Naples, Oct 2024

Murph_D

There are some threads on Naples, but most quite old now and I hear the city is becoming increasingly more welcoming, so maybe time for an update.

Heading there in mid-October for five nights. Herculaneum and Vesuvius would be on the itinerary, plus a couple of days exploring the city and its museums/galleries.

Anyone been there in the past couple of years and offer any advice? Haven't booked accommodation yet, but a couple of options reserved on booking.com

Grazie!

samo

we went November last year, here’s my thoughts having been to Verona, Venice and Rome past 2 years also ( and across Spain and Croatia)

Even in November, super busy in main streets, mopeds everywhere, don’t walk around in a daze!

We stayed in a place called Castell Dell Ovo (actually a little island across a footbridge 15 mins from main areas and the ferries to Capri, train station etc) and really glad we did. Definitely quieter and safer feeling. The streets around very center of Naples are very small and insanely busy! For that reason we skipped some of the main museums.

The main train station is only place we felt truly unsafe!! Everywhere else , yes it’s “gritty” graffiti and people are a bit edgy but it’s not like roughest parts of Dublin.

The train to Herculaneum is very cheap and great journey, didn’t do pompeii but really enjoyed herculaneum - very quiet there. Also got the ferry to sorrento one day but the weather meant cancelled on way back so luckily could get the train (same line as Herculaneum) - if we’d gone to Capri - it was a problem as flight next morning!

last: the food, I didn’t want to look at pizza for a month afterwards. It was ok but I thought other Italian cities much better and varied. But prices are reasonable. I did enjoy Naples, great experience but pick your area well, it might be worth not going very very central if you’re ok with walking.

Tenzor07

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058367480/naples-oct-2024

Like someone mentioned, don't stay near the train station area or anywhere near the airport either… or the docks! :-D

I would recommend you stay in the Santa Lucia/Chiaia areas… some great 4 and 5 star hotels there, plus a good few private apartment options… everywhere is walkable from that area, wear good shoes… Airport bus.. Metro and regular bus options from the area or no more than about a 15mins walk to get to the stops/station.

One time I stayed outside the city and just got the train into the centre which takes about an hour, a good option if you don't fancy staying in Naples.

notfragile

I haven't been in to Naples but it sound like a great place to visit, I stumbled on this article https://gowithguide.com/blog/how-to-plan-a-trip-5-essential-steps-5730 I hope this tips will help you plan your trip. Enjoy and have fun!

Nigel Fairservice

Definitely don't stay near the train station. I had fellas follow me back to my hotel a few times in that area. I have done a good bit of travel and that's the only time I've ever felt a bit threatened on my travels.

Murph_D

Thanks for the tips. Just to report back - found Naples to be a bit of a mixed bag. We had a nice apartment with stunning views of the city and Vesuvius. Too far to walk into centre - bus stop down the road but the bus was very unreliable and didn't show up most of the time. 20 min walk to the Metro which was very efficient. Wish we had stayed nearer to the centre however.

The city was more vibrant and less 'edgy' than I'd expected. We came across some very surly waiters though - it became comical after a while, some of them seem to feel they were doing you a favour taking a food order, and some seemed reluctant to provide itemised receipts. Weather was quite wet so we didn't get to do everything planned, including a trip up Vesuvius. Did enjoy the Duomo and the Catacombs and the Archaeological Museum.

Surprisingly expensive, similar to Dublin.