Do you want to find out whether you should head to Naples or Rome on your next Italian vacay? I’ll outline the key differences between the two cities when it comes to factors like food specialties, must-sees, nightlife, and day trips from each.
I would have mixed feelings about having to choose between Rome or Naples, I’ll give you that — luckily, I had the chance to visit both.
On the one hand, the prospect of traveling to either city would be thrilling. Yet I’d also have a strong inkling I’d be missing out on so much regardless of my decision.
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Getting there and moving around
Rome
Now when moving around the city, walking or cycling is the best way to soak up Rome’s unique cityscape. In case that’s not feasible — Rome is infamously hilly —, the subway may be of (some) help.
I say some because the expansion of the system into the surroundings of Piazza Navona and Piazza Venezia is notoriously behind schedule. In that area, you might have to ride a bus or a cab if need be.
Rome has a few tram lines as well, but they’re chiefly for linking the city center with the immediate outskirts.
Naples
Naples International Airport will be linked to the subway network as early as next year. Until then, you can either ride a cab to the city center or hop on an Alibus, a regular coach service with stops at the train station and the passenger terminal of the port.
Though the user experience can be subpar, Naples’ subway system is efficient and comprehensive. It reaches a great deal of the touristy areas, including higher parts of town like Vomero.
In addition to that, Naples features four funicular lines which connect the waterfront boroughs to both Vomero and Posillipo, another hilly neighborhood.
Where to stay
Naples
- Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel for a wonderful stay in a repurposed palazzo. You’ll be close to all the hustle and bustle of downtown Naples and to must-sees like the Santa Chiara Monastery and Via San Gregorio Armeno.
- Grand Hotel Vesuvio if you want to treat yourself to a luxurious time in a fantastic hotel overlooking the Gulf of Naples.
- Alma Suites, a budget-friendly alternative in Chiaia, a bohemian waterfront neighborhood that is walking distance from the historic core too.
- Weekend a Napoli to explore Vomero, a hilltop district noted for its peaceful ambiance and amazing views. Plus, the Art Nouveau house is very charming.
Also read: 20 Best Resorts and Beach Hotels in Naples (Italy) for a Seaside Getaway
Rome
- Hotel Locarno if you wouldn’t mind staying in an elegant and historic hotel by Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese, Rome’s most beautiful park.
- Donna Camilla Savelli, a spacious four-star in a former Baroque monastery. What’s more, you’ll be in the heart of Trastevere, Rome’s quaintest and most bohemian neighborhood.
- Argentina Residenza Style, which faces Largo di Torre Argentina, to make the most of downtown Rome. You’ll be a stone’s throw from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
- Castello della Castelluccia for a stately time in a lavishly decorated medieval castle hotel right outside Rome. You’ll love the lush outdoor area.
The historic center
Rome
The capital hardly needs any introduction here. Suffice it to say that within the triangle formed by St. Peter’s Basilica, the Spanish Steps, and the Colosseum you’ll find other dazzling monuments like the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.
So this is quite possibly the most controversial point in the Naples vs Rome dilemma, as Naples is not really far behind. Still, with landmarks spanning 2,000 years, the Italian capital’s historic core is something you must see to believe.
Naples
Naples is worth visiting for a dozen reasons, among which is its enviable architectural heritage. The city is jam-packed with ancient ruins, medieval churches, underground tunnels, lavish churches, and palaces built in Naples’ own rendition of the Baroque style.
Overall, it may not be as well-preserved as Rome. But its fascinating cityscape sometimes comes across as even more striking thanks to the one-of-a-kind culture that’s been brewing there for millennia.
All the nicest views
Naples
Downtown Naples sits atop a plateau that offers generous glimpses of the Golf and Mount Vesuvius at a distance. A stroll along the waterfront is another excellent occasion to admire Naples in all its glory.
Now to view the city from above, one of the most popular spots is Castel Sant’Elmo, a medieval fortress that sits majestically atop Vomero Hill.
A funicular will transport you uphill from behind Via Toledo, yet if you’re down for a steep hike you can cross the Quartieri Spagnoli, climb the Via Pedamentina scenic staircase, and enjoy the breathtaking views along the way.
Rome
Rome’s hilly terrain is ideal for the view-gazing that travelers usually love to indulge in. If you head to the Orange Garden on Aventine Hill, for example, you’ll have the Tiber at your feet and St. Peter’s dome flawlessly framed in front of you.
A mildly longer walk (or a comfortable cab ride) will take you up the Janiculum, an east-facing hill from which you can soak up a commanding vista of downtown.
Rome’s most suggestive view, however, isn’t accessible to folks with limited mobility. To reach the top of St. Peter’s Dome, you’ll need to climb at least 320 steps if you choose to take the elevator up to the terrace or 551 steps if you walk from the ground floor.
What to eat
Rome
Roman cuisine is typically hearty and never skimps on red meat. Hit Osteria Romana di Simmi for an all-Roman feast or Su e Giù in case you’re short on dough.
Besides classic pasta recipes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana, you shouldn’t miss out on saltimbocca (i.e. marinated veal that is then wrapped with prosciutto and sage), roasted veal, and boiled or fried artichokes.
And whenever you feel like munching on a snack, grab the ultimate Roman finger food. Pizza al taglio are square slices of pizza that you pay by weight.
Naples
As the birthplace of pizza, Naples is one of the food capitals of the world. Pizza of course deserves all the hype, yet many other mouthwatering dishes were created in or around the city.
Highlights include eggplant Parmesan and spaghetti with clams. Naples is also renowned for its coffee and pastry traditions.
The coolest thing is you won’t have to break the bank to eat superbly well in Naples. Eateries like Osteria Da Carmela and Osteria La Chitarra serve authentic, tasty food for reasonable prices.
Drinks and nightlife
Naples
Though Naples is not exactly a nighthawk’s paradise, as the third-largest city in the nation it boasts plenty of options for all you party people.
If you’re in town for the weekend, head out to Piazza Bellini to hang with the younger crowd over a beer or hit the cocktail bars in upscale Chiaia in case you’re after a chill vibe.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to try limoncello, the iconic Neapolitan lemon liqueur, and some Aglianico grape wine, which is a trademark of southern Italy.
Rome
Rome’s metropolitan area isn’t particularly renowned for its winemaking craft. Yet it does produce top-notch wines like Frascati, which you should taste when you tour the capital.
As for the nightlife scene, only Milan challenges Rome’s wildness and diversity of options. You’ll find tons of rooftop bars, cozy dives, and upscale clubs across the city.
Pro tip: Squares are the quintessential hangout spots in Rome. For a sleeker night out, swing by Piazza Euclide in the Parioli district. Alternatively, a more laid-back environment will be waiting for you in Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Best time to visit
Rome
Midseason is hands down the best time to discover the Italian capital given crowds are way thinner, and temperatures are milder. On top of that, both in spring and fall you get to see an explosion of colors that makes the city look all the more awe-inspiring.
Winters in Rome aren’t actually harsh but, like fall, can be pretty rainy. While you’ll snatch better deals in the colder months, you risk missing attractions that may be closed for maintenance.
Summertime, on the other hand, can be hard to bear if you’re coming from a milder climate. That’s also peak season in Rome, meaning you might struggle to enjoy your stay to the max if crowds normally bother you.
Naples
If you want to indulge in the perfect beach vacation in Naples, drop by in the summer months. The city never gets as crowded as Rome. Bear in mind, however, that heat waves can be a drag. Late spring and early fall feature beach weather as well and can be even nicer periods to visit.
Temperatures in Naples are pleasant throughout the year. That said, the city can feel eerily deserted in the winter. That’s of course attractive to a lot of folks, as it’s a rare chance to gaze at a snow-capped Mount Vesuvius.
Day trips
Naples
Naples is surrounded by stunning destinations for every taste. To the south of the city, you have the almighty Mount Vesuvius, astonishing archaeological sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the gorgeous seaside towns of the Amalfi Coast.
Greater Naples is served by a wide network of commuter trains that will drop you off in most of these places in less than an hour.
Through a short ferry ride, you can reach the idyllic islands of Ischia and Capri off the Neapolitan coast. And about 20 miles northward, you can visit the sprawling Caserta Royal Palace, a neoclassical masterpiece.
Rome
Though the bulk of Rome’s outskirts remained underdeveloped and rural for centuries, there are a few things worth seeing near the capital.
Ostia Antica, for instance, is a quiet town from the 4th century BCE. In the summertime, Romans flock to bask in the sun on the beaches of modern Ostia. The two are approximately five miles from Fiumicino Airport, so visiting on your last day in Rome can be a smart choice.
Tivoli, in turn, is in the hilly setting to the east of the city. An ancient vacation village for wealthy Romans, it is home to well-preserved temples, medieval fortresses, and Renaissance villas.
Finally, there’s Castel Gandolfo on the shores of Lake Albano. The town has been known as the popes’ summer retreat since the Middle Ages.
Also read: 12 Beach Towns Near Rome For Your Next Holiday
Bottom line: Which city is best?
Choosing between visiting either Naples or Rome when you can’t afford the time or money to see both in one go, is not an easy task.
These two cities are world-famous for their priceless architectural heritage, intense arts and culture scene, delectable culinary tradition, and distinctive cityscape.
Naples and Rome are absolute must-sees, so in the end what should really help you make up your mind is how each city fits into your own travel preferences.
If you appreciate a seaside environment and would rather escape the crowds, pick Naples. But if you feel like checking off your bucket list one of the most mesmerizing places on Earth, choose Rome instead.
Don’t worry too much about your decision, though. You’ll love either of these cities, and you’ll eventually need to fly back to Italy anyway. After all, you’ll still have to explore Florence, Venice, Milan, and many other incredible destinations.
