Should I Visit Venice or Naples? Which is Better for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip (2024)

Should you visit Venice or Naples?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Venice and Naples can help you decide which place is right for you.

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Naples

Naples is a colorful, fascinating, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Naples?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples than Venice. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Naples is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Venice attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Venice is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Venice different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Naples and Venice. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Venice or Naples?

Venice is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Venice on the map. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Is the Food Better in Venice or Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Naples has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Venice or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Naples is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Venice or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Venice is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Naples?

Venice is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Venice is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Venice or Naples Better for Families?

Venice is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Venice is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Venice or Naples Better for Couples?

Venice is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Venice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Naples is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Venice or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Venice and Naples are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Venice or Naples Better for Students?

Venice is a world-class destination for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Venice is a great destination for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Is Venice or Naples Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Venice is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Venice or Naples a more walkable city?

Venice is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Venice Worth Visiting? and Is Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Venice?

How long in Venice or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Venice and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Naples. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Naples. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Venice, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Venice than Naples. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice than Naples if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Venice.

One day in Venice or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Naples is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Venice or Naples?

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Venice or Naples?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Venice or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Naples. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Venice and Naples, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Naples much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Naples would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Naples and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Naples.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Venice Expensive? and Is Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Venice or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Venice and Naples, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Venice or Naples?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Venice or Naples in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Venice as well as Naples. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Venice is around the same temperature as Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Naples. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In the summer, Venice often gets less sunshine than Naples. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets more rain in July than Naples. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Naples in the Autumn?

Both Naples and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Venice is cooler than Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Venice in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than Naples during autumn. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. In October, Venice usually receives less rain than Naples. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Venice or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Venice during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Venice in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Venice is generally much colder than Naples. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 3°C (37°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Venice often gets less sunshine than Naples. Venice gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

Naples gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Venice usually gets less rain in January than Naples. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Naples in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Naples. Most visitors come to Venice for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Naples because of the activities around the city.

Venice is around the same temperature as Naples in the spring. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Naples fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than Naples during spring. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Venice usually receives less rain than Naples. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Venice