Naples or Just Pompeii?
 

We're planning to go to Pompeii after a visit to Rome in July. I have two questions about this:

1. Is it worth it to stay a night in Naples, or should we just do a day trip to Pompeii from Rome, and use the extra day in Rome? We've heard that Naples is not really worth seeing.

2. What's the best way to get to Pompeii--train, bus, etc.? And is there anyplace cool and cheap to stay the night there?

Hi jh,

Definitely stay overnight in Naples.

I suggest that you train down in the morning, see the archaeological museu, ask the hotel to hold your luggage (or put it in the left luggage at Naples Centrale) and take the train to Pompeii.

Return to Naples, return to Rome.

Train schedules are at www.trenitalia.com/en and
http://www.vesuviana.it/orario_ol/orari.asp

We stayed near the Museum at the Albergo Sansevero.

You might find the Naples part of my trip report helpful.

Ira?s Trip Report

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

My sister and I spent 10 days in Rome over Easter with four teens. We took a day trip to Naples/Pompeii; it was a long day but I think both are worth seeing!

Left Rome on the 7:20 train (reserve seats - we didn't and had to sit in the aisle the whole way), switched to the local train in Naples (got on the wrong train and had to disembark at the next town to get the right one), and got to Pompeii about 10:30. We made the mistake of not getting a guide in Pompeii and missed a lot (kids we not enthralled). We then caught the local train back to Naples and, using Rick Steves guidebook (not a detailed map), tried to find the 'best' pizza restaurant in Naples (not worth the effort), saw the church with The Veiled Christ (wonderful!), and shopped on the street where they make/sell nativity scenes (did buy one). Caught the 5:30 train back to Rome and arrived in time for dinner. As you can tell, we had one big adventure!

If I had to do it again (without packing up), I'd reserve seats on the train to Naples, hire a guide in Pompeii, and take a taxi from the Naples train station to the church which is on the street with the nativity sets. I'd also use a detailed map so we'd have a better idea of how to get back to the train station. Ciao . . .

Yea, guv, see Naples, it's really pukka.
The people of Naples are stellar--very friendly and earthy. Backward in an endearing sort of way, though.

Go to Naples for the atmosphere.

Notice all the sheets, towels, and knickers hanging from jury-rigged laundry cords between apartment buildings.

The tucker in Naples is killer, as everything is always fresh.

I highly recommend Naples to the adventurous.

Cheers, John G.

Any recommendations for places to eat in Naples?

Stay away from Naples. It's a big dirty crime ridden city. I was attacked in the car rental parking lot.

Is Naples dirty? Somewhat. Is it crime-ridden? It's got its fair share of crime (the Mafia doesn't help). However, this is true of a lot of big cities, and there are parts of Naples that are absolutely stunning.
To miss Naples when you are so close would be a shame. Besides, the Archeological Museum has some of the best items from Pompei, and tends to put the ruins in a better context.
Naples is Italy. Nuf said.

Forgot to mention: About getting to Pompei and hotels: The Circumvesuviana is the easiest way to get to the ruins(local "commuter" train line). You pick it up right from the main station in Naples and get off at the Pompei Scavi stop.
There are several good, cheap, clean hotels in Pompei, Hotel Amleto and Hotel Forum among them.

Hi Marcy,

See my trip report. Link is above.