One day in Naples: itinerary, useful information, and much more
So you’ve planned a longer itinerary for the south of Italy and only want to spend one day in Naples? While Naples is one of Italy’s largest cities, with an impressive history, you might have enough time in one day to scratch the surface.
I’m here to help you plan your itinerary so that you can make the best out of your time here.
Two cities in one, Naples is a mix of luxury and breathtaking natural beauty, with darker areas. Strolling on the narrow streets, watching the chipped walls, one might be transported to one of the most beautiful books set in Italy, “My Brilliant Friend.”
In this one-day itinerary, we’ll follow the two female characters and discover their Naples.
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Table of Contents
- One day in Naples: an easy-to-follow itinerary
- A short history and why to visit Naples
- Is one day in Naples enough?
- How to get to Naples
- How to get around town
- When is the best time to visit?
- Where to stay in Naples?
- Is Naples dangerous for tourists?
- Is Naples worth visiting?
- Your Itinerary: What To Do and What to See
- Other things to do in Naples
- Day trips to destinations nearby
- Other Amalfi Coast helpful travel resources
One day in Naples: an easy-to-follow itinerary
A short history and why to visit Naples
It is a bit dissonant that one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world is called Naples, the New City (from its Greek name, Neapolis). However, the site has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with the first Greek settlement dating from circa 1000 B.C.
At some point in the 6th century B.C., the Greeks from the nearby town of Cumae decided to expand, and thus, Neapolis was born.
After centuries of prosperity, as one of the main cities of Magna Graecia, or Greater Greece as Southern Italy and Sicily were known at the time, Naples fell under the growing power of Rome, albeit it retained a degree of autonomy and Greek-style local government.
In 62 and 64 A.D., two major earthquakes destroyed parts of the city, while the infamous eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. added to Naples’ vows.
Fast-forward 1000 years. With the founding of the first university in 1224, Naples became the cultural capital of Frederick’s Holy Roman Empire. By 1266, Naples became the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily, later splitting from the island as the Kingdom of Naples.
Naples reached another peak during the Spanish Aragonese overlordship. By the 16th century, it had become the second-largest city in Europe after Constantinople.
Today, Naples is one of the largest cities in Italy, third to Rome and Milan.
Is one day in Naples enough?
If you plan your time accordingly, you can easily visit some of the most important tourist attractions in town in only one day.
How to get to Naples
The easiest way to get to Naples is to fly in. Naples International Airport is the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast, and many choose to arrive here when planning a longer itinerary.
From the airport, it is easy to get to town by bus. Tickets are available on the bus, so you don’t have to book anything in advance.
If you travel from Rome to Naples, the easiest way to get there is by train.
The high-speed train will take you from Rome to Naples in just over one hour. Tickets for the fast trains are usually sold 3-4 months in advance, and the sooner you book your ticket, the more you can save on the price.
How to get around town
With the most important tourist attractions spread around town and even up on the hill, it is difficult to walk around and see everything.
That’s why you must rely on the city’s public transportation system. It won’t be too difficult since the city has a subway system, buses, and a funicular line.
When you spend more than one day in the city and have many museums and tourist attractions on your bucket list, it might be worth looking into the Naples City Pass.
When is the best time to visit?
I strongly encourage you to skip visiting the city during July and August. Tourists throng Naples, and the weather turns almost tropical.
Instead, come during the shoulder season (March-May or September-October). That’s when temperatures are less intense, and prices are more affordable.
You can also consider a winter holiday. The season is mild, the prices are affordable, and there aren’t many tourists. However, forget about sunbathing and swimming in the sea – expect 10-15 degrees Celsius during the day (50 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit).
Where to stay in Naples?
If you choose to stay the night, you must carefully choose your accommodation because certain areas of town could be intimidating for most.
While we stayed close to the train station and the city center, I recommend staying in that area only if you travel on a budget.
Choose to stay in Spaccanapoli, the Historical Center, or Lungomare Caracciolo. These are all better areas in town, from which you can easily get to the train station and most of the important attractions.
Booking.comIs Naples dangerous for tourists?
I visited several times, including once with my mother. We spent four days exploring every corner of the city. While sometimes we felt watched, we never felt in danger.
If you stick to the more touristic areas of town, book accommodation in one of the above-recommended regions, and use common sense, you won’t have any issues.
Is Naples worth visiting?
While many might find the city dirty and less charming than other Italian destinations, I would say that spending at least one day in town should be on your list.
Naples has much to offer, a city with a great history and a mix of cultures.
Your Itinerary: What To Do and What to See
Start your day in Piazza del Plebiscito
The Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the main squares of modern Naples. It is named after the 1860 referendum (a.k.a. plebiscite) in which the Neapolitans decided to join the newly founded Kingdom of Italy.
Joachim Murat, the King of Naples and Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother-in-law, initially planned the square as a tribute to the Emperor. However, after Napoleon’s defeat, the Bourbons were restored to the throne of Two Sicilies.
King Ferdinand finalized the construction but converted the main building into the Church of San Francesco di Paola, which visitors can see today. The Church’s hallmark is the double collonades, reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome.
The other important building in the plaza is the Royal Palace. Initially the residence of the Spanish Viceroy, it housed the Bourbon rulers of the Kingdom of Naples and later the Kingdom of Two Sicilies.
Option: Go on a walking tour of Naples and explore with a guide.
Head to Castel Dell’Ovo and walk on the Lungomare
Castel dell Ovo, or the Egg Castle in English, is a seafront castle on the peninsula of Megaride. Initially an island, Megaride was the site of the first Greek settlement of Naples.
The Roman general and statesman Lucius Licinius Lucullus built a magnificent villa in the 1st century B.C. In addition to his resounding military victories, the man had a taste for the finer things in life; he was famous for the lavish banquets he organized.
Among other things, he is responsible for introducing the cherry and the apricot to Rome.
On one occasion, hearing that his master dined alone, his steward served a rather plain dish. His master reprimanded him by saying: “What, did not you know, then, that today Lucullus dines with Lucullus?”
Five hundred years later, the place housed the last Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus, after his deposal and The Fall of the Roman Empire.
During the 12th century, the Norman rulers erected a castle on the previous ruins, making it their seat of government in 1140.
The Castel dell Ovo lost its importance a hundred years later after King Charles moved his residence to Castel Nuovo. After Charles’ move, Castel dell Ovo served as a prison for different noble hostages. Its current 15th-century appearance dates from the period of Aragonese domination.
There is no entrance fee for visiting the castle, and the castle is open to the public every day of the week from 8 AM until sunset.
Take the Funicular to Castel Sant’Elmo
Built initially as a fortified residence by King Charles I of Anjou, Castle Sant’Elmo evolved into a full-fledged castle by 1336. Its name derives from a former 10th-century church dedicated to Saint Erasmo; in time, Erasmo was shortened to Ermo and eventually Elmo.
Despite successive restoration and rebuilding efforts, Castle Sant’Elmo retains its original, vulcanic tufa structure. With its dominating position towering above the city, Castle Sant’Elmo symbolized the rulers’ dominance over their subjects. It was the medieval way of reminding the Neapolitans that Big Brother was always watching.
How to get there from Castel dell Ovo
Walk through the Chiaia neighborhood to Piazza Amedeo, then take the subway to Montesanto or Vanvitelli.
From Montesanto, hop on the funicular leading to the castle and get off at the Morghen stop.
The castle is closed on Tuesdays and opens at 8:30 AM; the last admission is at 7:30 PM.
Don’t miss the Chiostro di Santa Chiara
After visiting the two castles, head to the city center and step inside the hidden Chiostro di Santa Chiara.
Dating from 1310, its most impressive feature is the interior garden, with mosaic benches.
Once every week, you can participate in a free guided tour only by paying the entrance fee. You can find the exact schedule to plan your visit here.
The entrance fee is 6EUR, and the convent is open daily between 9:30 AM (or 10:00 on Sunday) and 5:30 PM (or 2:30 on Sunday).
Don’t forget about Castel Nuovo
Castel Novo is one of the prominent architectural landmarks of current-day Naples. As its name suggests, it was King Charles’ new castle once he moved out of Castel dell Ovo.
The castle is connected to a bloody episode of Naples’ history.
The local aristocracy rebelled against the ruling Aragonese king in what is known today as the Conspiracy of the Barons.
After several plots, counterplots, and assassinations, the final episode played out at Castel Novo in 1487; the scheming barons were apprehended and killed in one of the castle’s rooms, which is named ‘The Room of the Barons’ in memory of the event.
The castle is open daily, except on Sundays, from 8:30 AM until 5 PM.
Eat an authentic pizza at Sorbillo
Naples is the home of pizza, and you could not visit without tasting the authentic Margherita at Sorbillo.
While many might be used to a specific type of pizza, the Neapolitan one is the real deal with its crispy crust and only a few ingredients.
Other things to do in Naples
The above itinerary will keep you busy the whole day and can even be split into 2 when you want to explore the old town and the streets of Spaccanapoli.
However, some might prefer to participate in organized tours and activities. Thus, here are a few other things worth doing in Naples:
- Visit the underground catacombs in Naples and learn about the city’s history and the unseen places. Book your tour here!
- Learn how to make pizza from an Italian chef. Book the workshop here!
- Or go on a food tour with a local guide and taste everything Naples offers gastronomically.
- Book a ho-on-hop-off bus and see the city and all its attractions in a short time.
Day trips to destinations nearby
If you choose to stay longer in Naples, the city is perfectly located for several day trips and exploring some of the prettiest areas of Italy.
You shouldn’t miss a day trip from Naples to Amalfi—it’s easy to organize and unforgettable. You can also directly book a day trip when you don’t want to worry about transfers and timetables.
See Pompeii and its heartbreaking ruins on a half-day trip from Naples. Book your tour here!
Visit the beautiful island of Capri, which is easily reached by ferry from Naples or on an organized day trip.
Head to Sorrento and hop on a boat to the colorful island of Procida.