We’ve got to be honest with you – it would take a lifetime to see all Naples has to offer. This curious city has so much culture hidden down every winding vicolo (alley), and you are sure to fall in love after seeing the best of Naples in 3 days.
Naples has its own personality, one you won’t find in any other corner of Italy. With a history that spans thousands of years, the city has swapped hands from the Romans to the Spanish, the Bourbons, and back to the Italians. Many visitors may try to fit in just a day trip to Napoli on their way from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, but we encourage you to take a little time and explore.
Day 1: Welcome to Napoli!
Before we even get started exploring Naples in 3 days, we should warn you: we’ve got quite a bit of walking planned for you. Bring good shoes and water, but don’t worry, we’ve included many places for a quick snack!
Start at the Monumental Piazza del Plebiscito
Named to commemorate Naples joining the Kingdom of Italy in 1860, this is the largest open piazza (square) in the city. It is bordered by the Royal Palace, but your eye will be pulled towards the San Francesco di Paolo Basilica, reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome.
The piazza was initially designed by Murat, Napoleon’s brother-in-law. However, after changing hands, it was finished by the Bourbon king Ferdinand I. Today, it is a popular spot for locals to gather and enjoy public concerts. Many weddings also take place in the Basilica, so if you’re lucky you might just catch a glimpse of the celebrations!
Your first snack: Caffè and Sfogliatella
You haven’t been properly welcomed to Napoli until you’ve started eating. Start off with a local coffee and sfogliatella to get a feel for the local flavor.
Nearby Monumental Piazza del Plebiscito you will find the famous Gambrinus – a noble staple since 1860. Since it is so renowned, the prices might be a tad higher than the local average, especially if you choose to sit down. However, it is a stunning cafè with the romantic charm of the past. If you are into the experience, take your time and enjoy a little breakfast here.
Another great option is to head towards the start of Via Toledo and grab a coffee at Caffè del Professore (Piazza Trieste e Trento 2), where they serve their own freshly roasted coffee. Then just a few more steps and you can grab one of the best sfogliatelle in Napoli from Pintauro.
Keep exploring: Via Toledo and Quartieri Spagnoli
Via Toledo is the main shopping street in Napoli. While many stores are what you would expect in a central city, the real beauty of this area is found in the Toledo metro stop, just off the street in the historic area of Quartieri Spagnoli.
The Via Toledo metro stop has been named one of the most beautiful metro stops in the world. Just underground you will walk into a dazzling world, with ceilings and walls decorated with blue and violet lights as well as mosaics. As you descend into the station, the colors change. They are meant to reflect the colors of Napoli, from the sea to the earth.
On the other hand, just next to Via Toledo is a true local quarter – the Quartieri Spagnoli. The name comes from when Spanish soldiers were stationed in the city and resided here. Today it is a series of narrow streets, with apartments opening right onto the pavement. Streets are decorated with local art, highlighting the cultural symbols of Napoli: Saint Gennaro and soccer superstar Maradona. This area doesn’t necessarily have any stand-out monuments, but it is a must-see to get a true feel for the city. Take a walk-through to see what local life is like and take in the unique essence of Napoli.
Come on down to the Santa Chiara Cloisters
After winding the closed alleys, it’s time to get a little fresh air. Head to the beautiful Santa Chiara Cloisters, known as the Chiostri of Santa Chiara.
This is a beautiful garden, hidden away from the bustling city, where you can enjoy colorful pillars and frescoes among the citrus plants. The garden was built in the 1300s, for King Robert of Anjou and his wife Sancha of Majorca. It is the perfect cultural fusion with a drop of Napoli and a touch of Andalusia.
Tickets cost 6 euros and can be bought on-site.
Time for another bite? Head to Cuccuma Caffè
An experience you absolutely cannot miss in Napoli is the Cuccuma coffee.
Rather than the classic Moka, Napoli’s traditional coffee is served in a slower way, with the peculiar traditional Neapolitan coffee pot called cuccuma. The process involves boiling water and slow filtering, before flipping the coffee maker over and serving it.
There aren’t many places that serve this coffee anymore, but the team at Cuccuma Caffè has chosen to highlight and share the great tradition. Visitors enter the caffè to come face-to-face with a family-style kitchen, where they can observe a demonstration of how the coffee maker works, as well as a little history and coffee lesson from the staff.
If you aren’t ready for a coffee yet – they also prepare traditional pasta dishes and small bites to enjoy before you take a sip of this tradition.
When you’re ready for more, head to Capella San Severo
Here is where you can admire the masterpiece of the Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino. A statue carved entirely from a single block of marble, with such attention to detail that the stone seems to melt and become true fabric.
Insider tip: While you can swing by, there might be a line, so it is encouraged you book in advance.
Keep exploring: Via dei Tribunali and San Gregorio Armeno
Enjoy the streets of Napoli’s historic center, considered a UNESCO world heritage site since 1995. Wander these streets freely and take in the colorful life of Napoli. Via San Gregorio Armeno is most famous for its shops selling figurines for the famous Presepe – Christmas nativity scenes. This is a great spot to grab a unique souvenir!
But if you are getting hungry, Via dei Tribunali is where you will find many famous pizzerie. The original location of Gino e Toto Sorbillo is one of our favorites. Another great alternative we also recommend is Pizzeria dal Presidente (Via dei Tribunali, 120). You can’t go wrong with Neapolitan pizza! If you find lines at these two spots, follow your nose and grab a delicious margherita anywhere around the city!
Day 2: From the underground to the sea
Start your day at Scaturchio, a classic historic caffe in the centro storico. Here you can enjoy a coffee and your choice of Neopolitan sweets: a classic brioche filled with decadent cream, a rich babà, a crispy sfogliatella, you name it.
Once you’ve had your fill it is time to explore the underground wonders of Napoli.
Take a tour of the Napoli Sotteranea
Beneath Naples is Napoli Sotteranea, an immense network of Ancient Roman tunnels, aqueducts, and caverns. Bits and pieces remain of the ancient life here, but you’ll even peek at some more modern elements from when the area was used as a shelter during the war.
The official tour leaves every hour from Piazza San Gaetano n.68 and lasts around 2 hours.
Refuel with gelato
Once you’ve come back up for air, head to Il Gelato Mennella in Piazza Dante. This is the perfect local snack to hold you over before your next adventure. But if you need something savory, grab a pizza al portafoglio from Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba and enjoy it on the go.
Now, get a better view from up about at the Certosa di San Martino
From Piazza Dante, you can either take Metro L1 or walk a little and take the funicular F2 to reach the Certosa di San Martino. Both the Certosa and the adjacent Castel Sant’Elmo are worth a stop for their unique structure, and moreover, their incredible views.
Sant’Elmo, the 14th-century fortress, and ex-prison tend to be the more popular destination. However, Certosa di San Martino, a monastery and museum, happens to be a true hidden gem, with a large internal courtyard, and stunning terraces with a view over the Bay of Naples, and out to Vesuvius.
Admission is required to visit both, but tickets can be bought on-site without reservation.
Continue your grand tour of Naples with a stop in Vomero
Vomero is a slightly more elegant neighborhood of Napoli, found just down the hill from Castel Sant’Elmo. Developed in the 1800s, this area might remind you more of certain quarters of Rome.
This is the perfect spot for a little lunch stop. Enjoy a sit-down lunch in a local trattoria like Donna Teresa (Via Michele Kerbaker, 58). Since 1913 this relaxed trattoria has been offering quality local cuisine at a set affordable price for all. 13€ will get you a full 2-course meal plus water and wine.
Alternatively, there is La Buatta, a colorful and vintage-vibe trattoria serving typical local pasta dishes.
Then we hope you saved a little space for a dessert. While you are up here you won’t want to miss a sweet from Gelateria Soave 1950. Enjoy creamy gelato and decadent single-serving desserts, all easy to take away and enjoy on the road to your next destination.
A peek at the sea in Posillipo
It’s about time you wandered out of the city to enjoy the gorgeous lungomare of Naples. Enjoy a late afternoon exploring the outskirts of Posillipo.
This is a bit of a trek so you’ll want to take the L1 funicular down. Then you can take the Metro to Mergellina, and start your walk there or take the 140 bus to the edge before wandering back down along the water. It all depends on how much you’d like to walk these days!
Take your time along the sea, feel free to kick off your shoes, and dip your toes in the water. In this area, you’ll find some of the more popular beaches like Spiaggia delle Monache.
When it is time for aperitivo, you can choose the vibe you are feeling. For an upscale, craft cocktail or wine, enjoy an aperitivo stop at Il Malandrino Lounge Bar ( Via Posillipo, 16c). If you want to admire more of the street life and go for something simple, head to the easy-going Spritzero kiosk (dopo Chalet Delle Rose, Via Francesco Caracciolo 1) in the park along the water.
When it comes to dinner, you’ll want to head to one of the best. 50 Kalò by Ciro Salvo has been rated one of the very best pizzerie in Italy. Their pizzas are adored for their lightweight crust and incredible ingredients.
Like many pizzerie in Napoli, they don’t accept reservations, just be sure to show up early and be a little patient with a wait.
Day 3: A deep dive into Naples’ history
For your last day, it’s all about catching what you might have missed. By now you probably have gotten a feel for the sweet local breakfast. Take your time to enjoy another one at a local café. And if you can’t get enough of the crispy sfogliatelle, get inspired with our list of the best sfogliatelle in Napoles.
Once you’ve had your fill, it’s time to check out Napoli’s stellar art museum – Museo Capodimonte
Capodimonte is a national art museum located in the once Bourbon palace of Capodimonte. The collection includes an extensive selection of sculptures as well as primarily paintings by Italian greats such as Caravaggio, Raphael, El Greco, and many more.
Expect to spend a few hours here. Afterward, there are plenty of nearby lunch stops for you to enjoy a taste of local cuisine.
Behind the museum, visitors can enter the extensive palace gardens and bosco (forest), where you will find Delizie Reali ( Via Miano, 2). Delizie Reale was created with the goal to be the “first educational, productive and recreational urban agro-ecosystem.” They exclusively serve seasonal, 0km bites, with many fruits and herbs coming directly from the Royal Forest!
Alternatively, just outside the palace, you can enjoy classic Neopolitan cuisine, and of course, another pizza at Pizzeria e Trattoria Regina Vittoria.
Before you head back down the hill, check out the San Gennaro Catacombs.
These paleo-Christian catacombs have been dug right into the Tuff of the hill. A visit here gives you another peek back into the ancient history of Napoli.
Spend your afternoon like a local in Sanità
The area of Rione Sanità is a unique corner of the city. For many years it didn’t have the best reputation, but lately with local endeavors, and growing attention, it has become one of the more popular areas to visit in the city.
While here you can visit the birthplace of the famous Neopolitan actor Totò, the stunning Palazzo Spagnolo, and the so-called Alley of Culture on Via Montesilvano. And you can’t miss biting into a delicious “fiocco di neve”- a cream-filled, sugar-covered pastry from the Pasticceria Poppella.
And when dinner rolls around, line up outside of Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi for one of the best in town. You can reserve, or if you do show up, show up early.
If there is a bit of a wait, they have a little kiosk next door selling fried pasta and drinks to grab an aperitivo. Definitely try one of the “genovese” fried pasta bites – spaghetti with bechamel and meat sauce, rolled into a little pancake and fried, served piping hot.
Discover Italy’s unofficial culinary capital as you taste your way through the pastry shops, wine bars, and pizzerias of Naples on our Ultimate Naples Food Tour! Join us for 10 food tastings, two glasses of wine, a coffee and a limoncello throughout four vibrant neighborhoods in Naples.
