Advice about Naples?
May 5th, 2016, 04:44 AM
#1
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Advice about Naples?
We are working on plans for a 2 week trip to southern Italy this fall. I've heard mixed reviews on Naples. Please share your thoughts:
Is Naples safe?
Is it worth spending time there? How much?
Is there any area you recommend staying in or staying away from?
Recommendations on hotels and restaurants?
Any sights not to be missed?
Thanks for your help.
Is Naples safe?
Is it worth spending time there? How much?
Is there any area you recommend staying in or staying away from?
Recommendations on hotels and restaurants?
Any sights not to be missed?
Thanks for your help.
May 5th, 2016, 05:11 AM
#2
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We loved the Easter we spent in Naples. We were surprised how safe we felt there. The people were very friendly and the atmosphere in the city was really nice. We had heard so many bad things, but we found it to be cleaner than we expected, but also a little gritty, but we liked that.
Don't miss the archaeology museum with many artifacts from Pompeii.
And of course the delicious food, including some really good pizza.
You can see our pics here:
https://flickr.com/photos/[email protected]
Don't miss the archaeology museum with many artifacts from Pompeii.
And of course the delicious food, including some really good pizza.
You can see our pics here:
https://flickr.com/photos/[email protected]
May 5th, 2016, 05:25 AM
#3
Is Naples safe? It depends on where you are. But most tourist areas are fine, some of the more ancient back streets are "interesting" and I'd be focused on money security at the main station. There is a danger of getting your feet caught between the large basalt stones that make up the streets and I feel that is a bigger danger than any people stuff.
It is gritty. However; the people are fine, the sea food is great, the archaeology museam as jamikins says is great. The Herculaneum visit is good but go early and take water.
Do take a boat trip as the place looks great from the sea, if you have time visit the little cities to the north along the coast.
It is gritty. However; the people are fine, the sea food is great, the archaeology museam as jamikins says is great. The Herculaneum visit is good but go early and take water.
Do take a boat trip as the place looks great from the sea, if you have time visit the little cities to the north along the coast.
May 5th, 2016, 06:56 AM
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I was in Naples last May, and it's one of the places from that trip that my thoughts return to again and again. Its sights are rich and it's intense. How long always depends on so many idiosyncratic variables--one's interests, pace, etc. I spent three nights and could easily have added a fourth. I was on my own and stayed at the Hotel Piazza Bellini in the historical center (highly recommend). I felt comfortable out and about during the day in the touristy areas but was cautious about long, narrow, empty streets and at night. I had dinner with the friend of a friend who lives in Naples and told me she'd been mugged twice and to be careful. The staff of the hotel were very helpful in this regard--reassured me that the subway up to the Vomero would be fine, gave me the name of a restaurant on the edge of the Spanish quarter for lunch. When I asked the young girl at the check-out counter at L'Etto my last night about going in search of a gelato, she took my hands by the wrists and checked my ears to be certain my jewelry was minimal--very sweet.
May 5th, 2016, 01:18 PM
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You need a guide book.
Start here
http://www.napoliunplugged.com/
If you're asking 'what to see and what not to miss' about a city that's been occupied since the Ancient Greeks called it Partenope, then you need to do some homework. 3000 years of history lie within.
The 'is Naples safe' is hyperbole. It is exactly the same as any other city. The statistics demonstrate that there is more street crime in Milan yet no one ever asks 'is Milan safe'. Use exactly the same precautions you would anywhere in the world such as keeping valuable safe, no wallets hanging out of back pockets and so on.
As for where to stay, Trip Advisor has some good advice.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g...e.To.Stay.html
Start here
http://www.napoliunplugged.com/
If you're asking 'what to see and what not to miss' about a city that's been occupied since the Ancient Greeks called it Partenope, then you need to do some homework. 3000 years of history lie within.
The 'is Naples safe' is hyperbole. It is exactly the same as any other city. The statistics demonstrate that there is more street crime in Milan yet no one ever asks 'is Milan safe'. Use exactly the same precautions you would anywhere in the world such as keeping valuable safe, no wallets hanging out of back pockets and so on.
As for where to stay, Trip Advisor has some good advice.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g...e.To.Stay.html
May 5th, 2016, 01:27 PM
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I don't love it.
Probably won't go back.
Didn't run in to very nice or helpful people.
Had mediocre food.
Thought it was filthy dirty.
Be aware that no one else here says that they didn't care for Naples. I like the Archaeological Museum quite a bit, but even that was in poor condition.
Probably won't go back.
Didn't run in to very nice or helpful people.
Had mediocre food.
Thought it was filthy dirty.
Be aware that no one else here says that they didn't care for Naples. I like the Archaeological Museum quite a bit, but even that was in poor condition.
May 5th, 2016, 01:59 PM
#7
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tuscanlifeedit - when were you there (20 years ago?).
Clearly you did no research if you had mediocre food. It always pays to investigate ahead of time.
Rome's bins overflow - it is also 'filthy' in parts. I don't let that affect my frequent visits to Rome. Not everything looks like Disneyland.
'Archaeological Museum in poor condition' - care to expand on that?
Clearly you did no research if you had mediocre food. It always pays to investigate ahead of time.
Rome's bins overflow - it is also 'filthy' in parts. I don't let that affect my frequent visits to Rome. Not everything looks like Disneyland.
'Archaeological Museum in poor condition' - care to expand on that?
May 5th, 2016, 05:32 PM
#8
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I loved Naples! I found it dynamic and energetic, full of amazing art and architecture, with some breathtaking views and incredible food. I seriously regret that I gave it only 2.5 days and look forward to a time when I can give it a week.
BUT -- as you already knew, and as is demonstrated already in this thread -- people have very different reactions to it.
BUT -- as you already knew, and as is demonstrated already in this thread -- people have very different reactions to it.
May 5th, 2016, 07:32 PM
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Yes, I went twenty years ago with no research. Blueeye, you are right, as always.
I may not be the expert that you are, but I'm not the idiot you make me out to be.
The OP asked for feedback. I gave him/her mine. I told them that most people wouldn't agree with me. That does not invalidate my experiences.
About the AM: important sections were unavailable to visitors and I saw areas in serious need of repair. I spoke with a docent who told me that there was a lack of funds, thus the problems. On the other hand, it's an incredible collection. I thought I preceded my criticism with that.
2OnRway: I just didn't care for Naples. I had a few run ins with very bad service, ate a couple of lackluster meals, one in a restaurant that came with high recommendations, and found much of the "charm" just a little too gritty and hard to come by for my tastes.
I thought the city was dirty, and the markets and shops weren't as vibrant or as interesting as I expected them to be.
A client of mine was there during my visit, about 3 years ago. She stayed in a nice seafront hotel, took the hop on/hop off bus, and LOVED Naples. She liked the place much more than I.
I travel on a low budget and in Italy especially, was often working at least part of the time while visiting. I didn't enjoy the budget aspects of Naples (inexpensive hotel; public transport) and I'm really not a fan of Naples' Baroque or Rococo art and architecture.
I spend a lot of time in Rome, and also Florence. I have a great love for those places. Naples, not so much.
Courses for horses.
I may not be the expert that you are, but I'm not the idiot you make me out to be.
The OP asked for feedback. I gave him/her mine. I told them that most people wouldn't agree with me. That does not invalidate my experiences.
About the AM: important sections were unavailable to visitors and I saw areas in serious need of repair. I spoke with a docent who told me that there was a lack of funds, thus the problems. On the other hand, it's an incredible collection. I thought I preceded my criticism with that.
2OnRway: I just didn't care for Naples. I had a few run ins with very bad service, ate a couple of lackluster meals, one in a restaurant that came with high recommendations, and found much of the "charm" just a little too gritty and hard to come by for my tastes.
I thought the city was dirty, and the markets and shops weren't as vibrant or as interesting as I expected them to be.
A client of mine was there during my visit, about 3 years ago. She stayed in a nice seafront hotel, took the hop on/hop off bus, and LOVED Naples. She liked the place much more than I.
I travel on a low budget and in Italy especially, was often working at least part of the time while visiting. I didn't enjoy the budget aspects of Naples (inexpensive hotel; public transport) and I'm really not a fan of Naples' Baroque or Rococo art and architecture.
I spend a lot of time in Rome, and also Florence. I have a great love for those places. Naples, not so much.
Courses for horses.
May 5th, 2016, 08:50 PM
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Is Naples safe? Do not know statistics. I felt no less safe in Naples than in Rome or Barcelona. I am careful in all cities.
Is it worth going! Experience is everything and it depends on what kinds of experiences you want on a trip or vacation. This is not a judgement. If you want to get away from everyday stuff, surround yourself with great natural beauty, elegant hotels and restaurants, even less elegant places, but ones that let you have peace and fun and relaxation, and fine food, then head on down to the AC. This is not a judgement. I absolutely love the Amalfi Coast!
For Naples, I think you must enjoy some chaos and appreciate the less than pristine environment and abundance of smells and noise that are part of the exuberant city life of Naples. I love the smells of celery and cabage hauled around in little trucks, sometimes pulled up in buckets to higher Windows, barefoot kids playing soccer in church squares. You will meet people at their everyday pursuits, not there to serve tourists. I have been treated with great kindness in Naples, helped with directions by a trash pusher, given a book by an archeologist and fruit by a woman on the train, none of whom I had met before. I have also had taxi drivers change their rates quickly when they realized I knew a bit about getting around Naples. Annoying, but not exclusive to Naples. So, that is Naples to me.
OTOH, Naples is also rich with art, museums and architecture. It has art that you will never forget. No matter what else you have seen, The Veiled Christ in Cappella Sansevero will stay with you forever. The archeological museum compliments a trip to Pompeii. You can go just for those things if you wish and kind o
Safety.
Is it worth going! Experience is everything and it depends on what kinds of experiences you want on a trip or vacation. This is not a judgement. If you want to get away from everyday stuff, surround yourself with great natural beauty, elegant hotels and restaurants, even less elegant places, but ones that let you have peace and fun and relaxation, and fine food, then head on down to the AC. This is not a judgement. I absolutely love the Amalfi Coast!
For Naples, I think you must enjoy some chaos and appreciate the less than pristine environment and abundance of smells and noise that are part of the exuberant city life of Naples. I love the smells of celery and cabage hauled around in little trucks, sometimes pulled up in buckets to higher Windows, barefoot kids playing soccer in church squares. You will meet people at their everyday pursuits, not there to serve tourists. I have been treated with great kindness in Naples, helped with directions by a trash pusher, given a book by an archeologist and fruit by a woman on the train, none of whom I had met before. I have also had taxi drivers change their rates quickly when they realized I knew a bit about getting around Naples. Annoying, but not exclusive to Naples. So, that is Naples to me.
OTOH, Naples is also rich with art, museums and architecture. It has art that you will never forget. No matter what else you have seen, The Veiled Christ in Cappella Sansevero will stay with you forever. The archeological museum compliments a trip to Pompeii. You can go just for those things if you wish and kind o
Safety.
May 5th, 2016, 10:10 PM
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<I thought the city was dirty, and the markets and shops weren't as vibrant or as interesting as I expected them to be. >
So this is dirty, huh?
http://tinyurl.com/j4s7bk4
http://tinyurl.com/jemnof8
http://tinyurl.com/zwuw562
http://tinyurl.com/gp4y9jj
http://tinyurl.com/zqlh7hj
http://tinyurl.com/j4whjld
These are the streets where tourists would walk. Not sure where exactly lies the 'dirt'. Interesting how people bang on about that.
I would say the area around Napoli Centrale and Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi are ugly but who spends time there - no one goes to Naples to hang out at the train station. Gare du Nord in Paris is rather ugly and dirty as well.
No one even needs to come across the noise, traffic or 'grit' either. Take Metro line 1 to Toledo stop (two stops) and walk along Via Toledo, through Piazza Plebescito and onto the Lungomare - all traffic free - no noise. Just the peace and beauty of the waterfront. Very little traffic in the historic centre as well as (a) it can't go fast and (b) you need a resident permit to drive there.
I get tired of misinformation about Naples. People need to look past the train station and the surrounds.
So this is dirty, huh?
http://tinyurl.com/j4s7bk4
http://tinyurl.com/jemnof8
http://tinyurl.com/zwuw562
http://tinyurl.com/gp4y9jj
http://tinyurl.com/zqlh7hj
http://tinyurl.com/j4whjld
These are the streets where tourists would walk. Not sure where exactly lies the 'dirt'. Interesting how people bang on about that.
I would say the area around Napoli Centrale and Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi are ugly but who spends time there - no one goes to Naples to hang out at the train station. Gare du Nord in Paris is rather ugly and dirty as well.
No one even needs to come across the noise, traffic or 'grit' either. Take Metro line 1 to Toledo stop (two stops) and walk along Via Toledo, through Piazza Plebescito and onto the Lungomare - all traffic free - no noise. Just the peace and beauty of the waterfront. Very little traffic in the historic centre as well as (a) it can't go fast and (b) you need a resident permit to drive there.
I get tired of misinformation about Naples. People need to look past the train station and the surrounds.
May 6th, 2016, 12:31 AM
#13
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I was actually surprised at how clean Naples was, I went expecting garbage piled up everywhere! It is an old city but we saw no garbage piled up and we were staying in what I would call a gritty area.
Our taxi driver couldn't pull up in front of our B&B because it was too narrow so he pointed us down an alleyway with crumbling buildings and nothing that looked like a hotel entrance. We buzzed in, walked up two flights of stairs and into a lovely, well maintained budget B&B with a terrace.
Yes, there is graffiti...a lot of it.
Yes, there are crumbling buildings in the central area we stayed.
Yes, it is what I would consider grittier than Rome.
Yes, it is chaotic.
But it felt alive and I loved it. It was a pleasant surprise to me. If you look past or even into the crumbling buildings you find lovely churches, hotels, B&Bs and restaurants. We had great food in Naples - but I do a lot of research before we head out.
There is no right answer - some love it, some don't. This was just our experience.
But you won't know unless you go there for yourself or if you know you won't like what is described.
You can see my pics in the link above.
Happy planning.
Our taxi driver couldn't pull up in front of our B&B because it was too narrow so he pointed us down an alleyway with crumbling buildings and nothing that looked like a hotel entrance. We buzzed in, walked up two flights of stairs and into a lovely, well maintained budget B&B with a terrace.
Yes, there is graffiti...a lot of it.
Yes, there are crumbling buildings in the central area we stayed.
Yes, it is what I would consider grittier than Rome.
Yes, it is chaotic.
But it felt alive and I loved it. It was a pleasant surprise to me. If you look past or even into the crumbling buildings you find lovely churches, hotels, B&Bs and restaurants. We had great food in Naples - but I do a lot of research before we head out.
There is no right answer - some love it, some don't. This was just our experience.
But you won't know unless you go there for yourself or if you know you won't like what is described.
You can see my pics in the link above.
Happy planning.
May 6th, 2016, 01:31 AM
#14
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And just in case anyone begs to differ and say the area around the Naples Archaeological Museum is 'filthy' - there you go
http://tinyurl.com/zuogpft
I can speak from experience because I am married to a Campanian Italian (Amalfi Coast) and have seen Naples for many years. Yes, it had its issues with garbage crises but these are now resolved.
If anyone wants a pristine scrubbed Italian city then ...hey I have no idea what to recommend. They all have their issues. Naples is unfairly targeted and I hope these street view images reflect the city I know and love.
http://tinyurl.com/zuogpft
I can speak from experience because I am married to a Campanian Italian (Amalfi Coast) and have seen Naples for many years. Yes, it had its issues with garbage crises but these are now resolved.
If anyone wants a pristine scrubbed Italian city then ...hey I have no idea what to recommend. They all have their issues. Naples is unfairly targeted and I hope these street view images reflect the city I know and love.
May 6th, 2016, 06:05 AM
#15
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We only had from noon one day until about 9 AM the next morning. We stayed at a hotel on the seafront - more modern - Continentale?? We didn't have the time to wander far (not as far as historical center) but I was ravenous and exhausted from hauling the luggage over cobblestones from the ferry so while my friend ventured out I asked at the bar for a bite to eat - and was brought a wonderful mozzarella and parma ham sandwich, fries and cappucino. my friend returned with stories of a lovely neighborhood with wonderful gelato shops, and we headed back out - thoroughly enjoyed it - walked as far as the Galleria Umberto as I wanted Sfogliatelle Mary (sfogliatelle is my favorite dessert). So while our time was very limited and we remained in the upscale section I did enjoy Naples - the views, the great breakfast, etec. i do wish we'd had more time for the archeological museum and pizza at Da Michele -- but we spent most of our time in Positano, Capri, Amalri and Ravello.
May 6th, 2016, 09:16 AM
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Tuscanlifeedit, I would be interested, but guess it should be for a different thread. Would be fun to compare Athens with Naples. It is wonderful to learn different people's take on, or experience in, different cities, especially those like Venice, Naples, Athens, that inspire strong feelings. May start a thread about it.
May 6th, 2016, 12:37 PM
#20
I was debating whether to stay near the waterfront or in the historic center because we are visiting this summer and I'm imagining more cooling breezes near the water. Both areas seem like they have benefits.
In any case, I'm visiting Naples for essentially the first time (did a quick pass-through once when I was very young). I LOVED Palermo, which is a bit gritty and could be considered a bit rundown, so surely I will find much to love in Naples?
In any case, I'm visiting Naples for essentially the first time (did a quick pass-through once when I was very young). I LOVED Palermo, which is a bit gritty and could be considered a bit rundown, so surely I will find much to love in Naples?
