Timlin

Anyone spent a few days in Naples? Did you enjoy it? And what is the weather like in Naples in Mid February?

I want to plan an Anniversary weekend (4 or 5 days) and any input would be appreciated. (Hotels? sites to see?)

JSLee

I passes through Naples the first week of March, and found the weather great (55 degrees).

I walked around, but did not stay there. Do not stay anywhere near the Train Station area. It is very seedy. All the buildings in the area are barred up.

From other posts, I understand that there are many good areas to stay in. Can't say where though.

Timlin

Thank you JSLee. So many seem to ignore Naples and since I've only just driven through I wondered. (I'd like to take in the museum that holds the findings from Pompeii) and wonder what else might be there to enjoy for a few days.

ms_go

We spent three days in Naples in June and easily could have spent another two. Some of the things we enjoyed (excerpted from trip report):

-The Archeological Museum.

-Napoli Sotterranea - tour of the underground aqueducts, tunnels and caverns that date to the city's Greek beginnings. Highly recommended!

-The Duomo, and the Greek and Roman ruins beneath it.

-Capella Sansevero, which has some amazing sculptures, including the veiled Christ.

-The unique tiled cloisters of Santa Chiara, as well as the very well done museum that depicts the church before and after the war and the adjacent ruins of Roman baths.

-Various other small churches. Take your pick; there are 300+ in the historical center. Like Pio Monte della Misericordia, which has Caravaggio's The Seven Acts of Mercy at its altar.

-Certosa di San Martino atop Vomero hill. There couldn't have been more than 10 people visiting while we were there. Very interesting complex, and fabulous views over Naples. Vomero, by the way, is like being in another world; very quiet compared to the chaos below it.

-Castel Sant'Elmo, next to the Certosa. Even better views. It now hosts various exhibitions, and we happened upon one with a very extensive collection of works by Escher.

-Walking along the bay in the Chiaia/St. Lucia area, and a late afternoon at Castel dell'Ovo on a spit of land near the harbor. More fabulous views.

-Palazzo Reale.

-Wandering through the narrow streets of the historical center, taking in sights and smells, with fish stalls next to world famous pizzerias, next to gold shops, next to craftsmen creating nativity figurines.

-Oh, yes, the pizza.

We never even made it to Herculaneum, Capodimonte Museum or Caserta.

Some photos, if you're interested:
http://community.webshots.com/album/377036698SgHjQy

ira

Hi T,

You might find the Naples part of my trip report helpful.

You can also visit Vesuvius and Paestum.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

Timlin

ms_go and ira I have whiled away my entire morning checking pictures and web sights from your postings. Wonderful!!

Thank you so much. I think we have a 45th wedding anniversary coming up in Naples next year.........*sigh*

Pausanias

If you want to splurge on a hotel for your anniversary, I can recommend the Excelsior. Ask for a room with a balcony overlooking the bay -- you'll see Capri in the distance.

When we were last there the exchange rate was 89 cents to the Euro -- made it a bargain. Take a look.

Timlin

Thank you I'm checking that hotel out. It sounds wonderful. The view alone sounds worth paying to stay!