After leaving Rome-on our way to Sorrento I thought we could spend a few hours in Naples before hopping back on the train.

Any suggestions for things to see/do near the train station we could knock out in 3-4 hours? Not to be too picky, but my husband has emphysema(he keeps up pretty good) so we can't wander too far away from the station. Thanks a bunch!

Walk to the Spaccanapoli District and see the churches there (including the Duomo). Admire the street vendors and urban congestion of Southern Italy's most chaotic and fascinating city. Be careful walking around the Central train station area.

If you plan to see Pompeii or Herculaneum later during your trip, it would be invaluable for you to visit the Archaeological Museum.

Naples is easy to reach by hydrofoil from Sorrento. I'd rather get to Sorrento and settle in, then make a trip to Naples on another day. The area around the Naples train station is scruffy and not the Naples you want to see and remember.

I agree with Bluefan about the Archeological Museum. If you ferry over, take a taxi to the museum.

Hi - we did this same trip but we hired a driver to take us from Rome to Sorrento. We had a party of 5 so maybe for 2 it wouldn't be worth it depending on your budget. If you are interested, his name is Gennaro Ruocco from Sorrentolimo.com. I would highly recommend him. We didn't have much time to spend in the area so it was worth the extra cost because we were able to see so much more having him drive us around than taking public transportation. We stopped at the Archeological museum and then climbed Mt. Vesuvius. If you have more time, I would agree with Jean.

I did look into a driver but the quotes I got back were quite high for 2 people-310-340 Euros, one way.That's NOT in our budget for the trip. I guess it would be wiser to plan a day trip, once we're settled in Sorrento. Thanks for all the help!

Hi Bryarsmom ~ I was just in Napoli last week. I trained it both coming and going from Roma. I highly recommend the Capella Sansevero:

"This small 16th century chapel is the burial sepulchre of the princes of Sangro di Sansevero. It possesses both Christian and masons symbolism, giving the chapel an ironic character.
Remarkable 18th century sculpture fills the chapel. Antonio Corradini's ironic Modesty is a voluptuous female, carefully veiled. The Resurrection of the Prince, by an unknown artist, is mirrored by that of Christ, above the altar. Giuseppe Sammartino's The Dead Christ is an alabaster figure beneath a marble veil, and is a work of breathtaking technical virtuosity.
Eccentric Prince Raimondo, an 18th century alchemist, is associated with the chapel. He performed gruesome experiments on human bodies, for which he was excommunicated. The results of some of this experiments can be seen in the crypt."

I really wanted to visit the Capella, but unfortunately spent so much time at the Archeological Museo that they were closing the doors when I arrived. Neither the Capella, nor the Archeological Museo are open on Tuesdays.

I also recommend the museo. Be prepared to spend a few hours there. Also, you may want to contact the museo before you go to find out how to get an english language tour. Many of the exhibits do not have descriptive notes and those that do are nearly all only in Italian. The audio guide is not very helpful. This said, it was still one of the highlights of my trip.

There is also a great bar/cafe called the Bar Fiorillo. It is on the P.za Bellini. Senore Fiorillo is a wonderful man. If you stop by there, please send regards from Eve.

Agree with MizzEve, especially about Capello San Severo-the Veiled Christ is very moving.

Hi MizzEve -- glad to hear you are back -- Soundslike you enjoyed Napoli. We Naples lovers need to hear your experiences, and the rest of your trip as well.
Grazie

Why does someone recc a chapel not visited, and a museum admittedly very english-unfriendly? My experience (you can't argue with this) was great disappointment in the overpriced chapel with the oversensationalized veiled statue, and the poorly presented (even if you read Italian) arch museum.

Agree with preference of the end of Naples "away" from the train station. Spann... not worth the sprinting around cars for those with breathing problems. With free luggage storage at Pompeii museum (just before turnstile), this is a very good place to make a stop.

I would recc Herculeum, Capidimonte, Caserta, etc, but luggage or logistics are hard. Also might just ferry Naples to Capri (lugg store in one of one ferry tix office), then ferry to Sorrento... if you aren't planning for a day in Capri anyway.