Day Trip to Naples, Italy-One Day Itinerary and Map
Example 1-Day Naples Itinerary
08:00 – 09:00 | Arrive in Naples by train. Take Metro Line 1 to Vanvitelli Station09:30 – 10:30 | Visit Castel Sant’Elmo for panoramic views over the city
10:30 – 11:30 | Take the funicular or walk down through the Spanish Quarter to Via Toledo
11:30 – 13:00 | Visit the surroundings of Piazza del Plebiscito | Galleria Umberto I | Castel Nuovo | Caffè Gambrinus
13:00 – 15:00 | Have lunch at Borgo Marinari or on the seaside Lungomare Caracciolo | Visit Castel dell’Ovo
15:00 – 18:00 Explore the historic center | Walk around Spaccanapoli | Visit Napoli Sotterranea or Cappella Sansevero
18:00 Visit the Cathedral of Naples (Duomo)
19:00 Enjoy pizza on Via Tribunali before heading back to the station.
How to Get to Naples
If you’re planning a day trip to Naples from Rome, Salerno, or elsewhere in Italy, train is the quickest way to get here. Naples is well-connected with other major Italian cities by high-speed trains. So it makes very easy to plan a day trip to Naples. If your based in Sorrento during your trip, Naples is a fantastic day trip idea too.
High-Speed Trains in Italy
- Frecciarossa (Trenitalia): Book tickets directly on the Trenitalia website.
- Italo: Another excellent high-speed option with regular service to Naples.
Naples From Rome
Fast trains from Rome to Naples take about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Naples From Salerno
Traveling from Salerno to Naples is easy and fast. Only 30 to 40 minutes by train.
- High-speed, intercity, and regional trains make the journey around the same time between the 2 cities. As there are no intermediate stops between Salerno and Naples.
- Avoid the “Metro Regionale” type trains, which stops at every small village along the way and can take up to 2 hours!
- Check out more day trip ideas from Salerno.
Naples From Sorrento
The suburban train, called the Circumvesuviana, links the cities of Sorrento and Naples. The trains are frequent, and the tickets are very affordable. Note, these trains do not have air conditioning. .
There are trains with air conditioning on this line, known as the Campania Express. But many travellers report that it’s not really worth the extra money. As the service is not much better than the regular trains. And the tickets are more expensive, and these trains are infrequent. Many might call them a “tourist trap”. I don’t have firsthand experience with the Campania Express. As I usually take the regular Circumvesuviana to Sorrento.
You can also book a private transfer from Sorrento to Naples or vice versa.
A Day in Naples- Whats in this Itinerary?
This is a packed day trip itinerary, to visit the highlighst of Naples.
I tried to put a lot of things into this itinerary, but still keep in mind the travel times between the sights.
You can follow it with public transport, but you will also need to walk to see some of the most iconic places. While I’ve included as much as possible, there is a lot to see in Naples. So you have to prioritise a place over the other if you visit the city only for a day. At each stop, I’ll suggest nearby attractions. Making it simple to personalize your itinerary based on your interests.
Naples has so much to offer that this itinerary barely scratches the surface. But, with good planning, you can visit many stunning places in just one day. And you’ll get to enjoy some of the best (and cheapest) food Italy has to offer.
My Personal Connection
Naples is my favorite Italian city, Its been long time due that i finally write about about it. I used to call Naples home for 5 years. So I’ve had time to explore the city and familiarise with its unique atmosphere. I hope my tips will help you to plan an unforgettable visit .
I wouldn’t take too much time to get into the usual arguments about Naples being dirty, chaotic, and dangerous. This city clearly doesn’t have the best marketing. Some love it, some hate it. But don’t believe anybody, go and see it for yourself.
Sure, Naples is chaotic, especially the downtown areas. The historic center can feel overwhelming at first, but each district has its own unique vibe. The city’s character changes from neighborhood to neighborhood. Which is one of the most interesting things to experience. I hope that by the end of your day trip, you’ll see what makes this place so special to many of us.
Naples is full of life, with one of the liveliest historic centers in Italy. People are singing, shouting, and there’s always music playing somewhere. Bikes zigzag through the crowds in the streets. And children are playing soccer in front of the Cathedral.
Locals loudly chit-chat with each other from their balconies across the street. And curious Neapolitans greet you, asking how you like their beloved city.
Neapolitans are very outgoing in general. And even if the city’s energy feels like too much for you, it’s still worth seeing at least once. There’s so much art here and many museums to visit. You won’t regret it. And there are always quieter spots and gardens, where the city’s chaos doesn’t penetrate. Like the botanical garden or the cloisters of Santa Chiara.
Now, let’s start the actual day-trip itinerary!
A Day in Naples-Early Morning
Start with the views from Castel Sant’Elmo

If you arrive by train in Naples for a day trip from Salerno or Rome, you arrive to the Stazione Centrale. Here you can take the metro directly to Vanvitelli. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of walking later!
Vanvitelli station is located in the upper district of Naples, in Vomero. Vomero is known locally as one of the more upscale districts of the city. It’s a great place to start your acclimatization to Naples. Is less chaotic here, compared to the historical center and the Spanish Quarter.
From Vanvitelli station, Castel Sant’Elmo is just a short 15-minute walk away.
Sant’Elmo is one of the three famous castles in Naples. A fortress located on a hill overlooking the wonderful Gulf of Naples. This is the perfect place to admire Naples at 360 degrees. From the top of the castle, you can see everything around. The harbour, the islands, large cruise ships, and, of course, Mount Vesuvius in the background.
How to get here? Metro, line 1, Vanvitelli station
Entrance fee: 5 €
Right under the castle, you’ll find Naples’ other famous monument. The Certosa di San Martino. Depending on how much time you have, you may want to visit this site as well.
From here, you can either walk down across the Spanish Quarter to Via Toledo. Or take one of the city’s funiculars, which will take you downtown.

Via Toledo and around
There’s so much to explore in this area!
Via Toledo is one of Naples’ busiest shopping streets. And it’s surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
If you’re short on time:
- Visit the Piazza del Plebiscito
- Grab a coffee at Gambrinus. Café Gambrinus is a historic café in Naples, and it’s also ranked among the world’s 10 most beautiful cafés.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss Galleria Umberto I.

The Galleria Umberto I is 19th-century commercial gallery of Naples. The building is a stunning example of iron and glass architecture. Was designed by architect Emanuele Rocco. And built between 1887 and 1890.
For those with a bit more time:
- Visit the Royal Palace
- Or take a guided tour to see the inside of the iconic San Carlo Theatre
Naples Seaside Promenade-Lungomare Caracciolo
From the Plebiscito square you can walk straight down to the seaside. In 15 minutes you will reach the next Castle.
Visit the Castel dell’Ovo.
The Borgo Marinari area near the Castel dell’Ovo, is also a great spot for lunch!
Restaurants in Italy, including Naples, open only for lunch and then close in the afternoon before reopening for dinner.
Where to eat lunch in Naples?
Borgo Marinari has many romantic restaurants. And most of them serves excellent seafood. It’s worth timing your visit to Castel dell’Ovo around lunchtime. In Naples, locals tend to eat lunch later than in other parts of Europe, usually between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.. And sometimes even as late as 4 p.m. If you sit down for lunch around 12 p.m., you’ll likely be among the first guests.
I like Zi Teresa. They have some of the best seafood in Naples.
Before or after lunch, Take a walk along the Lungomare, Naples’ iconic waterfront promenade.
Lungomare Caracciolo is a wonderful walk along the water, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and city park nearby. From here, you’ll also get a great view of Mount Vesuvius. Often during the summer and on weekends, the road is closed to car traffic. And people enjoy walking or biking along the promenade.
Afternoon: Walk Around the Historic Center of Naples
Take a cab or the metro to Piazza Dante. From here, you can start exploring the historic center of Naples on foot. Eat your way through the historic center of Naples on this food tour!
Via Port’Alba- The street of the Bookshops
From Piazza Dante, walk up the famous Port’Alba street, known for its bookshops. If you’re interested in art history, you’ll find great art albums here.
One of the bookshops even transforms into a wine bar in the evening. Libreria Berisio has a fantastic atmosphere. A unique place to enjoy a glass of wine surrounded by the lingering smell of old books. The staff speaks fluent english.
Piazza Bellini– Bar Scene & Greek Walls
As you pass under the arch at the end of Port’Alba, you’ll arrive at Piazza Bellini. This square is a popular meeting spot for Neapolitan students. And a great place to enjoy an aperitivo. Both locals and tourists are flocking here for the evening “movida”.In the square, you’ll notice ancient ruins: These are the remains of the city’s Greek-era walls. The city’s name “Napoli” comes from the Greek term Neapolis, which means “new city”.
Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali
Two famous roads cross the heart of the historic center: Spaccanapoli,and Via dei Tribunali
Spaccanapoli is one of the most famous streets in Naples. Officially the street is called Via Benedetto Croce. But locals only refer to is Spaccanapoli that translate to “Naples splitter”. This straight street runs through the historic center and quite literally splits it in 2.
Between these two main streets, you’ll find many little connecting lanes. This little alleyways, called “vico” are very charachteristic. Vico del Fico al Purgatorio is one of the most famous alleyways.
Via San Gregorio Armeno (Nativity Street)- A narrow street famous for its artisan workshops
The famous San Gregorio Armeno is another of this small lanes. Here you will find the workshops of the nativity crib makers. This little road is so full of people before Christmas that it takes a serious amount of time to pass through. Although most popular before Christmas, the bottegas are open all year long.
Other than the famous Neapolitan cribs, you can find plenty of amusing things along this street. The shops are a true display of Neapolitan humor. You’ll find rolls of toilet papers featuring the faces of various politicians (though only on the first few sheets!). And there are also countless figurines of popular Neapolitan characters.
More Things to Visit in the Historic Center
In the historic center, there are plenty of attractions and places worth visiting, such as:
- Capella Sansevero(Veiled Christ) – you need to reserve your visit in advance or visit with a small group tour
- Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples)
- San Lorenzo Complex
- Piazza del Gesú Nouvo
- Cloister of Santa Chiara
- Piazza San Domenico
Don’t forget to visit Naples Cathedral. Located in the historic center, the Duomo is open all day until 7:30 PM. It’s dedicated to the city’s patron saint, San Gennaro.
Try the real Neapolitan pizza at one of the famous pizzerias on Via Tribunali.
I’ve saved the historic center for the end of the day because this is where you’ll find some of the best pizzerias in Naples.
Some of the best pizzerias are located right on Via Tribunali. Sorbillo, Decumani, and Di Matteo all serve fantastic pizzas.
You can even make your own pizza and learn the secrets of authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Evening: Return to the Train Station
Walk down on the Via Doumo. At the end you will find the metro station. From here its only 1 stop back to the Naples Centrals Station.
Map for this Itinerary
Example 1-Day Naples Itinerary with National Archaeological Museum (MANN) Visit
8:00 – 8:30 | Arrive at Naples train station | Take Metro Line 1 to Cavour or Metro Line 2 to Museo9:00 | Visit the National Archaeological Museum.
12:00 | Walk down to the historic center
13:00 | Have lunch at a pizzeria in the historic center (Sorbillo, Decumani, Di Matteo are great options)
14:30 Take the metro from Dante or Duomo to Toledo Station | Visit Galleria Umberto | Piazza Plebiscito | Castel Nuovo or the Royal Palace
16:00 Take the funicular to Montesanto or Agusteo to Vomero district | visit Castel Sant’Elmo
19:00 | Have dinner at a local trattoria near Vanvitelli if you have time before catching your train back
How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Naples
You can build your itinerary around the three iconic castles. Castel Sant’Elmo, Castel Nuovo, and Castel dell’Ovo. This is one of the the easiest ways to structure your day trip. You can explore surrounding sights, depending on your interests and time.
Use the metro and funiculars, as you’ll still need to walk plenty between landmarks. Walking in Naples can be tiring, so save some energy when you can.
Or, you could dedicate the majority of your day to the National Archaeological Museum (MANN). This is a must-visit if you’re interested in ancient art. The museum houses many of the finest pieces from Pompeii. Including beautiful mosaics and frescos. Even if you don’t have time to visit the archaeological site of Pompeii itself, this collection will make up for it.

The famous Farnese Collection is also on display in the museums permanent collection. You should plan to spend at least 3-4 hours at this museum.
Visit the museum with a private guide on a 2-hour tour.
After your museum visit, you can still catch the sunset from Castel Sant’Elmo. Or enjoy a walk around the historic center.

Either case, make sure to enjoy the city’s food scene. Try local desserts like Baba, sfogliatelle, or zeppole. Don’t miss authentic Neapolitan pizza from a wood-fired oven. Drink a strong Neapolitan coffee in a local bar. Sit down for an aperitif in Piazza Bellini.
How You Can Help Keep This Blog Ad-Free?
If you find my blog helpful, you can support me in various ways. If you book through my affiliate links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Or, you can buy me a coffee! Following us on Instagram or subscribing to my YouTube channel is also a huge help, and I’m very thankful. Every small gesture counts in keeping this blog running and bringing you more information to help plan your visit. -Vero, Amalfeet