A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Naples vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Naples or Amalfi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Naples or Amalfi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Naples

Naples is a historic, authentic, and gritty city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a charming, picturesque, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Naples and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Naples and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Naples is known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Naples and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza.

How is Naples different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Naples is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Foodies will find both Naples and Amalfi both to be first-rate destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Naples is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Many restaurants in Amalfi have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Is Naples or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Naples and Amalfi.

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.

Many people head to Amalfi for the nightlife scene. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Naples or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Amalfi has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Naples or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.

Amalfi has a beach worth visiting. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Naples or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Naples and Amalfi both have high quality historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Naples to see the historical old town. 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.

Amalfi is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Naples or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Naples is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Naples is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Amalfi?

Naples is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Naples is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Naples or Amalfi Better for Families?

Naples and Amalfi are both good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Naples. 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.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Naples or Amalfi Better for Couples?

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

Amalfi has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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 Naples or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples is well known for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Naples is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Naples or Amalfi Better for Students?

Naples is a city with good options for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

Naples is popular with students. 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.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

Naples is well known for its public transit. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Naples can get you around easily. 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.

While Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Naples or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi on foot is easy. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Naples?

How long in Naples or Amalfi?

Both Naples and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Naples. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples than Amalfi 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 Naples or Amalfi?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Amalfi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Naples or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi 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 Naples or Amalfi?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Naples or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dramatic destination of Amalfi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Naples and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi 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 Naples Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Naples or Amalfi?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Naples and Amalfi, 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 Naples or Amalfi?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Naples or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Naples are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Naples this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Naples is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Naples average around 23°C (74°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Amalfi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Naples. Naples usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during summer. Naples gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Naples usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amalfi. Naples gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Naples or Amalfi in the Autumn?

Both Amalfi and Naples during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Naples is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Naples averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Naples often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Amalfi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. Naples usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Amalfi. Naples gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Naples and Amalfi. Many visitors come to Naples in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Naples is around the same temperature as Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Naples in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Naples usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during winter. Naples gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the winter. Naples gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Naples usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amalfi. Naples gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Naples or Amalfi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Naples as well as Amalfi. Most visitors come to Naples for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Naples is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Naples average around 13°C (55°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Naples often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Naples usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Amalfi. Naples gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Naples