I just read an inspiring article on Naples in the NYTimes "Sophisticated Traveler", and am wondering if anyone has been there recently as a tourist--not just using it as a base for other places--and what your experience was like--things to see, places to stay, local transportation, etc. The article made it sound like a wonderful place to visit, and I'd love to hear some personal anecdotes before I make my plans.

Hello <BR> <BR>I was in Naples jsut last Thanksgiving. We stayed in the city about for three days. I think to like Naples, it greatly helps to be a fan of big, urban areas - think New York, Milan, Chicago. It is crowded, lively, a lot of great old buildings - churches, etc. However, it is the opposite of quaint. There are a couple of decent museums. The old city, Spacanapoli is fun to walk around. There are relatively few tourists there. <BR> <BR>City transportation is fine, subway, cabs, many busses. There are certainly many palces to eat, but for such a big city, there are not many right in the center. <BR> <BR>By the way, I have the S. Traveler section of the Times, sitting here, and I plan to read it over the weekend.

My husband and I spent about 4 days in Naples this spring. It is a nice city and we actually had a good time just wandering around and eating lots of pizza. On one day we made a trip down to Herculaneum and took the bus up Mt. Vesuvius. Local transportation was good. the time we spent in Naples actually increased my interest in seeing some of the more southern parts of Italy on a future trip.

HI Carol - Haven't spoken with you in a long time. <BR> <BR>I just returned from Naples - for the second time. Was there for a few days both trips. I like it a lot. It's a very vibrant city - much more similar to the "Italy" that New Yorkers think of - lively, passionate, lots of red sauce, and great seafood. <BR> <BR>We stayed at 2 really nice hotels, had wonderful meals - and walked and walked... I highly recommend it!

Naples is my absolute favorite city in Italy. I had to drag myself away from it. It's chaotic, warm, lively and well worth any time you have for it. Public transportation is easy, food is cheap and delicious, men are wickedly handsome, and wandering the streets was a true pleasure. The city is full of beautiful churches, cozy alleyways with cool shops and handy pizza stands on every corner. have a great time.

Carol, <BR>I brought Dona's thread to the top for you. <BR>there are some interesting things on Naples and the area around it. <BR>It's titled, Dona Returns..... <BR>Enjoy. <BR>nancy

Mamma mia--thanks all for your enthusiastic comments. Being a native New Yorker, I had a feeling, which you've all confirmed, that I'd love Naples. Hi Dona, glad to be back--busy times at work have kept me away--which hotel besides Santa Lucia did you stay at?

I forgot to ask which guidebook(s) you found most useful for Naples. Thanks again.

During my first trip in '96, I stayed at the Miramare - also on the Bay but not quite as centrally located - and less expensive. Liked it a lot - it has a wonderful roof breakfast room in good weather. <BR> <BR>I'm not at home right now - and I don't remember what guide books I used. I have quite a few - there are 2 Cadogan's (1 North of Naples, 1 South of Rome) - and I think a Fodor's Naples Guide. I'll check and let you know... <BR> <BR>Are you actually planning a trip? <BR>

Naples is definitely one of my favourite places. It is lively, unpretentious and welcoming without being insincere. Merghellina is near to the place where you get the hydrofoils to Capri and has a lot of character. It is definitely not a touristy place but at the same time they have seen tourists before.

My husband & I stayed in a really nice hotel near the top of the hill in Naples overlooking Mt. Vesuvius. It had friendly, helpful people, an excellent breakfast room & porch w/a beautiful view of the volcano. There is a funiculare 2-3 blocks up the hill to take you down to the waterfront where you can take a hydrofoil to the Isle of Capri. The hotel is Hotel Paridiso 011-081-761-4161. <BR> <BR>When we arrived by taxi @ Pompei, we were talked into renting a taxi for the rest of the day to take us down the Amalfi coast to Sorrento. It was beautiful & relaxing & about $100 for 4 people. I would do it again in a heartbeat! The driver took us to a restaurant (I'm sure he gets a comission!) that opened up early for us, gave us complimentary shots of lemonchilla & a superb dinner.

Naples is mad and wonderful but get a car and spend some time going down the coast to Positano and Ravello taking in Pompeii on the way - you'll enjoy some of the most incredible scenery in the world.

topping for dottie

Spent a week in the general area, but just a day in Naples (not nearly enough). <BR>Lots to see. Get the Time Out Guide to Naples -- I was just looking in it and its very good on the surrounding area as well. <BR>Be sure to see the Roman forum, etc. under San Lorenzo Maggiore.

Good evening to all <BR> <BR>Am very elated to see all the positive <BR>things on this board about Naples, it <BR>seems in mostof the past posts the <BR>negative comments reigned. Naples <BR>seems to be raising and rightly so. <BR>Richard of La Grange Park, Il..