One Day in Naples – 24 Hour Guide

Naples is one of my favourite cities in the world. I would recommend a week there, as it is a vibrant and diverse city that will challenge your conceptions and your senses. With world class museums, historic sites, and incredible food and coffee, Naples is a feast of a destination. If you are in need of a 24 hour guide to kick off your visit, or if you only have a short trip planned, here’s my guide to making the most of one day in Naples, Italy.

One day in Naples : Itinerary

12 Midday – Pizza + Books

Eat a pizza. I could stop there, because eating pizza really should be at the top of your list when visiting Naples. All the guidebooks will point you to Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, generally thought to be the world’s first pizza shop. And while their volcanic rock pizza ovens do indeed make a delicious pizza, there are lots of amazing pizza shops and restaurants in Naples (I’ve never had a bad one). But Port’Alba is a gorgeous alley full of bookshops – so I do actually recommend Antica from the ‘two birds, one stone’ angle!

Take your pizza and wander down Via dei Tribunali, a wonderfully eclectic street full of restaurants, pastry shops, gift shops, markets and buzz.

2pm – Archaeology Museum

I spent so many hours here during my summer in Naples in 1999 – it was my respite from the August sun. It became the place I revisited and I got to know every corner. The history of the excavation of Pompeii, rooms full of Italian marbles, and a gorgeous building holding it all.

4pm – Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte

At the top of Corso Amedeo di Savoia Duca D’Aosta (a continuation of Via Toledo, Napoli’s big shopping street), is the extravagant Palace of Capodimonte. Now a huge fine art and decorative art museum, Capodimonte is definitely worth at least a couple of hours of your time.

If museums aren’t your thing, you could always visit the Catacombs of Naples instead!

6pm – Aperitivos at Piazza Dante

I adore the aperitif culture in Europe, and specifically the very convivial Italian version. In Naples for instance, you start with an espresso before your wine or aperol spritz. The evening culture in Italy is about family, coffee, talking, eating late, and merriment. It is a far cry from the boozy revelry I have encountered in other countries.

8pm – Dinner (eat more pizza)

Need I say more? My favourite little side-alley restaurant in central Naples is Add’ù Fratemo (Via S. Liborio). We found this tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant quite by accident, and really struck it lucky. We had the meat antipasti (salami, schiacciata, and a tangy stew bruschetta); a marinara pizza each, and the chef’s tiramisu for dessert. We were too full for dessert, but the owner came out and insisted. How could we say no?

10pm – Nightlife

End your evening at the quaint and literary bar, Libreria Berisio (Port’Alba). This cozy book shop / cocktail bar holds live music too and is a great spot to finish your evening in Naples.

** Fall into bed at an undisclosed hour **

8am – Drink coffee

Naples has THE best coffee in the world, in my humble opinion. The sweetened crema on top of strong thick espresso, with a sfogliatelle pastry on the side – it’s perfection! Have your espresso and bite-sized treats stood up at the bar or window sill of the cafe – it’s the way the locals do it.

9am – Castel Sant’Elmo

Take the funicular from Montesanto to the Morghen station atop the Vomero hill, and make your way to Castel Sant’Elmo (Via Tito Angelini). This incredibly imposing 14th century star-shaped fortress has great views out over Naples. Enjoy learning about its history in helping protect Naples from this strategic position.

10am – Certosa di San Martino

In the shadow of Castel Sant’Elmo is the Monastery of San Martino. The Certosa di San Martino has a highly intricate and decorated church, an impressive courtyard; and displays a lot of Spanish and Bourbon artefacts. The terrace and gardens have a particularly spectacular view out over the Bay of Naples.

11am – Walk down Via Pedamentina

After taking in more blissful views of Naples from the piazza at San Martino, take a walk down Via Pedamentina a San Martino through the suburb of Vomero. This pedestrian access twists and turns all the way down the hill to near Via Pasquale Scura. This street is the beginning of the famous “Spaccanapoli” (Naples Splitter), which divides Naples, all the way to Via San Biagio dei Librai. It will take you through some of the most authentic and colourful areas of Naples.

Where to stay in Naples

Where to stay in Naples? Well, it depends on your budget and whether you are arriving by car or not. If you are visiting by car, then I would strongly recommend you stay over the hill in Pozzuoli. Carparks are cheaper here, and the train and metro links are good. Try Villa Avellino for a historic building near two train stations in Pozzuoli. Staying in Naples and looking for downtown luxury with a roof terrace? I recommend the 4-star Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterraneo, near Galleria Umberto I.

A very central guest house option is the Dimora delle Arti. It has easy access to the Archaeology Museum and Port’Alba, plus fabulous breakfasts.

Have more time? Then you must check out Castel dell’Ovo, Castel Nuovo, Piazza del Plebiscito & Piazza Reale!

One day in Naples – 24 hour guide

It feels odd writing a one day guide to Naples, when in my heart I want you to stay a week. But I realise that sometimes a short visit is all you might have (perhaps off a cruise ship or tour). So think of this as your first day, or a taster in preparation for a return visit. And of course, you must visit Herculaneum and Pompeii and the Amalfi coast too! Naples doesn’t always have the shiniest of reputations, but to me that makes it more desirable. It is real, it is unapologetic, it is fabulous!

I would love to help you make the most out of your travel – contact me for my Itinerary Planning services. Read more of my 24 hour guides here.

All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.