HI ALL!
I am making the bold move to visit Naples for a morning before going onto Pompeii. Has anyone walked to the archaeological museum from the Centrale or Garibaldi station? Thoughts? Which is the best bus line from the station to the museum? Are there any streets that a gal just shouldn't even consider? This is the only part of my trip I am nervous about, but I am making the risk...in honor to see the city my grandparents departed from to become US citizens. :) Thanks!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
I did not make that exact walk, but I think the dangers of Naples are way overblown here and I did walk from the station to other parts of the city and felt perfectly fine. I stayed in Naples - oh noes - all by my lonesome - for four days a couple years ago and had no problems, and saw no problems. I did make a point not to be out after dark, but I don't even think that was necessary. The museum (and the pizza and the lively city) is well worth it. Enjoy and take your normal precautions and definitely do not stress :) I'm sure Rick's book tells the best bus route to the museum from the station. You can also take the subway, there is a stop right at the museum.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16232 posts
The bus lines from the Piazza Garibaldi to the museum are no. 201 and 203.
It's also one station away with the Metro Line 2 (direction Pozzuoli). I agree that Naples' dangerousness is overblown. Naples, with it's Camorra and all, is much safer than San Francisco or Chicago or New York. The only thing to watch out for is pick pockets on crowded transit. Also watch out for those who want to sell you expensive items in the street at incredibly low prices (like smartphones, computers etc.). Somehow, after you buy it and open the box, you discover the box is full of bricks or newspapers and you have no idea when and how they switch it just under your nose without your realizing it.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
My father was born near Naples and I stay there by nysf every year. I would take the metro to the museum, but you can walk as well. One thing you will notice is that women in Naples don't wear gold jewelry on public transportation or on the street. I've never had a problem in Naples. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Poulsbo, WA, US
223 posts
I did it a few months ago... The first handful bit made us a bit uneasy but we were not fearful for our safety or anything like that but it felt a bit odd. After that, it was sort of intense but really neat to experience. If you are willing, I think walking in Naples is a great idea but for simplicity I would stick to the main routes. There are two different main routes you can take which stand out on a map and I would suggest making a big loop. Its a bit of a walk but totally worthwhile in my opinion. I would allow at least an hour from Centrale as there will be some gawking.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1558 posts
We partially made the walk from Garibaldi, where our hotel was located to the Archaeological museum. I say partially because we were tired having spent the previous two days walking through Pompeii and Herculanum, and that morning walking to the Cathedral and seeing other sights on the way. We took the metro for the last section of the walk but still had to walk a couple of blocks to the museum. We walked a lot in Naples and did not feel nervous. A few people, seeing us looking at our tourist map, stopped to give us directions and we found the people to be friendly and helpful. If you only have a morning it might be best to get to the museum as quickly as possible as you can spend a few hours there if you're interested.