Yes, you heard that right – I had just one day to explore this incredible city, and trust me, I’m already planning my next trip back! So, if you’re wondering how to make the most of a single day in Naples, come along with me as I guide you through an itinerary packed with must-see spots and, of course, my Neapolitan friends’ top food recommendations. 🍕
Now, if you’re arriving by train like I did, navigating the city on foot is a breeze. There are two ways to do it: you can start by strolling around and catch the metro on your way back, or flip it around. Personally, I jumped straight onto the metro, took Metro1 to Municipio, and then walked all the way back to the train station, soaking in the landmarks and eating far more than I should’ve. 😅
If you're here for the food recommendations, just scroll down to the bottom!
Wandering Through Naples' Iconic Landmarks
Okay, I’ll admit it – I had a plan, but I ended up getting a bit lost, wandering around and going with the flow. This led to a much less straightforward itinerary, but honestly, that was kind of the plan all along!
Here’s what the original plan looked like: Take Metro 1 to Municipio and then start exploring, more or less in this order.
Ovo Castle
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A castle by the harbor, framed by Mount Vesuvius in the background. Need I say more? 🏰🌋✨
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Castel Sant'Elmo
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It’s impossible not to be left speechless by the view from up there: a stunning panorama of sea and city that will make you fall even more in love with this little gem. 🌊✨
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Sansevero Chapel Museum
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Ready to step into a tiny room brimming with stunning artwork? 🎨✨ The marble sculpture of the Veiled Christ is undoubtedly the star of the show, but don’t stop there! Take a moment to look around – the rest of the room is just as breathtaking as its centerpiece. 🕊️
This is one of the most popular attractions in Naples, so even with an online ticket, you’ll likely have to queue. Entry is limited to small groups at specific times. On my spontaneous day in Naples, I hadn’t planned to visit but luck was on my side! 🍀 I arrived to find no queue, snagged a ticket at the door, and within minutes, I was surrounded by beauty.
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Catacombs of San Gennaro
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A truly captivating place: beneath Naples, you’ll find ancient catacombs—pagan burial sites from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.
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And for the foodies
Naples is about so much more than just pizza – it’s a treasure trove of deliciousness, from crispy fried treats to mouthwatering sweets, with plenty of incredible spots to discover. Italy is one of those places where amazing food is everywhere you go. So, go ahead and wander through the city center, tasting a little here and there – it’ll be impossible to resist all the delicious goodies!
As promised, here’s the ultimate list of must-try spots and flavors from my Neapolitan friends – and oh my god, yes, you’ll want to try them all!
Starting with: Pizzaaa! 🍕
Gino e Toto Sorbillo
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Step in, sit down, and order a margherita: pure bliss. The menu is a celebration of pizzas that will make you want to try them all, but trust me—start with a margherita. If you’re in a group, go ahead and share some other tasty pizzas, but at least one margherita must be shared, because that’s the true queen: a stellar tomato sauce and, oh my god, the mozzarella. 🍕👑
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Starita
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And here’s another one of my Neapolitan friends’ favorite pizzerias! 🍕 If the locals recommend it, you know you’ve got to try at least a classic Margherita. 🇮🇹 Trust me, it’ll be a slice of heaven! 😋
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Did you say street food?
Con mollica o senza da Donato
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You’ve definitely heard of this spot thanks to their viral videos on social media. Located in the heart of Naples, this little gem will become your best friend for a quick sandwich on the go. And yep, I can confirm—it’s super Instagrammable! 📸🥪
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Craving a sweet treat or in the mood for a coffee break?
Gelateria Poppella
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Even though it’s a bit off the beaten path from the usual city center routes, you have to stop by Poppella for a "Fiocco di Neve"—a soft, sweet bun filled with fluffy cream. Cozy, welcoming, and absolutely delicious. I dare you not to buy anything else while you’re here, and yes, they’ll throw in a little diabetes with everything you're about to devour. 😅🍰
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Caffè del professore
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My Neapolitan friend’s favorite coffee spot.
And as I always say: trust the locals ;)
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Want to know more?
Reach out for more information and tips on making the most of your next trip to Naples, and book a private consultation today!
Where to next?
Have you been to Rome yet? Oh well you should!
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