To Naples or not to Naples

I don't think you'll find anyone on this forum calling Naples a must-see. The one place in Naples that's consistently recommended is the museum displaying artifacts from Pompeii. We staged out of Sorrento, using Naples only as a transfer station and given our limited time, we don't regret skipping Naples.

nice place to visit, not a must-see IMHO.

Naples sort of grows on you...until you LOVE it or hate it I think. I actually hated it my first trip (!) now? a definite must-see in my book! nothing else like it.

I am staying in Naples for 4d/3n of my 14 day Italy and Switzerland tour. I am using Naples as a home base for seeing Turks Grotto, Pompeii and maybe Sorrento. I actually chose to cut out Venice for more time in Naples. I have lived in Boston and NYC my whole life so I am used to the business of a city, if this is overwhelming to you though, you might want to reconsider.

Naples made us really, really nervous when we passed through on our trips to the Amalfi coast. We've been to Italy 7 times. Finally stayed in Napoli on our last trip, for 3 days. It was a little scary, but in retrospect, we absolutely loved it. The archeological museum was a must see. Spaccanapoli was incredible. Napoli Sotteraneo was really interesting. Naples turned out to be the highlight of our last trip!

But it is gritty, and could use a good power washing!

Avoid Naples, stay in Sorrento. Make Naples a day trip.

We were in Naples in 2005, 2 moms with 5 kids between us (mostly teens). Avoided the city, but loved all the surrounding areas (Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri). Had one really negative experience boarding a bus in Sorrento to see the Amalfi Drive. Our party was first in line. I was the first one on, in order to stamp tickets & save seats in the front with a good view for the littler ones. My friend tried to board (right behind me) with the kids, but a bunch of people shoved right past her. Then one lady tried to remove stuff I'd used to save seats for the rest of our party. I tried (nicely at first) to get her to take another empty seat further back ~ but she threw a fit and to our shock, the whole busload of Italians sided with her and verbally attacked us. It was unbelievable! They were threatening to call the Carabinieri (police) ~ and I was like "Fine with me! I've done nothing wrong!" Then the bus driver said we couldn't save seats. What? So we had no alternative but to give up the best seat at the front to this lady, and by then I was so upset, the whole day was basically ruined. My 8 year old was sobbing. I asked my dad about it later (he was born & raised in Italy & used to lead American student tours there). He said Italians (esp around Naples) really resent tourists, and don't generally save seats. So, a word to the wise.

We noticed that sometimes, when standing in line for tickets (for trains, etc) local people sometimes try to edge past you, then act all innocent when you say something. Overall, tho, most people were very gracious and went out of their way to help us ~ almost seemed amused. But I was struck by the fact that in Naples (in contrast to all the other places we visited), people have deep, dark scowling expressions. We're excited about going again this June/July, and staying with an American cousin in the military with a villa just outside Naples. She and I are both reading "Gomorrah" ~ about the Naples Mafia ~ pretty scary!

Ashley, My husband & I went to Naples on our second trip, after visiting Pompeii. I was so disappointed because the archaeological museum was closed unexpectedly due to a strike. The police standing around were very nice, but explained that they had no idea when it would reopen. I'm not sure I would make a trip to Naples if that's the Only thing that you wanted to see there. Especially if you are already in a time crunch. Have a great trip

Here's my take: If you have really, really low expectations of Naples, you might enjoy it on your own. Also, if you know someone who lives there who can show you around, you'll probably love it.

Rhonda, I have to say you really hit the nail on the head describing your experience with how the locals deal with lines in Naples. It must be something local. I've never experienced so much "cutting in line" anywhere else in Italy! You have to fight and stand your ground sometimes just to stay in place, its unnerving.

Ashley,

Not a Must See.

Forget Naples.

I disagree, Naples is A MUST SEE! Naples has been the symbol of chaos, stress and culture shock for European travel. There's always something crazy going on in Naples & the city is unlike anywhere else in Italy in my opinion. The people are very passionate, friendly, vocal & expressive. The pizza in Naples is incredible as it originated here & is taken very seriously. The National Archaeological Museum of Naples has one of the world's best collections of Greek and Roman antiquities. Many of the objects come from excavations at Pompeii and other nearby archaeological sites. I read, "The pulse of Italy throbs in Naples. Like Cairo or Bombay, it's appalling and captivating at the same time, the closest thing to "reality travel" that you'll find in Western Europe. But this tangled mess still somehow manages to breathe, laugh and sing -- with a captivating Italian accent" If you like touristic cities then yes Naples is not for you, but the city, the food & the people are very unique.

I went to Naples not longer than 2 hours.It was very dirty and poor looking.
However I only went shopping (on their main street) and the prices very low in comparation with Rome or other big cities.

We arrived after dinner and was able to see Pompeii and the museum the next day because we hired the tour guide recommended in Rick Steves tour book. It was well-worth it when we were on a tight schedule.