I am studying in Florence for 6 weeks and will have a few weekends available to travel. I am trying to decide between a weekend in Milan or Naples. I would love to do both but can't. So which would you pick? Suggestions on where to stay would also be appreciated. Thanks for the help!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
They are very different cities, so it depends on what you like. Napoli will be more of a contrast to Firenze than Milano, in my opinion, but both are good choices. Disclaimer: my family is from Napoli so...
Posted by
Seattle, Wa, USA
663 posts
Hmm. Are those really the only options? Milan is kinda pricy, IMHO. There are a few things to see I suppose, but get your tickets to see the last supper if that is on your list of priorities before you book anything else. Hotel Garda is well located for sight seeing in Milan.
Naples is an interesting choice for a weekend getaway. It reminds me of travel in India. But it is certainly budget friendly. If you are interested in seeing Pompeii or the Amalfi coast, I suggest you travel a bit further south to Sorrento. 2 nights might not be adequate since there is much to be seen there.
If I were choosing a weekend getaway for myself I'd choose something entirely different, like Assisi or Ravenna.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I assume that you have already filled up most weekends with other destinations and have one left. I would take the fast train to Naples (3 hours) then connect on the local Circumvesuviana line to Sorrento. From Sorrento, you can backtrack to visit both Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Naples archeology museum. Or check your bag at the train station if doing any sightseeing on that arrival day. (Of course, for just a weekend, it should be easy to pack light.)
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
TONS of things to do in Naples!!! It may be not be the cleanest city in Europe, but it's
still world class as far as things to see. Look at the Campania arte card for sites to visit.
Several Universities, beautiful waterfront promenade, Royal Palace, Opera House and
of course Pizza!
In the Centro Storico http://www.bbbellini.com/eng/bellini.html
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Do you have to decide now? Once you're actually in Italy, you'll get a much better sense of which one you want to see. As posted above, they are VERY different (I actually like them both a lot, and feel a weekend visit to either one will have a lot to offer).
Naples is probably less expensive than Milan, if that's a tie-breaker.
Here's Eurocheapo's recommendations for Milan (they don't cover Naples): http://www.eurocheapo.com/milan/