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

Should you visit Paris or Naples?

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

Should I visit Paris 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.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Naples

Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Naples?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Naples. Paris is bigger than Naples, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Naples is more popular for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Naples is well known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris 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 Paris on the map. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Paris or Naples Better for Theater?

Paris is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Naples is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Naples is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paris and Naples.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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.

Is Paris or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Paris is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

People head to Paris just to party. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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.

Is Paris or Naples Better for Music?

Paris is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Naples is not a live music destination.

In Paris you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Naples is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples is great for its historic old town. However, Paris 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Naples?

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

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or Naples Better for Christmas?

Paris is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Naples does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Naples does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Naples Better for Families?

Paris 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.

Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Naples Better for Couples?

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

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Naples is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Paris or Naples Better for Students?

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

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

Paris 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 Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris or Naples a more walkable city?

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

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Paris?

How long in Paris or Naples?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or Naples?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Naples, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fascinating big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Naples?

Paris is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Naples?

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

Naples is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Naples. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Naples?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating big city of Naples. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, 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 Paris and Naples, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or Naples?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Naples in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paris as well as Naples. Many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Naples in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Naples. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), 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 Paris this time of the year. In the summer, Paris often gets less sunshine than Naples. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in July than Naples. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Naples in the Autumn?

Both Naples and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Paris in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Paris is cooler than Naples in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Naples during autumn. Paris gets 127 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, Paris usually receives less rain than Naples. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Paris during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Naples because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Paris can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Paris is much colder than Naples. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Naples averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets less sunshine than Naples. Paris gets 62 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. Paris usually gets less rain in January than Naples. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Naples in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Naples. The spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

In April, Paris is generally cooler than Naples. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Naples fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Naples during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives less rain than Naples. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Paris