48 Hours in Naples: The perfect two-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   
   1. Morning

      Carve out some time for the sculptures of Sansevero Chapel (1 hour)

      

      Kick off your time in Naples at Sansevero Chapel, where three of the most recognizable sculptures in the world — The Veiled Christ, The Veiled Truth, and The Release from Deception — sit under one roof. This 16th-century chapel contains nearly 30 other important works of art, including the ornate ceiling painting, ‘Glory of Heaven’. You can explore it solo, but with so much history and art in a single structure a guided tour will enrich the experience. Since this is one of the most popular spots in Naples, it’s best to book your ticket in advance.

      Extra option

      More Sansevero Chapel activities

      See all experiences

      1

   2. See what lies beneath the city (1.5 hours)

      

      While the Neapolitans go about their busy days on the surface, a haunting network of ancient catacombs runs beneath the streets. Descend more than 40 meters underground to discover the mysterious side of the city. Over the centuries the catacombs have been used as an ancient water supply and wartime air-raid shelter. Learn more about the Greek-Roman aqueducts and get up close with the remains of the Roman Theater of Neapolis on a guided tour. You’ll even see Emperor Nero’s private dressing room, which he used before performances in the theater.
      

      Extra option

      More Underground Naples activities

      See all experiences

      2
   3. Afternoon

      Dig into the local cuisine along Spaccanapoli (2.5 hours)

      

      Street food and doughy carbs are synonymous with the city of Naples. Pizza purists know the city is famous for the Margherita, invented here in 1889, but pizza-like street food has been here since the 16th century. As soon as you reach Spaccanapoli, your nose will pick up mouth-watering scents along this narrow, historic street that cuts through the center of town – its name literally meaning “Naples Splitter”. The hardest decision is choosing what to eat first. How about frittatina di pasta (pasta omelet), or babà (syrupy sponge cakes)? Pizza fritta (fried pizza), or pizza a portafoglio (folded pizza)? If you’re eager to learn more about local Neapolitan specialities, book a guided food tour and try them all. After Spaccanapoli, wander the quirky Via San Gregorio Armeno. This street is lined with artisan shops dedicated to the traditional Neapolitan presepio, the Christian nativity scene.

      Extra option

      More food activities

      See all experiences

      3

   4. Shop and gawk at Via Toledo (2 hours)

      

      Make your way down Via Toledo, one of the more beautiful and important streets of Naples. Here between Piazza Dante and Piazza Trieste e Trento — two public squares that bookend the street – is nearly a mile of spending opportunities. Shop up a storm while admiring historic buildings and magnificent monuments, including the Galleria Umberto and San Carlo Theater, the oldest opera house in the world. Leave time to drop into the award-winning Toledo metro station, once considered the most beautiful in Europe. The dazzling blue bisazza mosaics change from dark to light as you venture 50 meters below ground.

      4

   5. Admire the history and views from Castel Sant’Elmo (2 hours)

      

      The most visible landmark in the city, Castel Sant’Elmo is perched on Vomero Hill and overlooks the rest of Naples from its highest point. If your legs aren’t up to the climb, take the Metro or funicular to the top and try to time your visit for dusk. The medieval fortress is as impressive inside as it is outside, and you can grab a ticket at the door to explore. Just be mindful of castle opening hours if you’re trying to catch the sunset.

      5
   6. Evening

      Say cin cin in Chiaia (3 hours)

      

      Time slows down as day turns to evening in Naples. The city relaxes and almost everyone raises a glass for aperitivo, toasting with the customary “cin cin!” (pronounced chin chin) or “sante!” with the all-important eye contact. A great place to get in on the tradition is Chiaia, a quiet neighborhood centered upon a long street — Riviera di Chiaia — lined with restaurants. This area is calmer than the city center, with the water lapping the shore a few meters away. It’s the perfect setting to relax and indulge in more local Neapolitan flavors.

      6

2. Day 2

   
   1. Morning

      Venture out to Pompeii (4 hours)

      

      Buried under meters of ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, the once-thriving city of Pompeii is now a perfectly preserved reflection of Roman life at that time in history. Many of the remains, from buildings to bodies, are still frozen by the pumice and volcanic ash in the exact position they were on that fateful day. It’s a fascinating glimpse at history, and easy to get to on the Circumvesuviana train from Naples, but booking a half-day guided tour takes care of the logistics and helps bring the still town back to life. See everything from the Forum, thermal baths, and brothel to the exquisite House of the Vettii. Curious about what other spectacular sights you might find outside the city, don’t be afraid to make it a full-day trip to the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii — you’ll get to explore the vibrant hillside town of Positano and the archaeological site at Pompeii, and be back in Naples in time for dinner.

      Extra option

      More Pompeii activities

      See all experiences

      1
   2. Afternoon

      Have a regal afternoon at the Royal Palace of Naples (2 hours)

      

      After a quick lunch near Via Chaia and the Fontana del Carciofo, discover three centuries of power in Naples and southern Italy at the expansive former residence of the House of Bourbon, now a glorious museum and library. Wander through Piazza Plebiscito and admire the beautiful statue-lined facade and bell tower. Can’t resist a look inside? Just buy a ticket for your chosen time and follow a grand staircase to explore rooms filled with paintings, marbles, stuccos, tapestries, and precious furnishings, enter the huge Palatine Chapel, and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of Naples from the hanging garden terrace.

      See all experiences

      2

   3. Go underground inside Galleria Borbonica (1.5 hours)

      

      The catacombs aren’t the only activity beneath the streets. In 1853 Ferdinand II of Bourbon, concerned about a rebellion outbreak, designed the Bourbon Tunnel as a secret escape route for the royal family. The underground passage was left unused until it became a bomb shelter and military hospital during World War II. Now you can explore this secret place a few days a week when you book a guided tour and see handwritten messages scrawled on the walls along with cars and motorbikes abandoned here during the facist era.
      

      Extra option

      More tours

      See all experiences

      3
   4. Evening

      See the sunset over the bay at Castel dell’Ovo (2 hours)

      

      As the sun dips make your way to Castel dell'Ovo, a castle located in a historic seaside village that offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples and the Tyrrhenian Sea. From here you’ll admire the magnificent Vesuvius in all its golden hour glory. Enjoy one last aperitivo on the lungomare, or seafront, before bouncing back into town for a buzzing final night.

      4

   5. Seek out Naples' nightlife (3 hours)

      

      Whether you want fine dining, a jazz club, or hip bar, the Old Town of Naples is where all nightlife is centered. Circle back via street food haven Spaccanapoli for a casual feed with a different atmosphere by night. Or venture over to Piazza Bellini, a square right in the heart of Naples where many of the city’s historic threads connect. By evening, a cool, young crowd gathers here in the square, which is lined with bars and clubs.

      5