Visit Naples

VISITING NAPLES IN ONE DAY

Naples is a city that captures the heart of everyone who visits, thanks to its rich history, art, music, traditions, unique scents and flavors. Whoever comes to Naples never forgets it! The city is full of hidden treasures and underground wonders, with stories waiting to be discovered in every corner. If you only have one day, here are some must-see stops to experience the soul of Naples: although it’s impossible to explore all the beauty of the “city of 500 domes” in just a few hours, you can still admire its iconic sites. As they say, “Rome is the heart of Italy, Naples its soul.” With this thought in mind, start your itinerary at Piazza Garibaldi, where you’ll find the Central Station and the metro terminal. From here, you can get around easily either by public transport or on foot. If you love walking, head down Corso Umberto I, one of the most famous streets in the city, cross lively Piazza Bovio, then continue along via Cardinale Guglielmo and via Medina until you reach Piazza Municipio, dominated by the impressive Castel Nuovo (also called Maschio Angioino).

Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)

A medieval and Renaissance symbol of Naples, this castle with its five towers overlooks Piazza Municipio. It was commissioned by Charles I of Anjou in 1266 and over the centuries has hosted figures such as Giotto, Petrarch, and Boccaccio. In the same square, marvel at the elegant Fountain of Neptune.

Teatro San Carlo

Continue towards Piazza Trieste e Trento and you’ll find on the left one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world: Teatro San Carlo, the oldest working opera house. Its facade looks onto both the street and the square, testament to Naples’ glorious past as a great European capital.

Royal Palace of Naples

Located in Piazza Trieste e Trento, the Royal Palace was designed by Domenico Fontana and finished in 1858. Today it houses the National Library, with its elegant facade opening onto Piazza del Plebiscito.

If you prefer not to explore Naples on foot, you can always book a private guided tour of about three hours to see the best of the city.

Piazza del Plebiscito

The monumental heart of Naples, with the splendid Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, the Royal Palace, and historical government buildings. This iconic square hosts major city events and, thanks to its pedestrian area, you can stroll among the equestrian statues of Charles III and Ferdinand I, sculpted by Canova. Close by, stop at the famous Gran Caffè Gambrinus, a legendary meeting place of artists and writers such as Hemingway, Wilde, and D’Annunzio.

Galleria Umberto I

A short walk from via Toledo, step into this masterpiece of late 19th-century architecture, with its glass and iron dome—perfect for shopping or a coffee break.

Back on via Toledo, don’t miss Pintauro bakery to taste traditional sfogliatelle or a babà before diving into the vibrant shopping atmosphere all the way to Piazza Dante. From here, wander into the city’s most authentic alleys to experience Naples’ popular spirit.

San Gregorio Armeno, the “Nativity Street”

Stroll down San Gregorio Armeno, a famous street known for its artisan nativity scene workshops depicting not just classic figures but also celebrities and current events. Also, don’t miss the beautiful San Gregorio Armeno church, a stunning example of Neapolitan baroque.

Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples)

Descend beneath the city to explore a world rich with history and mystery: a labyrinth of tunnels, ancient cisterns, and evocative spaces carved into the rock.

After an intense and exciting day, you simply must try an authentic Neapolitan pizza. Sorbillo on Via dei Tribunali is a must for pizza lovers.

If you want to continue your trip the next day, take the Circumvesuviana and soon you’ll reach Pompeii to visit the ancient ruins and relive two thousand years of history—or depart from Napoli Centrale by Trenitalia train and get there in about 35 minutes.

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