Is Naples always so scary?
Jun 7th, 2004, 05:29 PM
#22
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OK, I've never set foot in Naples, so you can consider my two comments irrelevant, but:
1. Train stations often display the worst a city has to offer.
2. One of the high-end (Condé Nast or such) magazines had an article about Naples maybe a year ago, a very positive article detailing how parts of the city are reviving and there is a SoHo-like section of hip cafés and art galleries that is attracting interest and inspiring a clean-up of the whole city, both literally and figuratively. For what it's worth...
I'd give it a shot. Could it be worse than Tangiers?
1. Train stations often display the worst a city has to offer.
2. One of the high-end (Condé Nast or such) magazines had an article about Naples maybe a year ago, a very positive article detailing how parts of the city are reviving and there is a SoHo-like section of hip cafés and art galleries that is attracting interest and inspiring a clean-up of the whole city, both literally and figuratively. For what it's worth...
I'd give it a shot. Could it be worse than Tangiers?
Jun 7th, 2004, 05:35 PM
#23
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Or Pascagoula? 
StCirq, that reminds me of an article I'd read about two years ago about a similar revival in parts of Marseilles. It cited a French poll which said that, among young people, it was the most desireable French city in which to live.
StCirq, that reminds me of an article I'd read about two years ago about a similar revival in parts of Marseilles. It cited a French poll which said that, among young people, it was the most desireable French city in which to live.
Jun 7th, 2004, 05:46 PM
#25
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>It just felt dirty and seedy. <
Sounds like NYC
>And on the way home, my husband stumbled upon two men in the bathroom engaged in . . . well, you can figure it out.<
Happened to me at the university where I worked.
>We ran into troublemaking kids on two separate trips there.<
Happened to me in Savannah.
>we bought tickets at the Naples station and it was interesting to see how aggressively people -- mostly younger men -- tried to cut in line.<
Happened to me at Dulles International.
>I certainly agree that there is a sense of seediness and "anything goes" behavior that one does not get further north-or, for that matter, even in Sicily. <
Ever been to Detroit?
Naples is the home of Pizza Margherita (tomato sauce, Mozzarella and basil) Red, White and Green (colors of the flag) named, supposedly, in honor of Queen Margherite.
It is also, I think, the most Italian of cities in Italy (of course i could be just an old fogey who doesn't realize that italy is like no longer the old country that it was and that it has like moved into the 21 century and that it is in the fourfront of like all sorts of things, but i don't even no who jlo is).
Sounds like NYC
>And on the way home, my husband stumbled upon two men in the bathroom engaged in . . . well, you can figure it out.<
Happened to me at the university where I worked.
>We ran into troublemaking kids on two separate trips there.<
Happened to me in Savannah.
>we bought tickets at the Naples station and it was interesting to see how aggressively people -- mostly younger men -- tried to cut in line.<
Happened to me at Dulles International.
>I certainly agree that there is a sense of seediness and "anything goes" behavior that one does not get further north-or, for that matter, even in Sicily. <
Ever been to Detroit?
Naples is the home of Pizza Margherita (tomato sauce, Mozzarella and basil) Red, White and Green (colors of the flag) named, supposedly, in honor of Queen Margherite.
It is also, I think, the most Italian of cities in Italy (of course i could be just an old fogey who doesn't realize that italy is like no longer the old country that it was and that it has like moved into the 21 century and that it is in the fourfront of like all sorts of things, but i don't even no who jlo is).
Jun 7th, 2004, 05:57 PM
#26
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Well, I don't think I was ready for Naples on my first trip to Italy-- It sounded too intimidating; but now that I've been to Italy a few times, I'm going to give Naples a try this fall.
If we don't like it, we won't go back, but I'm intrigued by people's descriptions of how vibrant and lively it is.
If we don't like it, we won't go back, but I'm intrigued by people's descriptions of how vibrant and lively it is.
Jun 7th, 2004, 06:00 PM
#27
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My wife and I were in Naples last month for four days and had no problems. Yes, the train station is a bit scary. Knowing that in advance, we had a driver meet us and escort us directly to his car. A great investment for 25 Euro. There is a lot to see and do in Naples, and the food is fantastic. I highly recommend Risorante Medina.
We felt perfectly safe walking around, and people were helpful. Americans are a bit of a novelty in some parts of the city, and the Neopolitans were more than gracious. Beware of the cab drivers. If they do not immediately start the meter (and most do not)expect a disagreement over the fare. Stand your ground and you will only get ripped of a little. You really haven't been to Naples if you haven't been scammed by a cab driver. Naples is a good center point for Capri, Pompeii, etc. Don't let the train station scare you off.
We felt perfectly safe walking around, and people were helpful. Americans are a bit of a novelty in some parts of the city, and the Neopolitans were more than gracious. Beware of the cab drivers. If they do not immediately start the meter (and most do not)expect a disagreement over the fare. Stand your ground and you will only get ripped of a little. You really haven't been to Naples if you haven't been scammed by a cab driver. Naples is a good center point for Capri, Pompeii, etc. Don't let the train station scare you off.
Jun 8th, 2004, 05:04 AM
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Hi kellbell - for centuries Naples (and Sicily) were the frontier - a place where cultures collide. Without a dominant culture enforcing rules of behavior, the result was lawlessness and the remnants of that remain. Naples is not on most people's travel agenda, although it is said to have the best and first pizza, so I'm planning to visit next time I'm in Italy. It's a shame you had an unpleasant experience - it can mar the memories - but that sort of thing happens in the US as well. Sometimes it's best to think of it as one of those "oh boy - you won't believe what we saw" experiences and laugh about it.
Jun 8th, 2004, 06:53 AM
#30
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I had the most adventurous taxi experience several years ago in Naples, coming in from the airport. The taxi ran into heavy traffic just south of the train station, so the driver jumped over the median onto the light rail tracks to overpass a long line of stalled cars. He jumped back into his lane a few feet before crashing head on to an approaching tram. Apparently, he was training as a stuntman in the next James Bond movie, and wanted to impress me.
Quite apart from the poverty, litter, and petty crime, Naples is an exhilirating city, with tons of wonderful cultural, religious and tourist sites, as well as good hotels and restaurants. You need a week in the city to really get to know it well. As for the negatives of the city, they should not bother most people who are mentally prepared in advance to encounter them.
Quite apart from the poverty, litter, and petty crime, Naples is an exhilirating city, with tons of wonderful cultural, religious and tourist sites, as well as good hotels and restaurants. You need a week in the city to really get to know it well. As for the negatives of the city, they should not bother most people who are mentally prepared in advance to encounter them.
Jun 8th, 2004, 07:10 AM
#31
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So your husband came across two men engaged in sex. People have sex, sweetie. Get over it! (What were you and your husband doing on your HONEYMOON?) I was walking through a public park in Philadelphia last weekend and I saw two heterosexuals engaged in sex on a blanket. I just turned my head. That's life in a big city. You should be a little more sophisticated.
I love Naples. You can never say you were bored in Naples, as there is always some jaw-dropping scene to look at.
Scary can be fun!! Who wants the safety and boredom of Disney World whilst travelling????? I want to see the world in its infinite variety, sweetie.
Cheers, John G.
I love Naples. You can never say you were bored in Naples, as there is always some jaw-dropping scene to look at.
Scary can be fun!! Who wants the safety and boredom of Disney World whilst travelling????? I want to see the world in its infinite variety, sweetie.
Cheers, John G.
Jun 8th, 2004, 07:31 AM
#32
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That's what I love about this Forum -- the range of experience and opinions. First off, I just want to say that the act of sex didn't freak him (us) out -- it was a "Bill and Monica" sorta thing and it wasn't in the stall of the bathroom. He walked in on the middle of it and it took him off guard. We aren't prudes, nor are we close-minded. Maybe a bit sheltered. . . but it just wasn't something he/we expected. Believe me, we do laugh about it. Personally, it is one of my favorite stories from our trip (shock factor I guess). . . and the time when he was attacked by a lame pigeon on the piazza in Capri.
I am very much into the issue of urban revitalization, so now I'm intrigued by Naples and the changes that most of you mentioned. It was just the one place on our trip where I did not feel safe -- and I live in DC and have spent a great deal of time in Detroit. Next time I travel to Italy, I'll be sure to make in-roads into Naples to discover all the wonderful things you have all described. (But don't stop the banter on my account. . . . )
I am very much into the issue of urban revitalization, so now I'm intrigued by Naples and the changes that most of you mentioned. It was just the one place on our trip where I did not feel safe -- and I live in DC and have spent a great deal of time in Detroit. Next time I travel to Italy, I'll be sure to make in-roads into Naples to discover all the wonderful things you have all described. (But don't stop the banter on my account. . . . )
Jun 8th, 2004, 08:10 AM
#33
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kellbell, we went to Italy for the first time last year and I came across plenty of posts like this one prior to us going. There's something about Naples that brings out very strong opinions in people! Frankly, it intrigued us and we made a point to visit.
I am glad we did. Naples won us in a heartbeat! Yes, it's filled with graffiti, it's seedy in places (some would insist all of Naples is seedy), it's crowded, and it's noisy. But it's also amazingly vital, colorful, and unique. It's not elegant like some other Italian cities. It's not serene like the countryside. But it lives, it breathes--there's a visceral quality about Naples that smacks you left front and center. Naples grabbed us like no other city.
I can understand that other people don't like being "grabbed." I, too, enjoy cities that unfold gently before me and reveal their charms slowly and softly. Naples could never be like that, so I can see how it could never be some travelers' "cup of tea." It certainly was ours, though.
We found two of we thought the prettiest cafes in Italy in Naples, one in the lower city, one in the upper. We found fabulous food at every corner (man! is that a city that loves to cook and eat or what????. As well as loveable rogues at every other corner (like the one who talked us into going to his cameo factory, where I got sweet-talked into buying cameo earrings that I didn't particularly like but am now perversely fond of as they remind me of Naples). We walked in the dark of the night from the ferry docks--our ferry back to Sorrento never showed up--to the train station without hazard. We walked carefully and purposefully and were neither mugged or thugged. So much for Naples' ugly reputation as a hotbed of danger. I think Naples' bark is worse than its bite; for it didn't seem any different to us than what we've found in NYC, Chicago, and other large metropolises. We exercised reasonable caution in Naples and met with no surprises. What we did find was a wonderful place filled with urgency, vibrancy, and a certain joie de vivre that not many other cities could match.
I am glad we did. Naples won us in a heartbeat! Yes, it's filled with graffiti, it's seedy in places (some would insist all of Naples is seedy), it's crowded, and it's noisy. But it's also amazingly vital, colorful, and unique. It's not elegant like some other Italian cities. It's not serene like the countryside. But it lives, it breathes--there's a visceral quality about Naples that smacks you left front and center. Naples grabbed us like no other city.
I can understand that other people don't like being "grabbed." I, too, enjoy cities that unfold gently before me and reveal their charms slowly and softly. Naples could never be like that, so I can see how it could never be some travelers' "cup of tea." It certainly was ours, though.
We found two of we thought the prettiest cafes in Italy in Naples, one in the lower city, one in the upper. We found fabulous food at every corner (man! is that a city that loves to cook and eat or what????. As well as loveable rogues at every other corner (like the one who talked us into going to his cameo factory, where I got sweet-talked into buying cameo earrings that I didn't particularly like but am now perversely fond of as they remind me of Naples). We walked in the dark of the night from the ferry docks--our ferry back to Sorrento never showed up--to the train station without hazard. We walked carefully and purposefully and were neither mugged or thugged. So much for Naples' ugly reputation as a hotbed of danger. I think Naples' bark is worse than its bite; for it didn't seem any different to us than what we've found in NYC, Chicago, and other large metropolises. We exercised reasonable caution in Naples and met with no surprises. What we did find was a wonderful place filled with urgency, vibrancy, and a certain joie de vivre that not many other cities could match.
Jun 8th, 2004, 09:20 AM
#34
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Well Kellbell
I agree with you 100%. Naples is a very dangerous place to visit. We just returned in May from Italy. We flew into Naples and was attacked in the car rental parking lot. A 28 year old kid grabbed me by the arm and was pulling me out of the parking out. My husband had to beat the guy up just so he would let go. Thank God he didn't start beating on my husband. He just ran away ...he had a buddy on a get-away motorcycle.
Stay away from Naples.
I agree with you 100%. Naples is a very dangerous place to visit. We just returned in May from Italy. We flew into Naples and was attacked in the car rental parking lot. A 28 year old kid grabbed me by the arm and was pulling me out of the parking out. My husband had to beat the guy up just so he would let go. Thank God he didn't start beating on my husband. He just ran away ...he had a buddy on a get-away motorcycle.
Stay away from Naples.
Jun 8th, 2004, 11:25 AM
#35
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No offense mnatella, but that could have happened anywhere. Naples is brash and bold and sweaty and gritty and hold-your-breath beautiful. Absolutely a do-not-miss.
Kellbell, I lived in Naples (actually, Ercolano) for several years. Feel free to drop an email to [email protected] if you have any other questions.
p.s. I also live in DC....trust me, DC is WAY scarier than Naples sometimes.
Kellbell, I lived in Naples (actually, Ercolano) for several years. Feel free to drop an email to [email protected] if you have any other questions.
p.s. I also live in DC....trust me, DC is WAY scarier than Naples sometimes.
Jun 8th, 2004, 02:49 PM
#37
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Experiencing physical violence in any way would make me not want to visit a place again! I don't mind chaotic cities that are a bit rough around the edges. Again. . . it all just goes back to first impressions, and mine wasn't so great. That's why I'm glad folks had positive things to say about it. I promise that I won't bash Naples based on my very limited experience. When I have the good fortune to visit Italy again, I'll be sure to spend time there and report back on what I thought. Maybe next week. . . . or in the fall! sigh.
Jun 8th, 2004, 04:48 PM
#38
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I guess I am lucky . . . I have family in Naples, and when I was there ages ago with my grandmother and aunt they escorted us everywhere, so perhaps the riff raff avoided us? We plan on staying there on our trip next summer. I will admit it is not the most beautiful city I have ever seen, but hey, we don't have to pay for our accomodations! I wonder how it is now. Besides, my family will be so excited that I have brought my husband to meet them that they will be dragging us all around the Amalfi Coast, so we probably won't spend all of our time there!
Jun 8th, 2004, 05:16 PM
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We were in Naples recently staying very near the Arch Museum in the "old" part of town. We did witness two thefts with the thief running by and grabbing money (once when a man was paying his cab fare). However, I did not think Naples was scary. We walked everywhere we went and were "careful"--did not even get our camera out for pictures (which I regret but my husband did not want to take any chances). I did not go to the train station but was near there. Naples has much character and I am very glad I went. I would go back for a brief visit to see some things I missed. I also want to add that the people we asked to help us with directions, etc. were very nice and helpful even with me speaking English and them Italian.
Jun 8th, 2004, 05:27 PM
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I went from Rome to Positano via the Naples train station. I heard so much about this place and how sketchy it was so I was definitely on the defensive when I got there. The train station is definitely seedy and far worse than anything I have seen in NYC or Brooklyn (where I live). I did not see any crime taking place but I could feel it -- people watching me to see where I went and if I had anything they could grab.
My wife and I got off the train and our traxi driver was waiting for us. He says is this all you have grabs my wifes bag and says follow me -- while he almost jogs to the car. We get to the car (a mercedes) and he opens the trunk throws the bags in and says get in. He immediately after locks the door and almost takes a deep breath. I turned to my wife and then said to the guy "is it bad around here?". He turns lifts up his arm and says I do not wear a watch because they broke my window while I was at a light to rob my watch. This definitely put some fear in me and I was already a bit cautious.
Our friends in Rome had already told us to stay away from everyone...don't look anyone, don't talk to anyone, don't go in the bathrooms and if a gypsy came up to us that we should say "non toccarme". They also said that Naples is one of the very few places in Italy where you may experience violent crime.
This would not stop me from going to Positano again via Naples but if it is possible I may find an alternate route -- maybe a submarine with a few missles....LOL!
My wife and I got off the train and our traxi driver was waiting for us. He says is this all you have grabs my wifes bag and says follow me -- while he almost jogs to the car. We get to the car (a mercedes) and he opens the trunk throws the bags in and says get in. He immediately after locks the door and almost takes a deep breath. I turned to my wife and then said to the guy "is it bad around here?". He turns lifts up his arm and says I do not wear a watch because they broke my window while I was at a light to rob my watch. This definitely put some fear in me and I was already a bit cautious.
Our friends in Rome had already told us to stay away from everyone...don't look anyone, don't talk to anyone, don't go in the bathrooms and if a gypsy came up to us that we should say "non toccarme". They also said that Naples is one of the very few places in Italy where you may experience violent crime.
This would not stop me from going to Positano again via Naples but if it is possible I may find an alternate route -- maybe a submarine with a few missles....LOL!
