From travel emissions to catering choices, every decision adds up. Making conscious choices can reduce waste, cut carbon, and set a positive example for other events worldwide. Thus, our goal for the International Conference on Social Robotics + AI – this year and the years to come- is simple: enjoy the conference, leave a lighter footprint. While we are committed to improving each year, we recognise that this is an ongoing journey and there is still work to be done.
Hotels & Accommodation
We recommend looking for a hotel close to the venue with environmental certifications or visible sustainability measures, e.g., using renewable energy, proper waste sorting systems, or offering sustainable food options.
We know that hotels in Naples are in high demand during the conference period, so you might not have much flexibility in your booking. Even if your choice is already set, you can still help make your stay more sustainable:
Travel is the biggest contributor to a conference’s carbon footprint. We encourage:
Food & Catering
Our catering is designed to be good for you and the planet:
Please help us by avoiding food waste — take only what you will enjoy.
Waste & Water
You’ll find clearly marked recycling bins throughout the venue. Colour-coded recycling bins are available on every floor. We kindly ask all participants to use them correctly to ensure proper waste separation. We’ve tried to minimise single-use items and installed water-saving devices.
Please help by sorting waste correctly and using refill stations for your water bottle.
Inclusion, Equality & Respect
We want this conference to be welcoming and safe for everyone. That means:
Offsetting Our Impact
We aim to understand the full climate footprint of this conference. We plan to use this as a baseline to improve in the years to come. Attendees will receive a short questionnaire to gather data on travel, transport, and other activities. Using this information, we will calculate the event’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
If our budget allows, we will offset these emissions by supporting certified, high-quality climate projects. If funding is limited, we may invite attendees to contribute toward offsets, so we can take this step together.
Let’s Lead by Example
By working together — organisers, speakers, and guests — we can show that high-quality events don’t have to come at a high cost to the planet. Thank you for being part of ICSR’s sustainability effort and for making choices that align with a more sustainable future.
