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

Should you visit Ravenna or Naples?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ravenna and Naples. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a charming, authentic, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a authentic, gritty, and colorful 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.

Ravenna and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ravenna or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Ravenna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Ravenna is known for its small town charm. Ravenna is popular for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires. 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 Ravenna different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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.

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

Naples is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Naples, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Ravenna or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Naples is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Naples has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Ravenna or Naples Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ravenna or Naples?

Naples is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna 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 Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Ravenna or Naples Better for Families?

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

Ravenna is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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 Ravenna or Naples Better for Couples?

Ravenna and Naples both great destinations for a couple.

Ravenna makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

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.

Is Ravenna or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Ravenna or Naples Better for Students?

Naples is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Naples is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Naples can get you to some places 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.

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Ravenna or Naples a more walkable city?

Ravenna and Naples are great when it comes to walkability.

Ravenna is a very walkable town. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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 Ravenna Worth Visiting? and Is Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Ravenna?

How long in Ravenna or Naples?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Naples than Ravenna. 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Naples?

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Because Naples is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Ravenna or Naples?

Ravenna 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.

Because Naples is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer.

Five days in Ravenna or Naples?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ravenna. 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.

Naples is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ravenna or Naples?

Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Naples. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ravenna and Naples, we can see that Naples is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Naples would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Naples than you might in Ravenna.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ravenna Expensive? and Is Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ravenna or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Ravenna during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ravenna in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ravenna is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ravenna in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

Ravenna usually gets more rain in July than Naples. Ravenna gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ravenna and Naples. Most visitors come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Naples because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Ravenna is generally cooler than Naples. Daily temperatures in Ravenna average around 14°C (58°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Naples. Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Naples in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ravenna as well as Naples. The winter months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

The weather in Ravenna can be very cold. Ravenna is much colder than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite rainy in Naples. Ravenna usually gets less rain in January than Naples. Ravenna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Ravenna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Ravenna is cooler than Naples. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ravenna in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Naples averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In April, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Naples. Ravenna gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Ravenna