One Day in Naples (Italy): The Perfect Itinerary
Italy is so beautiful that we feel we never have enough time to explore it all! We are sure the same happens to you. That’s why we have prepared the perfect one day itinerary in Naples, one of our favorite cities in the world.
Of course, if you can, stay in Naples as long as possible. One of the largest cities in Italy has so much to offer than you can spend weeks and never have a dull moment. Besides, it is the perfect gateway to Italy’s gorgeous south. Amalfi Coast and Pompeii are only a step away.
That said, we are convinced that this itinerary includes the best that Naples has to offer. You will have to rush a bit, but you will get to experience the south’s most important city. Just like us, you will fall in love with Naples, and be back many times!
Have a look at this more detailed itinerary including the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii.
Morning – Centro Storico
Visit the Naples Cathedral
Naples’ Old Town is loaded with history and beauty. So much that UNESCO included the area within Plaza Garibaldi, Via Toledo, Corso Umberto I and Via Foria, in its list of World Heritage Sites. Ditch your phone, walk about, and prepare to be dazzled.
The incredible Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta is on Via Vecchia. Locals call it the Cathedral of Saint Januarius, the city’s patron. You don’t need to pay to enter. You do need to pay if you want to see the onsite jewelry museum and the catacombs beneath the temple.
Construction of the temple began in the 13th Century. The neo-gothic facade will take your breath away. Inside, you will see exquisite art from different periods. Notice the delicate neo-gothic 4th Century mosaics.
Explore Underground Naples
Via Tribunali is one of our favorite streets in Naples. The beautiful, chaotic, and long street is the best place to experience the city. All types of shops, restaurants, and bars line the street. If you think the street is fascinating, wait till you see what lies beneath.
A wonderful world of ancient aqueducts, tunnels, caverns, air raid shelters, catacombs, and history lies some 130 feet (40 m) under the street. One entrance is in Piazza San Gaetano, the other one 1.3 miles (2 km) south on Piazza Trieste e Trento.
You need to pay the ticket to enter. Totally worth it. The guided tour in English is fantastic and takes approximately 90 minutes. Don’t worry, the underground paths are big and airy. This is a unique experience, especially if you visit Naples in winter.
Visit the Sansevero Chapel and Museum
Walk along super narrow Via Francesco de Sanctis to the Museo Cappella Sansevero. The wealthy di Sangro family built the original chapel in the 16th Century. It became the family’s mausoleum a century later.
However, most of what we can see today is from a massive renovation done in the 1750s. In fact the chapel’s most famous art piece is the marvelous Veiled Christ, completed in 1753. You need to pay the entrance to go inside.
Once you are done with the Chapel, walk 2 minutes to the Obelisco di San Domenico. The 17th Century Baroque masterpiece is in front of the 13th Century San Domenico Maggiore Church. You don’t need to pay to go inside and admire the incredible Pietro Cavallini frescoes.
Visit the Archeological Museum
Naples has over 20 world class museums. We believe you have to see at least the one and only Archaeological Museum. It’s one of the best in Europe, and has probably the grandest collection of Roman Artifacts in the country.
The building itself is fascinating. It’s a 10 minute walk from Sansevero Chapel. The grand palace is an attraction in itself. It was the University of Naples until 1777. Pay the ticket, and travel back in time.
Look for the biggest sculpture from antiquity, Farnese Hercules from 222 AD. The Farnese Bull and the Farnese Atlas are near. Another must see is the Alexander Mosaic, unearthed in Pompeii. The Egyptian Collection is one of the biggest in the world.
Explore Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara
Granted, you need hours to see the massive Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara, a compound that includes a museum, a church, extensive cloisters, gardens, and a monastery. However, a quick one hour tour should cover the basics.
The 1340 compound is close to Via Toledo. You don’t need to pay to enter the church. Pay 7 euros for the museum, archaeological site and cloisters. Go in and walk along the cloisters admiring the 72 tiled covered pillars while smelling the lavender and fruit trees in the gardens.
The roman bath and sauna from the 1st century is splendid. Once done with the compound, check the Church of Gesù Nuovo in front, on Via Benedetto Croce. The stone façade is absolutely impressive.
Afternoon
Roam the Streets of Quartieri Spagnoli
The Spaniards built the Quartieri Spagnoli when they ruled the city in the 16th Century. It’s the area from Via Toledo, to the foot of the hill. You have to see the Santa Maria Della Concordia Church from 1556.
From there, walk to the lavish Zevallos Stigliano Palace. It holds one of the world’s best collection of Caravaggio frescoes, including the Martyrdom of Saint Ursula from 1610. Continue walking on Via Montecalvario to the Foqus Foundation Spanish Quarter. The former 16th Century monastery is now a fun community center.
Not everything is old in Naples. The Toledo metro station from 2012 is one of the nicest in the world. From there, it’s a 2 minute walk to see Maradona’s graffiti.
Visit Galleria Umberto I and Castel Nuovo
Galleria Umberto I equals the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. Both some of the first, and still amongst the grandest, shopping malls in the world. Completed in 1891, the Galleria Umberto I combines art nouveau, renaissance and baroque features.
No matter how many castles you’ve seen in your life, the Castel Nuovo is in a league of its own. The medieval wonder stands next to the sea, in front of Galleria Umberto I. The King of Sicily, brother of Louis IX of France, had it built in 1284.
However, Spain’s Fernando de Aragon built its distinctive huge arch in the 15th Century. You need to pay 6 euros to access the castle. The views from there over the sea and beyond are priceless!
Visit Piazza del Plebiscito
Our favorite square in the city is the Piazza del Plebiscito. The 19th Century massive square is a tribute to Naples’ unification with the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Not only that, but it’s the best place to mingle with the locals. You will see couples, friends, and families hanging around the plaza.
The Royal Palace of Naples towers above the square. Construction of the Palace begun in the 16th Century and continued through the centuries till 1858. Do not skip the uber-luxurious Teatro di San Carlo, Naples’ celebrated Opera House. Opened in 1737, it’s the oldest opera house in the world.
We always stop for a coffee at the 1850 Gran Caffè Gambrinus on the square. From there, walk 10 minutes along the coast to the iconic Fontana del Gigante. The views from the 1606 fountain over the sea, with the volcano in the back, are epic.
Take a Funicular to Vomero
Vomero is the upscale residential area up on the hill that towers above the city. To get there you have to hop on the iconic Funicolare Centrale on Augusteo station, in front of Galleria Umberto I. The 1929 funicular carries 10 million people each year!
Go all the way to Piazza Fuga, in the heart of Vomero. Our favorite park in Naples is a step away, Villa Floridiana. There are tons of plants, ponds, and fountains. You won’t believe the views!
Some of the best shops in Italy line both Via Luca Giordano and Via Alessandro Scarlatti. To mingle and shop with the locals, go to Mercatino di Antignano. We always stop for ice cream at Casa Infante, on Vomero’s cutest square: Piazza Vanvitelli.
Watch the Sunset from Castel Sant’Elmo
The best place to catch a killer sunset in Napoli is the Castel Sant Elmo. The giant but elegant stone structure crowns Vomero hill and offers unforgettable views. You will see the islands of Capri and Ischia, Mount Vesuvius, Naples Bay, and Sorrento Peninsula.
The castle homes the Novecento Museum, famed in Italy for its extensive collection of 20th Century art. We always walk along the Pensili Gardens, accessible through the museum and stop for coffee and pastry at Caffe Sansone.
You can continue walking down the hill until you get back to the city. We usually loop around the castle’s garden to Corso V Emanuele station and hop on the funicular. You can see the city fully illuminated at night when going down to the city.
Evening
Have Dinner at a Restaurant with the View
You won’t go hungry or thirsty in Naples. The city is known in Italy for its super cuisine. To be honest, we usually have sandwiches or something fast during the day. We don’t want to feel heavy! Our favorite place to grab a bite is Pignasecca street market.
We overeat at nights! Our favorite restaurant is fancy Carusso Roof Garden, on top of the Grand Hotel Vesuvio. The food is as good as the views over the sea and beyond. Their cocktails are spot on!
For cocktails in the center, we go to Vesuvio Roofbar and Restaurant on Garibaldi Square, in the Old Town. To dance the night away, we go to Cactus, where everyone is invited!
Where to Stay in Naples
We stay at the fabulous Eurostars Hotel Excelsior. The 1908 building sits directly on the coast. The rooms are super comfy and feature antique furniture, wooden floors, and high ceilings. We always book a sea-view room with a balcony to enjoy memorable views of Mount Vesuvius!
Now, if you have the money to splurge, do so at the Grand Hotel Parker’s on the slope of the hill. The uber-luxurious property opened in 1870 and it’s still the grandest in the city. We haven’t stayed there, but had dinner on the top floor. The George Restaurant has top notch food and jaw dropping views.
If you are travelling with friends or family, we strongly recommend Hotel Piazza Bellini & Apartments, in the heart of the Old Town. We booked a fully equipped apartment with a terrace when we visited the city with my parents and had a great time.
