Naples 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Naples: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Spaccanapoli

The main straight street that cuts through the historic centre. It’s a free walk past street-level pizza bakeries, churches, and crumbling palazzos. No entrance fee, just your own legs.

🕐 Open 24 hours, pedestrian-only zones during daytime

Free entry

💡 Go between 10am and noon, before the tour groups pack it. Grab a sfogliatella at Pintauro on Via Toledo.

Hotels near Spaccanapoli →
Afternoon
Parco Virgiliano

A quiet public park on Posillipo hill with free entry and killer views of the Gulf of Naples. Benches and grass patches let you sit and watch ferries cross the bay. No crowds.

🕐 Open daily 7:00-22:00 (closes earlier in winter)

Free entry

💡 Bring a picnic — there’s a small kiosk but it’s erratic. Sunset is the best time, but arrive by 4pm to claim a bench on the western side.

Hotels near Parco Virgiliano →
Evening
Where to eat

Antica Trattoria Da Rosetta · ££

Blue Moon · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Naples

Morning
Underground Naples (Napoli Sotterranea)

A guided tour of the Greco-Roman aqueducts and WWII bomb shelters beneath the city. Standard tour costs around €10. It’s a solid 90-minute walk underground, cool even in summer.

🕐 Daily tours at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 (check website for seasonal changes)

💡 Book online a day ahead — walk-ups often sell out by noon. Wear trainers; the tunnels are damp and uneven.

Midday
Naples National Archaeological Museum

Houses the Farnese collection and most mosaics from Pompeii. The ticket costs about €18, but it’s worth it for the quality of artefacts. Free on the first Sunday of each month.

🕐 Wed-Mon 9:00-19:30, closed Tues

💡 Head straight to the Secret Cabinet on the mezzanine floor — a collection of erotic Roman art that’s often overlooked by casual visitors.

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Castel Sant'Elmo

A 14th-century fortress on Vomero hill. Entry costs €5. The real value is the panoramic terrace overlooking the bay, Vesuvius, and the whole city. Worth the fun

💡 Bring your own water — the café up there charges triple. Also check if the adjacent Certosa di San Martino is open (combined ticket €10).

Getting Around Naples

Metro Line 2 (Trenitalia) From €1.50 12 min

From Piazza Amedeo, the hotel is a 5-minute walk downhill. This line runs overground through tunnels — sit on the left for views. Buy return tickets at the machine; the app 'Trenitalia' works but can be glitchy.

Ride-hailing (Uber or FreeNow) From €20 25 min

FreeNow works better than Uber in Naples. Set your pickup at the airport's 'Arrivi' gate number — the driver will call you. Price is fixed through the app, but expect a 5-minute wait for car assignment.

Airport Taxi From €25 25 min

Fix the price before getting in. Avoid drivers offering a ride inside the arrivals hall — walk to the official taxi rank outside. For La Bouganville, make sure they know it's in the Chiaia district, not Mergellina.

Alibus From €5 30 min

Buy tickets at the airport tabacchi or online. Validate on board. From Piazza Municipio, it's a 10-minute walk to the hotel. Avoid this route with large suitcases — the walk up Via Chiaia is cobbled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Naples?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Spaccanapoli and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Naples?

See our full best time to visit Naples guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Palazzo Fiorentina, Hotel Barbato, B&B La Bouganville. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.