Naples Port Review
Overall- B : Could be a world-class destination, but local politics (aka mafia) and crime keep it from reaching those heights. You could visit this port multiple times and go to different places everytime, and still be entertained. Choose from Capri, Positano, Sorrento, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Caserta, and that doesn't even cover the great sites in Naples itself. Too many people pass up this city because of fear or lack of excursions actually within Naples, but if it cleaned up its act, it could almost rival Rome, Florence or Venice. Don't believe me? Read on.
Ease of Travel- If you stay in Naples, no public transportation at all is required. You walk to most of the sites fairly easily, assuming you can cross a street flooded with Italian drivers and weaving vespas. Walking to the train station is certainly doable (we have done it twice), and once at the station, the Amalfi Coast is in the palm of your hand. (As is Caserta: mentioned below) The Circumvesuviana (commuter train) is somewhat difficult to locate within the station, but just ask. The most frustrating thing about walking around Naples is the small alley type streets with no sidewalks. We saw a guy get hit and dodged several cars and motorcycles. (Well, he was really just bumped, but still...) Unfortunately, the best street for pizza is one of these such alleys. The two main streets required for travel, Corso Umberto and Spaccanapoli, have large wide sidewalks.
Quality of Sites- What is your pleasure? Naples and the area around it has it. Some of our favorites are: the palace modeled after Versailles at Caserta, which is 45 minutes away, the Naples Archaeology Museum with all the art of Pompeii and the best sculpture museum I have encountered, Galleria Umberto which is a mall with stunning architecture as well as Pompeii, Sansavero Chapel, and Piazza del Plescibito. We have not visited any of the beach type destinations, but have heard nothing but great things. There is still a world class art museum (Capodimente) and several castles for us to explore in future visits. In addition, there are several amazing churches which do not require admission.
Safety/Comfortable- Umm. This is the only category where Naples really falters. I could never truly be comfortable in this city. I always walk a little faster here, and hold my purse a little tighter. I speak every bit of Italian I know in Naples, attempting to blend in, with rather good results. Toilets rarely have seats, traffic laws are rarely followed, streets are rarely clean. Get away from the port area as quickly as possible, and be smart and aware. If traveling with a big guy like I am, all the better.
Food- One word: Pizza. Simply the best I have had anywhere. And cheap! Seriously, we paid 17 euros for 2 pizzas, 2 cokes and service charge.
My 2 Cents- I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Naples. I love the sites and the pizza, but wish they would just clean up their act and that the police would do their job. If they cleaned up the city and catered to tourists, this could be one of the top destinations in Italy. I fear, however, that they won't.
Ease of Travel- If you stay in Naples, no public transportation at all is required. You walk to most of the sites fairly easily, assuming you can cross a street flooded with Italian drivers and weaving vespas. Walking to the train station is certainly doable (we have done it twice), and once at the station, the Amalfi Coast is in the palm of your hand. (As is Caserta: mentioned below) The Circumvesuviana (commuter train) is somewhat difficult to locate within the station, but just ask. The most frustrating thing about walking around Naples is the small alley type streets with no sidewalks. We saw a guy get hit and dodged several cars and motorcycles. (Well, he was really just bumped, but still...) Unfortunately, the best street for pizza is one of these such alleys. The two main streets required for travel, Corso Umberto and Spaccanapoli, have large wide sidewalks.
Quality of Sites- What is your pleasure? Naples and the area around it has it. Some of our favorites are: the palace modeled after Versailles at Caserta, which is 45 minutes away, the Naples Archaeology Museum with all the art of Pompeii and the best sculpture museum I have encountered, Galleria Umberto which is a mall with stunning architecture as well as Pompeii, Sansavero Chapel, and Piazza del Plescibito. We have not visited any of the beach type destinations, but have heard nothing but great things. There is still a world class art museum (Capodimente) and several castles for us to explore in future visits. In addition, there are several amazing churches which do not require admission.
Safety/Comfortable- Umm. This is the only category where Naples really falters. I could never truly be comfortable in this city. I always walk a little faster here, and hold my purse a little tighter. I speak every bit of Italian I know in Naples, attempting to blend in, with rather good results. Toilets rarely have seats, traffic laws are rarely followed, streets are rarely clean. Get away from the port area as quickly as possible, and be smart and aware. If traveling with a big guy like I am, all the better.
Food- One word: Pizza. Simply the best I have had anywhere. And cheap! Seriously, we paid 17 euros for 2 pizzas, 2 cokes and service charge.
My 2 Cents- I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Naples. I love the sites and the pizza, but wish they would just clean up their act and that the police would do their job. If they cleaned up the city and catered to tourists, this could be one of the top destinations in Italy. I fear, however, that they won't.
