Unsurprisingly, Rome is one of the most visited cities in Italy. With its might of world-famous monuments and reputation as a global bucket-list destination, millions of visitors flock to Rome every year. However, just 140 miles south, spread beneath the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius, is Naples - the country's third largest city which has the kind of charm you won't find in Rome.
Why You Should Visit Rome, Italy's Capital
Rome earns it's hype! Enjoy incredible pasta, walk the cobblestones and sip incredible coffee's in Italy's capital. Rome is where you can explore Michelangelo’s dome or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, but there are pros and cons of visiting Rome.
Things to do in Rome
Rome is full of incredible things to do, check out our list of some of the best things to do in Rome:
- Explore the Colosseum: Book a Gladiator’s Entrance ticket to skip lines and walk through the underground.
- Tour the Vatican Museums: The Sistine Chapel is a must, but prepare for huge crowds! Try booking your tickets in advance to avoid queuing.
- Order cacio e pepe in Trastevere: Tourist-heavy, but the twirl-worthy pasta at Tonnarello justifies it.
- Ride a Vespa: Rent one if you’re brave, or just admire the chaos from a sidewalk café!
Check out our article on The Vatican City: Guide to the Smallest Country in The World!
Where to Stay in Rome
Rome’s best areas depend on what your vibe is! Historic center (Pantheon/Piazza Navona) puts you steps from the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum which is perfect for first time visitors looking to walk to the best tourist spots. Trastevere, with its cobblestone alleys and buzzing trattorias, offers incredible charm and a bustling nightlife. Budget travelers should look near Termini Station, but do lots of research prior to booking to avoid sketchy side streets!
Pros - Why Rome Should be on your Bucket List
- History Everywhere: The Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum make the city a giant open-air museum.
- Walkable & Photogenic: Cobblestone streets, hidden piazzas, and fountains around every corner.
- Great Day Trips: Easy escapes to Tivoli, Ostia Antica, or the beaches of Sperlonga.
Cons - Reasons Why you should avoid Italy's Tourist Capital
- Tourist Overload: Long lines at major sights and busy restaurants.
- Pickpockets & Scams: Especially in metros, Termini station, and tourist hotspots.
- Chaotic Public Transport: Buses are slow, metro lines are limited, and strikes happen.
Exploring Naples Instead of Rome:
The city's underdog status that gives Naples its winning edge. Beyond the pasta, palazzo’s and piazza’s you’ll find in other Italian cities, Naples gives an unapologetic glimpse of an Italy that doesn't bend over backwards for the tourists. It’s a living Italian city that doesn't pretend to be anything it's not.
For a long time, the city has been side-stepped and dodged by travellers. A quick Google search or scroll through Reddit, reveals traveller forums alive with whisperings of a city full of chaos and eye-widening rumours of danger lurking down alleyways. Just a few minutes reading these can make you think that an innocent journey from your hostel to get some pizza might result in a dramatic ambush by the local Camorra mafia.
Things to do in Naples
- Explore the cobbled streets: Some of the best cobbled streets include Spaccanapoli Street, Via dei Tribunali, Via San Gregorio Armeno and Piazza Bellini
- Eat Pizza Where It Was Invented: Order a pizza and watch the Italian chefs cook it the authentic way!
- Descend Into the Underground City: Tour Napoli Sotterranea - ancient Greek tunnels and WWII bomb shelters hidden beneath the city.
- Take the Train to Pompeii: The Circumvesuviana line gets you there in just 30 mins!
Where to Stay in Naples Italy
For first-time visitors, Historic Center (near Spaccanapoli and Piazza del Plebiscito) puts you steps from major sights and pizza legends like Sorbillo. Chiaia offers a more upscale, polished vibe with boutique hotels and seafront walks. Budget travelers should look at Porto or Sanità - authentic but noisy, with great street markets. Vomero perched on the hills, provides cooler temps and panoramic views.
Pro Tip: Wherever you stay, prioritize air conditioning, Naples gets sweltering!
Is Naples Italy Safe?
Yes, Naples is safe but keep your wits about you! Pickpockets in crowded areas or on public transport is the main risk. It's important to stay alert in tourist zones, avoid flashing valuables, and keep bags zipped. The city’s gritty reputation comes from its chaotic energy - Vespas zooming past, lively street markets, and a no-nonsense attitude - not actual danger.
Bottom line: Naples isn’t Disneyland, but that’s why it’s worth visiting. Just practice the same street smarts you would in any big city, and you’ll be fine.
Pros - Why You Should Visit Naples?
- The birthplace of pizza: Taste authentic Neapolitan pizza (soft, charred crust, San Marzano tomatoes) where it was invented.
- Raw, unfiltered Italy: No polished tourist veneer - just vibrant streets, passionate locals, and real daily life!
- Historic gems: Underground tunnels, the Veiled Christ sculpture, and royal palaces.
- Perfect base for day trips: Quick trips to Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, and Capri.
- Less crowds: As it's less touristy, there are shorter queues at attractions!
Cons - Reasons You Might Want to Avoid Naples
- Pickpockets: Crowded areas (Piazza Garibaldi, metro) are hotspots. Keep bags secure and phones hidden.
- Noise pollution: Honking, shouting, and late-night hustle and bustle can be overwhelming. Tip for light sleepers, pack earplugs!
- Language barrier: Fewer English speakers than in touristy cities. A few Italian phrases go a long way!
- Public Transport is Unreliable: Buses are often late and metro lines are limited. Walking is typically faster.
Looking to Visit both Rome & Naples?
Visiting both Rome and Naples offers travelers the best of Italy's contrasts – Rome, with its ancient monuments, Renaissance masterpieces, and polished piazzas! While Naples delivers an unfiltered, vibrant Italian experience with incredible street food, gritty charm, and nearby ruins like Pompeii that make history feel alive.
Train from Naples to Rome
Taking the train from Naples to Rome is one of Italy's easiest and most efficient connections, with frequent high-speed services making the trip in just over 1 hour. Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Italo trains run nearly every 30 minutes from Napoli Centrale to Roma Termini, with tickets starting around €20 if booked in advance. The comfortable journey cuts through scenic Lazio countryside, offering a stress-free alternative to driving or buses.
Pro tip: Spring for business class on Italo for surprisingly affordable perks like drinks and extra legroom.
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