Tell me about Naples - want to convince DH it's a good idea...

[MissAmbrosia]

I've booked for a week in Ischia in May and due to flight prices wanted to add on 3 days somewhere. Sorrento was a possible but doesn't make me hugely excited, but Naples seems to have lots to do, food great etc. I know the traffic is terrifying, I've seen it before. Has anyone done the underground tour? We've been to Pompeii and Vesuvius before. Might do Pompeii again, but would like to visit Herculaneum, which seems quite quick by train.

We're going this weekend for the first time! I think it sounds great and the food sounds truly wonderful. Have a fab time if you do go!

Some great information here - thank you! I have booked for the Castel Nuovo apartments which get great TA reviews and am going to see if I can find that Travel Man episode.

Naples is great! Yes, some parts are a dump, but that’s true of any city. I think some of the posters have only stayed near the station, which isn’t nice (think Kings Cross back in the 90s), but there are some absolutely beautiful areas to stay. The marina is lovely, the forts are beautiful, views are outstanding! Food and drink is wonderful. I’ve been loads and seen something different each time. It’s like people saying London is dirty but only seeing Euston!

Naples is horrible. I hated it. That said, I also dislike London and Paris (but not to the same extent I hate Naples). I guess if you like loud, smelly, crowded, hot places, then you’ll find it ‘vibrant’ or something.

I did this exact trip earlier this year (and got engaged on a boat sailing round Ischia) so I feel well qualified to comment.
Loved Naples, it doesn't feel any more dangerous than other European cities I've visited, just take the normal precautions you would. In my opinion it's perfect for a couple of nights, we stayed in a lovely central hotel (Rinuccini Relais) which I'd highly recommend.
We then did two nights in Sorrento followed by 3 nights on Ischia. I'd do the same again in a heartbeat, one of the best holidays I've had with a mix of relaxation, pottering around, great food and beautiful scenery.

Have an amazing trip whatever you decide.

We went to Naples when I was 7 months pregnant. Absolutely loved it, loved the food, loved the atmosphere and loved the busy-ness ! Amazing place! Great train links to everywhere you described too!

If you've ever visited Palermo I would say it has a similar vibe

Herculaneum is fab - get the train down & don't get duped by the taxis outside the station - just walk straight down the hill & the site is at the bottom.
Pompeii is wonderful also, but much bigger. I've been a few times & don't bother with the tour or the high tourist areas, I much prefer just wandering the streets & exploring.
Sorrento is a great hub for getting down to the rest of the coast - some people don't like it, too touristy, but I do. It's got a nice mix of shops & restaurants; & the transport links are great.
Get the bus down to Amalfi which is a lovely town; then you can get another bus up to Ravello. Minori has a lovely preserved Roman villa under the town & the several very good. You can also walk up to Ravello from there but I've never tried & it's over 1500 steps!

Herculaneum is definitely on my list and the underground tours in Naples. We loved Ischia the last time we went - rented a scooter and drove to different thermal parks and beaches. We still talk about the Nun's graveyard at the Castello. Our friends did the trip to Capri we missed that so probably will do so this time, plus Procida after seeing Gino there on a recent show.

I wasn't that taken with Naples either, quite ugly and industrial.