In which order would you suggest visiting these 2 places? The museum first to see what they hauled outta there or Pompeii and then the museum to fill in the missing pieces

Hmm...guess I'd say Pompeii and then the museum like you seem inclined (I assume you mean in Naples).
Ozarks Bill

This is an interesting question. We went to the museum first and then Pompeii, which I thought was the best order. The museum gives you a real sense of the great art that came from Pompeii, while the city has interesting examples but shards in comparison with the museum. But either way would work, I think. It's great that you're going to both--definitely worthwhile.

We went to the museum first, too, but I agree that you really could do it either way. We did the museum first because the weather wasn't great that morning, and we thought we'd take the chance on it getting better later in the week, which it did.

We did Pompeii first which was good for us. Seeing the site gave us the context for viewing the art. Without it we would have blown by stuff in the museum and not paid as much attention. But I agree, either way seems like it would work.

It never occurred to me that the weather would be bad and that might be a factor in the decision. For those of you who went to the museum first, did you feel some sort of "Aha!!!!!!!" when you went to Pompeii, or if you went to Pompeii first, did you get get the impression the place had been plundered? Was the "not thereness" of things very apparrant?

Because of a train strike when were there we only were able to see Pompeii. It was one of the most amazing places I've seen. Pompeii is a definite Aha place.

I would think you would want to see Pompeii first. The museum would fill in the rest later.
Have fun.

Travelatte

Neither are possible to see in 1 day, so I presume you mean over a 2 day period? I would go to Pompeii first. It is very expansive and takes HOURS to fully see. Then when you get to the Archaeological Museum in Naples, you will know which mummified pieces and artifacts belonged where.

Thanks guys. It seems the consensus is to go to Pompeii first. Yes definitely a 2 day project. I am a leisurely dawdle type traveller. I tend to mosey along like I have all the time in the world and when I get to museums , especially if there are artifacts I approach it as if I am in Pier 1.

Many find that museum below expectations and the archeo site wildly above expectations. Also the museum isn't in the most convenient or pleasant place. If you have such loads of time, consider Pompeii plus Paestum, which has amazing museum and (Greek!) archeo site together just down the rail line past Salerno.

>Also the museum isn't in the most convenient or pleasant place.<

The museum is one metro stop (Pzza Cavour) from the Naples Centrale train station.

From the Museum you can walk down Via Costantanopoli to Pzza Bellin for lunch and then visit the Capella Sansevero for "The Veiled Christ" and other sculptures.

It is a downhill walk from there to the train station.

Ira, more than most, should have known I wasn't talking about how many minutes travel it takes. I have been a defender of Naples against many attacks here over the years, but one has to concede that it isn't unusual to be appalled at the place and fear for safety from traffic and thieves. Recent National Geographic Traveller has an article on this, mentioning Naples in particular. Latest approach is a feigned sexual advance to distract folks from their wallet being taken. Not something to be paranoid about, but part of the overall pattern of an unpleasant passage to a startlingly mediocre museum (poorly displayed and labeled; most won't even know the large number of reproductions there).

I agree with "viking" -- Pompeii and Paestum are amazing and, for me, would take precedence over the museum. If you do go to Naples, take Ira's suggestion and visit Capella Sansevero to see outstanding and unusual sculpture.

I can't agree with Viking. I felt our visit to the museum greatly enhanced our trip to Pompeii, and I thought the labels were generally very informative. They even had a special set of labels geared to children on some of the major exhibits.

We took reasonable precautions with our belongings and never felt particularly threatened in Naples. In fact, we had more beggars approach us while driving up to toll booths on the highway and walking around Rome than in Naples. My husband didn't like Naples; thought it was too crowded and dirty, although we both very much enjoyed the museum. I wouldn't have wanted to spend a lot of time in the city, but I liked its energy and the sense that some of its streets almost plunged you back into the Middle Ages. I thought the whole experience was definitely worthwhile, and a welcome change from Sorrento, where the whole place seemed to exist for tourists.

On the other hand, it would be a tough call to choose between the museum and Paestum. I think if you don't have time for both, I'd have to say Paestum, because those Greek temples were so dramatic and amazingly preserved. Of course, we were there off season and had the place almost all to ourselves, so it really was a trip back in time. Also, we haven't been to Sicily or Greece, so have never had the opportunity to see similar places.

Hi all,

I have pix of Naples at
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=11knfe8...&y=-28lwh4

Pix of Paestum at
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=11knfe8...0&y=p82sfa

Wowee kazawee Ira. I definitely want to see the museum. Is Napoli threatening for a solo woman traveler with a big butt?

Hi poet,

Be aware that Italian men are definitely drawn to women with ample hips. (See "Divorce Italian Style&quot

Otherwise you will be perfectly safe.

The Italian for "No" is "No"; "Yes" is "Si".

"Va Via" is "Go Away"

You might find the Naples part of my trip report useful:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

Hey Ira
I never thanked you for all your input so "Thanks"