Naples itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: Spaccanapoli, the Duomo & Rione Sanità
The heart of the old Greek city, from the Gesù Nuovo along Spaccanapoli to the nativity workshops and the cathedral, then the neighbourhood of Sanità.
- 1
Morning
Spaccanapoli, Gesù Nuovo & Santa Chiara
The long, straight street that splits the old city in two. At its western end, the diamond-studded facade of the Gesù Nuovo faces the church and majolica-tiled cloister of Santa Chiara.
- Spaccanapoli
- Gesù Nuovo
- Santa Chiara cloister
- Piazza San Domenico Maggiore
Look up as well as ahead: the old palazzi have courtyards that are often open to peek into.
Walk east along Spaccanapoli and turn up San Gregorio Armeno, about 10 min.
- 2
Late morning
San Gregorio Armeno & the Duomo
San Gregorio Armeno is the street of the nativity-scene makers, lined all year with tiny handmade figures. A few minutes away, the cathedral holds the chapel of San Gennaro, the city's patron saint, whose face appears in a huge street mural nearby.
- San Gregorio Armeno
- Naples Cathedral
- San Gennaro mural
Walk north up Via Duomo and Via Foria, about 20 min.
- 3
Afternoon
Rione Sanità
Just north of the centre, an old neighbourhood that began as a burial ground in Greek and Roman times, with catacombs below and Baroque palazzi, markets and busy street life above. It feels far from the tourist routes.
- Street markets
- Baroque palazzi
- Narrow alleys
Rione Sanità Walking Tour
Video by Beautiful Places on YouTube
Day 2: Royal Naples, the Spanish Quarter & the seafront
The Galleria and Piazza del Plebiscito, the streets of the Spanish Quarter, and sunset at Castel dell'Ovo.
- 1
Morning
Galleria Umberto I & Piazza del Plebiscito
Royal Naples: the glass-roofed Galleria Umberto I, the San Carlo opera house, and the vast Piazza del Plebiscito between the Royal Palace and the colonnade of San Francesco di Paola.
- Galleria Umberto I
- Teatro di San Carlo
- Royal Palace
- Piazza del Plebiscito
Walk up Via Toledo and turn into the side streets, about 10 min.
- 2
Midday
The Spanish Quarter
Above Via Toledo, a grid of steep, narrow streets built for Spanish soldiers in the 16th century, now one of the most lively parts of the city, with the famous mural of Diego Maradona.
- Via Toledo
- Maradona mural
- Narrow side streets
The mural square gets very crowded around midday; the streets around it are quieter.
Spanish Quarter Walk & the Maradona Mural
Video by Life Of Italy on YouTube
Walk down to the seafront, about 20 min.
- 3
Evening
The Lungomare & Castel dell'Ovo
The seafront promenade, with Vesuvius across the bay, leads to Castel dell'Ovo, the castle on its tiny island. Walk out to it at sunset, then along the waterfront as the lights come on.
- Castel dell'Ovo
- Borgo Marinari
- Via Caracciolo
- Views of Vesuvius
Lungomare, Castel dell'Ovo & Piazza del Plebiscito Walk
Video by Life Of Italy on YouTube
Day 3: Vomero & Posillipo
The view from San Martino in the morning, then the harbour of Mergellina and the slopes of Posillipo.
- 1
Morning
Vomero & San Martino
Take a funicular up to Vomero, a calmer hilltop neighbourhood of shops and cafés, then walk to the belvedere of San Martino for the classic view over the old city, the bay and Vesuvius.
- Belvedere San Martino
- Castel Sant'Elmo
- Via Luca Giordano
- Funiculars
Vomero Walk: Via Luca Giordano & Sea Views
Video by Life Of Italy on YouTube
Funicular down to Chiaia or Mergellina, then walk along the bay, about 30 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Mergellina & Posillipo
West along the bay, the little harbour of Mergellina and the green Posillipo hill have some of the most beautiful views of Naples, with villas above the sea.
- Posillipo viewpoint
- Mergellina harbour
- Villa Comunale
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Naples plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Naples
How many days?
Three days lets you see the historic centre, royal Naples and the seafront, and the views from Vomero and Posillipo without rushing. One day covers Spaccanapoli and the Duomo.
Where to stay
The historic centre puts you in the middle of the action; Chiaia, near the seafront, is calmer and more elegant; Vomero is quiet and residential, a funicular ride from the centre.
Getting around
Walk the centre: distances are short but streets are steep and busy. Funiculars climb to Vomero, and the metro links Piazza Dante, Toledo and the station. Watch for scooters even in pedestrian alleys.
Naples is loud, layered and endlessly walkable. Its historic centre, laid out on the grid of the Greek city, is one of the largest in Europe: straight, narrow streets of churches, workshops and street food, with washing hanging overhead. Below it lie the grand royal squares and the seafront, and above it the hill of Vomero looks out over the whole bay to Vesuvius.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those streets, so you can see the noise and the colour before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to a landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Naples itinerary: common questions
How many days do you need in Naples?
Two or three days is a good first visit: one for the historic centre, one for royal Naples and the seafront, and one for Vomero and Posillipo. One day covers Spaccanapoli and the Duomo.
Is Naples walkable?
Yes. The historic centre, Via Toledo, the Spanish Quarter and the seafront are all close together. Vomero is up a steep hill, so take one of the funiculars and walk down later.
Is Naples safe for tourists?
Most visitors walk Naples without problems. Keep your phone and wallet secure in crowded streets and on public transport, and watch for scooters in narrow alleys.
When is the best time to visit Naples?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking. Summers are hot, and August is when many locals leave for the holidays. In December, San Gregorio Armeno is at its busiest with nativity scenes.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Keep exploring Naples
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Naples city guide →