If you’re someone who dances to the rhythm of spontaneity when traveling, letting serendipity guide your steps rather than a meticulously planned itinerary, then Naples offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting for you.

Here’s a list of places that aren’t just destinations but stories waiting to unfold, experiences waiting to be lived. These gems, off the beaten path yet deeply rooted in Naples’ rich tapestry, are undeniably ones for the books.

“Traveling to Naples is like opening a treasure chest filled with art, history, and culinary delights. It’s a city that leaves you richer in experience.”

— Unknown

I’m also going to show you how to overcome the challenge of planning a trip to Naples by simply showing you the ultimate guide to a 72-hour stay in Naples. So keep reading!

Immersing Yourself in Southern Italy: 3 Days in Naples

Imagine embarking on a journey to the soul of southern Italy. With just 3 days in Naples, Italy, you’ll be thrust into a whirlwind of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, not forgetting its proximity to the ever-charming Amalfi Coast.

A Deep Dive into the Historical Fabric of Naples

Naples, often referred to as the crown jewel of southern Italy, boasts an unmatched historical tapestry. Begin your 3 days in Naples at the National Archaeological Museum. Twice as impressive as any ordinary museum, its expansive collection of Greco-Roman antiquities offers an unrivaled glimpse into the world of the ancient Roman Empire.

“Naples is an Italy in miniature; a little, common-place-looking Italy, but containing many marvels.”

— Nathaniel Hawthorne

Not too far from this treasure trove, the grandeur of the Royal Palace awaits you. Twice in your 3 days in Naples, you might find yourself wandering its opulent chambers, captivated by the tales of royalty that once graced these halls.

Meander through the lively lanes of the Spanish Quarter and you’ll discover the ethereal church of Santa Chiara. The sanctuary, much like the Naples Cathedral dedicated to San Gennaro, the city’s patron saint, stands as a testament to Naples’ spiritual soul. If you’re fortunate, your 3 days in Naples might coincide with the annual miracle of San Gennaro, an event of profound religious significance.

The Pinnacle of Neapolitan Architecture

With just 3 days in Naples, architectural enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice. The Galleria Umberto, a structure that melds art with utility, offers a unique perspective into 19th-century Neapolitan design. Conversely, the formidable Castel Nuovo stands as an emblem of Naples’ medieval past.

On the evening of one of your 3 days in Naples, consider booking a seat at the San Carlo Theatre. As melodies waft through this ancient opera house, you’ll find yourself transported to an era of unmatched artistic brilliance. Adjacently, the expansive Piazza del Plebiscito with its monumental structures invites visitors for a leisurely stroll.

Unearthing Hidden Gems and Day Adventures

If 3 days in Naples feels too short, it’s because of the city’s plethora of hidden corners waiting to be explored. Ascend to San Martino or Castel Sant’Elmo for panoramic views that encompass the Gulf of Naples and beyond.

While spending 3 days in Naples, one might wonder about potential day trips. The answer? The stunning Amalfi Coast. Easily accessible from Napoli Centrale, this coastal paradise promises a day of serenity and picturesque landscapes.

Planned 3 day itinerary in Naples

So here we go:

Day 1

Arrival at the airport of Naples

Welcome to this pearl of the Mediterranean sea! Get your luggage and get out of the airport; it’s time to get you to your hotel.

The cheapest way to get there is with the bus company “Alibus”. This shuttle takes you for just 5€ to the central railway station and to the Port; no further stops included!

From the central railway station, it is easy to hop on the metro to get closer to your hotel. Alternatively, it is a very walkable city and you can easily get to your destination by foot.

A more convenient way would be the “private airport shuttle“. For just 36€ you get picked-up by your private driver and brought to your hotel in no-time.

To take taxis or cabs on-spot in Naples is not highly recommended, as there is always a good chance that you get overcharged, leaving a bitter taste on your arrival.

Checkin at your hotel

Get checked in, take some time to enjoy the fact that your vacation has officially started now!

After everything is set with your hotel: get up & out! Naples has so many loveable quarters, piazzas and streets to discover.

Head to the Piazza Plebiscito, find yourself surrounded by marvelous buildings and take in this beautiful space. Just imagine how it must look like on New Years Eve or when there is an outdoor concert. Let me tell you, it is incredible and beeing there makes you feel incredibly small.

c: Pietro Scerrato

From the Piazza Plebiscito, take a quick walk to the gulf of Naples, stroll along the promenade and breath in the ocean air. Admire the beautiful Castel dell’Ovo from a far and enjoy the smooth sound of the waves hitting land.

The promenade is the perfect place to take a break and grab a drink; at this time a day preferably a beer (try Peroni or Moretti, you won’t regret it) or an Aperol Spritz.

C: Felix Hoefer

Dinner Time

Since it is your first day in Naples you have to eat pizza tonight! One of the best places to do that is the L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele.

The special thing about this pizzeria is that it just has two options on the menu. Even with just two options on their menu it is still a tough decision.

Should you go with the Pizza Marinara or the Pizza Margherita? Well I can’t answer this one for you, but trust me, both are mouth watering and absolutely delicious!

c: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo

After dinner (make sure to drink a nice espresso afterwards) take it easy this night. In Italy there is no rush to be anywhere anyway. Maybe get another digestivo in a cafe overlooking the ocean or in one of the many buzzing piazzas, as your first day slowly goes by.

Day 2

Enjoy your Hotel breakfast or do it as the italians do: Go to any cafe and order an espresso/ cappuccino with a cornetto or graffa.

If you really want to have breakfast like a local, then you eat & drink your order standing right at the counter. Notice how everyone talks to each other as they enjoy their espresso.

Now that you have strengthen yourself it’s time to explore a bit of the city. Walk to the old quarter along the Via dei Tribunali and get lost in the narrow streets there.

Make sure to walk along the Via San Gregorio Armeno; it is a narrow street just with tiny shops that sell handcrafted figures for cribs. You can see the art of cribs like no where else in the world while admiring the small figures and watching the merchant creating new ones.

Once you are back on the Via dei Tribunali it is time to explore the Underground of Naples.

No, no, don’t worry, I am talking about the Sotterranea, an underground labyrinth of tunnels over 200km long under the city of Naples.

Take a guided tour, walk 40 meters underground, see your own breath and explore one kilometer with your guide. (Not recommend for highly claustrophobic people!) 

c: Armando Mancini

Once the tour is done, take a look right next to the start & end point of the tour, there is a shop called “Limone – Fabrica di Limoncello”.

Make sure to check it out! Everything in there is homemade and delicious, from Limoncello, over Lemon Sweets, Lemon Pasta to Lemon Honey. They also give you free samples!

Lunch

Walk to the Spanish quarter; there you will have a crazy lunch experience! Da Nennella is your place to go! Make sure to get there on time, because they are closing at 15:00/3pm. Da Nennella is a restaurant with just daily menus and it is packed all the time!

Why are you asking? Well first of all, because the food they serve is really good, traditional Italian food and second of all, you get a three-course-menu with wine included for just 12€ per person!

Depending on your choice, a three-course menu could be: first plate: pasta alle vongole (pasta with clams), second plate: salmone arosto e insalata verde (roasted salmon with green salad) and as the dessert you will get a fruit.

If there are people waiting already outside to get in, make sure to move around them to tell the waiter to put your name on the list. They will call you once they have a table ready for you.

After Lunch you will be full, so first of all you will need an espresso.

Just in case you haven’t got lost in the old town earlier today, you now will get lost in the Spanish quarter because here the streets are even more narrow. The easy walking exercise will also help digest the feast you just had.

I’m telling you this day you will eat like a king, not just because you had a delightful lunch but tonight you will be going to Naples’ best Pizzeria, which means it is the best pizzeria in the world.

You probably already walked by it but now, that you got your taste buds all warmed up, it’s time for the champions league, the creme-de-la-creme of food.

Dinner at Gino Sorbillo

The Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo is our favourite.

The whole family Sorbillo, which includes 23 persons all became pizzaiolos, a tradition passed on from grand-grandfather down until grand-grandsons and -daughters. Each pizza on the Menu is named after one member of the family and there seriously is no wrong choice.

Day 3

During your 3 days in Naples, this day will be your excursion day.

“To see Naples as we saw it in the early dawn from far up on the side of Vesuvius, is to see a picture of wonderful beauty. At that distance its dingy buildings looked white, with here and there beautiful towers and villas, backed by a semicircle of mountains like a theatre.”

— Charles Dickens

Once in Naples, one of the essential experiences during your 3 days in Naples is a visit to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.

There’s a reason why Naples, even in a short 3 days in Naples trip, is considered the most dangerous city in Europe to live in. This is due to its proximity to the still active volcano, Mount Vesuvius. To truly understand the devastation it could cause during your 3 days in Naples, a trip to the ruins of the city of Pompeii is a must.

So, after your breakfast on the second of your 3 days in Naples, you have two choices: either explore these iconic sites independently using the Italian train system or join a guided tour.

Especially if you’re spending only 3 days in Naples, a guided tour for visiting Pompeii is highly recommended. At the ruins, there’s a lack of supplementary historical information. A guide can make this trip even more memorable than it already is during your brief stay.

The best way to explore those two sights would be with the “Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii Day Trip” for 90€. With this option you also get picked up from your hotel and get the best experience within 7 hours.

17:00h/ 5pm

Welcome back to Naples! You have had a full day of excursions, why don’t you sit back and relax at the ocean promenade for a refreshing drink of your choice?

19:00h/ 7pm

It’s getting time to get to tonight’s restaurant. Since this will be your last meal in Naples you might want to go to a place you have already been like Da Michelle, Da Nennella or Gino Sorbillo.

If you would prefer  to experience a different restaurant, the Trattoria Campagnola is your choice (No pizza available). The Trattoria Campagnola is a restaurant that is mostly frequented by locals and they serve delicious pasta dishes.

22:00h/ 9pm

Can you believe this is already your last evening in this wonderful city? Me neither, time went by so fast.

One thing you still have to do is, if you haven’t done it already: try the ice cream! Check out Piazza Dante, there is a Gelateria called Gay-Odin – it is one of the best ones in the city.

Piazza Dante is also the perfect place to enjoy the last evening in a relaxing way while grabbing one or two goodbye-drinks.

If you want to feel more buzz your choice now is Cammarota Spritz, during night time this place is packed and you will meet locals and people from all over the world!

c: Massimo Finizio

The Last Morning

One last breakfast. If you have had it at your hotel the whole time, on your last occassion give the local breakfast a try. Have a last espresso/ cappuccino with a cornetto or graffa.

Listen to the hymn of Naples from Pino Daniele and get ready for departure.

Let your hotel get you a cab, take a private driver or use the Alibus – whatever you prefer and with all the melancholy of an ending trip, always keep in mind: You say Arriverderci (See you again) instead of Ciao (Bye) to the city of Naples.

The next time there are more quarters, restaurants and excursions to discover.

Exploring Naples: Beyond the Surface

Naples, a gem in the heart of Italy, is often known for its rich history, vibrant streets, and culinary delights. However, there’s so much more to 3 days in Naples than just a conventional naples itinerary. Dive deeper into this enchanting city during your 3 days in Naples, and you’ll uncover a plethora of hidden treasures waiting to be explored.

Historical Edifices and Grandeur in 3 Days in Naples

The royal palace or palazzo reale stands as a testament to the city’s opulent past. This magnificent structure is a reminder of the grandeur and elegance that once ruled the region. Not too far from it, the castel dellovo and castel santelmo offer panoramic views of the city and the sea, enveloping visitors in a romantic aura. As you spend your 3 days in Naples, these historical marvels should top your list.

Underground Wonders and Coastal Adventures During Your 3 Days in Naples

The naples underground and underground naples are almost synonymous with the term napoli sotterranea. This vast network of tunnels and caves beneath the historic center or centro storico holds secrets from Naples’ past. Venturing here feels like stepping into a time machine, where stories of ancient civilizations come alive, all in just 3 days in Naples.

For those looking for a coastal adventure during their 3 days in Naples, the amalfi coast tour offers an unforgettable experience. The blue grotto is a mesmerizing natural wonder, while the naples beach is perfect for a relaxing day under the sun. And what better way to conclude a day than strolling along the naples pier to catch a breathtaking sunset?

Cultural and Religious Significance in 3 Days in Naples

Naples boasts a rich tapestry of culture and religion. The san francesco church and san domenico maggiore are iconic symbols of the city’s religious heritage. The sansevero chapel houses the famous veiled christ, a masterpiece that leaves visitors in awe even during a short 3 days in Naples.

The quartieri spagnoli is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, echoing with tales of the past. Here, you’ll find the galleria umberto i, a shopping arcade that beautifully blends history with modernity, all within your 3 days in Naples.

Entertainment and Leisure for 3 Days in Naples

The san carlo theater is the place to be for opera enthusiasts, while santa lucia offers delightful melodies on its bustling streets. Additionally, old naples is a blend of the past and the present, where traditional shops stand alongside contemporary cafes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Naples, like every city, has a whole lot to offer. If it is culture, food or simply just the mentality of the people and the aura of its places.

If you are hooked with the idea of going to Naples than don’t forget to sign up for our 5 secret tips.

But even more important, we would like to hear from you:

What are your thoughts about Naples? Is there anything missing in this guide? Do you have open questions? We love to discuss travel so go ahead and fire away, there are no wrong comments!

Also, please let us know how your trip went and what was the most exciting part about it.