Naples 1 Day Itinerary

Naples is extremely dangerous, there are so many other nicer and better cities to visit in Italy.

Hands up if you’ve heard that before. I went to Naples with a sense of fear, am I gonna be mugged? Will the locals be rude to me? Will I eat too much pizza and pass out? All genuine real fears! I won’t sugarcoat it, Naples is gritty, it’s not as glitzy as the other big Italian cities and if you’re visiting from the Amalfi coast it will be a stark contrast. However, it’s no more “dangerous” than any other big city in the world, I actually felt safer here than I did in my home city of Dublin! In the touristic parts the only real thing to watch out for during your one day in Naples are the fast motorbikes and potential pickpockets; oh and maybe a few creepy stares from the elderly men. If you’re planning a trip, here’s a perfect Naples 1 day itinerary for you.

Naples (also called Napoli) is often referred to as the real capital of Italy, it’s loud, chaotic, colourful and exciting, it’s like no other Italian city I’ve visited, it feels so authentically Italian. Don’t get me wrong, there is a beautiful duomo, spectacular basilicas, a palace and other spectacular historical sights but they are located on small alleys, some even have a bit of graffiti. They aren’t as in your face as the ones you encounter in Rome, Florence, Venice and Siena, for example.

This 1 day Naples itinerary is the perfect day trip itinerary. It covers some awesome historical sights, alleys to get lost in, sunset viewpoint and of course like all my posts, amazing food suggestions and a handy map at the end. Did I mention that Naples is the birthplace of pizza?!

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Arriving In Naples

If travelling by train you will arrive at Napoli Centrale station. From here it’s a 20 minute walk to centro storico. Located in Napoli Centrale is Garibaldi metro station, if you don’t want to walk you can take a 2 minute metro to the Duomo stop in centro storico.

Booking your train in advance can save you a lot of money, ticket prices increase substantially 2 weeks before departure.

I travelled from Rome on a high speed train (1 hour 45 mins). However, there was a 40 minute delay at Termini station, therefore, I would recommend a train at 7 am. From researching online, train delays are very common in Italy so getting an earlier train allows you some buffer room.

1 Day In Naples Itinerary

This itinerary is a total of 9 hours. It is a walking itinerary, with very little public transportation. I suggest arriving in Naples at 8 am to get get the most out of your day trip to Naples.

1. Arrival (1 hour 15 mins)

1.1 Traditional Neapolitan Pastry For Breakfast (30 mins)

Starting our 1 day in Naples off on a high, we are going for a delicious breakfast, a traditional Southern Italian pastry, Sfogliatella (“Sfo-lyah-teh-lah”)from Antico Forno delle Sfogliatelle Calde. Sfogliatella translates to “little leaves” due its resemblance to stacks of leaves. These flaky triangular pastries are filled with ricotta, almond paste and peel of citron that gives it a nice subtle kick. They are literally handed to you from the oven, ensuring they are warm and incredibly fresh!

Antico Forno delle Sfogliatelle Calde is a 5 minute walk away from the train station and makes a wonderful breakfast washed down with some coffee. The scent of citrus as you walk is intoxicating.

1.2 Porta Nolana (15 mins)

With belly full of sfogliatella, take a short stroll around Naples bustling morning streets to Porta Nolana, a 15^th Century gate. This is just a landmark to pass through as we visit the next location. Along with the gate there’s a local market with many second hand goods and freash fish.

1.3 Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine Maggiore (30 mins)

From Porta Nolana follow the medieval city walls just a few steps to Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine Maggiore, a quiet sanctuary compared to the bustling market outside.

Built in the 12^th century, finished in the 15^th, the baroque Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine Maggioreis dedicated to the black Madonna. Located on Piazza del Carmine where many events in Neapolitan history, notably the uprising against the Spanish occupation where the church’s 75 metre bell tower was used as a defensive position. Although significantly damaged during World War II, the church, bell tower and quare have since been restored.

Although it’s a bit run-down on the outside but the inside is spectacular with an intricate coffered ceiling, a painting of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the alter, central nave flanked by side chapels decorated with Baroque frescoes, marble inlays. This was my faveorite basilica I visited on this Naples 1 day itinerary, I even preferred it to the Duomo.

The church is free to enter but the opening hours are limited, check here for the correct times.

Historical Naples

2. Centro Storico (3.5 hours)

2.1 Spaccanapoli + Christmas Alley (1.5 hour)

Leaving the basilica behind, make your way northwest into the heart of Naples’ Centro Storico. As you walk, you’ll notice the streets gradually narrowing and the energy of the city intensifying, welcome to Naples’ historic soul. One of the best things to do in Naples for one day is to wander aimlessly around these alleys, they are full of little shops and cosy restaurants.

The most popular alleys are via dei Tribunali and via San Gregotio Armeno also known as Christmas Alley where you’ll find world famous nativity figurines and other souvenir stalls. Also Spaccanapoli, the street that splits Naples in two!

There are many famous buildings here such as Duomo di Napoli, Pio Monte della Misericordia and Sansevero Chapel Museum.

2.2 Santa Chiara Church & Cloister (1 hour)

After traipsing Naples busy alleyways and dodging those unruly bikes, the next stop will be a respite, turn onto Via Benedetto Croce, where the narrow streets open up to reveal Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara, one of Naples most serene historic sights, and one you should definitely not skip on this 1 day Naples itinerary.

Built in the 14^th Century, the complex holds so much history, would you believe that Santa Chiara is actually older than most of the World’s nations! Most of it was destroyed during World War II but has thankfully been restored.

The highlight are the tranquil gardens, a little oasis in the heart of Naples. Here you’ll find vibrant cloisters adorned with ceramic tiles that depict scenes from the Old Testament. To add to the serenity the garden is dotted with orange trees.

The complex also has a Gothic Church with tombs of King Robert of Anjou and Queen Sancha along with sculptures and paintings by famous artists; an archaeological area with remnants of ancient Roman baths; and the Museum of the Monastery

2.3 Pizza Fritta (40 mins)

Pizza fritta, or deep fried pizza, is something my waistline could have probably gone without discovering in my 30’s! Pizza fritta is an affordable on-the-go snack in Naples that you need to try during your one day in Naples. The outside is crispy while the inside is soft and filled with ricotta, ham and tomatoes. It is surprisingly light and not greasy, unbelievably delicious!

La Vera Pizza Fritta da Gennaro in the historic centre is so good and not a tourist trap. I also loved Pizzeria De’ Figliole but it’s close to Napoli train station so too far for lunch.

2.4 Via Toledo + Station (10 mins)

Now you’ve fuelled up on pizza fritta, walk west toward Via Toledo, one of the longest shopping streets in Naples, here you will find one of the prettiest metro stations in the world. It won a LEAF award in 2015 for “building of the year” so I promise it is worth it!

CNN and Daily Telegraph named Toledo station as the most beautiful station in Europe. The skylight is the main attraction, look up and see a sea of twinkling stars against a midnight blue backdrop. The metro stations on Line 1 and Line 6 also have different art installations, but Toledo is by far the coolest.

2.5 Spanish Quarter (1 hour)

After viewing the modern station of Toledo we are stepping back in time to another historic area of Naples. The Spanish Quarter or Quartieri Spagnoli is one of Naples most famous alleys. A maze of bright buildings with small shops, restaurants and colourful murals.

It was once the home of Spanish soldiers during the occupation, known for its high crime rates and prostitution it is now one of Naples most visited areas.

I recommend checking out Murales Maradona , Church of Saint Anne ‘di Palazzo’ and the open-air market of Pignasecca.

If you get hungry while walking around grab a cuppo, an affordable street food staple filled with fried snacks such as seafood, rice balls and vegetables.

3. Piazza del Plebiscito (10 mins)

Following the Spanish Quarter’s narrow streets southward, you’ll notice the alleys gradually widening to Piazza del Plebiscito, a pedestrianised square located in close proximity to the Gulf Of Naples. It was originally built as a tribute to Napoleon, the square is the location of many famous Napoli landmarks such as Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and Royal Palace of Naples.

Sadly, the square is not as well maintained as it could be, the facade of historical buildings are covered in graffiti. It’s somewhere to stop and take a few photos, but for today I don’t recommend going into any of the buildings but instead checking out the architecture of the square.

You might also like: One Day In Siena Itinerary

4. Gran Caffè Gambrinus (1 hour)

Time to sit down and relax with a cup of coffee at the oldest and most luxurious cafe in Naples. Built in 1860, the cafe has retained its old world charm. The architecture is incredible, with baroque ceiling and a beautiful tearoom, along with a relaxing outdoor seating area.

Choose from a large selection of perfect pastries that almost look too good to eat! It is not the cheapest cafe in Naples but it is worth the hefty price tag to experience the grandeur.

5. Galleria Umberto I (20 mins)

Next up is another quick stop, Galleria Umberto I, a 19^th century shopping arcade that closely resembles Galleria Vittorio Emanuele I in Milan. You’ll find the usual big brand shops here like Sephora and h&m, but it worth to visit to check the building.

The centre piece is the large domed roof where sunlight filters through the glass. Make sure you look down at the tiled floor which depicts horoscope signs.

Evening

6. Sunset Check out the views at Castel Sant’Elmo (1 hour)

To get here from Galleria Umberto I takes the F3 Funicular from Augusteo to Funiculare Centrale, from here it’s a 10 min walk to the castle. Tickets cost €1.10.

Perched high above Naples, Castel Sant’Elmo offers one of the best viewpoints in all of Naples. This 16th-century fortress, with its imposing stone walls and historic cannons, stands as a testament to Naples’ strategic importance throughout history. Head to the rooftop for views of the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius looms in the distance, along with the vibrant city below, and see just how far you walked during this Naples 1 day itinerary.

The on site café makes the perfect spot to linger over a drink while soaking in these spectacular views. Though reaching the castle involves a climb up several flights of stairs, don’t let that deter you – there’s a convenient lift for those who prefer an easier ascent.

Here’s a money-saving tip: plan your visit for after 4 PM when admission prices are cut in half, leaving you with extra euros for that gelato down in the city!

7. Dinner (1.5 hours)

Neapolitian cuisine is loved around the world, known for fresh ingredients, simplicity and the birthplace of pizza. Aside from pizza other Traditional Neopolitan dishes include Pasta alla Puttanesca, Ragù Napoletano, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina and Polpette Alla Napoletana.

Napoli Restaurants I Recommend

1 Day Naples Map

What To Do On A Rainy Day In Naples

You arrive in Naples, one day itinerary in hand and it’s raining! Ugh, so annoying. It rains on average, 104 days a year in Naples.

• tour of the expansive underground city built by the Greeks, used as aqueducts by the Romans and then used as bob shelters during World War II, completely covered.
• a pizza making class (drink included to drown your rainy day sorrows).

Naples FAQ

Thank you for reading my Naples 1 day itinerary, if you have any questions feedback please contact me.

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