A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Naples vs. Lake Garda for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Naples or Lake Garda?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Naples or Lake Garda, 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 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.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a fun, energetic, and scenic lake. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Naples and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Lake Garda?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples. Although Naples and Lake Garda are both popular with visitors, Naples has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Naples is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake Garda is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lake Garda is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. 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 Naples different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Naples offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

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

Naples is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Naples or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Lake Garda for the nightlife scene. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Is Naples or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Lake Garda. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Naples or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Naples or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Naples is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Lake Garda?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Naples is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Naples or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Lake Garda is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is an amazing family-friendly lake to visit. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

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 Naples or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Naples and Lake Garda are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Lake Garda is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Naples or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Naples or Lake Garda Better for Students?

Naples is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Naples and Lake Garda.

Naples offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Lake Garda. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Is Naples or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Naples and Lake Garda both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Lake Garda is very walkable. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Naples?

How long in Naples or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Naples or Lake Garda. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lake Garda due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lake Garda.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples than Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

When visiting Naples, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Naples, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda?

When visiting Naples, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Lake Garda 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.

Five days in Naples or Lake Garda?

Naples, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Naples or Lake Garda?

Naples is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the playful destination of Lake Garda. This lake offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 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 Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Naples or Lake Garda?

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 Naples or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Naples as well as Lake Garda. Many visitors come to Naples in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Naples is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Naples average around 23°C (74°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lake Garda. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In the summer, Naples often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Naples gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Naples usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Naples gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Naples are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Naples is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Naples averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Naples usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Naples. In October, Naples usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Naples gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Naples or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Naples during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Naples because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lake Garda in the winter. In the winter, Naples is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Naples in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Naples often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Naples gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. Naples usually gets more rain in January than Lake Garda. Naples gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Naples and Lake Garda. The activities around the city are the main draw to Naples this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

Naples usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Naples usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lake Garda. Naples gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Naples