Naples One Day Itinerary: How to Spend One Day in Naples, Italy

If you’re wondering how to make the most of one day in Naples, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re docking from a cruise ship, hopping down from Rome, or squeezing Naples into a packed itinerary toward the Amalfi coast. 

Our Naples one day itinerary blends local flavour, must-see sights, and a few offbeat corners we love to revisit ourselves. We are locals and know how to get around faster and easier.

This itinerary to Naples is an introduction and a quick taste of one of Italy’s most underrated cities. What you’ll find here? Practical advice and a progressive walking tour that you can do even if it is your first time in Naples.

Sample Naples One Day Itinerary at a Glance

• 8:30–9:00 | Arrive early and indulge in a Coffee & sfogliatella.
• 9:00–12:00 | Walk Corso Umberto and reach Naples Duomo, explore Spaccanapoli and visit Cappella Sansevero and Santa Clara Cloister.
• 12:00–13:30 | Pizza lunch on Via dei Tribunali.
• 13:30–15:00 | Go on a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum or Catacombs.
• 15:00 – 17:00 | Take the Funicular to Vomero or the lift to Castel Sant’Elmo.
• 17:00–18:00 | Return downtown and enjoy Piazza del Plebiscito, Galleria Umberto I.
• 18:00–20:00 | Enjoy the best sunset with a seafront walk and a dinner with a view of Castel dell’Ovo.

Naples one day itinerary map

Morning: Dive Into the Historic Heart

• Embrace the dolcevita
• Wander around Spaccanapoli
• Pizza for lunch

Start with Coffee and Pastry

We always kick off our Naples one day itinerary with a classic Neapolitan breakfast—sfogliatella and a robust espresso. If you’re near the port or central station, you’ll find plenty of bars serving these shell-shaped pastries.

Our personal favourite in Naples Train Station is Antica Pasticceria Lauri, which got recognition as “Best Sfogliatella in Naples in 2023”. If you are disembarking from a cruise ship located outside the terminal at Molo Beverello, walk 5 minutes toward Municipio Square. Barrio Botanico (Location here) is located in the courtyard of a 17th-century aristocratic building.

Wander Spaccanapoli

Spaccanapoli is the core of Naples and the set point for every visit. Even having only one day in Naples, you can’t miss it.

The narrow street that slices through the city’s historic centre is the most picturesque side of this unique city. This is Naples in high-definition: clothes fluttering overhead, Vespas chaotic running through, the nonna on the window and the mixed aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pizza that fills every corner. We always recommend getting a little lost here—pop into artisan shops, peek into tiny churches, and soak up the chaos and charm. At every visit, there is something new and beautiful.

Must-Sees Along the Way:

• Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro): Home to the city’s patron saint and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
• San Gregorio Armeno: The famous “Christmas Alley,” lined with workshops crafting nativity figurines year-round.
• Sansevero Chapel: Don’t miss the Veiled Christ sculpture—one of the most moving pieces of art in Naples. Book your ticket in advance if you want to visit, as it often sells out within weeks.
• Santa Chiara Cloister: A hidden gem in Naples’s old town. This monumental cloister is within the buzzing cobblestone streets of Spaccanapoli. You’ll see unique and stunning majolica-tiled columns, curated gardens, a perfectly maintained library and even a year round nativity scene museum from the XVII century. (read more in our Santa Chiara Cloister guide).

Lunch: Pizza Where locals eat

Don’t let the short visit to Naples jump away from a tasty pizza. As you are now by Piazza del Gesù, some of the best pizzerias are located in Via dei Tribunali.

Our personal favourite in Spaccanapoli is Di Matteo (Check here the address). However, let your nose guide you; there are so many that it’s very hard to decide which is the best. However, there is a choice to make. You can opt for a classic Margherita or a crispy pizza fritta (fried pizza). At Di Matteo, we also suggest trying their frittatina. A deep-fried pasta, though, crispy on the outside and juicy with besciamella sauce inside.

Don’t forget to try a cold Peroni or a local limoncello if you’re feeling in the mood.

Afternoon: Art, sights, and Panoramic Views

• Explore Naples Sanita or the Spanish Quarter.
• Book a tour of Naples Underground.
• Look for the best viewpoint in Naples.

Explore the folklore of popular districts in Naples

Naples folklore lies in the most popular districts. We aren’t just talking about the Instagrammable clothes hanging from the balconies, from one building to another, in narrow alleys. Only recently opening up to tourism but with much character, the Sanita District and the Spanish Quarter are the two Naples Neighbourhoods we always suggest exploring. Or even staying overnight.

You’ll have the feel of organized chaos, with much of the historicity of Naples and the best sights. Recently, we rediscovered Sanita with its historic buildings, monumental churches, delicious local pastry shops, and very nice locals. You can find our accurate Guide to the Sanita district here, with more information to help you plan your visit.

The Naples Spanish Quarter is the most popular and definitely the most crowded. Some of the best trattoria “local restaurants” are here. We love it because there is affection, and Largo Maradona (Here for the right directions), where the mural of the best football player in history attracts most of the tourists.

Explore Naples underground as an alternative.

If you want something a bit different, explore the Naples Underground or the Catacombs of San Gennaro for a glimpse beneath the city’s surface.

Most of the Naples Historic District has underground tunnels, some still undiscovered, while others are open to the public. One of the most popular Naples Underground guided tours is this. It takes you to the belly of Naples, with stories and legends that go from the Greeks to WWII.

Funicular to Vomero & Castel Sant’Elmo

For your afternoon stroll in Naples, we suggest two hidden gems. Vomero District and Castel Sant’Elmo. The first, Naples Vomero, is the polished part of Naples, featuring mostly shopping and wineries for a sip and a vibe. Castel Sant’Elmo, instead, is one of the highest viewpoints of Naples.

From there, you’ll enjoy the perfect view of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius. Both are relatively easy to reach, with the funicular to Vomero or the €1 Elevator to the hilltop.

Evening: Piazza del Plebiscito, Seafront, and Sunset

• Enjoy the atmosphere in Piazza del Plebiscito and Royal Palace of Naples
• Wander through the Gallery
• Spend the evening in Naples Promenade

Piazza del Plebiscito

Get back down to Naples centre. Piazza Plebiscito is the favourite place for locals. The largest square in Naples is not only a popular location for concerts and events in the city but also the front of the Royal Palace.

On one side, you have this stunning Royal residence, and on the other, the San Francesco di Paola Basilica. There are so many stories and legends about this square, and it’s often seen as the city’s living room—kids play football, musicians busk, and locals gather for a chat.

Galleria Umberto I and S.Carlo Theatre

Piazza Plebiscito is iconic for other reasons too. On one side, you’ll have Naples promenade, and on the other, incredible landmarks of the city. Galleria Umberto is a stunning testament to Naples’s architecture, but the Theatre in front of it is even more significant.

The S.Carlo Theatre, a red building close to the Royal Palace, is the oldest Theatre in Italy and one of the oldest in Europe. It once served as a Court theatre, but it’s open to the public and fully functioning.

Seafront Promenade & Castel dell’Ovo

Your one day itinerary of Naples will not be complete without walking along the Lungomare, Naples’ waterfront promenade. The Castel dell’Ovo juts out into the bay—legend says it holds a magical egg in its foundations. Grab a seafood dinner or another pizza at a waterside trattoria and watch the city light up as night falls.

Around the Castel dell’Ovo there is the Borgo dei Marinari. This is one of the most underrated areas of Naples’s seafront. Travellers are familiar with Mergellina and Via Partenope but often overlook this little borough.

Walking through, you’ll find incredible little trattorias, cafes, and bars open until late, as well as cute spots to snap some of the best photos of Naples.

Practical Tips for Your Naples One Day Trip

• Getting Around: Naples is best explored on foot. However, for quick movements, take the metro; it’s cheap and reliable — check our Naples Metro Guide for tips.
• Safety: As with any big city, keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
• Luggage: If you’re coming in from a cruise ship or Rome, use the luggage storage at the station or port to travel light. Check this secure luggage storage in Naples.
• Connectivity: Grab an eSIM for easy data access—see our Naples eSIM guide for details, or grab one now.

One Day in Naples from Cruise Ship or Rome

If you’re docking for just a few hours or zipping down from Rome, this itinerary works perfectly. The historic centre is a short walk from the port, and the main sights cluster close together. For a day trip to Naples from Rome, take the early fast train (just over an hour) and follow this route on foot.

What to Do in Naples, Italy, in One Day: Our Local Tips

• Don’t rush—Naples rewards slow wandering.
• Try street food like sfogliatella or cuoppo (fried seafood cones).
• Chat with locals—Neapolitans are famously friendly (don’t order pineapple pizza).
• If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip from Naples or visiting the ruins of Herculaneum.