Naples in 5 Day: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

A 5-day trip is more than enough time to see and do everything Naples has to offer. Not only that, but you can also take the opportunity to go on a day trip and explore nearby places like Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast—two destinations that offer a glimpse into the history and traditions of the region.

Naples is a city full of Roman ruins, and its religious culture is reflected in its many churches. Of course, it’s also the perfect place to sample the best of Italian cuisine. That said, its streets can be narrow and even a bit chaotic, so I recommend following this itinerary to avoid getting lost and to see everything.

For your first day in Naples, I suggest exploring the historic center and three religious buildings that are very important to the city: the Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Chapel of San Salvador. Don’t worry—you’ll also have time to stroll through the streets.

Start your day at Piazza Garibaldi

Start your journey at Piazza Garibaldi, a very central location that’s also home to the train station, several bus stops, and a stop on Metro Line 1, making it very easy to get there, whether on foot or by public transit. It’s a Renaissance-style square, though the vast majority of its buildings are modernist.

Unfortunately, the buildings in Piazza Garibaldi are private residences, so you’ll have to settle for taking a stroll and admiring their facades. Where you can get closer, however, are the food stalls scattered around the square. It’s a great place to grab a bite if you haven’t had breakfast yet.

Piazza Garibaldi, like other locations I’m suggesting for today, is usually included in the :::link|text=guided tour of Naples:::, so if you’d like, you can sign up to learn all about the city’s history as you explore it.

Discover the treasures of Naples Cathedral

Leave Piazza Garibaldi behind and head down Via Umberto I toward Naples Cathedral, which is about a 15-minute walk away.

Its official name is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and it is one of the city’s great landmarks. It is also usually included in tours of Naples.

• Admission is free, though you’ll need to pay approximately €2 to access the baptistery.
• Its façade is in the Neo-Gothic style.
• Its interior is far more intriguing, as it blends Baroque, Neo-Gothic, and Gothic elements.
• Don’t leave without visiting the treasure it holds: dozens of silver statuettes and vials containing the blood of Saint Januarius.

Stroll and eat the best pizza in Naples on Via Tribunali

After leaving the Naples Cathedral, it might be time to stop and grab a bite to eat. Just two minutes away is Via Tribunali, one of the city’s main avenues.

There you’ll find several high-quality pizzerias, such as Di Matteo, which is said to serve the best pizza in the world (and sells slices for about €1).

If you’re not in the mood for pizza, you can pop into any other restaurant and try other typical Neapolitan dishes, such as arancini, delicious rice balls. But the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on any exquisite dishes is with a food tour—I highly recommend it for lunch!

Admire the historic architecture of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore alla Pietrasanta

At the end of Via Tribunali stands the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore alla Pietrasanta, which was built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Diana. Not only are there classical ruins, but its architecture also tells the story and evolution of the city. Admission is free, and you can also climb the brick bell tower.

Apparently, the area adjacent to where the Basilica now stands was constantly haunted by the Devil, so the bishop of Naples in the 6th century decided to erect this building as protection. Over the years, the structure suffered damage and had to be rebuilt in 1656.

End the day at the Chapel of San Severo

Next to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Naples’ greatest treasures: the Chapel of San Severo.

• Admission costs approximately €8.
• It houses the famous Veiled Christ, the renowned sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino.
• You’ll be able to see two human bodies up close, as there are two skeletons in the basement that perfectly preserve the circulatory system.

Believe it or not, there are still a few things left to see in the center of Naples, though I’ve prepared a slightly different itinerary for the second day. In the morning, you can spend your time exploring the interiors of a couple of religious buildings, but in the afternoon, I recommend taking a stroll to discover the charms of Naples’ streets and squares.

If you don’t feel like another guided tour, you can opt for a sightseeing bus to make your journey easier and explore the city in comfort.

Visit the Church of Gesù Nuovo

Right in the heart of Naples is the Church of Gesù Nuovo, located in the square that bears its name.

It’s a building constructed in the late 16th century and stands out for its Renaissance-style stone façade, though its interior is Baroque and quite opulent. The best part is that you don’t have to pay to see its beauty, as admission is free.

Did you know that the Church of Jesús Nuevo was originally intended to be a palace? That explains why its exterior is so different from that of any other religious building. However, it ended up becoming a church, which is why the interior is so richly decorated with frescoes, marble elements, domes…

Discover the Basilica of Santa Clara

Right across from the Church of Gesù Nuovo is the Monastery of Santa Clara, one of Naples’s largest churches. Built in the Gothic style, its sheer size and its artistic and historical value make it one of the city’s most visited sites.

• Admission is free.
• Access to the Great Cloister costs approximately €6.
• You’ll find a museum that traces the history of Naples.
• There are archaeological remains of the Roman baths that once stood there.

Stop by the Spanish Quarter for lunch

When you leave the Monastery of Santa Clara, take Via Toledo, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, to head to the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter), which is less than a 15-minute walk away. Where does the name come from? Naples was part of Spain on three separate occasions, so this neighborhood is a legacy and testament to the close relationship the two places have shared.

Its streets exude a very lively, local atmosphere, perfect for sampling the typical cuisine, which I also recommend trying on a food tour of Naples. If you’re not sure how to fit it into your schedule, I suggest doing it around lunchtime so you can make the most of it.

Once you’ve filled your stomach, I recommend continuing your walk through the narrow, cozy streets of the Spanish Quarter. Specifically, I encourage you to visit the Galleria Umberto I, a glass-and-metal structure housing various shops, and Castel Nuovo, a castle that served as the residence of several kings when Naples was under Spanish rule.

Discover Piazza del Plebiscito and its historic buildings

A 5-minute walk from the Galleria Umberto I and Castel Nuovo is Piazza del Plebiscito, home to the city’s historic buildings such as the Basilica of Saint Francis of Paola (free admission) and the Royal Palace (approximately €6).

Although entering the buildings is an option, you can also just take a stroll through the plaza and see if you can pass the test that Queen Margaret used to give some prisoners to grant them their freedom. Apparently, she would place them in the middle of the plaza, blindfold them, spin them around a few times, and challenge them to walk in a straight line and pass between the two statues in the plaza. It seems easier than it is—let me know how it goes if you try it!

Or you can simply grab a drink nearby, as it’s a great spot to sit and relax while taking in the view.

Watch the sunset over Naples from the Castel dell’Ovo

Before the day comes to an end, head to the Castle of the Egg (or Castell dell’Ovo). It’s about a 15-minute walk from Piazza del Plebiscito, located on a small islet. Due to its strategic position, it served as the city’s main fortification and defense against attacks. Today, it’s a cultural center that you can visit for free.

Wondering where that strange name comes from? Legend has it that the poet Virgil hid an egg beneath its foundations; if it were to break, it would bring misfortune to the city. I don’t know if this is true, but what I can assure you is that, from the fortress, there are beautiful views of the Bay of Naples (and Mount Vesuvius in the distance), especially at sunset.

Your third day in Naples is packed with history, and there’s no better place to experience it than the Archaeological Museum. After spending most of the morning there, I encourage you to head back to the city center for lunch and continue exploring the city’s history—this time, underground.

Start your day at the Archaeological Museum of Naples

Start your second day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Naples. Although it’s about a 15-minute walk from the center, right on Piazza Cavour, you might find it more convenient to get there by public transportation (metro line 1 or line 2).

It’s one of the best museums in Naples, so I recommend buying a ticket and seeing its collections of great historical value.

There are four floors in total, and the most interesting one, at least for me, is the area dedicated to sculptures and artifacts from the Roman era. The remains recovered from the ashes of Pompeii are particularly striking.

Take the opportunity to do some shopping at the Galleria Principe di Napoli

You might spend an entire morning visiting the museum, but before heading downtown for lunch, I recommend stopping by the Galleria Principe di Napoli, which is just a 5-minute walk from the museum. Admission is free, though you can take the opportunity to do some shopping.

The history of the Galleria Principe di Napoli is somewhat tragic, as it has never been very well maintained. In fact, as early as the beginning of the 20th century, Neapolitans were calling for the building to be restored, though this didn’t happen until well into the 21st century. Now its brick structure and glass roof are much more stable, and it hosts concerts and leisure activities.

Take a food tour of Spaccanapoli

After all that history, you might be feeling hungry. The Spaccanapoli area is one of the best places to eat. Walk down Via San Sebastiano from the Galleria Principe di Napoli toward Benedetto Croce, the first section of this street. Once there, I recommend taking a food tour of Naples.

For about €30, you’ll enjoy the best local cuisine (beyond just pizza) while a guide shares insights into the city’s history.

The great thing about these tours is that you’re guaranteed to visit the best spots and know exactly what to order. Spaccanapoli is one of the most important areas in the city center, though it’s actually made up of several streets.

Head underground on a tour of Underground Naples

Can you imagine exploring a city through its underground? Get your tickets to visit Underground Naples and find out (they cost approximately €10). This network of tunnels (the largest in Europe) is a 15-minute walk from the Spaccanapoli area.

It’s a unique experience where you’ll discover these passageways that originally, during the Greek era, served as water reservoirs.

Under the Romans, their use changed, and these underground tunnels became sites for quarrying rock. Centuries passed, and then came World War II, when they functioned as shelters during the bombings, saving thousands of lives. Today you can visit them, explore them, and discover the underbelly of Naples. Warning: they’re not for you if you suffer from claustrophobia!

Discover the ruins of the Greco-Roman Theater in Naples

When you exit Underground Naples, you’ll emerge through the Greco-Roman Theater, which rises from beneath a private home. The structure visible today is Roman, though there are also remnants of the earlier, Greek-origin building.

The visit is included in your Underground Naples ticket, and what is most impressive about the Greco-Roman Theater (besides the fact that it’s located beneath a residence) is its marble, which decorates the entire site.

It is also known as the place where Nero presented many of his plays and where, according to legend, he did not interrupt his performance even during an earthquake.

Very close to Naples, just half an hour away, lies Pompeii, an ancient town that was devastated yet preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

This visit is a must, so for your third day, I recommend booking a tour from Naples to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, the city frozen in time. These tours not only include transportation and admission but also explanations from a specialized guide.

Pompeii Archaeological Site

Buying tickets to Pompeii and visiting it is like stepping back in time about 2,000 years. I know it seems impossible, but consider that the lava and ash that covered this city managed to preserve buildings, objects, and even bodies for years—specifically since 79 AD, when Vesuvius erupted.

There’s plenty to see and do in Pompeii. It’s a fairly large area, so be prepared to walk.

This city was prosperous and wealthy, though nature was never on its side (a few years before the volcano erupted, it suffered a devastating earthquake). During your visit, you’ll be able to see this for yourself and explore incredible sites such as the ancient Forum, the Temple of Apollo, and the villas of the Roman nobility. Everything remains almost intact, so you’ll get a pretty accurate idea of what life was like there.

Grab a bite to eat after finishing your visit to Pompeii

You’ll need at least the entire morning to explore the ruins of this Roman city. When you’re done, I recommend leaving the site to grab a bite to eat. You might think that since it’s a tourist spot, nothing is worth it and it’s better to bring a sandwich, but there are some great restaurants to eat at in the area around Pompeii.

Pizza, pasta, tapas, and Mediterranean dishes… You’ll have plenty to choose from. In the streets surrounding the archaeological site, there are many places where you can eat well for around €25 per person. Once you’re done, it’s time to continue your visit and meet the “culprit” responsible for Pompeii’s destruction: Mount Vesuvius.

Climb Mount Vesuvius and get a close-up view of its crater

The second part of the excursion involves visiting Mount Vesuvius. If you’re on an organized tour, you’ll travel by private coach. Otherwise, take the EAV bus (about €3 one way).

In any case, you’ll then need to walk the rest of the way and pay the entrance fee to the summit, which costs about €10, unless it’s included in your tour.

Vesuvius is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, but don’t worry—it hasn’t been active since the 1940s. The climb is worth it to see its craters and smoke columns up close. Plus, at over 1,200 meters high, the views of Naples are absolutely incredible.

Explore the area around Pompeii

Since you’re in the area, once you come down from Vesuvius, I recommend staying to explore the surroundings of Pompeii. It’s a beautiful area with plenty of nature—you won’t want to miss it! One of my favorite spots is Herculaneum, a city also buried by Vesuvius’s lava.

Although it’s not as well-known as Pompeii, Herculaneum is also very well-preserved. I recommend taking a stroll through it because, besides, there are usually fewer people there. There you can find the remains of Roman baths and ancient homes of those who once lived there.

If you also want to explore this area in depth, I recommend booking a tour to Pompeii that includes Herculaneum. It isn’t usually as popular because it’s less well-known, but it’s also well worth the visit.

I’m sure that while in Naples, you’ve already seen how beautiful the bay area is. However, to truly enjoy picture-perfect beaches and traditional villages perched on rocky cliffs, there’s nothing like taking a tour to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast from Naples.

The best way to get around is to join an organized tour that includes transportation so you don’t have to worry about a thing, though you can also rent a car or take a bus combined with a train. Here’s a suggested itinerary.

Start the tour in Sorrento

Start your trip along the Amalfi Coast in Sorrento, one of the most iconic towns in the area.

• Climb up to its walls for a panoramic view of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Bay of Naples.
• Head to the historic center of Sorrento, with its narrow, medieval-style streets.
• Visit its shops and restaurants, especially in Piazza Tasso, the heart of the city.
• Nearby is the Vallone dei Mulini, an area that has been uninhabited since 1940 and is therefore like a vast wild forest in the middle of the city.

Continue the journey to Positano

Just a 40-minute drive away is Positano, your next destination and also that of many other tourists, as it is one of the most visited towns on the Amalfi Coast. It’s no wonder, really, as its colorful houses and the lush greenery that blankets the entire town give it a distinctive and truly beautiful appearance.

The only downside to Positano is that there are a lot of stairs, so get ready to go up and down them many times. However, it will be worth it because that means you’ll get to see beautiful places like the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and its famous dome, or its beaches.

Take the chance to eat on the beaches of Positano

After taking a dip at one of Positano’s beaches, what could be better than grabbing a bite to eat? Although prices can be a bit steep, being right on the water’s edge has its perks: the freshest seafood you can imagine. I recommend trying the pasta with clams or a delicious seafood platter.

When you’re done, before continuing your trip, you can take a stroll along the sand or lie down to rest for a while in the hammocks that are usually available on any of the beaches. Be warned, though—during peak season, you’ll have a hard time finding one that’s free.

Discover the history of Amalfi

Your next stop, just over half an hour by bus from Positano, is Amalfi. As you might guess, history runs through its streets, and here you’ll also find one of the area’s greatest landmarks: its Duomo.

The Cathedral, or Duomo, of Amalfi is one of those places you absolutely must visit. Admission costs about €3 and grants you access to the entire complex, which actually consists of two connected churches and, among other spaces, the famous Cloister of Paradise. Built with marble columns and Moorish arches, it houses the sarcophagi of the city’s illustrious figures.

End the day in Ravello and head up to its viewpoint

Before heading back to Naples, I recommend making one last stop in Ravello, the final town on the Amalfi Coast. It may not be as well-known as the previous towns, but it has its own charm. So much so that for years it has been a destination for artists of all kinds, who came there to relax.

In addition to strolling through its streets and having a drink on one of its terraces, the best part of ending your trip in Ravello is that it will serve as the perfect farewell. To do so, head to Villa Rufolo, a former noble residence that today serves as a cultural center and also a viewpoint from which to take in the entire Amalfi Coast.

Naples is a city where locals usually drive. However, as a tourist, it’s best to walk; distances within the historic center are generally short.

If your hotel is a bit far away, you can purchase single-ride public transportation tickets (approximately €1.10), day passes (around €4.50), or weekly passes (about €16).

The only situation where renting a car in Naples might be worth it is if you plan to make several trips. The daily rate is approximately €30, but keep in mind that driving and parking in Naples can be complicated and somewhat chaotic.

Have you got everything ready? Make a note of the places you want to visit and follow this itinerary so you don’t miss a thing and can fully enjoy Naples.