comparisons
Rome vs Naples
The capital and its unruly southern sibling, three hours apart by train. Rome is monumental and curated; Naples is louder, rawer, and arguably the better eating city.
Curatorial note
Choose Rome for the monuments, the museums, and the polish of a world capital. Choose Naples for the street life, the pizza's birthplace, and a city that feels lived-in rather than staged for visitors. If you've done Rome already, Naples is the more surprising return trip. First-timers should still start in Rome.
Town · Campania
Naples
Naples is worth two nights and rewards the traveler who doesn't need things tidy. It is the gateway to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri, and it has the best pizza in Italy. Skip it only if you need order and calm.
Town · Lazio
Rome
Rome deserves at least three full days and rewards a fourth. It is the one Italian city where trying to see everything is the mistake — pick two major sites a day and leave time for wandering.
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