I will be spending 2 days in Naples in April. I am thinking of spending the first morning at Herculaneaum (Sp?) and the next morning at Pompeii. What do you suggest for me to do in the afternoon/evening? THat will be during the weekend. Is walking around Naples safe for 2 girls (in our 20s)?

I suggest spending the rest of the time in Naples itself. If you are interested in museums, you could go to the Capidomonte Art Museum or the Archological Museum (to see many artifacts from Herc/Pompeii). Walka round the old part of Naples - Spacanapoli - there are mnay fine old churches, interesting shops. The area is safe to wander around in.

We just got back last night...Naples was wonderful and fun to explore. We took a whole day to walk around and still didn't see all of it. Felt safe all the time. But you might want to spend an afternoon in Pompeii. The train leaves you right in front of the ruins. Please email if you have other questions.

Two afternoons is not enough, but, to give you options: <BR>1) Archeological Museum (see it before you go to Pompeii) <BR>2) The church of San Domico Maggiore <BR>3) Capella Sansevero and the Veiled Christ (a must in my opinion) <BR>4) San Lorenzo Maggiore <BR>5) the Duomo <BR>6) Castel Nuovo <BR>7) Galleria Umberto (another must, especially for a place to rest your feet over a glass of wine) <BR>8) Castel dell'Ovo <BR>9) The Capodimonte Museum <BR>Any and all of these are excellent. <BR>Also, take the funicular to the top and look over the city, walk your little feet off through any neighborhood and just oogle at everything, walk by the bay and watch the lovers. Naples is a wonderful assault on the senses, and just watching the Neapolitans live is worth the time visiting the city. <BR>Should be enough to keep you busy!

I just got back from Napoli also. I agree with the previous posts on sights-seeing. But i discover shopping is great in Napoli, I managed to catch some great sales. I was in Rome too but everything was much more expensive.

With 2days, I'd do both Pompeii and Herculaneum in the same day and then do the sites in Naples on the other day. <BR> Be at Pompeii at 0900 opening time (35min from Naples) and catch Herculaneum on the way back. Herculaneum is wonderful, unique and different from Pompeii, but alot smaller in size (like a *large* city block) and can be seen in a couple of hours. It's half-way back to Naples and a 5min walk. Of course Pompeii deserves a full day at least but 4-5hrs will let you visit most of the major sites. I'd suggest getting the "Blue Guide Southern Italy" to help you plan your visits, a wonderful guide for the museums and historical sites. HTH Regards, Walter <BR>

Hi Walter, welcome back, safe and "refreshed" (I hope). <BR><BR>Sara, I agree 100% with Walter. It doesn't make sense geting out of town twice to visit both, Ercolano and Pompeii.<BR><BR>Now, I really can't understand people that visit both sites and skip the Archaeological museum. It's there where all the goddies are. It's very difficulat to have an understanding of how lifewas in those times without visiting the museum. If you're interested in archaeology, you shouldn't miss it. If you aren't, it doesn't make sense to visit both sites ... I'm not leaving you with much choice, am I? <BR><BR>Paulo

hi-i'd rent a car-start a drive down amalfi coast-on way,stop and ae pompeii and then continue on to sorrento and positano-you can drive down to positano and back in 1 day--the drive is breathtaking and the towns are beautiful and full to walk around in

I also agree! Hit Pompei and then ercolano on the way back. For the evenings and afternoons: The Museo Archeologico Nazionale is open until 7:30pm...Capodimonte is also open until around 7 and the Palazzo Reale is open until 9pm. I really think you should hit Piazza Plebescito and Piazza Trieste e Trento because they are ground zero for the icons of Naples: Chiesa de San Fransisco di Paolo, Galleria Umberto, Teatro San Carlo, Castel Nuovo & the Palazzo. Piazza del Gesu is laden with university nightlife, but you might want to skip it since the really great clubs don't even open until after 2am. Where will you be staying? I can tell you what the best and safest ways to get to these areas are. I have lived in Naples since the end of December and I have not ever felt apprehensive or unsafe....and I go out alot.

Hi <BR> I guess if I were you I would stay <BR>in Sorrento instead...I love Naples <BR>BUT it is very intense and you always <BR>have to be on your guard someone kid <BR>isn't about to grab whatever you have.. <BR>Sorrento is just a short ride futher, <BR>the town is great, you can see the <BR>ruins, coast, and Capri... <BR> Rita <BR>

I respectfully disagree with Rita. Sorrento is, of course, a wonderful city, full of atmosphere and relaxing. However, Naples in its own right is a wonderful place to visit. It is vibrant, exciting, and full of life. Yes, you have to be careful of petty thieves, but many other cities have the same problem (including Sorrento, IMO). And the experience that is Naples should not be missed. (Sara, don't you wish you had time to do both Naples and Sorrento?) And, to answer your question on safety--Naples is safe. Violent crime is very rare. You may get a lot of looks and/or comments, but looks never hurt (and may even be a boost to your ego!). I'd say stay in Naples as you planned. It's wonderful.