Naples vs Rome: Which is the right Italian city for you?

Rome is the version of Italy you find on postcards, but Naples is where you’ll encounter real Italian life in all its messy glory. While Rome basks in the splendour of its ancient past, Naples pulses with a raw, untamed energy that's both exhilarating and challenging. But the real question is which is better: Naples or Rome? Get ready to have your preconceptions of Italy shattered with our Naples vs Rome comparison guide.

What’s the difference between Naples and Rome?

Rome, the Eternal City, whispers tales of emperors and ancient glories from its meticulously preserved ruins. Think big sights, big crowds and big memories, with a buzzing tourist energy that’s hard to miss. Naples, a vibrant and charmingly frenetic port city, has fewer landmarks, yet its history is woven through the bustling streets and aroma of wood-fired pizza. These two Italian powerhouses offer vastly different experiences, yet both capture the heart of Italy in their own distinct ways.

Which one’s better for ancient sights?

If ancient sights are at the top of your bucket list, then Rome has to be ticked off. The Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican and Roman Forum are all nestled within the Italian capital. While Naples itself is more modern, it’s closer to iconic historical sites such as Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum. The good news is you can easily day trip from one to the other, so you don’t necessarily have to choose.

Which city’s better for food?

As one of the country’s most famous dishes, pizza is not just an Italian national treasure – it’s also consistently ranked as the world’s favourite food. And as the birthplace of this much-loved local staple, no trip to Naples would be complete without sampling some Neapolitan pizza. The city is also known for its excellent street food, in particular its fried snacks and sfogliatelle pastries, all served from quaint little windows throughout the cobbled streets.

Rome is equally tempting, specialising in artisanal pasta – don’t leave without trying a creamy carbonara or amatriciana with pork jowl. Supplì fried rice balls make a great mid-afternoon pick-me-up as you’re pounding the pavements and Roman artichokes in white wine and garlic are another must-try. After that, cool off with some of the best gelato in Italy, made with seasonal ingredients.

What are the top things to do in each?

Rome

Channel your inner gladiator at the Colosseum and hobnob with ancient VIPs in the Roman Forum. Then, prepare for neck strain at the Vatican, gawking at St. Peter's and Michelangelo's mind-blowing Sistine Chapel. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and marvel at the Pantheon's architecture. Check out the Testaccio district for some of the finest food in town, go for a peaceful wander around the Protestant Cemetery or hire a bike and ride past catacombs and aqueducts.

Naples

Naples is a glorious explosion of chaos and charm. Dive into its bustling streets, dodging Vespas and soaking up the vibrant street art scene in the Spanish Quarter. Explore the underground city – a hidden labyrinth of ancient tunnels and catacombs beneath your feet – then sign up for a pizza-tasting tour in the birthplace of the perfect pie. Get a bird’s-eye view of the cityscape with a ride on the funicular up to Castel Sant’Elmo, or hop on the ferry to Ischia for volcanic hot springs and coastal charm. Finally, take a day trip to Pompeii, where you can spend the day exploring this fascinating ancient city frozen in time.

Which is easier to get around?

Rome is larger but has a reliable and frequent metro service and plenty of taxis, so it’s not hard to navigate. Plan ahead though, as the main sights are spread out. Naples is smaller and denser – easily walkable in the historic centre, but slightly chaotic, so hone your map skills before you head out.

When to go

Weather-wise, spring and autumn are usually the best times to visit – the temperatures are still balmy without being overwhelming and the crowds are thinner than at the height of summer. Though that being said, while Naples in summer may be sweltering, it’s full of life, so if you’re after a sociable trip where you’ll meet lots of new people, July could be the month for you. Rome is busiest around the major Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter, but the festivities are so spectacular you’ll (almost) forget about the crowds.

Can I visit both in one trip?

Absolutely – if you take the train, you can get from Rome to Naples or vice versa in under 90 minutes. Ideal for either a twin-centre break or for forging a base in one and taking a day trip to the other. Other nearby hotspots include the Amalfi Coast, where you can combine a cultural break with a weekend of seaside charm.

The best day trips from Naples or Rome

From Rome:

‣ Tivoli – Escape the Roman rumble and discover a whimsical wonderland of cascading waterfalls and opulent villas. Picture yourself strolling through stunning gardens, channelling your inner emperor and pretending you're royalty for a day – all less than an hour away by car from the capital.

‣ Orvieto – Perched dramatically on a volcanic rock cliff, Orvieto is like something straight out of a fairytale. Explore its magnificent Duomo, sip local wine in charming enotecas and prepare to be wowed by panoramic views that will make your jaw drop (and your Instagram followers jealous).

‣ Ostia Antica – Ditch the capital’s crowds and time-travel to this remarkably preserved ancient port city for a quieter Roman ruins experience. Wander through apartment buildings, bathhouses and even a surprisingly racy ancient restroom, imagining what life was really like for everyday Romans.

‣ Frascati – Trade ancient ruins for rolling hills and prepare to wind down in this charming town just outside Rome. Sip crisp, local Frascati wine at family-run vineyards and discover that the best history lessons come with a side of vino.

From Naples:

‣ Pompeii – Get ready for a history lesson that started with a bang (literally!). Explore this ancient city suspended in time by a volcanic eruption, where you can wander through houses, shops and even see plaster casts of the unfortunate residents.

‣ Mount Vesuvius – Hike to the top of a real volcano and peer into its crater, feeling like a geological superstar. The panoramic views of the Bay of Naples are just as explosive.

‣ Amalfi Coast – Picture-postcard villages clinging to cliffs, sparkling turquoise waters and fragrant lemon groves scenting the air – the Amalfi Coast is Italy's most glamorous runway, where everyone’s invited to strut their stuff.

‣ Capri – Get ready to live the high life on this chic island paradise, where the rich and famous come to play. Explore the Blue Grotto's shimmering waters, browse designer boutiques and soak up the sun like a lizard on a very expensive rock.

This article was created on 11th August 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.