Napoli 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Napoli: 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 narrow, straight street that cuts through the historic centre, lined with churches, shops, and street food stalls. A living museum of daily Neapolitan life.

🕐 Accessible 24/7; shops and stalls generally 9:00-20:00

Free entry

💡 Stop for a cheap sfogliatella at Scaturchio or a pizza fritta at Antica Capri. Avoid midday heat; it gets crowded.

Hotels near Spaccanapoli →
Afternoon
Castel dell'Ovo

The oldest castle in Naples, sitting on the seafront promenade. Free to enter and explore the ramparts and courtyards.

🕐 Mon-Sat 8:30-19:00; Sun 8:30-14:00

Free entry

💡 Climb the towers for views of the marina and Vesuvius. Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Hotels near Castel dell'Ovo →
Evening
Where to eat

Molo Beverello · ££

Caffetteria Bernini · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Napoli

Morning
Parco Virgiliano a Piedigrotta

A hillside park with panoramic views over the Gulf of Naples, Posillipo hill, and Vesuvius. Quiet, with benches and paths.

🕐 Daily 7:00-21:00 (hours vary seasonally)

💡 Come at sunset for the best light. Bring water; there are no cafes inside.

Midday
Cimitero delle Fontanelle

An open-air ossuary in a cave, holding the remains of tens of thousands of victims of historical plagues and famines. Eerie, fascinating, and free.

🕐 Daily 9:30-16:30 (check for temporary closures)

💡 Wear closed shoes; the floor is uneven and dusty. Allow 30 minutes. Combine with a walk through the nearby Sanità district for context.

Evening
Dining tonight

Trattoria Vanvitelli

Bar Michelangelo

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

One of the most important archaeology museums in Europe, housing Farnese sculptures and mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum.

💡 Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month. Go early to avoid the queues.

Final meal

Cerasella

El bocadito

Getting Around Napoli

Circumvesuviana (local train line) + Metro From 2 euros 35 min

Walk 10 mins from airport to Poggioreale station (follow signs from airport exit). Take train one stop to Piazza Garibaldi, then metro Line 1 to Municipio. This avoids the bus queue during peak hours ticket purchase included in metro ticket total €1.30. Don't attempt at night—station poorly lit and deserted after 21:00.

Official Airport Taxi (white cars) From 25 euros 20 min

Fix price before starting the trip—should be €25 to centro storico, but to via Medina expect €25-30. Refuse unmarked cars touting inside the terminal; they'll charge double. Tip not expected.

Metro Line 1 + Airport Shuttle (bus 3S) From 3 euros 40 min

Take bus 3S from airport to Garibaldi station (central train station), then hop on Line 1 towards Piscinola and get off at Municipio. One €1.30 ticket covers both bus and metro within 90 minutes of validation. Cheapest option but you'll navigate two changes.

Alibus From 5 euros 30 min

Buy ticket at airport tobacconist or machine before boarding. Get off at 'Municipio' stop, then it's a 2-minute walk down via Medina towards the port. Validate ticket on board or face a €50 fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Napoli?

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 Napoli?

See our full best time to visit Napoli 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 B&B Il Palco del Re, Hotel NapoliMia, B&B Napolit'Amo Medina. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.