Venice or Naples, Italy: Good Reasons to Add Both To Your Italy Itinerary

It’s hard to choose between Venice or Naples on your Italy travel itinerary.

When you are on a trip to Italy, these two cities belong on any must visit list. After all, Both are considered to be among the most beautiful cities of Europe.

From historic structures, beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and diverse culture, Italy has so much to offer.

But if you’re short on time, we’ll help you decide whether Venice or Naples should be on your Italy Itinerary, below.

CONTENTS – In this article, we will help you decide whether Venice or Naples (or both!) should be to to your Italy itinerary, including;

• Your Travel Guide For Amazing Naples And Venice City
• Best Things to Do In Naples, Italy
• Get A Neapolitan Pizza
• Visit the Naples City Center
• Tour the Naples Underground
• Take a Day Tour to Pompeii
• Where to Stay in Naples
• Recap of A Visit to Naples Italy
• Best Spots To Visit In Venice, Italy
• Explore San Sebastiano
• Cruise to Torcello Island
• Cross the Bridge of Sighs
• Where to Stay in Venice
• Recap of Visiting Venice, Italy
• Final Thoughts on Visiting Venice or Naples
• Next Steps

Your Travel Guide For Amazing Venice or Naples Italy

These days, people are traveling to new places and searching for new activities to do with a vengeance. This 2024 Italy guide helps balance the charms of Venice and Naples.

But the thing that is difficult for people to do is to plan their trip accordingly. How do you decide which places belong on your itinerary?

So below mentioned are two places where you can plan your trip to Italy.

To make the most of your time, start by taking a direct flight.

If you’re on the US West Coast, that means you can easily take a flight from Los Angeles to Naples.

You’ll be there in no time.

Now, what to do?

Best Things to Do In Naples, Italy

The city of Naples is underrated.

It doesn’t have a similar kind of appreciation or tourism like Rome or Venice.

That can work in your favor!

For one thing, the workmanship and engineering it houses is probably the most incredible on the planet.

Naples has a lively, youthful vibe and is filled with locals rather than tourists.

If you’re wondering what to do in Naples, Italy, we have a few good thoughts.

1.  Get A Neapolitan Pizza

Naples is the home of the Neapolitan or Naples-style Pizza.

You won’t find a more authentic version of this tasty pizza pie anywhere on Earth.

In fact, it’s so key to the local cuisine that pizzerias must meet strict requirements set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana to sell Pizza Napoletana!

One slice and you’ll understand why this traditional recipe is perfect!

2. Visit the City Center

Naples’ city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you’ll want to check it out.

It includes a variety of ancient attractions that date back to 470 BC.

Among them:

• 3 incredible castles
• several churches and cathedrals
• A royal palace.

History buffs will definitely get their fill in Naples!

3. Tour the Naples Underground

Speaking of ancient history, beneath the thumping streets, Naples reveals an underground world of its own.

You can tour the aqueducts and partially excavated theatre.

Or, visit the tunnels of Galleria Barbona, once used as a military hospital.

And don’t forget to stroll the Catacombe di San Gennaro.

This authentic underground experience is like no other!

4. Take a Day Tour to Pompeii

Naples is about a 30-minute ride from Pompeii, frozen in time by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD.

This massive archeological site demonstrates the magnitude of Vesuvius’ destruction.

It also preserved the ways of ancient Romans, revealing significant insights to history.

Pompeii is a must-see when you visit Naples.

But, even if you don’t go to Pompeii, you’ll see ominous Mt. Vesuvius from just about every viewpoint in Naples.

Where to Stay in Naples, Italy (Interactive Map)

If you decide to stay in Naples, compare popular hotel booking platforms, like booking.com, expedia.com, and hotels.com to get the best deals.

You can also use this interactive map to narrow down you’re options.

Tip: You can adjust the dates, budget, and filters, as well as zoom in/zoom out to narrow down your options. Adjust the filters to explore tours, restaurants, and other attractions here, too!

Recap of Visiting Naples Italy

So, you can see that Naples offers plenty to see and do when you visit.

From historic attractions, fascinating underground experiences, and scenic views, it’s a great addition to your itinerary.

In most cases, it’s not overrun by tourism, and the pizza is to die for!

Now, let’s take a look at the virtues of Venice next.

Then you can better decide whether Venice or Naples will suit you.

Best Spots To Visit In Venice

With its enchanting canals, breathtaking gondolas, and winding paths, it’s nothing unexpected that Venice is perhaps the most beloved city on the planet.

While this Italian city is a top destination among honeymooners.

You’ll discover countless phenomenal activities in Venice that make it an extraordinary getaway destination for anybody.

You can also arrive here from the US West Coast on a direct flight from Los Angeles to Venice.

Once on the ground, here are some spots you’ll want to include on your itinerary.

1. Explore San Sebastiano

Millions of tourists arrive dally outside San Marco or Saint Mark’s Square, trusting they will get their turn at a brief glimpse at the spectacular basilica.

And of course, you must see it for yourself, despite the crowds.

But why not also take a diversion to the congregation of San Sebastiano?

This is where you’ll find some of Venetian Renaissance ace Paolo Tiepolo’s most famous works.

Save Venice Inc., the non-profit organization is rebuilding of innumerable Venetian works of art and engineering across the city. This includes San Sebastiano.

As a result of their efforts over more than 10 years, you’ll see the splendid marble exterior of the St Nick Maria deiMiracoli, Tiepolo’s roof canvases, and other restorations of the congregation.

And, you can likely take your time admiring this beautiful 16th-century Roman church.

2. Cruise to Torcello Island

Dishing up calm tranquillity on an island loaded with green, Torcello Island was the first land body sought by individuals leaving Venice’s crowded central area.

Nowadays, it has few occupants.

It’s predominantly a nature preserve that offers sightseers the ideal serene escape from the overwhelming din of Venice.

During your visit, you’ll want to visit the Basilica of St Nick Maria Assunta.

The church dates back to 639 AD.

You’ll be astonished by the amazing Byzantine mosaics and stone arches.

While most visitors head toward the islands of Murano and Burano when in Venice, be sure to get to Torcello, too.

3. Cross the Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the main noteworthy landmarks in the city of Venice.

It is a beautiful bridge spanning the waters of Rio di Palazzo. This iconic arched structure is made of white limestone, complete with windows and stone bars.

The connector between interrogation rooms at Doge’s Palace and the Prigioni Nuove (New Jail).

Thus, it is said to have earned its name for the moans exhaled by convicts as they crossed the bridge, taking a last look at Venice before imprisonment.

But there is a brighter story to The Bridge of Sighs, too.

An old tradition says that if couples kiss passing under the bridge in a gondola, their love will be eternal.

Where to Stay in Venice Italy (Interactive Map)

If you decide to stay in Venice, consider booking convenient accommodations. Compare popular hotel booking platforms, like booking.com, expedia.com, and hotels.com to get the best deals.

Or, you can use this full-featured interactive map to hone in on your preferences.

Tip: Don’t forget, you can adjust the dates, budget, and filters, as well as zoom in/zoom out to narrow down your options. Adjust the filters to explore tours, restaurants, and other attractions here, too!

Recap of Visiting Venice Italy

There’s a reason Venice is so popular with tourists.

From the enchanting canals and islands to the elegant architecture and mystery that surrounds this unique Italian city, it’s a must-see.

But even if you visit Venice, there’s no reason you have to follow the crowd.

In fact, you might discover some of the best experiences that way.

Final Thoughts on Venice or Naples for Your Italy Itinerary

After learning what each of these beautiful Italian cities offers, you still have a hard decision to make.

But rest assured you will love either one. And if you can swing it, make time for both!

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