"oneonta_ni's new Naples Page" Naples by oneonta_ni

Naples Travel Guide: 1,219 reviews and 2,994 photos

We were in Naples and Rome for a short break in March 2001. Our main reason for flying to Naples was a 2 for 1 offer in a newpaper which meant we got very cheap flights (GBP60 return each from Belfast). After booking the holiday, we were told that Naples was a dirty, noisy, crime-infested city and to be very careful. I was determined to find the nicest things about the city and prove that this is not true.

We arrived in Naples in the evening and caught a 'CLP' bus for the city centre. The drive was nice because we could see all the lights of the city around the bay. We could see the newer part of the city which is made up of a cluster of very modern high rise buildings.

The bus goes between Capodichino Airport and Piazza Municipio, in the city centre. Our hotel was a 5 minute walk from there. We were on the 5th floor and had a lovely view of Vesuvius and the bay.

In the light of day, some parts of the histroric centre of Naples were a little scruffy around the edges but I didn't think it was dirty. There was a problem with the city's garbage which was explained to me later. Apparently, there was no place to put it so it wasn't being collected - but even with this problem, I didn't think the city was horribly dirty (except for Piazza Garibaldi - please see 'Warnings or Dangers' for more information).

As for crime, we were as careful as we are in any big city and did not have any problems - nor did we witness any. There were a few beggers but they were not pushy or persistant. And noise, well, I didn't think that Naples was any more or less noisy than any other big city that we have stayed in.

I think the main reason people don't spend much time in Naples itself is because it doesn't have famous museums like the Louvre or ancient buildings like the Colosseum. Naples is more famous for what is outside of the city, ie, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast etc. But I think it is worth spending at least two days in town to explore the historic district and, of course, enjoy the food!

I think this photo shows just what Naples is like - interesting old buildings, vespas whizzing past, street sellers - for me, it is all summed up here.

Please also have a look at more photos in the travelogues below.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Pretty views of the bay alone make it worth a visit.
  • Cons:Navigating the streets can be a challenge!
  • In a nutshell:A nice city for a short break or a base for exploring.
  • Last visit to Naples: Mar 2001
  • Intro Updated Mar 18, 2003
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oneonta_ni

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