Rome was the first city that came to mind when it came time to plan my first trip to Italy. Not only is Rome the capital city of Italy, but it’s also one of the most-visited cities in all of Europe. The city of Rome is bold, grand, and full of history to explore, offering a conventional tourist experience (especially for Americans visiting Europe).
As a foodie, however, I found myself longing for a more authentic Italian city visit in the city of Naples, known as the birthplace of pizza. These two cities are situated just a few hours apart by car (or only one hour by high-speed train). Which Italian city is the better choice for your visit? Both Naples and Rome have a lot to offer tourists, but the answer comes down to the type of trip you’re looking for. Here’s how to decide.
Features of Rome
Rome has a historical feel that creates a romantic and monumental feel. First-time tourists often have similar must-visit landmarks on their itineraries, such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. These landmarks are recognized globally and can provide value and educational experiences for all types of travelers. Like any major city, some areas of Rome are cleaner and more built-up than others. Of course, many tourists also stop by the Vatican City, a tiny country located in Rome, for even more historical and religious sites to explore.
Who should visit Rome?
- Historical travelers: If you love learning about history, Rome will make you feel like a kid in a playground. Most of the top things to do in Rome are history-based, such as the Pantheon, the Roman Forums, and the Colosseum. For the casual traveler, a self-guided visit to these historical sites will suffice. However, those who want to truly immerse themselves in the history may prefer guided tours at these sites to learn and see as much as possible.
- First-time travelers: First-time travelers seeking an Italian visit that looks like the postcards will love a visit to Rome. Many areas of Rome are very tourist-focused, making it easy to navigate and communicate.
- Big 3 travelers: If your goal for an Italy trip is to hit the “Big 3” (Rome, Venice, Florence), a visit to Rome is a must. Venice and Florence are easily accessible by train from Rome, making it possible to hit all three Italian cities in one trip.
- Luxury shoppers: Rome has a huge array of luxury shopping options with popular Italian designer stores along major strips. Popular names like Louis Vuitton and Gucci attract tourists from all over the world.
Features of Naples
Naples, Italy, is known for its diverse food scene, authentic vibe, and somewhat chaotic atmosphere. The city is situated nearby to the dormant volcano, Mount Vesuvius, famous for its eruption that destroyed the city of Pompeii. While not as “picture-perfect”, a visit to Naples can give you a more realistic feel for what life in an Italian city feels like. I was blown away by the charm of Naples, which can be tough to see if you look at the trash-filled streets and graffiti on every corner. The charm here isn’t on a physical level; it’s more in the passion and community of Neapolitans and their love for their country.
If you’re visiting Naples, I highly recommend checking out private day trips with Daytrip. I used the private car service to go to Pompeii and it made my trip so much smoother.
Who should visit Naples?
- Foodie travelers: Neoplitans take food seriously. If you love food and understanding the cultural ties between food and a city, Naples has a lot to explore. I recommend going on a food tour to learn about the volcanic soil in the area and how it ties into excellent-tasting tomatoes (and great pizza).
- Travelers who want an authentic Italian experience: Naples receives only a fraction of U.S. tourists compared to Rome. With that in mind, Rome is more tourist-focused, but Naples provides a truer picture of a real Italian city. Naples is raw and authentic, but this also comes with more trash, graffiti, and a “rougher” overall feeling.
- Travelers who enjoy natural scenery and views: Views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples provide a pretty backdrop. For the best views of Naples, I recommend taking the Funicolare Centrale car up the hill to visit Castel Sant’Elmo. From here, you can get a 360-degree panoramic view of the whole area.
- Day trippers/explorers: A visit to Naples also leaves an opportunity for exploration of several nearby islands, which you can access via a ferry ride, including Sardinia, Tunisia, and Ischia. Other day trips include a hike to Mount Vesuvius crater and a guided tour of Pompeii.
Deciding between Rome vs. Naples
Both Rome and Naples have a lot to see, explore, and enjoy. I loved my visit to both of these cities, which I chose to pass through in the same Italy trip. With the easy one-hour high-speed train, I recommend checking out both of these places if time allows. Even if you only spend a day exploring one city, you can get a feel for how different these two places are. Despite their geographical location, these two cities almost feel like two entirely different countries.
If you can only visit one city, I’d consider your travel preferences when deciding between Rome vs. Naples. Rome is a better choice for those visiting Italy for the first time and those who want to see some of the world’s most popular historical landmarks. At the same time, I believe Naples is an underappreciated Italian city, offering a raw, authentic, and lively vibe that feels more authentic and less touristy.
