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Italy · 3 days · 14 stops

3 days in Naples – a ready-made itinerary

Naples is loud, tight-knit and full of life, with one of the largest old towns in Europe. One day covers the Centro Storico, one Pompeii, one the Royal Palace and the waterfront on the bay. The stops are in walking order.

In short

Length
3 days, 14 stops
Highlights
National Archaeological Museum, Forum of Pompeii, Quartieri Spagnoli, Naples Cathedral, Via San Gregorio Armeno
Day trips
Day trip to Pompeii
Where to stay
Centro Storico, Chiaia
Getting around
Explore the old town on foot, but watch out for scooters in the narrow lanes.
Best time to go
April to June and September to October are the most pleasant, for Pompeii too.

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Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. YesTrip editorial team · Updated: .

View over Naples and the bay with Vesuvius
Photo: Richard Nevell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Day 1

The museum and the Centro Storico

Map of day 1 in Naples: 5 stops in walking order
Lines are straight – solid: on foot, dashed: by bus, train or taxi. Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors, OpenFreeMap.
  1. · Sight

    National Archaeological Museum

    Mosaics and frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Good before the Pompeii day; allow about two hours.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): National Archaeological Museum

    about 10 min on foot

  2. · Sight

    Naples Cathedral

    The cathedral of Saint Januarius, with a lavish side chapel. Entry to the church is free.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): Naples Cathedral

    about 5 min on foot

  3. · Food & drink

    L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele

    A pizzeria since 1870 with only a few kinds, Margherita above all. At lunchtime take a number and wait.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele

    about 5 min on foot

  4. · Sight

    Via San Gregorio Armeno

    The street of nativity-scene makers, with workshops full of figures. Open all year, very busy in Advent.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): Via San Gregorio Armeno

    about 5 min on foot

  5. Sansevero Chapel, Naples

    · Sight

    Sansevero Chapel

    The chapel with the marble Veiled Christ. Book a timed ticket in advance; photos are not allowed inside.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): Sansevero Chapel

Day 2

Day trip to Pompeii

Take the Circumvesuviana from Napoli Garibaldi to Pompei Scavi, about 35–40 minutes. Buy tickets online in advance and bring water and sun protection – there is little shade.

Map of day 2 in Naples: 4 stops in walking order
Lines are straight – solid: on foot, dashed: by bus, train or taxi. Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors, OpenFreeMap.
  1. · Sight

    Forum of Pompeii

    The town's main square, with temples and Vesuvius in the background. Just past the Porta Marina entrance.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): Forum of Pompeii

    about 5 min on foot

  2. House of the Vettii, Naples

    · Sight

    House of the Vettii

    A wealthy merchant's house with well-preserved wall paintings. Not every house is open every day – check on site.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): House of the Vettii

    about 10 min on foot

  3. Villa of the Mysteries, Naples

    · Sight

    Villa of the Mysteries

    A villa outside the walls with the great frieze in Pompeian red. Afterwards take a break in the shade.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): Villa of the Mysteries

    about 25 min on foot

  4. Amphitheatre of Pompeii, Naples

    · Sight

    Amphitheatre of Pompeii

    The oldest surviving Roman amphitheatre, at the far end of town. From here it is close to the exit.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): Amphitheatre of Pompeii

Day 3

The Royal Palace and the bay

Map of day 3 in Naples: 5 stops in walking order
Lines are straight – solid: on foot, dashed: by bus, train or taxi. Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors, OpenFreeMap.
  1. Quartieri Spagnoli, Naples

    · Sight

    Quartieri Spagnoli

    Steep lanes with washing lines and the big Maradona mural. In the morning it is quiet here.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): Quartieri Spagnoli

    about 5 min on foot

  2. Galleria Umberto I, Naples

    · Sight

    Galleria Umberto I

    A shopping arcade with a glass dome from 1890, opposite the San Carlo opera house.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): Galleria Umberto I

    about 5 min on foot

  3. · Food & drink

    Gran Caffè Gambrinus

    A coffee house since 1860. Espresso and sfogliatella at the bar – at a table it costs more.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): Gran Caffè Gambrinus

    right next door

  4. Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), Naples

    · Sight

    Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale)

    The royal palace on Piazza del Plebiscito, with a grand staircase and a court theatre.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale)

    about 15 min on foot

  5. Castel dell'Ovo, Naples

    · Sight

    Castel dell'Ovo

    The castle on a small island in the bay. From the walls you look at Vesuvius; then stroll along the waterfront.

    On the map (OpenStreetMap): Castel dell'Ovo

Good to know

Best time to go

April to June and September to October are the most pleasant, for Pompeii too. July and August are hot, and there is hardly any shade in the ruins. Winter is mild and quieter, and Pompeii closes earlier.

Getting around

Explore the old town on foot, but watch out for scooters in the narrow lanes. For longer trips there is the metro and funiculars up to Vomero. The Circumvesuviana suburban railway runs to Pompeii. From the airport a bus goes to the main station and the port.

Where to stay

Centro Storico

Right in the old town, close to pizzerias and churches. Loud and lively – not for light sleepers.

Chiaia

An elegant district by the sea with shops and bars. Quieter and close to Castel dell'Ovo and the promenade.

Your plan

Start with this plan.

Copy it into YesTrip, pick your dates and make it yours: move stops, drop them or let the AI add more. On the road the app shows you the next stop and how to get there.

Naples: frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Naples?

Yes, for the city and Pompeii. With more time, Herculaneum, Vesuvius or a day on the Amalfi Coast are worth it.

Is Naples safe?

As in any big city, keep an eye on your bag and phone, especially at the station, on crowded buses and on the Circumvesuviana. The old town is busy by day and in the evening.

Pompeii or Herculaneum?

Pompeii is bigger and takes half a day to a full day. Herculaneum is smaller, better preserved and easy to see in two or three hours.

Is the Amalfi Coast worth a day trip?

Yes, but it makes for a long day. In season, ferries run from Naples to Sorrento, Capri and Amalfi – check the timetables beforehand.

Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. Coordinates checked with Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap (Photon). Photo: Richard Nevell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. More in Sources & licences. YesTrip is a trip planner, not a travel agency – nothing is booked.

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