A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Naples for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Melbourne or Naples?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Naples? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Naples

Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Naples?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Naples than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Naples, Naples has more sights and attractions for tourists. Naples is more popular for its food and historical sights, while Melbourne is known for its beaches. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Melbourne different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Melbourne and Naples.

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Many visitors head to Naples specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Melbourne or Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Naples is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Melbourne or Naples Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Naples.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Melbourne or Naples Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is well known for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples is a very popular place for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Naples. 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Naples?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Melbourne and Naples.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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 Melbourne or Naples Better for Families?

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

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne or Naples Better for Couples?

Naples is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Naples Better for Students?

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

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Melbourne and Naples.

Public transit in Melbourne can get you to some places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Many visitors use the public transit system 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 Melbourne or Naples a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Naples are very good when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Melbourne and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than in Naples. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples than Melbourne 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 Naples.

One day in Melbourne or Naples?

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Naples. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Naples?

Melbourne 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic big city of Naples. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Naples?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Naples. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly big city of Melbourne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Naples, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Naples much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific and Naples is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive? and Is Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Naples?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Naples?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Naples has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Melbourne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Melbourne is cooler than Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Melbourne in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F)in July.

In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the summer, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Naplesin July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets more rain in January than Naplesin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Naples. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In April, Melbourne is generally around the same temperature as Naplesin October. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 15°C (60°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Naples during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Naplesin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Naples in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Naples. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Naples because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 9°C (49°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F)in January.

In the winter, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Naplesin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Naplesin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

In the spring, Melbourne is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the spring temperatures in Melbourne in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Naples averages at about 13°C (55°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Naples during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Naplesin April. Melbourne gets 62 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 Melbourne