Home » Destinations » Europe » Italy » Naples » Naples Itinerary: 1 Day
Last Updated
Naples is Italy’s loud, fun uncle. The one you can’t wait to see, but wouldn’t necessarily want to live with. This rambunctious city is hectic, but beautiful in its own way. It was once a grand port power, which was invaded countless times, leaving an architecturally rich city with a relatively impoverished population. That’s why today you’ll see graffiti and laundry-strewn apartments next to historic grand piazzas.
The young, old, rich, and poor seem to pour out of their homes and live much of their lives in the streets, which can be fun to watch. While it must be said that Naples is rough around the edges, if you want to get a glimpse into “the real Italy,” this is the place to go.
Table Of Contents – Naples Itinerary For 1 Day
Naples Walk ★★★
National Archeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale) ★★★
Pompeii Day Trip From Naples ★★★
Star Rating Key
★★★ Top priority
★★ Highly recommended
★ Worthwhile
No Star – Skippable if not interested
Naples Itinerary For 1 Day
Naples Walk ★★★
The rich architecture in Naples deserves a tour. There are two ways to do this. One way would be to explore the city on your own, making sure to hit the major landmarks (this is best accomplished with the help of your favorite guidebook). This is a good budget option, but it takes a lot of effort to plan, and you won’t necessarily know what you’re looking at when you get there. A better choice is to take a guided walking tour of Naples, which you can find on GetYourGuide or Viator. The availability of tours varies throughout the year, so be sure check out the options for the time of your trip.
National Archeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale) ★★★
This museum boasts an excellent collection of ancient artifacts, including much of the artistic treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum. This is where you will find the ruins’ mosaics, paintings, cooking tools, etc. Thus, a visit here is particularly rewarding in combination with a trip to the ruins. In addition, the most important part of the museum to see is the Farnese collection of ancient sculpture. These statues are remarkably well preserved/restored, and are some of the best you can find today.
Cost and Hours: €18 per adult. Children’s entry is free. Open 9:00am-7:30pm.
Address: Piazza Museo 18/19, 80135 Napoli
Website: www.mann-napoli.it/en/
Galleria Umberto I ★★
The Galleria Umberto I shopping center, modeled after the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, beautifully demonstrates the architectural fashion of 1800s Italy, with its iron-and-glass vaulted ceilings and ornate finishings. This will be a quick stop on your 1-day Naples itinerary. Simply walk around the building, appreciate the details, and then move on to your next stop. Of note, at night this building becomes a resting place for homeless Napolitanos, so try to visit during the day.
Cost and Hours: Free to browse. Open 24/7.
Address: Via Santa Brigida, 68, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo ★
Built in the 1500s, this elaborate baroque church is a unique sight to see in Naples, and full of local character. Walk around the interior and appreciate the over-the-top decor. Don’t miss the chapel dedicated to Dr. Moscati, a local saint. He was a surgeon who used his profession to heal many people, before finally being laid to rest in this church.
Cost and Hours: Free. Open 8am-1pm and 4pm-7:30pm Monday to Saturday; 8am-1:45pm and 4pm-8pm on Sunday
Address: Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, 2, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
Villa Comunale ★
This public garden, created as part of a private royal estate in the 1700s, is a great place to take a stroll and just relax during/after a busy day of sightseeing. Enjoy the greenery, fountains, and views of the Gulf of Naples as you walk along its paths. The oldest aquarium in Europe is also housed here.
Cost and Hours: Free admission. Open 7:00am-midnight May-Oct, 7:00am-10:00pm Nov-Apr.
Address: Viale Anton Dohrn, 80122 Napoli NA, Italy
Website: www.comune.napoli.it/
Practical Info – Naples Itinerary For 1 Day
Getting Around Naples
You don’t need a car in Naples. In the city center, most sights are within walking distance. For other sites, you can easily take the train to get around, even as far away as Pompeii.
Where To Eat In Naples
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele has (arguably) the best pizza in Naples. The owners are pizza purists, only offering two options, margarita and marinara. Be aware that the restaurant is small, so the line to get in can be quite long. If you can stand the wait, you’ll be rewarded with a great pizza and a seat watching the pies go in and out of the brick oven, as they have since 1870.
Address: Via Cesare Sersale, 1, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy
Website: www.damichele.net/
Day Trips From Naples – Naples Itinerary
Pompeii Day Trip From Naples ★★★
The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was a prosperous town until the morning of August 24th, AD 79. This is the day that Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried Pompeii in over 10 feet of ash, preserving it for hundreds of years. Today, it is the most popular archeological site in the world. A visit here gives you a glimpse into the layout of an ancient Roman town, with its central gathering spaces, organized side streets, water delivery system, sewage system, baths, and more. Best of all, it’s just a 40-minute train ride away from Naples!
Check out our Pompeii Day Trip post for more information.
Capri Day Trip From Naples ★★★
Capri is the gem of the Amalfi coast region, and our favorite destination in the area. This small island is known as a hotspot for the rich and famous, but normal people like us can easily join in on the fun. This mountainous, bougainvillia-draped paradise is not to be missed.
In a single day, you can see the Blue Grotto, ride the Monte Solaro chairlift, visit Villa San Michele, and more. Best of all, it’s just a quick ferry ride away from Naples! Check out our Capri day trip post for more information.
Positano Day Trip From Naples ★★
Positano is arguably the most beautiful destination on the Amalfi coast. The city seems to cascade from a high hilltop down to the beach, allowing for incredible views from all over town. Those best suited to visiting Positano have money to spare and are in great shape – there will be lots of stair-climbing. Your efforts will be rewarded by unparalleled vistas famous the world over. To plan your trip, check out our Positano itinerary post.
All rights reserved © Travel Cheat Sheet. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc) is strictly prohibited.
Share this post with other travelers!
If You Liked This Naples Itinerary, You May Also Like
Subscribe to receive travel tips and itineraries.
This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you for anything purchased through one of these links.