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One day in Naples Itinerary (walking tour + tips from a local)

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An easy, self guided walking tour of Naples in one day. With lots of insider tips from a local, and info on the best places Naples has to offer when it comes to shopping and food! Let me show you this unique 1-day itinerary: I’m more than sure you’ll love it so much that you’ll want more!

The big white dome of the San Francesco da Paola Church at Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples (Italy)
Piazza del Plebiscito is a must see also if you only have one day in Naples

Naples is a very popular port for the best cruise ships, as well as one of the most loved stops for the cruisers interested in foodie tours to taste the traditional Neapolitan dishes. Many decide to pay for an expensive day tour: there’s no need to!

Here’s a self-guided walking tour to spend one day in Naples, full of useful tips from a local! There are so many things to do in Naples, but I know just the way to plan a budget one day trip. Let’s see how!

Many people hop on a ferry from the Amalfi Coast to Naples and go straight for a visit to Pompeii. Others disembark from a cruise ship and pay for expensive tours that only show them the outskirts of my city. Visiting Naples in a day doesn’t mean that you only get to see one street!

I am well aware that planning a three or four days trip would be the perfect way to visit the largest city in southern Italy. Yet if you can’t do that, there’s still the chance to get the most out of a short itinerary!

One day in Napoli means that you will have to skip the popular spots like via San Gregorio Armeno (also known as Christmas Alley, or Chiostro di Santa Chiara.

Not many people know that from Molo Beverello (the main harbor) you can just walk to some of the top things to see in Naples!

In case this isn’t your first time in Naples, I recommend spending the day exploring places like Naples underground, or Duomo (Naples Cathedral) with the Tesoro di San Gennaro. Or even the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Enjoy all my city has to offer, without having to rush your visit!

The Fontana del Tritone with Palazzo San Giacomo in the background on a summer day in Naples
The Fontana del Tritone is the perfect spot for a yummy break!

One day trip to Naples: how to get there

If you are visiting the Amalfi Coast and its beaches, getting to Naples is particularly easy. Either you get a bus to Sorrento and then a train to Napoli Centrale (the biggest train station in Naples city center), or you hop on a ferry.

There are daily ferries (here we call them “metro del mare“, which translates as “sea subway” in English) from Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento to Naples.
Prices and journey time depend on where you are staying on the Amalfi Coast.

On average it should take you about 2 hours to get to Naples from Amalfi.
That means you’ll have more than enough time to visit this traditional Italian city I love so much!

Worried you’ll need a bit of help?
Download the FREE Italian Travel Phrasebook here! It includes the correct Italian pronunciation and lots of useful sentences that you’ll be able to use on your trip to Italy!

If you are planning your trip to Italy in spring or summer, I suggest you use the ferry in stead than buses and trains.

I’m not saying it to scare you away, because Naples is a safe city. Yet the Naples public transportation system can be quite confusing. Due to the terrible traffic jams on the Amalfi Coast, our buses tend not to show up when they should!

For a winter trip you might be forced to use the Circumvesuviana because ferries can be suspended due to the bad weather.

The good news is that you will be able to see the Naples metro stations “Art Stations” program, even on a short visit!

In case you are staying in Naples already, you can still use the Art Metro to visit the best of Naples in a day.

One of Naples’ highlights is Toledo. Considered the most beautiful subway station in Europe and located in the middle of my suggested itinerary.

To get there you will obviously need to use the Naples metro. Line 2 is where most of the Art stations are located!

Buy a ticket TIC Unico Campania.
You will need to ask for a “biglietto unico giornaliero” (daily ticket) for Naples. It costs 5.10€ and you can obviously use it for the whole day.

Bonus: if you really don’t feel like exploring Naples on your own, book a 2-hour walking tour with a local guide. You will be able to visit the historical city center, hear legends about Naples and learn its history. The tour starts in Piazza Municipio, by the fountain of Neptune, so pretty close to the harbor!
Check out prices and availability here!

View of Certosa di San Martino on the top of a hill seen from Borgo Santa Lucia in Naples (Italy)
Borgo Santa Lucia is where you’ll take awesome pictures of Naples

A daily ticket is the most cost-effective way to spend one day in Naples. Using the Naples public transport system is in fact cheap and easy. As opposed to having to rent a car!
Parking and driving in Naples isn’t very easy – just like everywhere else in southern Italy.
And I’m saying this as a local!

Remember that validating your ticket on every ride is mandatory, in Italy. Even if you are using a daily ticket.
If you have a Trenitalia ticket (ex. if you’re coming from Rome) you have to validate it at Naples train station.

With a Unico Campania, you will be using Circumvesuviana trains. To validate your ticket, write down your name, date of birth and the day date with a pen on the ticket in a clear, readable way.
If you fail to do so, you might get fined!

Are you on a cruise? There’s no need to buy a public transport ticket! This is a self-guided walking tour to spend even just a few hours in Naples.

You will disembark (as those who are getting to Naples from the Amalfi Coast) in the port of Naples, at Molo Beverello, which is the starting point for this itinerary.

Useful info: Molo Beverello is also where you have to go for a day trip to Capri or a day trip to Procida.
Because we’re just planning a Naples walking tour, there won’t be enough time to visit Capri, Procida or Ischia.
Add them to your Italy bucket list for your next trip!

Please don’t rush your trip to try and see all the highlights of Naples in one day. As a local I strongly encourage you to explore at your own pace… while eating delicious Neapolitan treats.

I am sure you will fall in love with Naples so much that you’ll want to get back for a longer trip!

Map of the self walked itinerary for one day in Naples
Our one day Naples itinerary: from Molo Beverello to Via Toledo

What to do in Naples in one day: a walk through history

From the harbor you will immediately notice the unmistakable shape of the Maschio Angioino castle, also known as “Castel Nuovo“. It dominates the scenic Piazza Municipio.
It’s the first thing you’ll see as you begin your Naples walking tour.

This mighty castle was built between 1279 and 1284 by Charles I of Anjou, and has welcomed important writers, poets and artists.
Think of Giotto, Petrarch and Boccaccio, among others.

The Palatine Chapel, which is today the seat of the Civic Museum, is still intact.

According to the legend, inside the Castel Nuovo underground prisons there was a huge crocodile. They fed him the prisoners who had earned a death sentence.

Actually there never was a crocodile in Naples, but everyone used to think so. The prisoners were terrified of being sentenced “to death” (by crocodile)!

Naples is one of the cities in Italy that has the highest number of castles. While you can’t visit all of them (some are sadly closed to the public), you can still use them as a gorgeous background. To get that perfect instagram photo!

Maschio Angioino castle (Castel Nuovo) in Naples (Italy)
Castel Nuovo is the first castle you’ll see on this short one-day itinerary

The Town Hall in Naples is located inside an historical building, Palazzo San Giacomo, at Piazza Municipio.
This is one of the largest squares in Europe! The area was recently restored and it’s magnificent.

Via Medina is a large street where there are lovely Christmas decorations that you’ll see if you’re planning to visit Italy in winter.
Cross it carefully and walk towards one of my favorite fountains in Naples.

Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune) has been brought back to life in 2018.
It is one of the most instagrammable spots in Naples.

Palazzo San Giacomo at its back, Castel Nuovo on the front, the historical Grand Hotel de Londres on the side and some of the best baroque buildings in Naples. Basically anywhere you look there’s something you’ll love!

Near the fountain there are a few benches you can use, and a nice café.
Stop here to eat some Italian gelato or to drink a cup of Neapolitan coffee: there’s some shade, which is perfect if you’re going to visit Naples in summer!

When you’re ready to go, walk the promenade next to the Maschio Angioino to the Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale).
This palace and museum is usually featured among the top places to visit in Naples.

Naples Royal Palace was one of the four residences used by the Bourbon Kings during their rule of the “Regno delle due Sicilie” (Kingdom of the Two Sicilies).

The others were the Royal Palaces of Caserta, Capodimonte (overlooking Naples) and Portici, on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

If it’s still early in the morning, you can visit the Royal Palace: I love the marble staircase at the entrance! In case you’re a movie nerd like me, you’ll like to know that this staircase looks a bit like the Grand Staircase of Honour at Caserta.

It was featured in movies like Angels and Demons, Mission Impossible III and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the clones (did I mention I’m a nerd?).

Visiting the Palace should take at least one full hour, but if you like history and art, you might stay for a couple of hours (worth the time, in my opinion).
You’ll see the Royal Apartments, the roof gardens, the Throne room and the National Library.

Tickets cost 10€, but if you are living in the EU and are between 18 and 25 years old, you’ll only pay 2€! Visitors under 18 years old who live in the European Union can visit the Naples Royal Palace for free.

If you don’t have enough time or don’t want to pay for a ticket, I have good news.
The garden at the Royal Palace of Naples is open. For free.
The roof garden requires an entrance ticket, but not the “main” garden.

You’ll also get to take pictures some amazing statues that are very famous here. I’d say it’s still a great add to your list of places in Naples you want to see.
Keep reading for a legend us locals know by heart!

The inside of San Carlo Opera House that you can explore in Naples in a day
The San Carlo Opera House in Naples is the oldest active venue in the world

Iconic spots that you should add to your Naples itinerary

I promised a short itinerary with all the must-see in Naples without breaking the bank, didn’t I?

While you will not be able to see the magnificence of our most amazing theatre in Naples from the outside, the San Carlo Opera House is still something to add to your 24 hours in Naples travel plans.
Teatro San Carlo” is connected to Naples Royal Palace.

The building has been recently restored.
Yet if you won’t pay attention, you might miss out entirely.

Many people who have visited Milan believe that Teatro alla Scala is the oldest opera house in Italy.
Yet they are wrong!
Teatro San Carlo is the oldest active venue for public opera in the world: it was opened in 1737!

Since you only have one day to spend in Naples, you might not have time to visit this iconic Opera House. Visiting would in fact take at least 40 minutes. A guided tour also has to be booked in advance and might be cancelled without notice.

I suggest you add Teatro San Carlo to a longer itinerary for your next trip. When you’ll have more time!

Side entrance to the San Carlo Opera House in Naples with info on the upcoming events
On the outside of San Carlo Opera House you can check out the upcoming events

While my itinerary for the perfect one day in Naples suggests you keep walking in front of you to make one nice loop that will get you back to the Molo Beverello, you have the option to stop again at this point.

Across the street from the entrance to the San Carlo Opera House there’s the Galleria Umberto I (which, again, looks a lot like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan).

Under the glass dome there are many shops and cafes.
It is one of those places you should always add to a Naples tour.

If you follow this short one day itinerary there’s a good chance you’ll get to take amazing pictures of Piazza del Plebiscito without the usual crowd of tourists.
So keep walking towards Piazza Trieste e Trento: I promise you’ll have time to stop at the Galleria later!

Piazza Trieste e Trento is located in Naples city centre and can be recognized by the Fontana del Carciofo (Artichoke Fountain: I swear that’s the English translation!).
Once you get there, I dare you not to stop there with your mouth hanging open.

Bonus: You can see the sights of Naples on a sightseeing tour by electric bike, with an experienced guide! The tour lasts 2.5 hours and includes helmets and child seats rental, snacks and… the chance to take awesome pictures!
Check prices and availability here!

I am Italian, Naples is my hometown, and still I feel in awe whenever I come here.
From this point you will see Via Toledo and Via Chiaia, the main shopping streets in Naples where you can buy awesome souvenirs from Italy.

Then the San Carlo Opera House, the Royal Palace of Naples, the historical Grand Cafe Gambrinus and Piazza del Plebiscito.

And that’s why I told you that this is the best itinerary out there if you only have one day in Naples!
You’ll get to see the most amazing spots in my city in just a few hours.
It is the area that will make you fall in love with Naples, if you haven’t already!

Piazza del Plebiscito is easily another one of the highlights of this itinerary. This huge square is close-by to a lot of popular spots.

If you haven’t visited Palazzo Reale, know that on a side of Piazza del Plebiscito you will get to see the statues of the eight Kings of Naples for free.

The inside of Galleria Umberto I in Naples with its glass dome and designer shops
Galleria Umberto I in Naples is the place to go to for shopping and sfogliatella tasting

Naples Royal Palace: The Local Legend You Should Know

As you might have guessed already, Neapolitans are quite creative with their legends.
When the statues of our Kings were built outside the Naples Royal Palace (in 1888), people immediately created a funny story about them.

As you walk from Piazza del Plebiscito towards the Gulf of Naples, look at the statues.

Charles V is pointing his finger to the floor: “Who peed on the floor?
Charles III of Spain replies, while looking terrified: “I didn’t do anything!
So Joachim Murat boldly confesses: “I did it, so what?
At this point an enraged King Vittorio Emanuele II grabs his sword and threatens: “How dare you! I’ll castrate you as a punishment!

Now look at the statues and imagine them talking among each other!
They look as if they are actually having this conversation, it is pretty realistic, albeit it reflects the way of the “scugnizzi“. The Neapolitan kids who love to play soccer in Piazza del Plebiscito and have fun.

What can I say… Napoli, I love you!

Detail of the monument to the soldiers who lost their lives during the Africa War
There are many “hidden” monuments in Naples!

The essence of every Naples tour: sea, sun and espresso

Piazza del Plebiscito is the place where in May 2013 Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street band gave one of the most amazing concerts of their carreer.

I was there and seeing the Boss tearing up a little while telling us “It’s beautiful to be home“, made me feel so proud of my city.

Because the acoustic in this square is absolutely amazing, it is occasionally opened for concerts, like the free one we have every New Year’s Eve.
Make sure you add it to your bucket list if you’re planning a trip to Naples for the holidays!

The half-moon church you see on one side is the Church of San Francesco di Paola, with its beautiful colonnade. It extends on both sides as if to hug Piazza del Plebiscito.
This is one of the most fascinating city center attractions and one of the many Churches in Naples.

If you cross diagonally the whole square, you’ll get to Borgo Santa Lucia and the Grandi Alberghi, one of the most expensive lodging areas in Naples, and for a good reason.

Stop there to take awesome pictures of the Gulf of Naples: you will see Castel dell’Ovo (Egg Castle) in the distance!

As you get back to the Fontana del Carciofo, you will find two of the nicest cafes in Naples. One is Grand Cafe Gambrinus, which opened in 1860 and is like a museum inside.

The other one, a few steps away, is the tiny Bar del Professore, which is the local alternative to Starbucks.
Here you can try espresso with white chocolate, hazelnuts cream, pistachio and so much more!

Grand Cafe Gambrinus is pretty elegant and can be expensive, but it’s the place where you might see politicians, movie stars or singers.

Bar del Professore is tiny and less expensive (more easygoing), so you won’t really be able to sit down.
It doesn’t matter which one you choose as long as you drink the famous Naples coffee!

Note: don’t eat anything! We’re almost at my favorite foodie spots in Naples!

View of Grand Cafe Gambrinus located next to the big dome at Piazza del Plebiscito
Grand Cafe Gambrinus is the spot where all the movie stars and politicians hang out

Naples Traditional Pastry: Sfogliatella

Via Toledo isn’t only the most famous shopping street in central Naples.
It’s also the one place where you will find some of the oldest shops (you can order handmade leather gloves here), awesome Christmas decorations, and the entrance to the Toledo Art Station.
Considered the most beautiful in Europe according to The Daily Telegraph and CNN.

While you stroll down this popular street in Naples old city center, you have two options for a sweet break.

Well, to be honest, two of my favorite sfogliatella shops ever, even if there are many more places where you can buy yummy treats along via Toledo!

The first one is Pintauro, an historical little pastry shop on Via Toledo.
The Neapolitan baroque architectural style is probably going to distract you. But don’t you worry!
Pintauro spreads such a sweet scent on the street that you won’t miss it!

Naples is known for its traditional Neapolitan desserts such as sfogliatelle, babà and struffoli (sometimes on a stick, like the dango we ate in Japan!). Pintauro has everything you’ve ever dreamed of.
Basically all the best Naples traditional pastries!

Another great sfogliatella store is just a few steps away, at the entrance of Galleria Umberto I.
Sfogliatella Mary has always been my favorite pastry shop in Naples.

When I was a university student I made sure to walk by this tiny place every day to eat a fresh-from-the-oven sfogliatella frolla.

Entrance to the gardens at the Royal Palace of Naples
You can visit part of the gardens at the Royal Palace of Naples for free!

Both these sfogliatella shops don’t have tables. You will have to eat your sfogliatella while enjoying your short Naples itinerary. On the go.

If you ask them, they will prepare your sfogliatella to go, so you can bring it back on your cruise ship or wherever you want.

Naples traditional pastry has to be eaten fresh.
Sfogliatella frolla can also last a couple of days, but sfogliatella riccia won’t be as crunchy and delicious if you eat it the following day!

I prefer Sfogliatella Mary also because there are many cafes inside the Galleria Umberto I.
I like to sit down for an espresso, or I just walk around doing some window shopping.
There are many designer shops, just like in all the more touristy italian cities!

Bonus: Are you a foodie? One of the tastiest tours will guide you to eat the best street food in Naples, on a 2.5 walk. The tour includes all the food tastings and the help of a professional (local) guide.
Check out prices and availability here!

As I already mentioned several times, tipping in Italy is not expected, not even when you buy the most popular pastry in Naples!
Have a look at my tipping guidelines for Italy to make sure you won’t come across as rude!

Upside down sfogliatella in Naples (Italy)
Even if you have only one day in Naples you should stop for a few treats along the way!

Best places in Naples: Where to Eat

Since you’re getting around Naples, which is one of the Italian cities where food is everywhere (yes, I’m totally biased), you should absolutely make a few foodie stops for treats along the way.

One of my friends has been telling me that “Naples smells like delicious food everywhere you go” and that is true!

  • Dolcezze Siciliane sells delicious pastries from Sicily at Molo Beverello!
  • La Passione di Sofi on Via Toledo sells “cuoppo” which is a cone of paper filled with deep fried goods, the perfect Neapolitan street food!
  • Gay Odin on Via Toledo produces hand made chocolate treats since 1800: they also sell tiny Mount Vesuvius that they sell as souvenirs!
  • Pintauro on Via Toledo sells Naples traditional pastry, like sfogliatelle, babà and Neapolitan struffoli
  • La Sfogliatella Mary sells sfogliatelle (obviously), tiny caprese cakes, babà (also with whipped cream and fresh fruit) and more!
Naples lucky charms
Naples lucky charm is known as “Corniciello” in Neapolitan dialect

Quick Ideas for your Naples Walking Tour

  1. Walk around the authentic Naples Historic Center
  2. View the Art in Naples metro stations
  3. Look for Naples famous lucky charm: “Corniciello
  4. Eat gelato in Piazza del Plebiscito
  5. Drink espresso at one of the most iconic places: Gran Caffè Gambrinus
  6. Shop for souvenirs at Via Toledo
  7. Eat Naples traditional pastry: sfogliatella
  8. Visit the Royal Palace
  9. Admire the Real Teatro San Carlo
  10. Stroll through the Galleria Umberto I
Naples gulf and Mount Vesuvius
There are quite a lot of instagrammable spots in Naples!

Frequently Asked Questions – Naples From a Local’s P.O.V.

Is one day in Naples enough?

It is impossible to visit a city as big as Naples in less than two or three days!
Yet one day is definitely enough for a short self guided walking tour of Naples!

Is Naples worth visiting?

There are so many things to do in Naples, and I’m not saying this because I live here!
Even if you only visit to try the original wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, it’d still be worth a visit.

Naples is also home to one of Italy’s best archaeological museums: the Naples National Archaeological Museum. Add it to your itinerary for your next trip!

Is Naples (Italy) dangerous?

I often write about how safe Naples can be.
Although my city does have a mixed reputation when it comes to safety, I do not think it’s more dangerous than any other place in Italy.

As any big city, there are safe and unsafe areas.
Overall, Naples is a lively place where the locals are always super friendly and welcoming.

Pizza in Naples (Italy)
Pizza is definitely a good reason to visit Naples!

Is Naples walkable?

Yes, Naples is absolutely walkable!

The most walkable areas in Naples are the one I’ve mentioned here for my 24 hours Naples Itinerary, and Corso Umberto I, which we know as “Rettifilo“.
It’s the street that connects the main train station with the Northern part of Naples.

Generally speaking, renting a car just for visiting Naples is never a good idea.
Use the public transport to explore the city and get a car if you want to plan a few day trips from Naples.

Are there beaches in Naples Italy?

One of the beaches in Naples where all the locals go is known as Lido Mappatella.
It’s tiny and it’s located near Lungomare Caracciolo.

The most beautiful beach in Naples is in my opinion Spiaggia della Gaiola, which is a marine protected area.

You might also like:
What to eat in Naples
Naples neighbourhood guide – where to book your hotel
The best 45 things to do in Naples
How to spend one day in Naples
Naples cafes and how to drink espresso
Is Naples really dangerous?
Pompeii travel guide from a local
Riding the art metro in Naples 
Hiking Mount Vesuvius – how to get there

18 lip smacking street foods in Naples
How to visit Naples Christmas Alley

Procida island travel guide – Our hidden gem
20 best destinations in Europe for a fall trip
30 different types of pizza you should eat in Italy
22 Amazing Day Trips from Naples (Italy)
10 Completely Free Things To Do in Naples (Italy)
Do you need ETIAS Authorization or Visa to enter Europe?
Guide to the best time to visit Italy
Ultimate guide to the best movies set in Italy

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Travelling Dany – Danila Caputo

Danila Caputo is a bilingual travel writer living in between Naples and the Amalfi Coast (Italy), graduating from the University of Naples Suor Orsola Benincasa in Foreign Languages and Literature. She travels and works with her husband Aldo, photographer and videographer. Their blog chronicles their adventures around the world, their love for the USA (where they have family), Italian/European culture and tips on how to be responsible travelers. You can find out more about their latest trips and their life on Youtube, Instagram and Facebook.

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76 Comments

  1. Cristina Rodríguez Sánchez says:

    Ciao
    I’m planning a surprise anniversary trip for my husband, the first without kids in 9 years!!! So I want it to be perfect and your blog is a great help.
    My question is. Is it possible to visit Pompeii and Ercolano on the same day by ourselves? (no guided tour). How would it be done? We are staying near Galleria Bornonica.
    Grazie mille

    1. Ciao Cristina! This will be epic and happy anniversary! I’m super happy my blog is useful, and I hope you find all the info you need to plan your trip to Naples!
      I think you can do it but it’ll be a bit of a stretch and also very tiring. Pompeii is usually more crowded by tourists and you should consider at least 2-3 hours to visit. Ercolano is smaller so I guess 1/2 hours is okay as well. There’s a Circumvesuviana train that has stops very close to both entrances (for Pompeii get off at Pompei Scavi, it’s the closest one!) but I’d still suggest you visit Pompeii in one day, then you could do Ercolano in a half day, get back to Napoli for a pizza, then you can visit something else which is closer to your hotel. My suggestion only, of course! Buon Natale (Merry Christmas)!

  2. Lucy Ivan says:

    I am visiting Naples next week for 3 days, and I hope to have a chance to see most of the city! It looks really wonderful! Thank you for your recommendations!

  3. Hello,

    I love your website and the post about Naples – I have been there once and hopefully will go again soon as I love Italian cities and Naples stays in my heart due to its atmosphere and fantastic food! I will bookmark your website to read all the tips and posts before I go to Naples again. Thank you for writing it and have a great time! Bye Renata

    1. Ciao Renata! I’m so glad you like reading my blog and that you loved Napoli! I hope you can get bach here soon, and I have scheduled quite a few more articles on Naples for 2020 so hopefully they will help you to plan a wonderful trip 🙂 Cheers to your next trip to Naples! <3

  4. Lorraine Oro says:

    HI there, what an amazing article, so detailed….I love it!!! Next year we will be based in Rome for 2 weeks and although we’ve been to Naples for a day 2 times, once spent on Capri and the other at Pompeii, we really want to spend a full day exploring Naples espescially after reading this article. We will be travelling to Naples by train from Rome for the day in September 2020 and we like like your suggestion as to how early you think we should catch the train from Rome. Also any good recommendations for a Napoli pizza lunch as Napolese pizza is our favourite style of pizza.
    Cheers

    1. Hi Lorraine! I’m very glad it was useful, I love Naples and I’m super happy when people enjoy visiting my city! By train from Rome you should probably get to Napoli Centrale. My suggestion is that you might hop on the Art Metro in Naples, Linea 1 to Piscinola. Go to Toledo station, deemed the most beautiful in the world, and start exploring there! If you’re staying in the area two of my tips would be trying cuoppo or frittatina at Passione di Sofì and Pizza a portafoglio (it’s street food Neapolitan pizza that you eat walking) at Gennaro Salvo Pizza a Portafoglio, via Toledo 244 🙂 They also sell a lot of the pastries you can read about in this article on food in Naples. 🙂

  5. Diane from Boston says:

    I was so excited with your article on Naples. I have been there twice on tour and only get to spend the afternoon. In June we went to Gambrinus Cafe and a little shopping on (I think) Via Toledo. We are going back late September 2019 on our own and am thrilled to spend a few days in Naples. It reminds me so much of my neighborhood where I grew up. Thank you so much for your information!

    1. Ciao Diane! I’m SO glad you liked your trips to Naples! If you’ve been to Gambrinus Cafe and then walked around (I talked about Gambrinus recently in my article on Neapolitan coffee) then it’s definitely Via Toledo. It’s the oldest shopping street in Napoli, with all the fancy shops and the very old ones! I’m also happy to know you’re coming back, yay! Many people don’t realize how many things Naples can offer so they never tend to stay for a few days… and end up regretting it! Do you already have plans for your September 2019 trip?

  6. Great – really helpful – Thankyou!

  7. This is my second post on your blog and loving it. You have fully developed the art of preparing itinerary. I am more into history and heritage and Naples seems a perfect destination for me. I would love to explore royal palace some day. Naples looks like an open art gallery. Have bookmarked your blog for future ref.

    1. Aw thank you! I’m very glad you’re enjoying the blog! I’m trying to provide useful information so I’m always adding to my articles the things I look for when I’m getting ready for a new trip. As for Naples, I live there so I’m very biased: I’m in love with my city! It has so much to offer, stay tuned for more articles but I’m not done with Naples, the Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast 😉

      1. I fell upon your guide as I was looking for information about a Naples port day while I will be ther by cruise in a few months. It was a very interesting read.

        I am torn… we would love to visit Sorrento but I would also love to take a couple of hours and roam the streets of Naples. I feel like both can`t be done (on a cruise day). Am I wrong?

        Thanks!!

        1. Ciao! I’m glad you found it interesting, I love to write about my city! Actually it takes about 45 minutes to get to Sorrento, so you also have to consider that! If you spend the day to Sorrento you will probably get tired (especially in summer as here it’s very hot) and if you also have to get ready for dinner once you’re back, I don’t think you’d have enough time to walk around Naples! So if you want to do a self guided tour of Naples like this one (no need to pay the cruise company), you can just walk around, with no hurry at all, maybe do some shopping in Via Toledo, try the real pizza, (here you can find a list of places where the locals eat in Naples) eat some gelato (again, it will be hot!) and get back to the ship in the late afternoon. Otherwise you can opt to pay for a trip to Sorrento with the cruise company, but unfortunately the two of them can’t be done together…
          If you ask for my opinion I’d say visit a bit of Naples on your port day and then plan a different trip, on another occasion, to see Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and maybe also Capri. All of those are closer together so you can do them all in less than a week!

  8. Kavita Favelle says:

    I have only been to Naples once and it was long before I refined my research and pre-trip planning so we didn’t see a lot of the sights in your local’s guide. Now I need to go back, especially for Piazza del Plebiscito, which we somehow missed, though at least we did see the Castel!

    1. Oh yes come back! Spring and Fall are PERFECT because it’s still pleasantly warm and yet the hordes of tourists thin down 🙂

  9. This brings back great memories. I also spent one day in Naples and for me it was perfect. Mostly because I enjoyed exploring Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast even more 🙂

    1. Not sure I got this, you were glad to have been in Naples just for one day so you could spend more on the Amalfi Coast?

  10. Tala Valino says:

    I’ve heard alot of good things about Naples. Especially the pizza! Would you recommend including Naples for first time visitors in Italy with only 2 weeks?

    1. Of course! If you’d like to visit the South (the weather is very nice in Spring, already warm enough to tan) you can include Naples, Pompeii, a hike on the Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast as well, in your itinerary. There’s not enough time to see the rest but consider that Rome is just 2 hours away by car and 1 via fast train, so you can easily add also Naples and the rest if you visit Rome! Check out the “Italy” menu on the blog, I have a few articles that I think might interest you, including one on the Art Metro in Naples 🙂

  11. Good to know Naples beyond its famous Pizza. I may have been one of those who chooses Pompeii over Naples but your post makes me think twice. Lovely images from the city.

    1. You mean that you stayed in Pompeii and not in Naples or that you spent the day at the Pompeii archaeological site? Because in this case it was still well spent!