2 Days in Naples Itinerary for First-Timers

Naples is one of the oldest and most consistently inhabited cities in the whole world, dating back to Roman times! Unfortunately, it often gets overlooked by travelers.

The city is known for its colorful architecture and delicious pizza, its rich history, and stunning architecture, just waiting to be explored.

But if you are visiting Italy, don’t miss the chance to stop by and give Naples a chance!

In this 2 days in Naples itinerary for first-timers, I cover all the city’s main attractions, you will visit churches, and museums, take pictures at stunning areas overlooking the city, and of course eat plenty of pizza. 

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Quick links to plan your 2 Days in Naples, Italy

Things to Know Before Planning Your 2 Days in Naples Itinerary

Where is Naples?

Naples is located in southern Italy, specifically in the region of Campania, along the western coast of the Italian peninsula.

It sits about 140 miles (225 kilometers) southeast of Rome, making it easily accessible by train or car.

Naples is famously situated close to Mount Vesuvius, one of the most well-known active volcanoes in the world.

Mount Vesuvius famously erupted in 79 AD, burying the nearby cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under a thick layer of volcanic ash and preserving them remarkably well, providing valuable insights into ancient Roman life.

Naples is the third largest city in Italy, behind only Rome and Milan.

It is a bustling metropolis known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.

Naples History

Naples’ history dates back to the 9th century BC when it was founded as a Greek colony named “Neapolis,” meaning “new city.”

In the 4th century BC, Naples came under Roman rule during the Samnite Wars.

Under Roman control, Naples prospered and became an important Roman city known for its scenic beauty and luxurious lifestyle.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Naples was ruled by various powers, including the Byzantines, Normans, and Swabians.

In the 13th century, Naples then became the capital of the Duchy of Naples, ruled by the Angevin dynasty. 

Later, it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Naples, ruled by various dynasties, including the Spanish Habsburgs and the Bourbon dynasty.

This period marked Naples’ golden age, with significant cultural, artistic, and architectural achievements.

After that Naples became the capital of the Two Sicilies until the unification of Italy in 1816.

During the Baroque era, Naples flourished as a center of artistic innovation. It was adorned with magnificent palaces, churches, and public squares, many of which still stand today. 

Naples played a crucial role during World War II, serving as a major strategic port for the Allies in the Mediterranean theater.

The city endured significant destruction from bombings, but it also witnessed acts of resilience and heroism from its inhabitants.

Is 2 days in Naples enough?

Two days is enough to visit the main highlights of Naples, but I highly recommend staying more days if you want to visit museums and palaces inside, or even, to do more than just one guided tour through the outskirts of Naples. 

For art and history lovers like me, I recommend reserving more days, especially if it is your first time in Naples.

There are places worth visiting, that unfortunately, you won’t be able to in just 2 days in Naples such as the Capodimonte Palace and Museums, the National Museum of Naples, and the Royal Palace. 

But in 48 hours in Naples, you will be able to have a brief idea of the city and visit the downtown and one of the ruins or beaches nearby. 

Is Naples Safe?

Yes, Naples is safe. You probably already heard about how unsafe this city is, but let’s face it, any big city has its safety issues. Naples is not different from the others.

Looking at the statistics though, it shows Naples has a low crime rate actually. 

It is important always to be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to pickpockets in public transport.

Other than that, it is pretty much the same level of safety as any other big tourist city in Europe. 

How to Get Around Naples

Transportation

With just 2 days in Naples, it is important to organize your time to ensure you can see everything and make the most of your visit.

So, if you arrive in Naples via its international airport, I highly recommend taking a transfer from there to your hotel.

Otherwise, if you arrive by train, you will probably arrive in Napoli Centrale, which is a very central station, near the downtown and the most important tourist attractions, in this case, you can take a taxi to your hotel.

To visit the main attractions I recommend buying a City Sightseeing Bus ticket, as it will drop you at/pick you up from the most important tourist attractions in the city.

Now, another good option for those who want to see it all without any worries is to go for a private tour, they will pick you up right at your hotel and take you to the best places in the city and back to your hotel at the end of your tour.

Naples City Pass

Another recommendation is to buy this Naples City Pass, this is one of the cheapest city passes in Naples and will fit perfectly into this 2-day Naples itinerary, as with this you can use the public transport for free and choose 3 museums or archaeological sites to visit in the city, besides that, you also get discounts in other attractions.

There are more expensive City Passes that include far more attractions, however, as for 48 hours in Naples, I say that this Naples City Pass does the job very well.

In case of spending more days in the city though, you can go for a better City Pass.

We can use this pass on both days, first to visit the National Archaeological Museum (entrance ticket price without the pass: 22 EUR), and on the second day, we can use it to access the Sant’Elmo Castle (entrance ticket price without the pass: 5 EUR) and the Royal Palace (10 EUR).

I recommend this City Pass if you do not plan to book any guided tour online though, as usually the entrances are already included in the guided tours.

But bear in mind that if you are doubtful about a guided tour or a city pass, go for the guided tour as they will always provide more information and a better immersive experience than the city pass alone.

Where to Stay in Naples

When choosing where to stay in Naples, I recommend looking for hotels in downtown Naples.

These accommodations will be better located near the most important landmarks and attractions.

The best locations are the historical center(Centro Storico), Piazza del Plebiscito, Via Toledo, Quartieri Spagnoli, and of course, the areas around Porto di Napoli, if you are looking for a hotel with a view.

Here are my favorite accommodations for 2 days in Naples, Italy

Palazzo Firenze – A great option if you are looking for a hotel near the Central Station in Naples. It is located close to the main attraction and has easy access to public transport. The hotel has a pool, and a terrace overlooking the city, it also offers breakfast.

La Casa Sul Nilo – The complex is located in the heart of the Centro Storico and offers well-decorated apartments, in an old and luxurious fashion that transports you back in time for a fair price.

Relais Della Porta – The hotel is located in a historic 16th-century building that once belonged to the philosopher Gianbattista Della Porta in Via Toledo, just a short walking distance from famous landmarks in Naples. The rooms are elegantly decorated and the hotel offers breakfast.

Grand Hotel Santa Lucia – Imagine waking up and opening the window to a beautiful sea sight. This luxury and modern hotel is located at the harbor, overlooking the Bay of Naples. Situated in a 20th-century building and boasting an Art-Nouveau design, the hotel is very well located, just minutes away from the Centro Storico.

2 Days in Naples itinerary for first-timers Overview

Before we dive into our guide of what to see in Naples in 2 days, let me give you a brief explanation of this itinerary. 

Naples is a city with a lot of history and many landmarks to visit, spending just 48 hours in Naples will give you an idea of the city but you won’t be able to see it all. 

To enjoy the most of your 2 days in Naples, I would leave aside any day trips.

So in this itinerary, we are sticking to Naples only.

I only recommend day trips, if you are spending at least 3 days in Naples. 

Naples has many historic places and museums to visit, but as time is short, we will only visit one museum, the Archeological Museum of Naples, that displays the artifacts of Pompeii and Herculaneum. 

This in my opinion is the most important museum in the city, but it is up to you, you can definitely exchange it for another museum, if you wish, and then continue with the rest of the itinerary. 

Map of our 2 days in Naples, Italy

What to see in Naples in 2 Days: Day 1

Day one in Naples is dedicated to the Historic Center.

We will cover important churches and pieces of art, and visit the only museum in this itinerary: Naples National Archaeological Museum, a must-see in my opinion.

On the first day in Naples, we will also explore the local shops, see the most traditional streets, and visit areas that sell traditional crafts, great if you are looking for a souvenir.

Before you start your Naples explorations, there are a few things to bring up.

Naples is a relatively safe city but is very careful of pickpocketers.

Don’t have your phone out, avoid wearing nice jewelry, and make sure your wallet is somewhere secure.  

View the Art in the Metro Stations 

Let’s start our day, by heading to the metro station, which is our first highlight of this trip.

Yes, Naples has metro lines that are attractions on its own, kindly named the Art Stations.

They include 12 stations in lines 1 and 6, including popular stations that lead to important landmarks such as Toledo, Garibaldi, and Museo stations.

Being the most beautiful, the Toledo station, whose design resembles an underwater world.

The stations feature unique modern art completely covering the walls of the metro stops.

Across the two lines, there are over 180 different works of art for you to discover, and more are coming soon.

Taking line 1 to Museo station, we are heading to our next stop.

Naples National Archaeological Museum

Time required: 2 hours at least

The Naples National Archaeological Museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, it is especially famous for its collection of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, and other ancient sites in the region.

Among its highlights are the Alexander Mosaic, depicting the Battle of Issus, and the mosaic of the Cave Canem (Beware of the Dog).

These are original pieces taken from the ruins of Pompeii in order to preserve them.

The original statues of the Dancing Faun, found in Pompeii’s House of the Faun and the Seated Hermes, found in Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum are also displayed here.

Another curious feature of the museum is the collection of erotic art and artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, on display in the “Secret Cabinet” room.

It gives us a glimpse into the private lives and sexual practices of ancient Romans… if you have been wondering if people were creative back then.

Besides pieces of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the museum also exhibits the Farnese Collection, an art collection of Greco-Roman antiquity with a massive marble statue of Hercules, and the Egyptian collection with over 2,500 pieces on display.

You could spend the whole day at this museum, it has enough pieces to keep you busy, but to enjoy Naples in two days, we gonna spend just two hours at this museum.

• Location: Piazza Museo 19.
• Metro Station: Museo (Line 1)
• Opening Time: 9 AM to 7:30 PM, The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
• Entrance Fee: 22 EUR

Tip: If you wish, you can take a 2-hour guided tour through the museum, which includes also the entrance ticket, this guided tour covers all the essential pieces on display. Moreover, with this Naples City Pass, you can choose 3 museums or archaeological sites to visit.

Piazza Bellini

A short walking distance from the Naples National Archaeological Museum is the Piazza Bellini, named after the renowned Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in the city.

The square is significant for its archaeological remains, including ancient Greek and Roman ruins that can be seen in the adjacent streets.

These archaeological sites add to the charm and historical richness of the area.

Sorbillo pizza

Lunch break

Sorbillo is a historic and very traditional restaurant, that serves one of the best pizzas in Naples.

It is very popular so be prepared, the place can be crowded sometimes.

To be honest, I didn’t like most of the pizzas I tried in Italy (please don’t hate me Italians) so I’m not the best person to be rating pizzas on the internet, but according to most people who tried their pizza, it is indeed very good!

Anyways, I can’t complain, mine was good.

Spaccanapoli district

The Spaccanapoli district is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of Naples.

Its name translates to “Naples splitter” or “Naples divider” in Italian, referencing its central position in the city and the way it seems to split Naples in two as it runs through the historic center.

The Sorbillo Pizza is located in Via dei Tribubali, one of the main streets of this district, so we will continue on this street, exploring the neighborhood. 

→ Via Tribunali

Via Tribunali originally traces back to ancient times when it was part of the Greek and Roman and was known as Decumanus Maximus.

The street is dotted with artisan workshops and shops selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. 

→ Via San Gregorio Armeno

Via San Gregorio Armeno has a long tradition of craftsmanship, dating back several centuries, and is renowned for its intricate handcrafted figurines and Christmas decorations.

Artisans craft miniature figures, buildings, and landscapes by hand, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Visitors can watch craftsmen at work and purchase unique presepi pieces to create their own Nativity scenes.

Of course, Via San Gregorio Armeno comes alive during the Christmas season, however, the shops are open all year round selling these products. 

→ Via Duomo

Via Duomo is named after the Naples Cathedral, or Duomo di San Gennaro, which is located at one end of the street.

Naples Cathedral, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, San Gennaro (Saint Januarius), and the Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, inside the Cathedral, houses the relics of the saint.

Other famous landmarks in this street are the Church of Santa Restituta, which predates the cathedral and contains ancient Christian artifacts, and the Museum Complex of Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco, dedicated to the cult of the souls in Purgatory.

Sansevero Chapel and the Veiled Christ

Time required: 1 hour

Sansevero Chapel was commissioned in the 16th century by John Francesco di Sangro, Duke of Torremaggiore, and later enlarged by the Prince of Sansevero.

Inside this beautiful Baroque chapel, lies the most famous statue of Naples, the Veil Christ statue, depicting the deceased body of Jesus, lying on a piece of marble, with his body covered by a transparent veil.

The Italian sculptor, Giuseppe Sanmartino created the statue in the 18th century.

Besides this statue, the chapel also houses other pieces of art that deserve attention, including the Veiled Truth, depicting a veiled woman, and the striking Anatomical Machines, which are anatomical models created using an innovative preservation technique.

• Location: Via Francesco de Sanctis, 19/21
• Opening Hours: 9 AM to 6:30 PM, The church is closed on Tuesdays.
• Entrance Fee: 10 EUR (tickets must be bought in advance) BOOK TICKET HERE.

NOTE: The entrance to the Sansevero Chapel and the Veiled Christ is already included in the Veiled Christ and Historical Center Guided Tour (more about the tour later in this post).

Piazza del Gesù Nuovo 

As you walk along the Spaccanapoli district, you will eventually stumble upon the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo.

This piazza is one of Naples’s main squares right in the historic center of the city.

It is home to the Church of Gesù Nuovo, the gothic church of Santa Chiara, and the Immaculate Virgin spire a tall marble column topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary. 

The column was erected in the 17th century to commemorate the city’s deliverance from the plague, and it has since become a symbol of Naples’.

Church of Gesù Nuovo

Time required: 20 minutes

The Church of Gesù Nuovo is a great example of Neapolitan Baroque architecture.

It was originally built as a palace in the 15th century and converted into a church by the Jesuits in the 16th century.

Inside the highlights are definitely the main altar, adorned with beautiful marble columns, and the Chapel of Assunciation with stunning marble relief depicting the Annunciation.

Suggestion: Veiled Christ and Historical Center Guided Tour

• Meeting Point: Sansevero Chapel Museum.
• Duration: 2-hours tour
• Entrance Fee: 58 EUR

If you wish to see more churches in Naples, this tour is perfect for this first day.

It covers the main churches in the historic center of Naples, including Sansevero Chapel, where you will see the famous Veiled Christ sculpture, San Domenico Maggiore Church, Santa Chiara Monumental Complex, to see some beautiful medieval tombs and learn about the Bourbon dynasty, and finally the Cathedral of San Gennaro, to see the relics of San Gennaro in the chapel dedicated to him.

This tour already includes the ticket to the churches.

Spanish Quarters

Dinner time

For dinner, I suggest heading to the Spanish Quarters.

The neighborhood is known for its narrow, winding streets.

It gets its name from the Spanish soldiers who were quartered there during the Spanish rule of Naples in the 16th century.

The Spanish Quarters is one of the oldest and most traditional neighborhoods in Naples, It offers visitors a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals, you can expect laundry hanging from windows and street vendors selling fresh produce.

The neighborhood is a great place to find authentic Neapolitan cuisine.

You’ll find numerous trattorias, pizzerias, and osterias serving up traditional dishes.

2 Days in Naples Itinerary: Day 2

On our second day in Naples, we will be covering the city’s castles and one palace, Naples has three main castles that were once fortresses, and a couple of palaces, in this itinerary of 2 days in Naples, we will stick to the most important palace, the Royal Palace of Naples.

Besides, we will see some of the best views of the city of Naples as well, and an iconic piazza.

Catacombs of San Gennaro

Time required: 1 hour

Start your day heading to the Catacombs of San Gennaro, this network of ancient underground burial chambers is dedicated to Saint Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, and is among the oldest and most significant catacombs in the city.

The catacombs date back to the 2nd century AD and were originally used as burial sites for early Christians.

They continued to be used for burials and religious worship throughout the Roman, early Christian, and medieval periods.

The Catacombs of San Gennaro are an important pilgrimage site for Catholics, as they contain the burial place of Saint Gennaro.

The saint’s tomb, located within the catacombs, is believed to be a place of miraculous healing and spiritual devotion

The experience is very unique, inside the catacombs, there are two chambers and three basilicas underground, and the walls are decorated with frescos and Byzantine paintings.

Do remember to bring a sweater with you though, as it can be a bit cold.

From the Catacombs, walk to the Museo Station take Line 1 towards Piscinola and stop at Montesanto station.

From there you can take the funicular to our next stop.

• Location: Via Capodimonte, 13.
• Buses number: 168, 178, C63, or R4 (stop at Basilica Incoronata – Catacombe San Gennaro stop)
• Opening Time: 10 AM to 5 PM, The catacombs are closed on Wednesday.
• Entrance Fee: 13 EUR

NOTE: The Catacombs can only be visited with a tour. You can buy your ticket in advance here. The ticket also includes entrance to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso nearby (it is valid for 12 months)

Castel Sant’Elmo

Time required: 1 hour

Leaving the funicular, the Castel Sant’Elmo is a walk distance.

Castel Sant’Elmo is a historic fortress, built in the 14th century, located on a hill overlooking the city of Naples.

It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Naples.

It was strategically positioned on the highest point of Vomero Hill, providing a commanding view of the surrounding area.

The fortress is surrounded by massive walls and bastions, with a central courtyard and a series of underground tunnels and chambers.

And of course, we are here for the view, as Castel Sant’Elmo offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, the Bay of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius.

However, if you have been wondering, nowadays the fortress houses the Museo del Novecento, dedicated to modern art.

As we are short in time and only have two days in Naples, I suggest skipping this museum.

• Location: Via Tito Angelini, 20.
• Opening Time: 8:30 AM to 19:30 PM, open every day.
• Entrance Fee: 5 EUR ticket includes a visit to the museum.

BOOK YOUR TICKET: You can guarantee your ticket here. But if you bought the Naples City Pass, you can use it to have free access to the Castel Sant’Elmo.

Piazza del Plebiscito

This is one of the largest and most famous squares in Naples.

This square is breathtaking! It is home to the Royal Palace of Naples, Palazzo Salerno, the Prefecture Palace, and the Church of San Francisco di Paola.

At the center of Piazza del Plebiscito stands a monumental equestrian statue of King Charles III of Spain, who was also King Charles VII of Naples.

The statue was erected in the early 19th century to commemorate the king’s rule and his contributions to Naples.

What’s interesting about this piazza is that it is also used for concerts! Maroon 5, Elton John, and Bruce Springsteen have all performed here.  

Basilica of San Francesco di Paola

Time required: 30 minutes to admire the church inside and outside.

The prominent neoclassical church is located on the eastern side of Piazza del Plebiscito.

It was built in the early 19th century as a tribute to King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies and is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.

The basilica features a large dome supported by Corinthian columns and a portico with a row of columns.

The interior of the basilica is circular in shape, and the central dome is adorned with intricate frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis of Paola, the patron saint of the basilica.

The spacious interior is illuminated by natural light streaming in through the dome’s oculus.

At the center of the basilica’s circular interior is the high altar, which is adorned with a marble relief depicting the Last Supper.

• Location: Piazza del Plebiscito.
• Opening Time: 9 AM to 12 AM – 4 PM to 19 PM, open every day.
• Entrance Fee: Free.

Gran Caffe Gambrinus

Coffee break

Before moving on to the next landmark, why not stop for a coffee? Adjacent to the Piazza del Plebscito, is the historic Gran Caffe Gambrinus, founded in 1860.

The cafe was a popular meeting place for many artists and important figures during the centuries, such as Oscar Wilde, and even Princess Sisi is said to have stopped here for a coffee.

The decoration inside is a delight for the eyes, but bear in mind that this is a very touristy cafe, so it can be crowded sometimes, and be a bit expensive.

If you get the chance, try their sfogliatella, a traditional Neapolitan pastry.

Royal Palace of Naples

Time required: 1 hour.

In front of the Piazza del Plebiscito is the Royal Palace of Naples, originally built in the 17th century as the residence of the Spanish Viceroys of Naples during the Spanish rule of the Kingdom of Naples.

The architecture of the Royal Palace is a blend of different styles, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical, and its facade is adorned with elaborate decorations, statues, and columns.

The Royal Palace houses a series of opulent apartments and rooms that were once used by the Bourbon monarchs of Naples.

These include the Throne Room, the Hall of Hercules, the Royal Chapel, and the Palatine Chapel.

Today, the Royal Palace is open to the public, I didn’t have the chance to visit it inside, but if you wish to do so, you can buy the ticket on their website here, if you have the Naples City Pass, you can access the Royal Palace for free.

• Location: Piazza del Plebiscito.
• Opening Time: 9 AM to 7 PM – 4 PM to 19 PM, The palace is closed on Wednesdays.
• Entrance Fee: 10 EUR.

Castle of Nuovo

Our 2 days in Naples are coming to an end, and for this, let’s finish our day at the Bay of Naples.

So let’s head to the Castle of Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino, it is a medieval castle built in the 13th century during the reign of Charles I of Anjou.

He commissioned the castle as a royal residence for the Angevin dynasty.

Its strategic location, facing the sea, protects the city from maritime threats.

You can visit the castle inside, however, we will not be doing that, because we will be short on time.

Inside you can visit the royal apartments, which include halls, chambers, and the courtyard. I particularly think this castle specifically is not so interesting inside.

Instead, I suggest to spend the evening by the sea, admiring the Bay of Naples.

• Location: Via Vittorio Emanuele III.
• Opening Time: 8:30 AM to 5 PM. The castle is closed on Sundays.
• Entrance Fee: 6 EUR.

Bay of Naples

Now that you have seen the most important landmarks, and covered the whole city of Naples, it is time to chill by the sea.

Take these last minutes to stroll around the coastline, and admire the view from the bay from close, you can walk to the Castel dell’Ovo to admire its thick walls.

You can pick one restaurant to enjoy a dinner while you rest and appreciate the view!

FAQ

More About Italy

• One Day in Naples Itinerary
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• How to get to Pompeii from Naples
• How Safe is Naples
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• 2 Days in Florence Itinerary
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• FLIGHT TICKET: Get the best flight deal with Skyscanner.
• ACCOMMODATION: Find the perfect accommodation on Booking.
• VISA: Apply for a Visa on iVisa.
• eSIM: Stay connected throughout your trip with Airalo eSim. It offers packages from 7 to 30 days for accessible prices.
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• RENT A CAR: Find the best rates on DiscoverCars.
• GUIDED TOUR: Find the best tours in Italy on GetYourGuide

This text was originally written and posted in September 2017 and updated in March 2024. New information has been added and links have been updated so that it could offer a better experience to the reader.