A 3-day itinerary in Naples is the perfect opportunity for an immersive experience in the vibrant atmosphere of a place that is truly unique in the world. A melting pot of cultures, history, and traditions, this city has a strong identity that makes it proud of its past, while always keeping its gaze firmly on the future. With its unique flavors and its proverbial hospitality, but also thanks to the virtually endless number of things to do and see, Naples can captivate everyone.
With only three days for the visit, we can optimize our time with the city's official tourist cards, the Naples Pass. There are different options, including those specifically designed for a 3-day itinerary, available in two versions. The first, valid for the city, includes entry to several iconic museums, along with discounts at many pizzerias, restaurants, and even B&Bs. The second version is valid for the region and includes a wide range of attractions outside the city, such as the Pompeii Archaeological Site and the Royal Palace of Caserta. In both cases, it's also possible to add public transportation access, which is even more convenient and really saves time at ticket counters.
A three days itinerary in Naples, among iconic landmarks and charming stories
How do you choose what to include in a three-day itinerary in Naples? With its palaces, the famous seafront, the museums and of course the cuisine, Naples is the city you don't expect, but what really makes it different is its atmosphere. You will experience a truly exciting journey passing from the narrow spaces of the characteristic alleys, to the shining light of the panoramic terraces. You will be able to admire the sacredness of the baroque churches and immerse yourself in the colorful confusion of the shopping streets.
If you are visiting Naples for the first time, then, choose some of the most famous places but also have fun discovering unusual points of view. Wherever you go you will feel among friends, so you can also enjoy moments of pause to relax and get to know at least some of the thousand flavors that characterize one of the most important culinary traditions in Italy.
Let's start immediately on our itinerary to discover a unique city that will surely stay in your heart.
Day 1. Between ancient castles and blue sea
The morning of our first day in Naples begins with one of the city's most beloved monuments, the Maschio Angioino, also known as Castel Nuovo, one of the four medieval castles of Naples. It is located in the very central Piazza Municipio, where we will also find Palazzo San Giacomo, which houses the town hall. Getting there is easy, basically from every part of the city. The Metro Line 1, which departs from the central station at Piazza Garibaldi, stops right at the square, and there is also the port with the Alibus stop, coming from Capodichino Airport.
After admiring this majestic castle, which is included in the Naples Pass, we take a short walk and reach the Teatro San Carlo, the oldest opera house in the world still in operation. Right across from it is the Galleria Umberto I, with shops and cafes, and the typical iron and glass roof of 19th-century galleries. From here, just a few more steps, and we will be at Piazza del Plebiscito, the heart of Naples and undoubtedly its most famous square. Let's stop to visit the Royal Palace,once again skipping the like thanks to the Naples Pass, and afterward, since we are in the heart of the city, let's stop at one of the many restaurants to taste one of the exquisite specialties of local cuisine. Perhaps a steaming plate of pasta and potatoes, or the traditional Genovese sauce made according to the traditional recipe.
For a coffee, right at the entrance to the square, there's the historic XIX century Gambrinus Cafè.
The afternoon can begin once we've recharged our energy. Let's cross Piazza del Plebiscito to reach the waterfront. The view here is already breathtaking, with the sea just a stone's throw away and Mount Vesuvius in the background. Going in the opposite direction from the port, with a 10-minute walk, we will find ourselves at the foot of Castel dell'Ovo. The castle has a magnificent terrace overlooking the sea, and it holds a fascinating legend according to which the poet Virgil hid an egg in the foundations, that would bring ruin to the city if it ever broke. No one knows exactly where it is, but Naples lives on and is more beautiful than ever, so the egg is certainly still intact!
At the foot of the castle, thereâs the tiny seaside village, perfect for a romantic stroll along the piers or even for an aperitif in one of its many bars. Crossing Via Partenope, weâll find the entrance to the Monte Echia elevator. With a simple metro ticket, we pay for the ride and find ourselves on a large terrace suspended between sky and sea, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city. It's nice to sit on the benches here, relax, and enjoy the view, or perhaps catch an unforgettable sunset.
To descend, we can, of course, take the elevator again or walk back to the sea level for some fifteen minutes. Letâs enjoy the walk along the sea a little longer and then head to Piazza Vittoria, one of the entrances to the Chiaia district.
In the evening, thereâs always something to do here. Itâs one of the nightlife districts, elegant and lively and since itâs almost time for dinner, we can stop right here for our first true Neapolitan pizza. Afterward, to enjoy the night, thereâs no shortage of choices between lounge bars, wine bars, and cafés.
Day 2, a stroll trhough the old town
Our second day will be entirely dedicated to the historic center of Naples, a UNESCO heritage site since 1995.
The morning begins with a visit to the MANN, the extraordinary Archaeological Museum included in the Naples Pass. Inside, more than three thousand finds await us, ranging from prehistory to the modern era, including several findings from the archaeological area of ââPompeii. The museum is easily reached by metro Line 1, which has a stop dedicated to it. After the visit, which lasts about two hours, we can walk to Piazza Bellini, where we can take a coffee break or an aperitif; we will then pass the church of San Pietro a Majella, with the beautiful wooden coffered ceiling by Mattia Preti, and while the music of the adjacent conservatory fills the street, we already find ourselves in the shadow of the bell tower of Pietrasanta, with its thousand years of history.
Nothing easier, at this point, than finding a fried cuoppo, king of Neapolitan street food, to have lunch with all the cornerstones of Neapolitan fried food in mini format.
The afternoon continues with a small detour. There is so much to see that we obviously need to make a selection, but a three-day itinerary in Naples cannot fail to also stop by the famous Sansevero Chapel with the statue of the Veiled Christ, which is just a few minutes' walk away. Let's remember to book the ticket in advance, because this small but incredible Baroque jewel, combined with the charm of the alchemist prince Raimondo De Sangro, is one of the most popular destinations in Naples.
We then continue the visit by retracing our steps and walking along Via dei Tribunali towards the Cathedral. Less than a quarter of an hour's walk away we will come across the Basilica of San Lorenzo and Via San Gregorio Armeno, the street of nativity scenes, with artisan workshops that work all year round. The Cathedral, on the other hand, is located on the street of the same name, about five hundred meters away. There's a nother church inside this one, it's the ancient paleo-Christian basilica of Santa Resituta, which dates back to the 4th century and is the oldest in the city. The Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro is also part of the Cathedral, dedicated to the patron bishop of the city, to whom the Neapolitans are enormously fond. In fact, a beautiful and famous mural is dedicated to the saint, and is only a few minutes away, in the small Piazza Crocelle ai Mannesi. Inside the museum, however, there is a collection considered among the most precious in the world, including jewels, statues, fine fabrics and a gold and gem miter weighing eighteen kilos.
Let's stop now for a well-deserved dinner break in one of the typical trattorias in the area. It is also a good opportunity for a original Neapolitan dessert. Babà or pastiera? Sfogliatella or caprese?
The evening can surely be dedicated to relax. We take the metro at the Duomo stop and get off at Toledo, the most spectacular of the stations on Line 1. At this point we will be on one of the main arteries of the city, full of shops, and bordering the Spanish Quarters where there are several bars, kiosks, and outdoor tables. Here, in addition, on Via Emanuele de Deo, there is also the very famous mural of the other patron saint of Naples, Diego Armando Maradona.
Day 3, up the hills, among art and stunning panoramic views
We will spend the morning of our third day in Naples among the greenery and the artistic masterpieces, once again thanks to our very useful Naples Pass that gives access to the Royal Palace of Capodimonte with the surrounding woods. Inside the Royal Palace there is a museum of extraordinary importance where we can admire the masterpieces of Simone Martini, Tiziano, Caravaggio and many others. The collections are very rich and the visit can last a few hours, but luckily there's the large park that surrounds the palace awaiting us, so we can relax at our leisure, walk along the tree-lined avenues, sunbathe on the grass or even organize a picnic. In addition, at the two entrances of Porta Grande and Porta Miano there are some lovely bars/bistros where we can eat or have a coffee in a dreamlike atmosphere.
To get there from the center we can take the bus from Piazza Dante and get off at Capodimonte - Museo, and once we have enjoyed the large park, we can return to Piazza Dante and take the metro to Piazza Vanvitelli.
Let's spend the afternoon on the Vomero hill, heading straight towards San Martino. From Piazza Vanvitelli the journey is short and there are also escalators to make the climb easier. Once at the top we visit Castel San'Elmo, also included in the Naples Pass and equipped with a magnificent panoramic terrace. Piazzale San Martino, moreover, has a long marble balcony from which enjoy a magnificent view of the entire city.
After having filled up on beauty we can go back to Piazza Vanvitelli and spend the rest of the afternoon among the shopping streets and the many bars that liven up the neighborhood.
The last evening of our three-day itinerary in Naples, can be spent right here. For dinner there is only the embarrassment of choice between Italian and ethnic restaurants, pubs, pizzerias. The Vomero nights are long, especially on weekends, and the neighborhood, as well as its bars and famous ice cream parlors, remain full of life until late at night.
