How do I plan Naples in 3 days?

Start your first day by focusing on the historic center, visiting key landmarks such as the Naples Cathedral, Spaccanapoli street, and the National Archaeological Museum.

Begin at the Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro) located at Via Duomo 147, open 9:00 to 17:00, entrance free. The air inside carries the scent of incense and aged stone, while the Gothic and Baroque architecture surrounds you with arches and frescoes. It houses the famous blood relic of San Gennaro, a highlight for many visitors. From there, walk along Spaccanapoli, the narrow street that divides the old city, passing artisan shops filled with the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries, and historic churches like Santa Chiara (EUR 6 entry), where you can admire intricate tile work and cloistered gardens. Spend midday at the National Archaeological Museum (Piazza Museo 19, 9:00–19:30, EUR 15), home to one of the world's most extensive collections of Greco-Roman artifacts, including many from Pompeii; the stone sculptures and mosaics speak quietly of ancient lives.

For lunch, try traditional Neapolitan pizza at Sorbillo on Via dei Tribunali, a popular pizzeria recommended for visitors. I always tell visitors to try the classic Margherita here, with its thin crust and fresh basil that fills the air. In the afternoon, visit the underground Naples Sotterranea for a guided tour (EUR 10-15, about 1.5 hours), where you’ll hear the drip of water echoing through tunnels carved from volcanic rock beneath the city. End the day with a stroll along Via Toledo and Piazza del Plebiscito, soaking in the architecture and local atmosphere as street musicians play nearby.

Dedicate your second day to art museums and neighborhoods with elevated viewpoints like Vomero and Posillipo.

Start at the Capodimonte Museum and Park (Via Miano 2, 8:30–19:30, EUR 14), featuring Renaissance and Baroque art including works by Caravaggio and Titian. The museum is set in a former royal palace surrounded by a large park where pine trees and blooming flowers mix with the scent of freshly cut grass, great for a morning walk.

Afterward, take the funicular from the historic center to the Vomero district, about a 10-minute ride costing EUR 1.10 per ticket. I find this ride refreshing, as it climbs steeply while revealing impressive views of the bay below. Vomero features panoramic views of Naples and the bay from Castel Sant’Elmo (EUR 6 entry), where the breeze carries salt from the sea. Nearby is the Certosa di San Martino, a former monastery with ornate art and sweeping city vistas.

In the afternoon, head to the Posillipo hill area for seaside vistas. You can reach Posillipo by bus line R2 or taxi (approximately EUR 10-15). Walking along the Lungomare di Posillipo promenade, you’ll hear waves lapping against the shore and smell the salt air. Visit the nearby Villa Rosebery gardens, where citrus trees and blooming bougainvillea add color to the scene. For dinner, I’d recommend seafood restaurants along the waterfront in the Mergellina neighborhood, just a short bus or taxi ride away, where fresh fish and the sound of distant boat horns set the mood.

The third day is ideal for visiting ancient sites like Castel dell'Ovo, the Spanish Quarters, and sampling street food in authentic neighborhoods.

Begin at Castel dell'Ovo on the waterfront (Via Eldorado 3, open 9:00–19:00, free entry), the oldest standing fortification in Naples. The castle features views of the Gulf and Mount Vesuvius framed by seagulls calling overhead and the smell of sea salt. From there, walk or take a short bus ride to the nearby Spanish Quarters, known for its narrow alleys lined with laundry hanging overhead and artisan workshops where the hum of daily life pulses.

For lunch, try street food such as fried pizza (pizza fritta) or sfogliatella pastries from local vendors. The warm scent of frying dough and sweet ricotta fills the air. The Naples Street Food Guide provides detailed recommendations.

In the afternoon, visit the Rione Sanità district to see the Catacombs of San Gennaro (EUR 8 entry), an extensive underground burial site dating back to the 2nd century. The cool, quiet passageways tell stories in echoed footsteps. Finish your day with a walk along the Santa Lucia waterfront area, enjoying views of the Castel Nuovo and the harbor where fishing boats bob softly in the evening light.

Naples has an integrated public transport system including metro, buses, funiculars, and trams, making it convenient to cover major areas within short times.

The city's metro lines 1 and 2 connect key neighborhoods and attractions such as Piazza Garibaldi, Vomero, and the Naples Central Station. A single ticket costs EUR 1.10 and is valid for 90 minutes on all public transport. I usually suggest buying a daily pass (EUR 4.50) or a 3-day pass (EUR 12.50) for unlimited rides to save money and time. Funiculars link the historic center to hilltop districts like Vomero in about 5-10 minutes, offering a fun way to ascend steep streets.

Walking often remains the fastest way to access narrow streets and historic sites in the Centro Storico. Taxis are available but can be more expensive, with typical fares starting at EUR 3.50 plus about EUR 1 per kilometer. For airport transfers, the Alibus shuttle runs every 20-30 minutes between Naples International Airport and the city center for EUR 5.

Using public transport passes, combining free or low-cost attractions, and dining at local trattorias can help keep expenses manageable.

Many churches and some museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month, which may coincide with your visit. I learned this the hard way by missing some free days, so check ahead. Walking tours, especially self-guided ones, reduce costs and provide flexibility. Street food such as pizza al portafoglio (folded pizza) or fried snacks are inexpensive, typically EUR 3-6.

Accommodation varies widely; budget options include guesthouses and B&Bs in neighborhoods like Centro Storico or Quartieri Spagnoli. Booking in advance often secures better rates. Consider purchasing the Campania Artecard if planning multiple museum visits, as it features discounts and skip-the-line benefits.

Naples locals value politeness, punctuality for tours, and appreciation of their culinary traditions.

When entering churches or religious sites, dress modestly covering shoulders and knees. Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. Avoid loud behavior in residential neighborhoods, especially in the evenings.

Many shops close between 1:00 and 4:00 pm for riposo (afternoon break), so plan shopping or errands accordingly. Carry cash for small purchases and street food, as not all vendors accept cards. Finally, check opening hours ahead, as some museums close on Mondays or have seasonal schedules.

Expect to walk approximately 5 to 8 kilometers per day, depending on your chosen route and pace.

Naples’ historic center is compact but features uneven cobblestone streets and some steep sections, particularly in hill districts like Vomero. Comfortable shoes are essential. Public transport can reduce walking distances between neighborhoods, but many attractions require on-foot access.

For example, walking from Piazza del Plebiscito to the National Archaeological Museum is about 1.5 km (20-minute walk). The funicular to Vomero saves a steep 30-minute uphill walk. Planning breaks at cafes or parks can help manage fatigue.

Popular day trips include visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum archaeological sites, the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri.

Pompeii and Herculaneum are accessible by Circumvesuviana train from Naples Central Station; travel time is about 30-40 minutes with tickets costing around EUR 3. These sites provide insight into Roman life preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

The Amalfi Coast can be reached by bus or private transfer in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. For island excursions, ferries to Capri depart from the Molo Beverello port, with trips lasting about 40 minutes. Detailed guides for these trips are available on VisitNapoli.net, including How do I visit Pompeii from Naples? and How do I take a day trip to Capri from Naples?.