Is there a more upscale area of Naples that is easily accessible to tourists?

We sort of missed this when in Naples before. We stayed near Piazza Bellini, and wondered around quite a bit, visiting the Duomo and the Archeological museum, churches and more. However, the streets and shops we saw were in general rough and not clean.

Where does the Prada crowd hangout?

I'm not one of them, but may stop in Naples again and would like a different experience.

The Prada crowd hangs in Rome.
But, I did have over 900E charged to my CC at an upscale womens clothing store in Naples if that counts.

I have a similar question. We want to visit the places around Naples - Pompeii, Herculenium, Capri, Positano - and would like to make day trips from a central location, preferably by train/boat. We thought that we wanted to stay in Naples, but everything I read from travelers who have been there focuses on the trash and crime in the city. Any suggestions for us?

MarilynSilvery,

Sorrento is more central to your destinations. Its ambiance has nothing to do with Napoli.

bob: where was that store? Kidding, but not entirely.

And I meant to say "wandering" and not wondering, although I am wondering.

We spent a week in Naples and didn't even see any crime. There was some garbage but it didn't detract from a most interesting stay.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-and-paris.cfm

We had a great time in Naples, staying at http://www.venere.com/bandb/naples/bandb-medea/#reviews

I believe that you all had a good time in Naples, but my question has nothing to do with your enjoyment. Anyway, it seems that the piggy back question has taken over this thread.

MarilynS: I didn't see any crime either, except for the woman that punched me in the arm. However, no one else seemed to think this was a crime, so maybe it's just me. My husband did get a fabulous picture of me standing there in total shock, but I still think it was at least a minor crime.

Michael, I read your Sicily report and since the garbage there seemed a bit unpleasant to you, I'm surprised that it didn't detract from your time in Naples.

So I'm still looking for that gentler, prettier Naples. If it exists, I want to hear about it.

I think the area of Chiaia might be what you're looking for, or more specifically the area between Riviera di Chiaia, Piazza dei Martiri and Piazza Amedeo. It's residential along with shops and restaurants as well as bars and nightlife. You could also try Caffe Gambrinus (if you missed that last time) for a sfolgliatella or take your pick from all the other delights.

If the Prada crowd buys their Prada in Naples and hangs around the shop, Chiaia's the place.

I'm surprised that no one here has mentioned the complete area along Via Petrarc. Here you will see upscale homes and businesses along with the most fantastic view on earth. I could go on in great detail, but one has to see this area to believe the amazing beauty of that splendid view.

Now we're getting somewhere. I'm going to look up these areas. Waldo, are there restaurants and shops along Via Petrarc?

I certainly missed Caffe Gambrinus, if it is the least bit upscale. We really didn't see that side of Naples at all.

thanks for these suggestions... If I thought I could only see trash and cheap bridal wear and really cheap underwear, and above ground oxygen tanks and punching women, why, I would never go back to Naples, ever.

I really don't mind gritty if it has a hip or artistic edge it to it. In US terms, I'm quite happy on Avenue C, but don't need to vacation on Dyckman St. To me, the entire Spaccanapoli area just looked like an Italian Dyckman St.