Naples and Budapest both offer unique and enticing experiences, but which one should you choose for your city break or holiday?

We understand your dilemma. There is an abundance of travel guides for both cities, but few actually comparing them, and advising you which is the better for your trip.
This article will provide our unbiased and independent views of Budapest and Naples, hopefully making your choice that little easier.

The article is structured into several sections, each of which can be directly accessed through the following links:
• Introduction to the cities
• Scores and ratings
• Which one should I, friends, or family visit?
• When to visit and weather
• Who is the city suited for?
• The perfect 48hours (with map)
• Tourism details (where to stay? airport details?)

In many ways, Naples is split in two halves; a town of shadow and light.
There's the Naples of pizza dough and La Dolce Vita, which is all about kicking it by the azure Tyrrhenian Sea with good food and great wine.
Then there's the gritty city, whose reputation comes from the Camorra mafiosos and the ramshackle alleys around Spaccanapoli street. Both are immersive and interesting in their own right

Put simply, Naples is one of the most authentic and enthralling cities in Italy. The self-proclaimed capital of the south, it's got Roman history and gorgeous landscapes in equal measure.
It promises something for honeymooners, backpackers, foodies, and outdoorsy types, but won't sugar-coat the experience with anything special for tourists.

The Spaccanapoli cuts Naples in two and transitions from the old to modern sides of the city

Straddling the snaking Danube in the very heart of Europe is Budapest, the buzzing capital of Hungary.
Here, a city of two halves – Buda and Pest – unites to form a complex tapestry of over 1.7 million lives. With grand 19th-century bridges stitching together the landscape, Budapest entices with its blend of storied history, striking architecture, café charm, and lively nightspots.

Whether your eyes are drawn to the regal palaces atop Buda Hill or the heady aroma of sulphur from steaming bathhouses, Budapest never ceases to captivate. Venture into ruin bars, gaze upon the monumental Dohány Street Synagogue, or stroll the wide boulevards left behind by the Communist era.
In Budapest, every glance reveals a new layer of intrigue, a city where the past and present are locked in an endless dance.

Budapest is a vibrant and modern city just waiting to be explored

The harbour front in Naples

Summary
Where would I journey for a personal escape?
Budapest
Where would I send my parents for a memorable visit?
Budapest
Where's the ideal destination for my adventurous 19-year-old cousin?
Budapest
Where should my food-obsessed friend indulge their culinary passions?
Budapest
Note: The above comparisons are weather-independent and are based on travel during the most opportune times of the year. Details about the ideal travel seasons are elaborated upon later in this article.

In the sections that follow, you'll find a comprehensive comparison between these two fascinating cities. This includes recommendations on the duration of stay, the best times to visit, and tailored 48-hour itineraries for each city.
The final segment delves into practicalities for your travels, such as the best airport to fly into, the optimal districts for your accommodation, and insider tips, for when you come to explore the city.

We hope that you find all of this information useful, in planning your next exciting trip!

Fly-in visits for three days are enough to check off the major must-see sights of Budapest. This is a compact capital with good underground and bus links. You can get easily get across town – going from Buda Castle on one side of the city all the way to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths at the other takes less than an hour on public transport.

That said, Budapest has plenty of hidden secrets up its sleeve. You could easily while away a whole week enjoying cheap happy hours in the ruin bars, bathing in the Art Deco spas, and visiting islands up the Danube. If you're coming in summer, you could also extend a stay to include the art galleries and cobbled lanes of Szentendre, the mineral-rich waters of Lake Balaton, and the rustic Tokaj wine country to the east.

That's a tricky one. Naples itself can be seen from tip to toe in just a couple of days. We'd say around 48 hours is perfect for tasting Neapolitan pizzas in legendary L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele and feeling the vibes down lively Spaccanapoli – the main drag in the historic centre.

For a longer stay of five to seven days, there's a catch: A lot of Naples's main draws are outside of town. Think the likes of Pompeii, the soaring crater of Vesuvius, and the Amalfi Coast. To add those on, you'll need to plan to come here for considerably more time.

The mighty Danube River cuts Budapest in two

The obelisk of San Gennaro in the Piazza Riario Sforza

Spring is the best time of year in Naples. This southern city gets warm nice and early, so you can expect April highs in the 20s and even enough sun to hit the beaches of Gaiola and the local lidos if you want to take a dip in the Med. There are fewer other travellers about before the summer rush too, which means you'll find it more pleasant strolling the historic centre and Pompeii.

Of course, that's not to say the summer is bad in these parts. It most certainly isn't. Reliable warmth and loads of sunshine, topped off with a buzz about town, help make the months between June and August great options. Just be prepared to pay extra for hotels and flights, and don't expect the city to be quiet.

Late spring and early autumn are when locals often say Budapest is at its best. Temperatures average around 23-25 degrees in May and September. There's not an overload of rain then either. And it's perfect for avoiding the crowds of midsummer city breakers that come during the European holidays.

There's also something to be said for visiting Budapest in the midst of winter. Mercury plummets between November and March, and it's not uncommon to see the Danube freeze over with huge chunks of ice. What's more, the tenements and side streets of the Jewish Quarter and the historic Inner City areas ooze atmosphere on cold, snowy days. Just be sure to pack the thermals!

Budapest, with its rich historical culture, intertwined seamlessly with an energetic nightlife, has established it as a top destination for a diverse range of travellers. Backpackers gravitate towards the Jewish Quarter's unique ruin bars, where they can indulge in exceptionally affordable Hungarian beers amidst eclectic courtyards.
Meanwhile, those with a cultural focus may choose to delve into the history of the Hungarian empire at Buda Castle or pay homage at the poignant House of Terror museum, which delves into the oppressive Stasi era.

However, if your preference leans towards sun-soaked beaches, Budapest might not feel like a perfect fit. Situated in a landlocked region, both the city and the country are devoid of coastline. Furthermore, while there are parks, they are predominantly located on the city's periphery, making Budapest predominantly an urban experience.

Naples is a raw and immersive Italian city. It's got pizza places that are frequented by locals. It's got wine bars serving gorgeous Campanian tipples. It's lived-in and gritty and real. That makes it perfect for city hoppers who like atmosphere and energy. And the joys don't end there…

Just around the Bay of Naples are two of the country's most impressive archaeological sites: Pompeii and Herculaneum. They'll entertain the history lovers, along with the likes of the Castel dell'Ovo and the vast Museo Archeologico Nazionale. Loved-up duos might also want to make Naples a pitstop on a couple's break to the impossibly gorgeous Amalfi Coast that lies to the south.

Naples isn't for those who like small, easy-going towns where there's lots of room. It's crammed between the volcanos and the sea, so things are compact in the centre. It can also be quite hectic, with touts and traffic.

The Piazza Plebiscito is the grand square of Naples

The Hungarian Parliament stands as a stunning testament to Budapest's architectural grandeur, holding the title of the city's tallest building

Travelling to and around Budapest is super easy. There's an efficient underground network. Tickets for that cost 350 HUF per ride with a single transfer allowed. You can also use river boats (HUF750 per journey) and buses (350 HUF).

Taxis are rarely needed, but they are cheap, costing 280 HUF per kilometer. Be sure to insist your driver puts the meter on, and never accept offers from taxi touts at the airport.

The Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest

Talking of the airport, Budapest Airport sits around 22 kilometers from the city center. You can get to and from the terminals using the dedicated express bus (€2) or by train (€2.70). Both options take between 30-40 minutes. Be sure to buy tickets at machines by the stops – they're more expensive when purchased direct from drivers.

When it comes to picking hotels in Budapest, you're best off focussing on the Pest side of the city. That's where the bulk of the best lodgings are located. Being in the Jewish Quarter can be noisy, but perfect if you want to hit the nightlife of Szimpla and the other ruin bars. The Inner City area is charming and quieter, with some boutique options. Meanwhile, Újlipótváros is a local's favourite, with its cool cafés and art galleries and sleek Airbnbs.
Related articles: Where to stay in Budapest

Budapest is largely safe and crime statistics are in line with European norms. Some well-known scams include taxi drivers who overcharge and sellers of fake goods. Pickpocketing is also a rare but real problem. Just be aware of your personal possessions and be vigilante, especially when on public transportation.

Price wise, Budapest is surely up there with the cheapest of European capitals. A large beer can cost as little as 500 HUF (€1.50). Food in a midrange restaurant will set you back between 2,000 HUF and 3,000 HUF (€6-9). Nights in hotels are noticeably less than in nearby Vienna, too.