Naples on our own
Thank you in advance for your help! I'm planning on taking my (super spry) 78YO mom on this tour next fall. We had originally planned to do a trip that included Rome, but are concerned about the craziness during a Jubilee year. How safe will she feel in our free time in Naples? We had planned on arriving a day early to rest and be ready. She has her heart set on the Amalfi Coast, so trying to decide between some extra busy-ness (and maybe fewer sightseeing options) in Rome vs. swapping Rome for Naples. Many thanks!
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Naples is either like it or hate it. Not much middle ground. Just like Rome there are good areas and bad areas. Overall the number of sites to see are less in Naples. The area around the hotel and waterfront is fine. You can walk to the Royal Palace, take an underground tour which is suppose to be great. The day the tour started we took the ferry to Procida and it was great. If you have never been to Rome, Rome wins. Best of luck
Does she like museums? The archaeological museum in Naples is the thing to see there. Or Herculaneum, but that's a lot of walking. Why not Rome and book a drive around tour, stop at Trevi, and have a great dinner? Especially if she's never been there. And the contrast with Almalfi will be good.
Rome is my least favorite city in Italy that we have visited
I'm glad we experienced St. Peter's Basilica. I was awestruck by the amount of marble. Michelangelo's Pieta was the highlight for me. The Sistine Chapel was closed for cleaning. I regret not viewing that but I, too, have no desire to return to Rome.
Being a Jubilee year might affect my decision, but Rome is always crowded. I like the advice of having a guide if you decide to go. You will cover more ground that way and the guide will know less crowded places to take you. If you or your Mom have never been, then I agree with Ben that Rome wins. I personally loved Naples and you could easily find enough things to do with an extra day there. Again, you might consider getting a guide. Both cities are chaotic. I did not feel less safe in Naples than in Rome.
I was in Naples as a senior single woman last year - I walked well lit streets at night and had no problem. Obviously, don't display a purse hanging where it can be snatched and don't wear jewelry (just like in almost any other large city). If you choose Naples, don't miss the Cappella Sansevero, a formerly private chapel now open to the public - this contains the famous "veiled Christ" statuary and other beautiful pieces. I think you can reserve tickets in advance and you only need an hour or so to view these pieces.