I hadn't heard a lot of positive things about Naples from friends, but I rather enjoyed my short visit in spring 2013. Like many visitors, Naples was a stopping off point for me en route to the scenic Amalfi Coast and ancient ruins of Pompeii. Since I only had a couple of hours to see the city, I spent the time exploring the historic center. Walking down the Via San Carlo I traveled a Neapolitan timeline from the fascinating Castel Nuovo, which housed the medieval monarchy of the Kingdom of Naples, to the Palazzo Reale, one of several residences which housed the Bourbon monarchy of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The architecture of the Teatro di San Carlo, Italy's oldest opera house, and the Galeria Umberto I, a 19th century shopping gallery, was impressive. Although the Piazza del Plebiscito was rather large and empty when I visited, I appreciated the liveliness of the nearby neighborhood streets lined with colorful apartment buildings. I wish I had more time to explore the numerous churches and museums of Naples, but that will have to wait for a future trip.

Logistics: Naples is a walkable city, although the street traffic can be a bit hectic.