Naples is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities—founded by Greek settlers as Neapolis—where Roman ruins, Baroque chapels, and Bourbon palaces shoulder into a lively street scene. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a maze of narrow lanes scented with espresso, tomatoes, and fried street snacks.

Beyond the bustle, Naples is the gateway to the region’s icons: Pompeii and Herculaneum at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, the pastel Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri. The National Archaeological Museum ranks among the world’s finest, with mosaics, sculptures, and frescoes rescued from the ashes of 79 AD.

Practical notes: petty pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas—keep valuables secure. Many museums close on Tuesdays and at lunchtime; book timed entries (e.g., Sansevero Chapel) in advance. Naples’ Metro Line 1 and funiculars are clean and handy, while ferries connect you to Capri and Sorrento.

Naples

Naples dazzles with contrasts: sacred art next to street murals, antique markets beside third‑generation pizzerias. Don’t miss the Toledo Metro station (a subterranean art gallery), Castel dell’Ovo on a tiny island, and sunset from the Vomero hill near Castel Sant’Elmo.

• Top sights: National Archaeological Museum (MANN), Sansevero Chapel (Veiled Christ), Duomo and the Treasure of San Gennaro, Spaccanapoli, Castel dell’Ovo, Certosa di San Martino, Catacombs of San Gennaro, Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples).
• Food highlights: Neapolitan pizza (STG), cuoppo (paper cones of fried seafood), sfogliatella and babà, ragù Napoletano, espresso “al banco.”
• Fun fact: Naples’ espresso is famously short and intense; locals often finish a shot in under a minute and leave a “caffè sospeso,” a prepaid coffee for anyone who needs it.

Where to stay (Centro Storico for history, Chiaia/Santa Lucia for seafront glamour, Vomero for views and calmer nights):

• Grand Hotel Vesuvio — Historic seafront icon across from Castel dell’Ovo, with bay‑view rooms and old‑world service.
• Hotel Piazza Bellini — Design‑forward boutique in the heart of the historic center; ideal for walkers and museum‑goers.
• Hotel Royal Continental — Spacious modern rooms on Via Partenope; request a balcony for sunrise over Vesuvius.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Naples | Hotels.com Naples

How to get to Naples (Napoli Capodichino Airport and Napoli Centrale station):

• Flights (global): Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. From major European hubs, 1–2 hours; from the U.S., typically 1 stop via Rome/Milan.
• Flights (within Europe): Compare on Omio Flights.
• High‑speed trains: Rome → Naples in ~1h10 (from ~€20–45) on Omio Trains. Milan → Naples ~4h15; Florence → Naples ~2h50.
• Buses (budget): Long‑distance options via Omio Buses.

Day 1: Arrival, Spaccanapoli, and Hands‑On Pizza

Morning: Travel to Naples. If you’re flying from within Europe, check Omio Flights; from farther afield, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Arriving by rail? Rome–Naples takes ~70 minutes on high‑speed services—book via Omio Trains.

Afternoon: Check in and toast your first espresso “al banco” at Gran Caffè Gambrinus (belle‑époque stunner) or Caffè Mexico (for a classic tazzulella). Stroll Spaccanapoli, the narrow spine of the centro storico: pause at Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, peek into the Gothic‑meets‑Baroque Santa Chiara Cloister (majolica tiles), and weave down Via San Gregorio Armeno, famous for artisan nativity figurines year‑round.

Don’t miss the Sansevero Chapel to see the legendary Veiled Christ—reserve a timed ticket in advance. For a street‑food snack, try frittatina di pasta or a cuoppo at Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo, then a still‑warm sfogliatella at Scaturchio or Sfogliatella Mary.

Evening: Make dinner an experience with this hands‑on class:

• Authentic Pizza Making Class in Naples with Appetizers and Drink
  Book on Viator

  

  Learn to knead and top a true STG Neapolitan pie, then eat your creation fresh from a 400+°C oven. Great way to decode dough, tomatoes, and mozzarella like a local.

After class, wander the illuminated Piazza del Plebiscito and the seaside promenade on Via Partenope. For a nightcap, the Spanish Quarter hums—try classic cocktails at speakeasy‑style L’Antiquario (reservations recommended).

Day 2: Masterpieces, Underground Naples, and Seafront Sunset

Morning: Start with espresso and a sfogliatella at Gran Caffè Gambrinus. Ride Metro Line 1 to the Toledo stop, a dazzling “art station” evoking a blue grotto. Continue to the National Archaeological Museum (MANN) for 2–3 hours—don’t miss the Farnese sculptures and Pompeii mosaics (Alexander Mosaic) that bring the ruins to life.

Prefer sacred art? Time a visit to the Duomo to see the Chapel of San Gennaro’s treasures. For lunch, pick between: Tandem (slow‑cooked ragù over ziti), Concettina ai Tre Santi (creative, perfectly leavened pizza in Rione Sanità), or seafood‑centric Pescheria Azzurra (market‑fresh fry‑ups).

Afternoon: Dive into Naples’ flavors with a guided tasting walk:

• Authentic Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert Guide
  Book on Viator

  

  Sample cuoppo, mozzarella, pizza a portafoglio, and sweets while hearing how history shaped Naples’ bold cuisine.

Alternative (history lovers): Head to Pompeii. The fastest DIY route is the Campania Express (~35–40 min) or Circumvesuviana from Porta Nolana/Garibaldi (~35–45 min; ~€3–€10)—compare trains on Omio Trains. Or go with a guide:

• From Naples: Skip the Line Pompeii Guided Tour – Small Group
  Book on Viator

  

  See the forum, bathhouses, theaters, and frescoed villas with expert context—ideal if you want highlights in a few hours.

Evening: Head back to the bay for golden hour at Castel dell’Ovo and the Lungomare. Aperitivo at Enoteca Belledonne (Chiaia) with Campanian wines or spritzes and small plates. For dinner, choose seaside classics on Borgo Marinari—La Scialuppa for spaghetti alle vongole or Transatlantico for grilled pezzogna. End with gelato at Casa Infante (try the ricotta‑pear).

Day 3: Capri’s Cliffs and Coves

Morning: Catch an early fast ferry (45–50 min) from Molo Beverello to Capri; compare departures on Omio Ferries. For a stress‑free day with a local guide, consider:

• Small Group Tour from Naples to Blue Grotto, Anacapri and Capri
  Book on Viator

  

  Fast ferry over, minibus around the island, optional Blue Grotto entry (weather‑dependent), time in both Capri Town and Anacapri.

Afternoon: If seas are calm, boat the island circuit to see the Faraglioni sea stacks and (hopefully) the Blue Grotto’s electric glow. Otherwise, ride Anacapri’s chairlift to Monte Solaro for the best views in Campania. Lunch picks: Da Paolino (lemon‑grove setting; reserve), Le Arcate (Anacapri, generous pastas), or Il Geranio (Capri Town, terrace facing the Faraglioni).

Back in Capri Town, stroll the Gardens of Augustus and Via Camerelle’s boutiques. Grab a coffee and torta caprese before the return ferry.

Evening: Return to Naples. Celebrate your final night with pizza at 50 Kalò (light, airy cornicione; try the margherita with buffalo mozzarella) or Da Michele (the canonical margherita or marinara). If you prefer trattoria vibes, Da Nennella in the Spanish Quarter is boisterous fun—expect singing, shouting, and heaping plates of pasta.

Optional Add‑Ons (Swap Into Any Day if You Prefer)

• Pompeii + Herculaneum with an Archaeologist (full day, deeper dive): Book on Viator

  

  Herculaneum’s wooden beams and multi‑story homes are astonishingly preserved; pairing it with Pompeii rounds out the story of 79 AD.

Local logistics tips: Use the funiculars (Montesanto/Chiaia/Mergellina) to pop up to Vomero in minutes; buy single rides or day passes at stations. Taxis are plentiful—ask for the metered fare. Many restaurants close mid‑afternoon; for dinner, arrive by 8 pm or book.

Backup if the sea is rough: Trade Capri for the Amalfi Coast. You can join a guided circuit to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello (expect stunning cliff roads and lemon groves). Compare options on Viator or use Omio Trains to reach Sorrento, then buses via Omio Buses.

Departure: With an afternoon flight or train, enjoy a final espresso and a last‑minute food souvenir—San Marzano tomatoes, pasta from Gragnano, or a babà in a travel box. Then head to the airport by taxi (15–25 minutes, traffic‑dependent) or to Napoli Centrale for your high‑speed connection.

In a nutshell: Three days in Naples gives you Renaissance chapels, ancient masterpieces, street‑corner snacks, and island light. With this itinerary, you’ll taste the city’s soul—then carry it with you wherever you roam.