Three perfect days in Naples

Rich in dazzling architecture and culture, the chaotic charm of Campania’s capital should be squeezed into any European tour. But with a lengthy list of things to do in Naples, it can be tricky to plan the perfect visit – especially if you’re doing it all in one whirlwind of a weekend.

From daytime delights to Naples at night, here’s our three-day guide to how you should make the most of this wonderful city on a tight schedule.

Day 1: History, caves & jazz

9am

Every day is sweeter when it starts with coffee. Grab the metro towards Piazza Dante and visit Caffè Mexico for arguably the best espresso in Naples. The city’s most popular coffee bar is much-lauded for its traditional zuccherato (sweetened) caffeine boost.

10am

Jaw-dropping churches and cathedrals are in ready supply around the corner at Piazza Bellini. From the gorgeous San Lorenzo Maggiore to the majestic Santa Maria Assunta, you can get your fill of Gothic architectural eye candy. Characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses, they provide an incredible medieval feel that acts as awesome background for some travel photos.

12pm

You’ve spent the morning getting to see the most popular sights for visitors – now it’s time to live like the locals do, with a spot of traditional lunch at Passione di Sofi. Here, you can enjoy anything from fried pizzas AKA panzerottis to pasta frittatas and crunchy, ricotta crusts – all uniquely Neapolitan choices. 

1pm

Once you’ve had your fill of Italy’s finest, take a stroll down Spaccanapoli – the famous, narrow street dividing Naples’ historic center. Rich in antiques, quirky stores, street vendors selling handcrafted wares, and cozy cafes and bars, it’s one of the best things to do in Naples to truly soak up the city’s unique culture.

3pm

While you’re in the area, pop down the Via San Gregorio Armeno – Naples’ permanent Christmas market. Watch top artisans creating miniature figurines for the classic nativity display and grab a special festive souvenir.

4pm

Now you’ve seen what’s above ground, it’s time to peek below. Take a tour of Napoli Sotteranea, the hidden labyrinth of caves lying beneath the city surface, where you’ll discover fascinating (and slightly eerie) relics and ruins at every twist and turn.

The tunnels have a rich history behind them, being used for many purposes such as burials, aqueducts and air-raid shelters during World War II. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance.

6pm

For dinner in Naples, you must try the iconic Neapolitan pizza. With its characteristic thin crust, puffed-up sides and fresh toppings, it’s a bucket list item for any pizza lover.

For one of the best places to dine that would dazzle even the toughest food critic, dip into L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele. Its legendary pizzas are adored by locals and Hollywood alike, having famously featured in the movie Eat, Pray, Love.

8pm

Ready to sample some of Naples’ nightlife? Enjoy a finger-snapping visit to Bourbon Street Jazz Club, where music fans both young and old jam to the city’s best live jazz. Settle into a booth or let the sounds of the double bass wash over you on the dance floor.

Day 2: Beaches, wine & royalty

9am

Begin your day with a heavenly brioche con gelato – a sweetened bun that’s both topped with cream and crammed with oozy ice cream. After all, you are on vacation. You’ll find this nugget of otherworldly bliss at the iconic seaside chalet, Chalet Ciro Mergellina, based close to Mergellina train station.

10am

Head on down to the beachfront to collect shells and paddle in the crisp ocean waves. This idyllic area is also full of large, smooth rocks near the shore. If you feel like doing a bit of sunbathing, you can always stay closer to the waters by booking a night in a Naples beach hotel.

12pm

When you’re ready to move on, seek out the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli, an atmospheric 19th-century aquarium located in the park nearby. Families looking for things to do with kids in Naples will love it here. Get up close and personal with some of the local sea life, which includes colorful squid, seahorses and sea turtles.

1pm

After another short, scenic wander, expand your Instagram collection with a quick stop at Piazza Vittoria – a public square jammed with some of the city’s finest statues and monuments that are tucked between the Chiaia and San Fernando districts. It’s named Victory to commemorate the defeat of the Ottomans at the Battle of Lepanto way back in the 16^th century.

2pm

Treat yourself to a late lunch at Terrazza Calabritto – an upscale dining gem on the edge of the Piazza. Take your pick of fresh seafood dishes, including salmon tartare, grilled scallops and spider crab with vermicelli. Book in advance to grab a table outside, where you can enjoy a dazzling view of the Gulf of Naples while you dine.

3:30pm

Now you’ve feasted like royalty, continue your day in that vein with a fascinating visit to the Royal Palace of Naples. Its lavish rooms, dripping with ultra-luxe artwork, will transport you to another time, while its sweeping gardens make for yet another blissful stroll in the sun.

6pm

The Giardina del Molosiglio park offers the best early-evening amble in town. Pause to appreciate the Fontana dei Papiri and Fontana dei Leoni, two more wonderful feats of Neapolitan sculpture on the waterfront property. There’s also a food kiosk if you feel like grabbing a snack.

7pm

Keep the day’s beachy vibes alive with a visit to Koi Sushi, where spectacular sashimi and punchy wasabi flow freely. Considered one of the best sushi restaurants in Naples, its fresh fish dishes should leave you satisfied.

9pm

It’s time for another dose of Naples’ nightlife. Head back down to Piazza Bellini for drinks and coffee at Intra Moenia – part bookshop, part coffee shop, part bustling bar, it’s the best place to sit back, relax and end your day.

Day 3: Museums, pastry & opera

9am

Perfect Italian-style pastries are in abundance at Mazz, a beloved breakfast spot that’s right in the heart of Naples city center. Try a sfogliatella (filled pastry) or babá (rich sponge cake) for a taste of something truly traditional.

10am

Museo Archeologico Nazionale – Naples’ National Archaelogical Museum – serves up one of the world’s finest collections of Greco-Roman artefacts from ancient Greece, Rome and Pompeii. Head straight towards the ground-floor Farnese collection to see the Toro Farnese, an awe-inspiring sculpture once restored by Michelangelo himself.

12pm

A quick trip to the Museo Cappella Sansevero before lunch is worth it to see Giuseppe Sanmartino’s Cristo velato (Veiled Christ) first-hand. Sculpted in the 18th century, it’s one of the most important Neapolitan sculptures and is widely regarded as a pinnacle of Baroque art with phenomenal frescoes built into the architecture. 

1pm

Home comforts are dished up hot at Tandem Ragú – one of Naples’ best-loved eateries. For dessert, nurture your sweet tooth with a quick visit to Gay-Odin, a chocolatier serving up everything from Neapolitan chocolate cozze (mussels) to miniature cocoa-replicas of Mount Vesuvius.

2pm

More artistic wonderment awaits at the Certosa e Museo di San Martino, a stunning Carthusian monastery-turned-museum. The pinnacle of Italian artistry, stunning architecture and fantastic scenery, it’s bound to blow any culture lover’s mind away.

4pm

For some of the best shopping in Naples, take the metro down to Municipio, where contemporary shops and boutiques sit side-by-side. Shop for handcrafted Neapolitan ceramics and jewelry as well as beautiful textiles and linens. For a coffee break with an unrivalled view, grab a window seat at Il Chicco d’Oro directly opposite Castel Nuovo.

6pm

It’d be crazy to leave Naples without enjoying a final pizza. Visit Brandi Pizzeria, the birthplace of the Margherita pizza, for a slice of the very best. If you’re looking for something with a bit more oomph, order the pizza alla Napoletana – made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, anchovies, capers and olives.

8pm

Make your last night in Naples truly special by catching a show at Teatro di San Carlo, the city’s spectacular opera house. Lavishly luxurious from head to toe, this enchanting experience is one you won’t want to miss. It’s one of the hottest tickets in town, so reserve your seats in advance.

Bonus Places to Visit 

Sometimes plans can fall through, places can be closed or full of too many people. But don't worry we've got some extra places in Naples that are worth a visit if you've got some extra time to explore.

• If you've got a lot of time, make your way to the top of Mount Vesuvius and take in a beautiful panoramic view of the city from the volcanic peak.
• Speaking of volcanoes, another great place to explore is the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were buried by ash and pumice during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
• Take a walk along the Lungomare, a waterfront promenade with spectacular views of Capri and Ischia islands and the Gulf of Naples.
  
  

Wondering where to stay on your trip? Check out our guide to the neighborhoods in Naples.