Itineraries for Your Trip to Naples
2 Days in Naples for First Timers
As the daughter of an Italian immigrant born in the small town of Pontelandolfo, outside Naples, my first visit to Italy’s third-largest city was special—and every trip back has reinforced why it’s a place travelers exploring Italy should experience at least once. Naples is raw, energetic, and unapologetically real. It’s a city where art spills into the streets, pizza tastes like nowhere else, and history runs deep—from the ruins of Pompeii to the treasures of the Archaeological Museum. In two days in Naples, you can wander charming streets, sip espresso at century-old cafés, and still make time to take in views of Mount Vesuvius. To make the most of your visit, here’s a two-day Naples itinerary for first-timers.
If you only have time for one thing, make it indulging in a slice of Neapolitan pizza while people-watching the bustling crowds.
Naples’ warm Mediterranean climate calls for light layers most of the year, but pack something modest if you plan to enter churches or religious sites.
Start your trip with a walking tour—one of the best ways to get to know the city through a local's eyes. Wander through vibrant neighborhoods such as the Spanish Quarter and the city’s historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), spotting colorful murals, centuries-old churches, and historical landmarks, including Piazza del Plebiscito and the Naples Royal Palace.
The city of Naples can be hectic, so in the afternoon, take a break and visit Naples Underground, the only way to see the remains of the ancient city’s infrastructure and explore the city’s buried history. On a guided history and culture tour, you’ll discover everything from ancient Greek-Roman aqueducts to WWII air raid shelters, all while learning fascinating stories from local experts.
Try what Neapolitans proudly consider the best pizza in Italy—which for them means the world—by following your guide on a food tour through the parts of the city with the best local eateries. Sample pizza fritta, mozzarella, and sweet sfogliatella pastries while learning the stories behind the food. Eating and drinking in Naples is the ideal reward after a morning of sightseeing, and an enviable way to end your day.
Dedicate your morning to a half-day trip to Pompeii, one of Italy’s most remarkable archaeological sites and a popular attraction for history buffs. Walk through ancient streets, preserved villas, and fresco-lined walls while getting a deeper understanding of the eruption that froze the city in time. If Pompeii isn’t on your must-see list, a day trip to the Amalfi Coast or Positano is highly recommended.
After returning from Pompeii, move indoors with a visit to the Sansevero Chapel—book ahead to see Sanmartino’s Veiled Christ. Then walk a few minutes to Scaturchio, a historic bakery known for its Vesuvius-shaped babà. Round out your knowledge from the morning’s trip to Pompeii at the Naples National Archaeological Museum, home to many of the site’s most important artifacts.
End your trip with an experience you’ll remember long after you leave Naples: a hands-on cooking class where you’ll prepare Neapolitan dishes alongside a local chef. Make fresh pasta and classic sauces, hear stories about regional ingredients, and enjoy a relaxed dinner as you reflect on how only two days exploring Naples gave you the perfect introduction to the city.
