Itineraries for Your Trip to Naples
1 Day in Naples for First Timers
Naples’ chaotic spirit is both daunting and captivating. I fell in love with its relentless pace on my first visit decades ago, and have watched the historic city evolve from a mere transport hub for the nearby Amalfi Coast to an indie destination in its own right.
Though it has become less gritty and more user-friendly, it can still be challenging to navigate—from its churning cruise ship and ferry port to the narrow streets of the Historic Center and Spanish Quarters (Quartieri Spagnoli)—especially if you have limited time. Here are my tips for how to cover the sights worth visiting, sample some street food, and soak in a bit of local color—all in one day in Naples.
The summer heat in Naples is oppressive, so opt for light clothing and avoid touring in the scorching midday hours.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a stroll down Spaccanapoli.
Check off the must-see attractions in Naples and experience its bustling heart on a walking tour through the Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most tours include stops to admire the Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) located opposite the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola on Piazza del Plebiscito. Stroll along shop-lined Via Toledo past Galleria Umberto I and follow Spaccanapoli into the ancient Greek quarter of the city. The artisan workshops along Via San Gregorio Armeno are a staple of Naples sightseeing tours, as is the ornate Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro), and the Veiled Christ statue, housed in the Sansevero Chapel just off Via dei Tribunali.
After lunch, take a quick trip out of the city to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, one of the best things to do in Naples for first timers. This Roman city was buried by volcanic ash when Mt. Vesuvius erupted almost 2,000 years ago, and its shops, villas, baths, and streets were perfectly preserved. There isn’t much information posted about the remains inside the site, so visit with a guide to enhance your understanding of these massive excavations; many guided tours also include transportation from Naples and prebooked tickets for seamless logistics. True archaeology buffs can pair a visit to Pompeii with a guided tour of MANN, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, where most of the art and artifacts unearthed in Pompeii and surrounding ancient sites are now on display. Alternatively, stop to marvel at Herculaneum, another ancient town buried under volcanic detritus and preserved for millennia.
Cap off your first time in Naples by discovering the city’s street food scene with an insider foodie guide. Savor specialties such as fried pizza, arancini (deep-fried rice balls), cuoppo (a paper cone filled with deep-fried seafood), taralli (round breadsticks), sfogliatelle (custard-filled pastries), and more. For a sit-down meal, opt for a Naples dining experience that includes local pasta dishes paired with regional wines. Avid home cooks can learn how to prepare classic Neapolitan recipes with a hands-on cooking class. Afterward, join the locals for a digestive stroll along the waterfront past Castel dell’Ovo overlooking the Bay of Naples.
