I have a mult-part question so please feel free to answer which ever part(s) you can. We are traveling from Venice to Sorrento (in early June) and want to know what is the easiest/best way to get to Sorrento as that is where we are planning to stay. Second part is, on the day we go to Pompeii and Naples will be my boyfriends birthday and I wanted to do something extra special (even though his only reqiest was to visit Pompeii on his birthday). Does any one have any ideas? Also, how dangerous is Naples really? I hear from my Northern-Italian born grandfather there is alot of petty crime but nothing too bad. How bad is it really compared to big cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco? Thanks for all of your help!
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
504 posts
I've wandered the main and back streets of Naples by myself during the daytime (white, late 30s male, meduim build--not threatening at all). Didn't have any problems. I must say, though, that it wasn't the safest I've felt while in Italy, but I think that had to do with all I'd heard about Naples. Sorry--can't compare it to Los Angeles or San Francisco. I'd treat it like a visit to any big city: know where you are, be alert, and take the usual precautions.
Posted by
Stockton, CA, USA
14 posts
Renting a car is the easiest way to get around, although in June that road can be very busy. Bus is also an option. Naples isn't that bad during the day. All in all I felt as safe there as I did in Rome, you just have to pay a little extra attention to the cars when you cross the street. Oh and not as much is translated into English, so study-up on that Italian.
Posted by
St Louis, USA
4 posts
I lived in Naples for two years and it is a fantastic place and would be happy to live there again. I always felt safe, petty crime comes in the type of breaking into cars fro things left there and some picpockets. An idea that would be really unique for his birthday would be to go to the oldest pizzaria in Naples "Pizzaria Brandi" check out www.brandi.it it is on Via Chiaia one of the main shopping streets and it is one of the good areas in Naples, it is some of the best pizza. After that have a drink outside at Gran Cafe Gambrinus www.caffegambrinus.com it is in the same area and a fun people watching location.
Posted by
Menomonie, WI, USA
2 posts
As for going from Venice to Sorrento (I am actually going to be going the opposite way) for a straight shot.... Check out overnight trains. There is one from Naples to Venice so I am assuming there will be one from Venice to Naples. Then from Naples, take the Circumvensia train to Sorrento... You can also take a ferry or a bus as well. The train station for the Circumvensia is kind of confusing to describe where it is, but Rick Steves tells you how to get there in his trusty guide book! Also the Circumvensia takes you right past Pompeii!