** Disclosure: some of the links on this site are affiliate links and should you make a purchase through these, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!**
Discover how to see the best of Naples in 3 days with this comprehensive guide. Presenting you with two different ways to spend your time, discover where to go, eat and stay in the birthplace of pizza (which is so much more than just that!).
This guide to spending 3 days in Naples is rather a long and comprehensive one, so I will keep this introduction short!
This weathered but beautiful city in southern Italy is a vastly underrated one. Set along the dazzling blue waters of the majestic Bay of Naples, it is full of historic sites, extravagant churches, an incredible artistic heritage and is also a place where one can sample many a delicious meal.
While I encourage you to spend a full three days discovering Naples, the city is also blessed by its location in the magnificent region of Campania, which houses many more treasures within its borders, including the Amalfi Coast, islands like Capri and Ischia and the ruined cities of Pompeii and Herculanum.
It can then become entirely enticing to be lured from the city of Naples for at least one of your three days and to that end.
I have outlined the perfect travel itinerary to cover two eventualities; one where you spend a full 3 days in Naples and another where you allocate two days to exploring the city, and the third to taking a day trip.
Read on to find the perfect Naples travel itinerary for you when you have three days to spend.
USEFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR TRIP TO NAPLES, ITALY
Your two options for exploring Naples in 3 days
If you’ve never visited Naples before, then you could easily spend the entirety of your 3 days in Naples exploring the city alone, without ever leaving.
However, I do appreciate that most people don’t have all the time in the world to visit Naples and the Campania region, so you may want to see what’s outside of the city too. With destinations like Pompeii, Capri, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast nearby, this is entirely reasonable.
To that end, this post will lay out two options for your 3 days in Naples itinerary.
Option one: all your time spent in the city itself, broken up as follows:
- Day 1: the northern section of the historical centre – museums, tombs, piazzas and views
- Day 2: Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali – churches, cathedrals, ancient aqueducts and historical thoroughfares
- Day 3: Plebiscito and seafront – palaces, underground escape routes, the Bay of Naples and the Spanish Quarter
Option two: follow a 2-day Naples itinerary and use your third day to take a day trip from Naples.
- The two day Naples itinerary fits in much of what’s included on this three day plan, but there are a few less museums and churches included.
- For your third day, you will go on a day trip from Naples. I will lay out your options further down in this post.
All you need to know before visiting Naples
In this dedicated guide to Naples I’ve answered some questions you might have, such as:
- is Naples worth visiting
- how many days do you need in Naples
- is Naples safe
- what is the best time to visit Naples
- how to get to and around Naples
3 Day Naples Itinerary Option 1: 3 days in Naples in full
Naples 3 day Itinerary – Day 1
Capodimonte Museum
Time required: 2+ hours
The Capodimonte Museum (or Museo di Capodimonte in Italian), is housed in a former Bourbon palace that sits high on a hill surveying the city and Bay of Naples and it is from this elevated point that you wil being your Naples 3 day itinerary.
Built first as a hunting lodge for Charles VII of Bourbon, construction of the palace began in 1738 to house an exceptional collection of Renaissance and Baroque artwork that had been given to Charles by his mother, Elisabetta Farnese.
Over the years the collection grew and today, the museum is home to over 47,000 pieces of art that range in date from the Middle ages to the 21st century. There are three floors and a whopping 160 rooms at the museum, so it’s unlikely that you’ll cover everything if this is your first visit.
Of particular note, you will find works there from Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian.
Highlights of the museum include Botticelli’s Madonna col Bambino e due angeli (Madonna with Child and Angels), Bellini’s Trasfigurazione (Transfiguration), Masaccio’s Crocifissione (Crucifixion), and Parmigianino’s Antea.
On the second floor are galleries dedicated to Neapolitan artists from the 13-19th centuries. The main treasure on this floor is Flagellazione (Flagellation of Christ) by Caravaggio, who fled to Naples from Rome in 1606 after he was charged with murder.
As well as the palace, there is also the Real Bosco di Capodimonte to enjoy – this is a 134 hectare park (formerly for hunting) that is today a huge green space, woven with major and minor walking routes and paths that are dotted with sculptures and water statues.
DETAILS & TICKETS | Open daily except on Wednesdays from 8.30 AM – 7.30 PM (last entry at 6.30 PM). Tickets cost €12 and can be bought at the door or in advance at this link.
Catacombs of San Gennaro
Time required: 1 hour
Close to Capodimonte are the Catacombs of San Gennaro, which have been opened to the public in the last couple of decades as part of an incredible local initiative known as Cooperativa La Paranza.
Dating back to the 2nd century AD the catacombs are Naples oldest Christian cemetery and are home to an incredible array of frescoes, mosaics and Byzantine paintings.
Named after Naples’ primary patron saint, San Gennaro (who was at one stage buried there), the complex is a sprawling one.
There are two catacomb chambers – an upper and lower one – which as well as housing the tombs and graves you would expect, also contain three underground basilicas, together with a large baptismal font.
All profits raised from the tourist experience at the catacombs are invested into either local initiatives, or into the ongoing restoration, conservation and exploration of the chambers. There are regularly new discoveries of artwork and there is also a theory that there may even be a third, lower burial chamber.
Guides are extremely knowledgable and passionate and a visit to the catacombs is not only fascinating, but provides you with the opportunity to help support a previously disadvantaged area and improve living conditions and amenities for locals.
BOOK TICKETS | Visits possible through official guided tours only, open Monday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm. Purchase your tickets in advance here. Your ticket also gets you entry to the nearby Catacombs of San Gaudioso (valid for 12 months).
Rione Sanità
Time required: 20-30 minutes
When you finish at the catacombs, you’ll exit straight into the Rione Sanità neighbourhood.
It is a densely populated area that is absolutely bursting at the seams with activity and it’s highly worth your while to go for a ramble through its streets, and to take the scenic route on your way down to Naples’ centro storico.
The neighbourhood runs from the base of Capodimonte hill down to the Archaeological Museum and has ancient roots that stretch back to the Greco-Roman age, used first as a burial place before becoming an upmarket district where the wealthy built homes in the 17th century.
It was in this century when the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità was constructed and if you take a wander through Rione Sanitá make sure to seek out the glorious interiors of this unique church.
In the 18th century, the streets became the main route for the royal family to make their way to their palace at Capodimonte and a great bridge was built to span the valley.
Palazzo dello Spagnolo was built at this time and today, you should seek it out to admire its double staircase and ornate stucco work that are still on show.
The building of the bridge unfortunately had a detrimental effect on the neighbourhood, however, destroying the main cloister at the Basilica and effectively cutting off the district from the centre of Naples.
It fell into decline and over time, became one of the most disadvantaged and crime filled areas of the centre of Naples.
Many of its great monuments and historic buildings fell into severe disrepair, staying this way until the advent of a local initiative a couple of decades ago (the one that is responsible for opening the Catacombs of San Gennaro) and ever since, has been on the up.
Where there was once decline, there are now opportunities for locals, with over 50 people employed directly as a result of the initiatives.
These have included the opening of the Catacombs of San Genarro, the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, several B&Bs, a children’s orchestra, after-school facilities, and a range of other local amenities.
Lunch: Pizzeria Starita
Starita is located in the nearby Materdei district, another local neighbourhood that is hotbed of activity, that you’ll be able to reach in a few minutes’ on foot from Riona Sanitá.
This pizzeria famously featured Sofia Loren in the movie L’Oro di Napoli and was first opened in 1901. This is a family run pizzeria where you can expect classic Neapolitan pizzas, including the fried variety.
Naples National Archaeological Museum
Time required: at least 2 hours (but you could spend a full day here)
After a good feed, it’s time to make your way to Naples National Archaeological Museum. The museum is home to a number of famous collections and is a history buff’s dream.
First and foremost, is the extensive collection of artefacts that have been recovered from Pompeii and Herculaneum. This ranges from entire walls of villas, painted with vivid frescoes and some ordained with mosaics, so a huge collection of daily objects like pots, pans, plates and glassware.
The excellent condition of many of these is staggering – one could pluck them from their cases and easily use them in their own homes today. Also a must see is the room named the “Secret Cabinet” by the Bourbon monarchy. This is a collection of erotic items and artwork that were gathered from Pompeii.
If you are planning on visiting Pompeii, then viewing this collection in the museum is a compulsory complementary activity to help you get the best understanding during a site visit.
On the ground floor are two major collections. The first is the Farnese Collection, which this famous family gathered throughout the generations and which now represents on of the most important art collections from Greco-Roman antiquity.
The sculpture collection was perhaps my favourite in the entire museum, with the colossal statue of Hercules a particular highlight for me, although the collection is also renowned for its magnificent Farnese Bull, which is the single largest sculpture from antiquity that has been discovered to date.
The second ground floor collection is the Egyptian Collection. This is one of the largest of its kinds in Italy, housing more than 2,500 pieces and it’s sadly somewhat eclipsed by the more novel artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum upstairs. If you have time, however, do try to fit in a visit.
BOOK TICKETS | Open daily except on Tuesdays from 9AM – 7.30PM. Tickets can be purchased on site, or you can buy in advance here, permitting you to skip the line if there is a queue. First Sundays of the month are free.
The collection is vast and people’s personal interests vary, so if you’d like a more in-depth, personalised visit then this private guided tour is very well reviewed.
Castel Sant’Elmo
Time required: 1 hour (plus approx. 30 minutes to reach on foot/metro & funicular from the museum)
Castel Sant’Elmo sits high above the city of Naples, with commanding panoramic views of the city, the Bay of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula and the looming presence of Mount Vesuvius.
It’s for that reason that it’s been included at the end of day 1 of your 3 day trip to Naples Italy – it’s a superb place to be as the sun begins to set.
The castle is a ginormous bastion of strength, built in a hexagonal star shape with a large moat and a “double tenaille‘ design.
Standing at the foot of the walls, its height is truly staggering and it is very difficult to distinguish where the rock ends and the walls of the fortress begin – they merge into one gargantuan show of strength.
First references of the fortress date back to the 14th century, although the complex took on its current hexagonal shape during the reign of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, during the 16th century.
To reach the walls of the fortress (where the best views are), you’ll trudge upwards through an internal tunnel, past various watchtowers, where you’ll be offered tantalising glimpses of the sprawling city below through various windows and arches.
The buildings at the top of the fortress are now in use as the headquarters of the museum network of Campania, but there is a museum which you can visit. With time fairly limited during your two days in Naples, however, I’d skip this first time round.
To get to Castel Sant’Elmo, you’ll need to make your way to the upmarket Vomero district. The easiest way to do this is to either take the metro from Museo to Montesanto, or walk from the museum to the funicular station at Montesanto.
Here, you can purchase a one way ticket up the steep hill for €1.20 and need to get off at the ‘Morghen‘ stop, from which it’s a few minutes’ walk to the entrance of the fortress.
DETAILS | Open every day from 8.30AM to 19.30PM – ticket office closes at 18.30PM. General adult admission costs €5. Better to have cash or buy in advance from here, as to pay with card we needed to purchase tickets online and couldn’t get adequate internet coverage for same.
RELATED READING | 10 Best Sorrento Wine Tasting Tours & Experiences in 2024
Piazza Bellini & Piazza Dante
Once you’ve drank in the views at Castel Sant’Elmo, hop back on the funicular and make your way from Montesanto to Piazza Dante and/or Piazza Bellini, which are both excellent places to round off your day with an aperitif before dinner.
The larger of the two is Piazza Dante, which is a bit grander than nearby Piazza Bellini, which attracts many students and late night revellers once the sun goes down.
Piazza Dante really displays Naples’ former grandeur, containing a large monument of Dante, four monumental churches, as well as the soaring archway of Port’Alba, which connects Piazza Dante to neighbouring Piazza Bellini.
By day, it’s lined with rather retro stalls selling books and records and groups of older men sit in huddles outside the cafés that line the square. Many of these bars serve alcohol come evening time and make brilliant people spotting perches.
Leafy and intimate, Piazza Bellini has an altogether special claim to the visible remains of the ancient walls of Greek Neapolis at its core.
Surrounded by railings, foliage and a whole host of bars, these ruins (and the piazza itself) sit on the decumanus maximus, which is one of the ancient Greek streets which crosses Naples.
Of particular interest also, is the street of Via San Sebastiano that leads from Piazza Bellini towards Via dei Tribunali, which is packed with the shops and workshops of musical instrument sellers.
Dinner: Tandem Ragù
Located just off Spaccanapoli, Tandem took the concept of a Neapolitan Nonna’s cooking and made it mainstream. The whole premise of Tandem’s offering centres around Neapolitan ragù, although the menu does stretch to other classics too.
Such has been its success, that there are now a number of Tandem restaurants around the city of Naples, all offering good value dining. Booking is imperative.
Naples 3 day Itinerary – Day 2
Sansevero Chapel and the Veiled Christ
Time required: 1 hour
One of Naples’ most cherished pieces of art is the Veiled Christ, which is a world-renowned statue of exceptional craftsmanship. The statue depicts the deceased figure of Jesus Christ, lying on a piece of marble and shrouded in the most exquisitely delicate, transparent death veil.
Created by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753, Sanmartino was not originally the intended artist behind this work, as he stepped in following the death of the chosen sculptor, Antonio Corradini.
The young Sanmartino achieved what perhaps Corradini wouldn’t have done, casting aside Sanmartino’s original plans for the sculpture and creating instead an incredibly touching and lifelike representation of Christ in the moments after his death, suffering still etched on his face and limbs.
The statue is housed in the petite Sansevero Chapel, a small church that was built to honour the Madonna by the Duke of Torremaggiore, which was enlarged in the early 17th century by the duke’s son in order to create a family mausoleum.
Today, the chapel features the Veiled Christ at its centre, but this is overlooked by many other allegorical statues by Italian artists of note, with a glorious fresco termed the Glory of Paradise overlooking all from the ceiling.
If you’re a keen appreciator of art and sculpture then this is an unmissable stop during your 3 day trip to Naples Italy. If you are not, however, then perhaps consider skipping the Veiled Christ.
The chapel is small and visits are limited each day. While there are other works on show, the number is limited due to the chapel’s diminutive size, so you may only get the most out of this experience if you’re the sort who likes to spend time examining pieces in detail.
DETAILS & BOOKING TICKETS | Open daily, except Tuesdays from 9AM – 7PM. Adult tickets cost €8 (+ €2 booking fee) and sell out quickly – purchase them a few weeks in advance here.
There is also a great opportunity to visit with a guide and learn about the centro storico, on this highly popular Veiled Christ & downtown guided tour.
Gesù Nuovo Church
There’s a saying how one should never judge a book by its cover, and this remarkable church lends itself perfectly to this idiom. Holding court in the piazza it has given its name to, Piazza Gesù Nuovo, the famous Spaccanapoli begins (or terminates) at this point.
The church was first built as a palace in 1470 and was later sold to the Jesuits in the 1580’s following an spell of political intrigue, in which the palace was confiscated from its then owners, the Sanseverino family.
Because of its former inception as a palace, the exterior does not resemble that of a church, with a rather austere exterior that is studded with stone, diamond-shaped protrusions.
The interior, however, is is complete contrast to this. Finished in the Baroque style, the church is full of resplendent marble decorations and important frescoes and boasts three bronze bas-reliefs at its altar, one of which is a reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci’s the Last Supper.
It’s free to go inside and sit down to admire this feast for the eyes – and you’ll likely want to sit down, as there is an almost overwhelming amount on display.
DETAILS | Free admission. Open 7AM – 1PM and 4PM – 8PM daily.
Chiostro di Santa Chiara
Time required: 1 hour
Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara is a large religious complex, but its pièce de la résistance is the vividly decorated cloister set at the heart of this sanctuary within Naples’ heaving centro storico.
If you can’t get an early booking for, or decide not to visit the Veiled Christ, then I recommend visiting the cloister first thing upon opening (9.30 Monday through Saturday, 10.00 on Sunday).
It means you’ll get to enjoy the serene surroundings as they were designed to be – in relative peace and quiet – before it starts to get busy around forty-five minutes after it opens.
The cloister was constructed between 1739 and 1742 and in the centre of the cloister are two avenues in lurid yellows and blues. Along the avenues are octagonal pillars adorned in majolica ceramic tiles.
Between each of these pillars are elaborately decorated benches, again tiled, that depict scenes from the countryside, the sea and mythology. Not only that, but the walls of the cloisters are covered in the most beautiful frescoes depicting stories of the saints and scenes from the Bible.
If you wish to learn more about Neapolitan history, then there is also a museum onsite, and in terms of what else there is to see, there is also of course the church itself which occupies a large part of the complex.
Built originally in the Gothic style, the church underwent elaborate baroque redecorating in 1742. During the second world war, however, the church was almost complete destroyed by fires caused by intense bombing.
When it was rebuilt, the older Gothic style with its pierced rose window was the chosen aesthetic for the restoration and it was reopened to worshippers in the 1950’s.
DETAILS | Cloister open 9.30AM – 17.30PM Monday – Saturday and 10AM to 14.30PM on Sunday. Tickets €6 adult admission, €4.50 reduced and available at the door.
Spaccanapoli
Time required: 20-30 minutes
Next up, you will get to throw yourself into the cacophony of sounds, smells, colour and activity that is one of Naples’ most famous thoroughfares; Spaccanapoli.
As one of the city’s most important streets, Spaccanapoli is not in fact a street as such, but is instead a sequence of streets that combine along a route of about 2km or so.
Its origins reach back to the Greco-Roman era, where it was one of three main roads, or ‘decumani‘ that crossed the ancient city of Neapolis when it was founded a couple of thousand years ago.
The route starts at Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, combining a series of subsequent streets that lead after another, until it crosses Via Duomo and leads away from the centre. The route literally splits the city in two, and thus is the meaning of the term Spaccanapoli, which translates as “Naples splitter”.
A narrow path, Spaccanapoli is broken by quaint piazza, ornate palazzo and several of Naples most important churches, including Sansevero Chape, Gesù Nuovo Church and the serenely beautiful Santa Chiara complex.
You’ll likely find yourself returning to Spaccanapoli more than once during your 3 days in Naples itinerary, magnetic as it is, and many of the city’s most famous attractions, along with a whole host of eateries, can be found either on or in the vicinity of this route.
Yes, it is touristy, but there is also something rather intoxicating about Spaccanapoli, where you can become one of the millions who has walked this ancient route during its millenia of existence.
Lunch: Palazzo Petrucci Pizzeria
Set in an atmospheric square in the heart of Naples’ historical centre on Spaccanapoli, this is an upmarket but reasonably priced pizzeria that serves artisan pizzas and an extensive wine list.
We opted for some of the seasonal specials, which included toppings of pumpkin served atop a pumpkin cream and a sensational salami and mint combination, all washed down with a beautiful Campanian red wine.
Via San Gregorio Armeno
Time required: 15 minutes
Via San Gregorio Armeno may strike you as being a little bonkers, and I feel this relatively short street perfectly encapsulates Naples’ unique eccentricities. Lined with colourful shops bedecked in figurines, a large proportion of these represent nativity scenes and characters all year round.
Like much in Naples, there is a backstory that reaches back into the depths of time. Before Christianity was mainstream in the city, the street was once home to a temple dedicated to the Roman goddess Ceres and small terracotta figurines that were crafted nearby were left in devotion to her.
Over time, as Christianity was adopted in Europe nativity scenes, or ‘presipio‘ became highly popular in Naples by the end of the 18th century. And so, the little statues became Christian in appearance and replaced their earlier, pagan embodiments.
Today, you’ll find a wider range of characters in the mix, from butchers to celebrities and this busy street provides some light intrigue to visitors. It is also easy very easily reached, as it is sandwiched between Via dei Tribunali and Spaccanapoli.
read Next | 40 Captivating Things to Do in Naples, Italy
Optional: queue for pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
Time required: could stretch to hours
One of Naples’ most venerable institutions is L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, named after its founder Michele Condurro, a master pizza maker who at the turn of the 20th century founded one of the world’s greatest pizzerias.
Coming from a line of pizza chefs dating back to 1870, L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele has been in its current location at Via Cesar Sersale since 1930 and is five generations of the Condurro family deep into its proprietorship.
There is a distinct focus on simplicity that has been passed down since the pizzeria’s incarnation – with only two flavours, Margherita or Marina on offer – with the best local ingredients hunted down and used in production.
This already famous pizzeria found immortality when it featured in ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ and as a result of its reputation, sees hordes of people visit each and every day.
So, should you visit?
If you do want to check it out, note that the pizzeria runs on a ticketing system and that queues could run for hours. We arrived at approximately 12.30pm, as example, and there was a wait time of 100+ tables.
One can, however, avail of a takeaway pizza as thankfully, the oven is able to fire out delicious pies faster than seated patrons can eat them.
We waited around 30 minutes for ours and I can confirm that it was well worth joining the buzzy atmosphere of anticipation amongst the waiting crowds outside the door – it’s all part of the experience.
As for the pizza – it came out piping hot and drenched in the sweetest of tomato sauces. The dough had the most wonderful consistency; stretchy yet non-permeable and delightfully light; there was no feeling stodgy after this pizza.
If you do wish to visit, the earlier the better – the pizzeria opens at 11am so I would try to be there a bit before that to not wait too long for a seat.
Naples Cathedral
Time required: 1 hour
Naples Cathedral, or Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta to give its Italian title in full, is the main church of Naples. It’s an imposing edifice that has three entrances and finds itself plopped on Via Duomo, set back slightly from a small square.
The church is most well known for its association with San Gennaro, Naples’ main patron saint.
What is so special about this association is the regular liquefaction of the saint’s blood, which is held in a vial and brought out three times each year, when it typically liquefies. If it doesn’t, then it’s said that disaster will befall the city of Naples.
Entry to the cathedral itself is free of charge and its interiors are adorned with artwork suited to its position as Naples primary place of Catholic worship in a city that is full of churches.
The cathedral was commission by King Charles I of Anjou way back in the 1200’s and was completed in the 14th century. Excavations under the building have exposed ancient Greek and Roman artefacts and building.
Back to the interiors – San Gennaro has his own dedicated chapel that is adorned with frescoes and there are also some other exceptional artworks in the form of altarpieces, a high altar, bronze railings, mosaics and canvases.
There is also a separate, paid visitor’s experience called the Treasure of San Gennaro, which takes visitors through the unique story that binds Naples to its favourite patron saint.
The experience also features a range of precious devotional objects made from gold, silver, bronze and precious stones, which have been donated to the saint over the years. There is an app, which you can download here, that you can use on your visit.
DETAILS | Cathedral open Mon – Sat, 8:30AM – 1:00PM and 3:30PM – 7:30PM and Sunday from 8:30AM- 1:00PM and from 4:30PM – 7:30PM. Entry free. Museum open daily from 9.30AM – 6.30PM. Tickets available at door and cost €5.
Naples Underground
Time required: approx 1.5 hours
Various parts of the expansive ‘underground’ part of Naples’ city have been both cleaned and opened up to the public relatively recently. The most popular of all of these is Napoli Sotterranea, or ‘Naples Underground’.
Available by official guided group tours only, a visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the extent of the complex warren of underground caves, tunnels and aqueducts that lie some 40 metres beneath the surface level of the city of Naples.
It’s astonishing to think that this network stretches to some 450km. The chisel marks from the Ancient Greek slaves who dug the original caves can still be seen today, the Greeks having spotted the invaluable nature of the durable tuff rock, which they used to build the city of Neapolis in the 4th century BC.
When the Romans came along, they spotted the opportunity to put this space to use, expanding the network in order to construct aqueducts that supplied water to the city.
Towards the latter half of the second millenium AD the aqueducts gradually fell out of use, but found a new purpose during the heavy bombings of World War II, where they served as bomb shelters and protected the lives of approximately 200,000 citizens.
Conditions were, however, pretty appalling, with some even choosing to face the dangers of living above ground rather than stick it out below.
When you descend down into the depths, the huge underground world that opens up is genuinely remarkable. Great caverns lead from one to another and narrow tunnels lead between some of these, their slender nature having been used to compress the water to flow with force beneath the surface.
There’s an option to head down one of these (note, you must go sideways and not be afraid of the dark or cramped spaces), through which you will reach old water cisterns. It’s also possible to opt out of this part, however.
It would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention that you could be part of a large crowd, and that there don’t seem to be caps as such on group sized. Our group was huge and I found it hard to hear our guide over the chatter of some other members of the tour group.
With a relatively low entry fee and as something that’s so wonderfully unique, it’s still definitely something that’s worth seeing over not seeing, however.
BOOK TICKETS | Open daily, with guided tours in English running at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm.
It’s a bit manic in the queue upon arrival (everyone must wait outside), so join the line and then flash your pre-purchased ticket at staff once it starts to move. Buy Naples Underground tickets here.
Via dei Tribunali & aperitif time
Time required: as much or as little as you’d like
The access point to Naples Underground is on Via dei Tribunali, which runs parallel to Spaccanapoli and is another decumanus (or east-west street) of the ancient Greek and Roman city of Neapolis. As you make your way down this narrow little street you’ll feel its history seeping from the bricks and cobbles.
The street grew with the city and during Naples’ most affluent times, many palaces were built along the route which can still be seen to today.
day to taking a day trip to one of NapTake your time, and see if you can peer behind any of the great doorways that line the street into the courtyards behind to get a real sense of the scale of some of these buildings.
Many of Naples’ most important monuments also line this road, including Naples Cathedral and San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica.
There are lots of bars around the side streets that lead off Via dei Tribunali (I’d encourage you to try these smaller alleyways than any of the other places along the more touristy Via dei Tribunali itself) that are humming with activity come evening time.
Two that I enjoyed a spritz at were the upmarket Cisterna Bistro and the slightly grungier Monkey’s – which both offer extensive cocktail lists, generous snacks and street-side tables perfect for people watching.
Dinner: La Locanda Gesù Vecchio
This is a truly excellent restaurant and we couldn’t get a table at first time we tried – so my advice here would be to book ahead. A slightly fancier take on a local Neapolitan trattoria but without any pretentiousness.
My Genovese ragù was outstanding and they also have a dedicated (and extensive) gluten free section on the menu, a detail that many other establishments could take note of.
Seating is both outdoors and inside this cosy restaurant, which has a wonderful atmosphere and was a really enjoyable dining experience.
Naples 3 day Itinerary – Day 3
Via Toledo
Time required: 15-20 minutes
Via Toledo is one of Naples’ main streets and with 3 days to spend in the city, it’s likely you’ll end up on it by chance as you make your way around. It connects two of Naples’ main squares, starting at Piazza Dante and terminating at Piazza Trieste e Trento, which is just a little before Piazza del Plebiscito.
Despite being one of Naples’ newer streets, its origins in fact date back to 1536, so it’s been around for quite a while.
One of Naples’ main shopping streets, this whole stretch is abuzz with vendors and shoppers. Starting at the Piazza Dante end, you’ll notice as you make your way down towards the seafront direction how the feel of the street changes.
As you make your way from the heart of the old town the shops are more traditional in appearance. These slowly start to become interspersed with modern chains, which end up comprising the majority of stores by the time you get to Piazza del Plebiscito.
Along Via Toledo, too, is the entrance to Toledo metro station. Naples is renowned for its ‘art stations’, which feature a range of creative installation in their underground stations and Toledo is the best of these, should you wish to pop down for a look.
Spanish Quarter and Maradona Murals
Time required: 1 hour
The Spanish arrived in Naples in the 16th century and the occupying army needed somewhere to house their soldiers. Thus, the Spanish Quarter came to be and in time, the area became synonymous with a whole range of unsavoury activities and was rife with crime and prostitution.
Today, however, the Spanish Quarter has shaken off its Spanish occupation years and hums along in a highly characterful way.
Take to the narrow, criss-cross of streets to discover sheet-laden balconies, busy corner stores and locals going about their day-to-day activities. It’s a unique neighbourhood, and one should prioritise a visit when spending 3 days in Naples.
Of particular note is the Maradona mural found on Via Portacarrese. Created in 1990 by Napoli fan Mario Filardi, a giant painting of Naples’ favourite adopted son adorns the side of an apartment building.
A bizarre, colourful shrine of sorts has popped up beneath it, with a festoon of flags, jerseys and figurines filling the small square below it.
There is also an open-air market in the Spanish Quarter, called Pignasecca after a local legend that purports the area was home to a pine forest populated by magpies. Whether it’s true or not, you’ll today find an array of foodstuffs to buy, including some of Naples lip-smackingly good street food.
Lovers of art history should also may their way to some of the districts churches. Santa Maria della Mercede is a church decorated after the Baroque fashion that is one of Naples’ most monumental churches, while the Church of Sant’Anna di Palazzo boasts 17th century stucco decorations and a sublime high alter.
Bourbon Tunnel
Time required: 1 hour
The Bourbon Tunnel is another underground aspect to the city of Naples, however unlike the catacombs or Naples Underground, it’s a tunnel that was constructed much more recently and for alternative reasons.
While the Bourbon King Ferdinand III was on the throne in the 19th century, he was the subject of an assassination attempt in 1856. He had also seen off three revolutions and an exile of 16 months, so it is fairly understandable, then, that he became increasingly paranoid.
What happened next was rather unexpected however, for he embarked on a monumentally ambitious underground building plan; a tunnel that led from the palace to his main army barracks.
The tunnel is a masterpiece of engineering, as it need to circumnavigate what already existed below surface, including Roman mines, an underground river and a Renaissance aqueduct.
The tunnels were never used for their intended purpose and today house a haunting and rather weird collection of vintage vehicles, which were seized under Mussolini and dumped below ground, in a practice that was kept going for several more decades after Mussolini’s demise.
It’s a little tricky to visit, as opening times are limited to the end of each week, so you may not be able to visit depending on what days your 3 day trip to Naples fall.
BOOK TICKETS | Open Friday – Sunday only, with guided tours running at 10am, 12pm, 3pm and 5pm. Tours last 1 hour and can be purchased in advance here.
Piazza del Plebiscito
Time required: 15 minutes
Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples’ emblematic main square, home to the Bourbon’s Royal Palace of Naples along with the enormous San Francesco di Paola Basilica, which is a Neoclassical style church of some scale.
There’s not a whole lot to do in the square itself, but it’s an access point to both the Bourbon Palace and the basilica, where it’s definitely worth popping your head inside to admire the scale and satisfying symmetry of this huge construction.
LUNCH – Gran Caffè Gambinus
While a bit of a tourist trap and rather pricey to boot, Piazza del Plebiscito is home to the legendary Gambrinus, an historic coffee house that is steeped in tradition. Indoors offer high ceilings and lots of gilt finishings, but outdoors there is a beautiful covered area, full of foliage offering bursts of green, red and pink flowers in a rather elegant setting.
Indifferent wait staff swoosh around authoritatively but it’s all part of the experience – sometimes it’s worth playing tourist and this is a big institution in Naples. Order an aperitif and you’ll also be served up with a whole host of snacks for your trouble, which makes the bill far less painful.
Royal Palace of Naples
Time required: 2 hours
Despite being primarily associated with the Bourbon monarchs, the Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale), was in fact first constructed by the Spanish in 1600.
When the Bourbons came to power, it comprised one of four residences in the area of Naples that the House of Bourbon used while they ruled the Kingdoms of Naples and the Two Sicilies. Like any significant ruling dynasty, they left their mark on the palace by way of restorations and redecorations over the years.
A visit to the palace presents a fascinating opportunity to learn about Naples’ history through the eyes of its ruling class. The palace is lavishly decorated still, allowing you to swish through extravagantly decorated royal apartments, a private theatre and an impressive throne room.
Onsite is also the rather splendid Palatine Chapel and a beautiful hanging garden to make your way through on the way out.
BOOK TICKETS | The palace is open daily from 9.00AM – 8.00PM except for Mondays, when it is closed. Last entry at 7.00PM. Tickets can be purchased in advance at this link.
Lungomare Caracciolo
Time required: 1+ hours
Lungomare Caracciolo is a long, wide boulevard that stretches along the shoreline of Naples.
It takes in several areas of the city, starting at Via Acton and including the upmarket area of Chiaia, where you’ll find Naples’ luxury stores, before it ends at the ascent towards Posillipo, an elevated neighbourhood that offers sublime views of the city.
After the hustle and bustle of Naples narrow streets, it’s nice to get some fresh air and take in the expansive view of the Bay of Naples.
One of the most famous point of interests along the way is Naples oldest standing fortification, Castel dell’Ovo, which sits out on its own little headland watching over the sea. It translates directly to English as “Egg Castle” and it’s rather unusual name is attributed to a local legend.
The story goes that the Roman poet Virgil hid in the foundations of the fortress a magic egg, with the instructions that were the egg ever to be broken that Naples would be subject to a catastrophe.
There’s not a whole lot to see at the castle, which is mainly used as a venue for temporary events, but it’s certainly historic and grants visitors some exceptional views of the Gulf of Naples as well as the opportunity to soak in some of the city’s lengthy history.
Teatro di San Carlo
Time required: 5-45 minutes, depending on whether you enter
The Teatro di San Carlo in Naples is the oldest continuously running public opera house in the entire world. Opening its doors in 1737, it was built at the behest of the Bourbon King Charles III of Naples. It is an exquisitely decorated opera house compete with sumptuous red velvet seats, gold decor and fabulous frescoes.
I wouldn’t describe a visit as a must-do on any Naples itinerary, but if you are interested, guided tours are offered in which you can take in the main auditorium, the royal box and the foyers.
Better yet, check the schedule to see what is running when you visit Naples in 3 days and fit in a performance if you are a theatre goer.
Galleria Umberto I
Time required: 10 minutes
If you’ve travelled to Milan before, then Galleria Umberto I in Naples is going to strike you as being rather familiar and you would be right, as its architect was said to be a fan of the project in Milan.
This elegant 19th century shopping arcade has soaring ceilings and a domed glass roof that floods the arcade below.
While not the luxurious hotspot that it once was when it was originally built, it was constructed following the unification of Italy as part of the Risanamento project that aimed to revitalise great cities that included Naples amongst their number.
Part of a clean-up project, at the time the neighbourhood was run down and dangerous and the arcade provided a safe space for shopping.
You likely won’t be shopping while you drop in these days, but it’s highly worth a visit from an architectural standpoint alone.
Castel Nuovo
Time required: 15 mins (but longer visits also possible)
If you’re in the vicinity of Galleria Umberto I and Naples seafront then it’s hard to miss Castel Nuovo (New Castle). Its name is a little misleading as it’s really not that new at all, dating way back to the 13th century when it was built between 1279 and 1282 by King Charles I of Anjou.
It was given the name at the time, however, as it was new compared to the older Castel dell’Ovo, and was thus given the name to distinguish between both fortifications.
Once the Spanish had taken over control of the city of Naples from the French, Alfonso V of Aragon did some redecorating, with the castle taking on the medieval Renaissance structure that remains to this day.
While not an absolute must-see in Naples, if you do spend more time at the castle, it’s home to a fresco-filled chapel (some even by Giotto) and a collection of artwork by Neapolitan painters from the 17th to early 19th century.
Dinner: Pizzeria Da Attilio
For dinner, take the 15 or so minute walk back up to Via Toledo, before branching off to the left as you come level with the top of the Spanish Quarter.
This no-frills family run pizzeria is worth the walk, and sits a couple of streets in from Via Toledo. It is famous for its star-shaped pizzas, complete with crusts stuffed full of ricotta.
Having now returned from Naples, I’ve been dreaming about this pizza ever since and this this is the first place I would go back to when visiting again.
Map of this 3 day itinerary for Naples
There’s a lot to take in on this itinerary, especially when you factor in places to eat too. To make it easier for you, you’ll find all places listed in this travel itinerary on the map below. Click the star to the right of the title to view and save in your own Google Maps account.
3 Day Naples Itinerary Option 2: 2 days in Naples + a day trip
If you’re really itching to see the surroundings of Naples and don’t have all that much time to spend, then I recommend that you dedicate two days to spend in Naples, and the third day to taking a day trip to one of Naples’ most popular day trip locations.
The blueprint and my suggestions for how to do this I have laid out below.
3 days in Naples Itinerary – Days 1 & 2
For days 1 and 2 of your time in Naples, I suggest that you follow my 2 day itinerary for Naples, where everything is laid out for you in detail.
This two day version cuts out some of the spots listed in the 3-day itinerary earlier in this post, including the Rione Sanità neighbourhood, the Royal Palace of Naples and Capodimonte Museum. However if some of these appeal to you more than the others in the 2 day option, then feel free to chop and change.
3 days in Naples Itinerary – Day 3
If you plan on taking a day trip on one of your three days in Naples, then the region of Campania is your oyster! There is a lot to choose from and different locations will appeal to different types of travellers.
Some are also better suited to day trips than others, where I feel you should spend a night or more to really get a feel for the place. I’ve outlined my thoughts for each below.
REad next | what to do in Naples in 2 days
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Naples sits in the shadow of the world’s best known volcano, the infamous Mount Vesuvius. In 79 AD, Vesuvius erupted, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life and the complete submergence of several towns in its vicinity, the most famous of these being Pompeii.
Pompeii was lost to the shadows of time, until it was rediscovered in 1599.
Today, visitors can walk the streets the ancient Romans once did and marvel at fast-food outlets, sporting arenas, public baths, brothels, places of worship and gathering and private homes, some with vivid frescos and mosaic floors.
Archaeologists remain at work and there are regular discoveries still to this day.
Some resources to help you with your visit to Pompeii:
People are naturally curious when it comes to the volcano itself, and it is possible to pay a visit to the mighty Mount Vesuvius.
Vesuvius is highly monitored and has been studied intensely due to its eruptive past. At the moment, the volcano is in a period of ‘active rest’, and visitors can today hike the paths of Vesuvius National Park, even walking to the top of the crater if they so desire.
Some resources to help you with your visit to Vesuvius:
Herculaneum
Herculaneum is a little less known and fairly less visited when compared to Pompeii. If you’re fascinated by the events of 79AD, then a trip to both can be a great idea. Alternatively, if you’ve already visited Pompeii then a trip to Herculaneum would be the next natural step.
Herculaneum had a different eruption experience to Pompeii, in that during the first phase of the eruption (when a huge column of volcanic ash, gas and rock shot into the air and rained down on nearby Pompeii, destroying its buildings and trapping its citizens) those living in Herculaneum had a chance to escape.
Herculaneum received far less of a battering than Pompeii, in which the majority of any upper floors in buildings were destroyed, so what remains of Herculaneum is more intact. It was also covered in far more volcanic ash than Pompeii, which better preserved the town’s buildings.
Some resources to help you with your visit to Herculaneum:
Capri
Capri is the most famous of the islands of the Bay of Naples. It has been drawing in the rich and famous for many a century, the oldest of said famous people being the rather infamous Roman Emperor Tiberius, who holed himself up on the island in the 1st century AD.
The remains of his sprawling clifftop palace can be visited today, and they are very impressive. Many others flocked to Capri in subsequent centuries, drawn by the astonishing natural beauty and seclusion that the island offered.
Seclusion today, however, is relatively hard to come by as Capri is heavily visited. Home to a host of luxury hotels and boutiques, it is an upscale destination with prices to match and receives many day-trippers, amongst those others who chose to stay a little bit longer.
Only and hour from Naples by ferry, it’s perfect for a day trip (although it’s worth staying a night or two if the island appeals to you).
Some resources to help you with your visit to Capri:
- Read our Capri guide
- Read our guide: should you visit Ischia or Capri?
- Book ferry tickets here
- Organised Capri day trip from Naples
Ischia
Ischia is a real underrated gem on this part of the Italian coast. This volcanic island is a special one, in that it boasts healing thermal waters which you can visit and bathe in if you so wish.
A relatively small island of six separate communes, there is also much else to be discovered on this more slow-paced island. Its most famous attraction is the unique Castello Aragonese, built on a small separate islet and today home to a hotel and large museum complex.
Located only and hour from Naples by ferry, it would be easy to pop over for the day. However, I do feel that a trip to Ischia warrants longer than a day as there is so much to see.
If you were to visit for a day, walk from where the ferry drops you at Ischia Ponte down to Castello Aragonese in Ischia Porte (around 20-30 minutes). Visit the castle and enjoy a meal at one of lovely restaurants in the area (Da Ciccio and Da Coco were my favourite).
Some resources to help you with your visit to Ischia:
- Read our Ischia guide
- Things to do in Ischia (coming soon)
- Read our guide: Ischia or Capri?
- Book ferry tickets here
Procida
Procida is the smallest of the islands of the Bay of Naples, but it does it is oh-so charming and is perfect for a day trip, during which you’ll be able to see much of the island.
Completely under the radar until recently, when it was voted as Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022, this tiny island is home to charming pastel houses and some beautiful beaches. It’s also less than an hour from Naples by ferry.
Some resources to help you with your visit to Procida:
Amalfi Coast
Naples is a gateway to the Amalfi Coast and many people choose to combine their time in Naples with some time on one of the most famous stretches of coastline in the world.
It’s a bit awkward to get to a lot of the towns – driving is a bit of a nightmare and so you would likely be reliant on getting a ferry to the likes of Sorrento or Positano.
The Amalfi Coast is more of a beach holiday destination, where you slow down and take in the scenery. For that reason, I do not recommend taking a day trip to the Amalfi Coast, as you won’t see a whole lot of it, or get to experience what much of it is all about.
If you’re tight on time in Naples but still want to see some of the Amalfi Coast, then your best bet is to take an organised tour – that way, you’ll be rid of the complications that logistics would otherwise cause.
Some resources to help you with your visit to the Amalfi Coast:
- 10-day Amalfi Coast itinerary
- Guide to Ravello (the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful town)
- Amalfi Coast full-day tour
Where to stay in Naples
When you look on the map, Naples is quite a sprawling city so you may be wondering where it is best to place yourself for three days of exploring.
Most of the activities and attractions on this 3 day Naples itinerary are placed in and around the historic city center so this is generally the best place to base yourself.
Below, are some hand-picked places to stay in Naples that each offer something unique, as well as being well positioned for exploring the city from. If you are going to take a day trip on one of your three days, then consider staying somewhere nearer to the port.
I’ve handpicked what I think are the best places to stay in Naples here, which goes into a neighbourhood by neighbourhood breakdown and the top places to stay for each.
If you’re in a hurry, however, here are three of my favourites:
Artemisia | extremely well-located luxe-for-less pad
This is a super stylish boutique guesthouse in the heart of Naples historic center. Functional, modern bedrooms have been placed in old spaces with wooden beams and exposed brick in a sympathetic and complementary way, some even offering a spa bath.
***
La Casa Sul Nilo | old world luxury on a budget
Located slap bang in the middle of Naples’ centro storico, you really couldn’t do much better than this location wise.
The decor draws on Naples’ grand days of old, with a nod to old world luxury in the form of deep, rich colour schemes, grand floor to ceiling windows and plush finishings throughout.
***
Grand Hotel Santa Lucia | waterside luxury with sea views
This Art-Nouveau hotel dates back to the turn of the 20th century and is situated along the seafront, offering guests sweeping views of the Bay of Naples as well as quick and easy access to Naples’ historic centre.
3 days in Naples Italy – some common questions
What are the top 5 things to see in Naples in 3 days
This is going to be totally dependant on what your interests are – art, history, food etc. However, if I were to pick my own top 5 things to see in Naples in 3 days, they would be:
- Catacombs of San Gennaro
- The Spanish Quarter
- Cloister of Santa Chiara
- Spaccanapoli
- Castel Sant’Elmo
Is 3 days in Naples enough
If you plan on spending all of your time in the city, then 3 days in Naples is the perfect amount of time to see the majority of the city’s sites without feeling rushed.
Can you do Naples in 2 days
Yes, it is entirely possible to cover much of Naples in 2 days. Read my 2-day Naples itinerary to discover how.
Is Naples easy to walk around
Naples is extremely easy to walk around, with much of the city’s main sites located within a couple of kilometres of one another. The only thing that might cause some difficulty is the terrain – there are plenty of hills in Naples and old cobbled streets, which leads to some uneven paths in places.
More posts to read if you’re travelling to Naples
- Top Naples tips | 19 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Naples, Italy
- Is Naples worth visiting | Is Naples Worth Visiting? 17 Pros + 5 Cons to Help You Decide
- How many days in Naples italy | How Many Days in Naples are Enough? Essential Tips & Itineraries
- One day in Naples | Best of Naples in One Day – What to See, Eat & Do
- Two days in Naples | A Perfect 2 Days in Naples Itinerary for Culture & History Buffs
- Things to do in Naples | 40 Captivating Things to Do in Naples, Italy
- Naples wine tours | Top 14 Naples Wine Tours [2024] + Tips To Choose The Right One
- Rome, Naples & Amalfi Coast | A Rome, Naples, Amalfi Coast Itinerary for Culture, Food & Scenery
- Naples accommodation guide | Secret Naples: Where to Stay in Naples Italy – Best Areas & Accommodations
Amalfi Coast
- 10 days on Amalfi Coast | The Perfect 10 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary For A Luxurious But Authentic Trip
- 4 days on Amalfi Coast | A Blissful 4 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary – Sun, Sea & Scenery
- Ravello travel guide | Best things to do in Ravello – a complete Ravello Travel Guide
- Sorrento wine tours | 10 Best Sorrento Wine Tasting Tours & Experiences
- Capri travel guide | Escape to Paradise: The Insider’s Guide to Visiting Capri
- Capri or Ischia | Which Island Paradise Should You Choose?