Naples, also known as Napoli, is a brilliant Italian city, perfect if you are looking to explore the south of Italy. There are so many great things to do in Naples as well as many delicious spots for eating out. Naples is the home town of incredible pizza and nearby to infamous Mount Vesuvius.
In this 4 day Naples itinerary we will share with you some of our favourite things to do in Naples on your Italian trip.
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The Best 4-Day Naples itinerary
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
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Where to Stay in Naples
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Naples, so you will not be short on options. Book your stay in the box below.
Best Time to Visit
The city is a year-round destination. So you can visit Naples any time of the year. In summer, the temperature gets really hot. So, if you enjoy exploring cities in the heat you can plan a trip during this time. This is also the peak season. The season begins in June and lasts until September.
Winter is also a great season to make your Naples itinerary happen as Italian winters aren’t as cold as in their Northern European counterparts. This makes the season ideal for exploring Naples. The season lasts from November to February.
Getting Around in Naples
Despite not being as famous as other Italian cities such as Florence, Rome, Venice, or Milan, getting around in Naples is still quite easy. The city boasts great travel connectivity through the vast metro system. The city also has a seamless rail network.
However, the most common form of transport in the city is the bus network. There is a range of inner-city connections that provide connectivity to other Italian cities. Along with that, the city is also easily accessible on foot. Overall, there are plenty of transportation options helping visitors explore and experience those amazing things to do in Naples.
Is Naples Safe?
There was a time when Naples wasn’t considered a safe city to travel to. However, over the years, things have improved. The city is as safe as any other major European city.
But a little bit of carefulness is advisable even at the safest destination. In order to make your Naples vacation a memorable one, you just have to follow the basic safety travel tips.
Avoid crowded places if possible as that’s the main spot for pickpockets to do their thing. Although it is safe to travel late at night in Naples, we still recommend you to think about it again before doing it. Even if you want to do it, avoid travelling around stations and other transport hubs.
Along with that, always be aware of the surroundings and keep an eye on your personal belongings. Instead of cash, use credit or debit card instead, wherever possible.
These are a few basic safety tips applicable to every destination. Apart from that, you don’t need to worry much about the safety in Naples.
Day 1: Naples Sightseeing
As soon as you’re done having a delectable Italian breakfast, hit the roads for a fantastic sightseeing tour of the city. On day 1, you will explore the six best tourist places in Naples.
Royal Palace of Naples
There couldn’t be a better attraction than the Royal Palace of Naples to start off your Naples tour. Being an integral part of Naples’s history, the palace once served as the royal residence of French Kings as well as Spanish noblemen.
However, today, it is a lavish palace which serves more as a tourist destination for people. As much as its exterior isn’t appealing, the interior invites more and more tourists to this place.
Just for a fact, the palace dates back to the 17th century and today it serves as a museum to discover the rich Italian history. Along with that, there is also a Royal Printing House, the Palatine Academy and Library, Royal Chapel, Bourbon Archives, and the King’s Physics Cabine within the complex Royal Palace of Naples.
Naples Cathedral
The second stop on day 1 of your Naples tour is the very famous Naples Cathedral. This is the most famous religious attraction in the city that dating back to the 13th century.
However, the church has gone through a number of restorations over the years. As a result, you can see a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance presence in its architecture.
With its beautiful architecture that includes an intricate facade, massive columns inside, and a central tower, Naples Cathedral is a treat for all architecture and history lovers.
Cappella Sansevero
Calling out all the art lovers out there, Cappella Sansvero is another popular chapel in Naples city. Sounds contradictory, isn’t it? Though Cappella Sansevero is a beautiful chapel, it serves more as a museum for tourists to witness some of the best art in the world.
You would be amazed to know that the place houses some of the world’s most beautiful sculptures. Of all, the most famous one is Veiled Christ which dates back to 1753 AD. A tour of this place will definitely take you back to a different time.
Underground Naples
Till now, you were exploring what’s been called Naples outdoor. Now, you will embark on an altogether different journey to Naples’ underground. As the name itself suggest, it is a maze of underground corridors that depict the history of the city.
Where these corridors serve as a relief in summer in today’s time, they were once used as vast aqueducts to the water to the city. These corridors have been there since the Ancient Greeks’ time.
Day 2 - A Trip to Amalfi Coast
A lot of tourists prefer to cover this excursion on the last day of their Naples tour. But we say, why always save the best for the last? Besides, such is the beauty of Amalfi that you wouldn’t want to wait to discover what a treasure trove this destination is.
A day trip to the Amalfi coast from Naples means a bucket load of fun, serenity, and an amazing time. The coast is known for its eternal natural beauty and romantic vibe among tourists.
There are many beautiful towns along the coast that you can explore either by bus or ferry in all seasons except the winter. On our recommendation, visit the vibrant coastal towns of Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano.
Since there is so much to explore and experience in the region, we strongly suggest you book an organized tour. This will save a lot of time in navigating, traffic, and even parking.
Also, make sure to dine in one of the pizza restaurants by the seaside to enjoy the famous Italian pizza along with the spectacular view of the ocean.
Day 3 - Wander Around the City or Hike Up Vomero Hill
The city of Naples has so many amazing experiences that you can’t discover in just one day. Therefore, on day 3, you will be again on the roads of Naples exploring all the facets of its tourism.
Galleria Umberto
As the name itself suggests, Galleria Umberto is a stunning gallery which is often compared to the ones that you would find in Vienna, Paris, and Milan. A perfect example of 19th-century architecture, Galleria Umberto is known as one of the sought-after public shopping arcades in the country.
The architecture of Galleria Umberto is a treat for many art lovers. It is adorned with stunning iron and glass ceilings. The complex also includes boutiques and cafes.
Castle dell’Ovo Fortress
Located on the Gulf of Naples, Castel dell’Ovo is a towering fortress that has served both as a royal residence and prison in a bygone era. For a fact, this is the oldest fortification in the city of Naples.
The legend has it that there is a magical egg in the foundation of the fortress which was hidden by Virgil, a Roman Poet. With that legend, the castle also derives its name “Egg Castle”.
Today, the castle hosts various events and art exhibitions. But apart from that, the key highlight of the Castle dell’vo Fortress is the spectacular views over the Gulf of Naples along with Mount Vesuvius in the backdrop.
National Archaeological Museum
Even if you are not a history buff, a visit to National Archaeological Museum is a must. The museum has everything to ignore your curiosity to know about the history of Italy.
It has almost everything ranging from frescoes to mosaics to antiquities that are well-preserved in the museum. The museum is also known as Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (MANN).
Vomero Hill
However, if you don’t want to indulge in the downtown excursion, there is an option of hiking up Vomero Hill. Where the entire city of Naples is known as the coastal town, there is also a hill which is equally magnificent to explore.
From the hill, you can capture the stunning sights of the entire city of Naples. But apart from that, there is also plenty of places to visit in the region such as San Martino Museum, Saint Martin’s Charterhouse, Piazza Vanvitelli, and Rione Antignano.
Day 4 - Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Day 4 of your Naples itinerary will cover two of the most amazing experiences around Naples city. Both Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius are easily accessible with the local train.
Apart from that, you can also opt for an organized tour to save a lot of time. Besides, with an organized tour, you will save the most part of an arduous hike.
On day 3, if you have chosen to visit the Archaeological Museum, then you will be eager to visit Pompeii as the museum covers the history of this region as well.
Pompeii is an archaeological site that is worth making all effort. Here at the site, you can see an excavated site that unveils temples, homes, shops, public buildings, and more of a once prosperous settlement from a bygone era.
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy, this place has huge significance amongst history and culture buffs. Therefore, in order to get the best out of your Pompeii tour, we recommend you explore the site with an expert guide.
From Pompeii, the next stop is the very famous Mount Vesuvius. Located on the shores of the Bay of Naples, Vesuvius is a volcano which profers a great sight to relish as it is surrounded by the plains.
For a fact, it is the only volcano on mainland of Europe which is still intermittently active. Along with that, the history of the region says that this volcano was the reason for one of the disastrous eruptions in 79 AD which destroyed both Herculaneum and Pompeii.
Today, what you see as the ruin site of Pompeii is the creation of volcanic eruptions from Vesuvius. Since you will be visiting this volcano site, you must be aware that the last eruption happened in 1944.
For tourists, this is indeed one of the most curious places to explore around Naples. But apart from the volcano site, there is also Vesuvius National Park which is located at an altitude of 1000 metres above sea level.
The national park was founded in the year 1995 and since then, it has been serving as a preserving land of various flora and fauna species. Apart from that, from the top, the views are just breathtaking.
Before You Leave for Naples
Before you set off on your way to Naples, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Italy. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Naples
Getting to Naples is an adventure in itself, offering a variety of options to suit every traveler. If you’re flying, Naples International Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino) serves as the main gateway, with direct connections from many European cities and beyond. From the airport, a quick 20-minute taxi ride or the affordable Alibus shuttle can take you into the city center. For those exploring Italy by train, Naples is a key stop on the high-speed rail network, with regular services from Rome, Florence, and Milan arriving at Napoli Centrale station. If you’re coming by car, the A1 highway connects Naples to major Italian cities, though driving in the city itself can be challenging due to narrow streets and lively traffic. Alternatively, for a more scenic route, consider arriving by ferry from nearby coastal towns like Sorrento or Capri. However you choose to travel, the journey to Naples sets the stage for the vibrant experiences awaiting in this historic city.
Where to Stay in Naples
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Naples, so you will not be short on options. Book your stay in the box below.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Naples
Packing for Naples requires balancing comfort, style, and practicality to make the most of your trip. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the city’s cobblestone streets and historic alleys invite plenty of exploring. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for the warm Mediterranean climate, especially in spring and summer, but don’t forget a light jacket or scarf for cooler evenings or visits to churches, where modest attire is appreciated. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are essentials for sunny days, particularly if you plan to visit nearby archaeological sites like Pompeii. For winter visits, a warm coat and layered clothing will keep you cozy without overpacking. Stylish yet practical outfits will help you blend in with the chic local fashion, and a secure crossbody bag is perfect for carrying essentials while navigating bustling streets. Lastly, leave some space in your suitcase for souvenirs like local ceramics, limoncello, or Neapolitan coffee to bring a piece of Naples home with you!
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around the Naples, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Italy
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your 4 day itinerary to Naples. If you are visiting this incredible city and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience.
If you are planning an Italy trip soon then check out our other Italy content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
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