One day in Naples Itinerary | A smart guide to Naples, Italy by locals

Make yourself comfortable, as this is the ultimate one day in Naples Itinerary. A compelling guide through the narrow alleys of one of the most beautiful cities in Southern Italy. Naples has been for years a concealed secret, mainly enjoyed by locals, but now the secret is out, and Naples is rising as one of the best cities to visit in Italy. A city forged by history, legends and fascinating myths, starting from the Greeks’ influence on Southern Italy and the time of the polis.

Through this complete Naples Itinerary in one day, we will uncover some of the best places to explore in the city in such small time. The most important city in south Italy city is filled with masterpieces and unique traditions. In recent years you might have seen Naples attracting tourists to the city, mainly thanks to the worth of mouth about its beauty.

You might be landing for a few hours in Naples and planning to return. The city has always been the mid point for travellers to reach the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Mount Vesuvius or Rome.

Things to know before visiting Naples, Italy

Naples is the third Italian city for inhabitants and has been hidden behind more tourist Italian cities like Florence, Rome, Milan and Venice for ages.

The sign of the ancient past of this city, with many different conquerors, is still pretty visible in the city’s habits, language, and walls. Naples has been a Greek Neapolis, a new city, then has passed as Roman City, with many connections thanks to its position in the Mediterranean.

Then the gems of this strip of land have been in the hands of the French Crown, Danish Dynasty, and Spanish Conqueror and have left a significant mark on the memories and traditions.

How to spend one day in Naples

We have wrapped an easy and enjoyable trip to the city in a full Naples One Day walking itinerary. This guide will help you to find detailed information about the streets and main landmarks, with a map to follow step by step.

Naples is full of amazing sightseeing, picturesque markets and cheap street food. Naples, It’s an underrated treasure you can’t skip. Although this city has been out of the tourist radar for ages because of reasonable fear, we are proud to say that our home town is safe and is happy to welcome foreigners to appreciate a little time there.

With our little tour in Naples, you will enjoy the most attractive Metro in the World, The Maschio Angioino, the masterpiece of Cristo Velato, and The view from Castel Sant’Elmo. Naples at night is unique; enjoy the streets full of locals and peaceful craziness, spend the evening around the small bars of Chiaia, walk on the promenade of Via Partenope and carve fresh seafood at Borgo dei Marinari.

After travelling worldwide for years, we are happy to say that Naples is one of the fascinating cities. The cutest streets are peculiar and beautiful. We bet that you can’t compare it with other cities in Europe.

From Naples you can enjoy many day trips, visiting the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum or Hiking Mount Vesuvius. The Amalfi Coast is just one hour away from Naples and is easiest to reach it from here compared to Rome.

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The morning Naples one day itinerary will start slowly, as the Italian way to begin a new day. Naples is an amazing city, and it seems that the Sun never dies. The southern Capital of Italy is called the “City of Sun”, and is famous for the song “O’ Sole Mio”.

Depending on the way you are travelling to Naples, you will arrive at the main train station in the city, “Piazza Garibaldi”. Just outside of the station there is one of the most popular “pasticceria”, the Italian Bakery. Sip a nice coffee, with the traditional Italian roster way, and eat a typical Neapolitan product.

Those suggested by us are the classic “Babà”, a “Sfogliatella” that will be “Riccia or “Frolla”. The fine patisserie “sfogliatella” you can easily realise by the strange shape of the shell, originally from the Region, filled with tasty cream.

Take the metro, which has been named one of the most beautiful in the World and get out at Via Toledo. This is the main shopping way, with well-known brands. From here you can visit the main sightseeing of the city.

Visit the Galleria Umberto I°

The Old Gallery in the city centre of Naples is named after an old King of Italy and is a must to see in your Naples one day tour. A majesty example of Architecture is similar to the Galleria Vittorio in Milan. We have visited the Northern city; check our itinerary of Milan in one day.

Admire the magnificence of Theatre San Carlo

The Teatro San Carlo is one of the oldest theatres in Europe and in the World still active. It still performs Opera, Ballets and Theatre performances on the stage. Teatro San Carlo is definitely the most beautiful buildings in the centre of Naples. The San Carlo Theatre is close to the Royal Palace of Naples and Piazza Plebiscito.

Piazza del Plebiscito | The main square of Naples

This is one of the biggest squares in the world. Piazza Plebiscito is where are taking place the most significant events in the city, from concerts to marathons. Every Neapolitan is proud of this square, and it is the first thing they will show you once you arrive in Naples for one day.

Visit Naples Royal Palace in one day in Naples

The Reign of Naples was one of the most powerful in Italy in the past century. This old Royal Palace set one step from the city centre and another to the sea, has been the home of many dynasties, from French to Spanish, Swedish and Italian. But, inside the walls of the Royal Palace of Naples, there are worthless treasures. 

Discover this hidden gem of Naples that needs to be on your list of places to visit in Naples in one day. Book your tour on Get your guide.

After a stomach-filling lunchtime on the side of the streets of Naples, in typical Italian style, you are ready to explore deeper into the city. The Cuoppo, what we suggested for your lunch, is a typical cone shape filled with fried seafood. Squids, baby squids, shrimp and seabass are the main pieces of the portions. After this heavy lunch, you need a walk around.

The seaside of Naples is one of the most romantic places in Europe, especially in the evening. From here you can admire one of the most beautiful castles in the city, Castel dell’ Ovo. The entire building is on a peninsula, with three sides on the sea. This area is called “Borgo dei Marinari”, translated as “The Sailor’s borough”. Borgo dei Marinari is your stop for an aperitif with a view over the Vesuvius.

Naples is one of the biggest cities in Italy, the number of inhabitants place it as the third-largest city in the country. For many Naples is one of the oldest cities in the World, with many archaeological finds that testify the importance already in ancient times.

The historic centre of Naples is listed as Unesco World Heritage Site, and the same is for the Pizza, an intangible cultural heritage of humanity for UNESCO. In Naples, the locals speak Italian, the primary language, but also Neapolitan, born as a dialect and became a formal language with its own grammatic.

The last has got in the years the influence of French, Spanish, Italian and Latin.

For ages, Naples has been a cultural hub in Italy. The main theatre of the city, San Carlo, is one of the first in Europe and is the oldest still active.

The nearest archaeological sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplonti, the beautiful natural cliffs of Amalfi Coast, the Vesuvio landscape and the volcanic area of Pozzuoli make Naples an often called open-air museum, unique in the world.

Is Naples safe for tourists?

Naples has always been associated with violent images and organized crime. The recent Tv Series about Naples Mafia hasn’t helped so much to rise up the reputation of a beautiful city on the seaside.

Until a few years ago, neither Italian tourists want to visit Naples because of its bad reputation. Naples wasn’t the ideal bucket list destination in Italy.

But things have changed in a good way. Today Naples is associated with traditional products, for pizza, the amazing Christmas alleys, the Old historic Centre, the beautiful landscape with the Vesuvius on the scenario. Naples is the closest city to the Amalfi Coast, where you can get an escape in history by visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Statistically, Naples is today just as safe as any other large metropolis in Europe. For many, the city is safer than the major US cities. The Numbeo Crime Index, for 2019, place Naples as the third Italian city, but only 89 in the World.

Protected Tourists Sites to visit in one day in Naples

Naples residents and institutions know how influential tourism is for them. All the binding sites are well protected, with police officers visible. Some of the most touristic attractions and logistic places, like train stations and squares, even have soldiers in a routine check.

The only tips that we feel to give you are to be careful when carrying your belongings. Like any tourist city, pickpocketers are behind the corner. Don’t wear expensive watches and jewels; you don’t need them to travel. You don’t have to show your richness to anybody; travelling will make your culture rich.

If you want to visit the fundamental parts of Naples, like small alleys and narrow streets, we suggest you avoid it if not accompanied by a local. The city’s streets are like a maze, and you could end up in a non-safe place. Instead, stay on the main roads, follow the crowd, or book a guided tour. Those are some that we suggest for fist timers in Naples.

Where to stay in Naples

Naples has seen an insane expansion of accommodation in the last five years. Air BnB apartments are now filling old empty buildings. The city centre seems like a big Airbnb, which is impressive. To be honest, we are locals and never needed accommodations in Naples. But as inhabitants of Naples, we know where is the best location to stay in Naples to explore the city.

Below are some suggestions from us, the location you have to look for is around the Main Train Station. Piazza Garibaldi and the alleys around are full of hotels and accommodations. It is not the city’s best area in terms of cleanness and safest but is central and near the transport facilities. It will be great for one day in Naples without spending a fortune but pretending just the basics.

The new accommodation area of Piazza Dante is ideal for comfort and safety; it is near the city’s major sights at the right price.

Check the list below of the best hotels where to stay in Naples for one day.

• Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterraneo
• Romeo hotel
• Grand Hotel Vesuvio
• Grand Hotel Parker’s 
• Eurostars Hotel Excelsior
• Grand Hotel Santa Lucia
• Grand Hotel Oriente
• San Francesco al Monte

Hostels in Naples

If you are in Naples for a quick stay, we suggest going to a Hostel. Those are real travellers, friendly and welcoming. You will enjoy a holiday with other travellers like you, make new friends and maybe explore the city together.

Below are some suggestions for good hostels in Naples:

• La Controra at Materdei
• Hostel of the sun
• Bella Napoli Hostel
• Hostel Mancini
• Tric Trac Hostel
• Golden Cube Vesuvius (Best View)
• Fabric Hostel in Portici (Nearest to Herculaneum Ruins)

Backpacking in Naples

This is always our choice when travelling; despite our love of slow travel, staying in a location for a week or more, we understand that you sometimes need to move fast around a trip. We have done it everywhere and in many countries. Backpacking in Naples is ideal for those who will travel all over southern Italy. You can reach the Amalfi Coast Beaches from Naples in about one hour, and cheap. This is our guide on how to get Positano from Naples for a few bucks.

Go backpacking in Naples is becoming popular among young people, attract to the city by the low prices and cheap lifestyle. We have included Naples in our guide to the best Europe destination for a workation.

What to pack for Naples

Naples is beautiful and you need to pack good to don’t be outside of the box. The fashion culture in Italy is important and doesn’t matter where are you going, you have to dress to impress. Naples is not the last fashion city in Italy and accepts a casual look. If you are looking to spend a fancy night in Naples, in one of the many posh restaurants in Naples, you should consider wearing smart.

Think about what to pack in Naples regarding seasons

For a Winter in Naples, place in your suitcase an umbrella just in case, the weather is typically not wet, but if it is a rainy day, be ready.

Spring in Naples is the season ideal to pack a lightweight jacket, the warm day is contrasting the lower temperatures in the evening and night.

Summer in Naples is pretty hot, with temperature in August around 30-35 degrees, making space in the bag for a swimsuit, the beaches in Naples are awesome.

Naples in Autumn is amazing, sunny and dry. But be ready because October is always a guess, so we suggest packing a waterproof jacket just in case.

Naples is an old city, and if you are planning to follow our Naples Itinerary one day, wear comfortable shoes. The streets of Naples are not the best in the world, and the narrow cobblestone streets in the city centre are unique but challenging if you are not used to walking on them. So avoid heels in your suitcase for Naples.

If you plan to visit churches and sacred sites, remember to dress modestly and cover your shoulders for the woman, with no shorts and no skirts up the knee. It is also appreciated to avoid shorts for men.

Day trips from Naples

As we had the chance to say on many occasions, Naples is the ideal location where to plan a proper tour of Southern Italy. Some of the most popular locations in Italy are located around Naples, or at least reachable easily. Naples is just 2 hours away by car and bus from Rome, and one hour by fast train.

Planning a week in Italy, and landing in Rome or Naples you can organize a quick escape. Many tourists are requesting us many times tips on how to plan better an escape to Italy affordable but unique. Below are some of our suggestions for some day trips from Naples.

Sorrento from Naples

From Naples, you can reach Sorrento in one hour by train. This is our suggested way to visit the city, due to the difficult ride to Sorrento. The high cliffs road of Napoli’s Bay are hard for a non-expert driver and the Italian way to drive is hard to understand as well.

If you want to explore Sorrento on a day trip from Naples, you can take the Vesuviana. Take it from the main train station of Napoli Piazza Garibaldi. This special train will take you on a ride in the inland of Naples, around the towns on the foot of the volcano, for a suggestive scenario.

There are two kinds of trains direct from Naples to Sorrento. One is regular and will stop at any station on the track, the second is direct and is signed with DD on the display. The price between the two doesn’t change, but you will spend less time on the train with the second.

Sorrento is an awesome city on the coast, with an amazing seaport and nice beaches. From here you can reach even the bay islands of Capri and Ischia. From Sorrento, you can also take the bus to every city of the Amalfi Coast for a suggestive itinerary.

Check our post about Day Trips from Sorrento.

Visit the ancient Romans Ruins of Pompeii

On your ride to Pompei in the Vesuviana, you will spot the stop at Pompei Scavi. This is the stop if you want to visit the Roman Ruins of Pompeii for a cultural day around Naples.

Pompeii is a 45 minutes train ride from Naples and the ticket price is around 3 euro each way. This is the case where we suggest booking a Tour guide from Naples to Pompeii that is worth the price.

From Naples to Capri by Ferry

The beautiful island of Capri is direct in front of the city of Naples. From the seaside of the city, there are many ferry rides departing every day. Capri is an expensive Island in Napoli’s Bay, so if you are on a budget we suggest you avoid it in Summer, especially in August when the prices rise the stars. For a full guide on how to reach Capri from Naples by Ferry, check our blog post dedicated, it will help you also with times and prices.

If you are on a budget and Capri seems too expensive for you, check out Ischia. This is the cheapest Island compared to Capri, but beautiful as well and really suggestive. For many Ischia is more real than the sister in the Bay and more natural and old fashioned.

Day excursions from Naples

Naples is rich inexperience. If you are planning to spend some time in the city, that will go from one day in Naples, to two days in Naples and over you will never be bored. In the list of day excursions from Naples you can note those:

• Vesuvio Hiking to 1000 metre looking into the Volcano
• Roman Ruins of Herculaneum
• History of Oplonti a hidden Historic gem near Naples
• The Solfatara of Pozzuoli, the underground activity of a volcano
• A swim in the blue sea of “La Gaiola”
• Visit Positano from Naples
• The Christmas Lights of Salerno