September 2, 2025
Naples in a Day: Your Stopover Adventure
Naples is the ideal stopover city before heading to the Amalfi Coast. It’s the perfect place to explore a few sights and grab the best pizza you’ll ever have before continuing your journey. Here’s your guide to make the most of Naples.
Stop #1: First Things First, Pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
- Your first stop in Naples should be for pizza, no matter what time you arrive. The city is the birthplace of the Margherita pizza, and you can’t leave without trying a slice!
- L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele will not disappoint as your first stop. This charming, authentic spot is known for its cheap prices and a claim to fame—it was featured in the movie Eat, Pray, Love, starring Julia Roberts.
Stop #2: Explore the Waterfront
- The Naples waterfront is surprisingly beautiful and full of sights to see. The best way to experience it is simply by walking along the water and move towards the city!
- Follow this Waterfront Walking Route into the City:
- Castel dell’Ovo – Egg Castle
- Piazza del Plebiscito
- Basilica Reale San Francesco di Paola
- Palazzo Reale – Royal Palace of Naples
- Galleria Umberto I
- Quartieri Spagnoli – Spanish Quarter
- TIP: There are plenty of cafes to stop along the way for an espresso!
Stop #3: Christmas Alley
- The Christmas Alley is located in the historic city center of Naples and a silly stop on your tour. This charming street is filled with booths overflowing with festive decorations, nativity scenes, and unique souvenirs.
- TIP: This stop is perfect if you love a good side quest and don’t mind a crowd. However, if crowded markets aren’t your thing, you’ll want to skip this one.
Stop #4: Castel Sant’ Elmo
- Castel Sant’Elmo is a hidden gem on Vomero Hill. This fortress has a museum inside, but the breathtaking city views from the top are the real reason to visit. It’s worth the trip for the sights alone! If you’re up for more adventure, follow the Pedamentina a San Martino path for more great views. At the bottom of the stairs, reward yourself with a Aperol Spritz at a local bar!
- KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Hours: 8:30am- 6:30pm
- Tickets: Get your ticket at the entrance for 2 Euros!
- Getting There: The easiest way to reach Castel Sant’Elmo is to take the Montesanto Funicular to the Morghen stop. From there, it’s a short walk—just follow the signs. Alternatively, you can use Google Maps to find the best route from your location.
- Continue the adventure and walk down the Pedamentina a San Martino path.
Stop #5: Aperitivo at Piazza Dante and Dinner at Piazza Bellini
- Piazza Dante is the perfect place to round off your day! During the day, the streets are filled with stalls selling old books and records, with cafes on every corner. At night, the cafes transform into quaint bars making it the perfect place for an Aperitivo!
- Enjoy a few drinks, then make your way to the nearby Piazza Bellini for dinner. The street is lined with stunning ancient buildings, lively bars, and restaurants. Find a spot, order a pizza and a glass of wine, and soak in the authentic atmosphere.
Have more time? Dive deeper into Naples.
- If you have more time in Naples here are some things to add to your bucket list:
- Take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Pompeii,
- Explore the Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara
- Visit the world-renowned Naples National Archaeological Museum
- Discover hidden gems by taking a walking tour with a local guide.
Transportation
Plane:
- Naples has an international airport, Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino (NAP), that serves as a main airport for the city and surrounding region.
- TIP: There’s no train from the airport to the centre, but the Alibus Airport Shuttle is quick and runs throughout the day. Alternatively, you can grab a taxi.
Train:
- Naples has a main train station, Napoli Central, that serves as a major hub for both national and regional trains. The two main train companies, Trenitalia and Italo, have frequent trains running through the station. You can book train tickets directly on Trenitalia, Italo, or Trainline or get your tickets at the station.
Bus:
- FlixBus offers services to and from Naples. If you’re on a tighter budget, this might be the best option for you. Book your ticket directly on FlixBus for the best price.
Transportation in the City:
- Naples is a very walkable city but the metro, bus, and funiculars are an option too.
- THINGS TO KNOW:
- Metro: Naples has two metro lines. You can purchase a single trip, day pass, or weekly pass.
- Bus: You need to get a bus ticket from a tobacco shop (tabaccheria) or a newspaper stand before hopping on the bus. There are options for a single trip, a day pass, or a weekly pass.
- Funiculars: The funiculars will get you up into the hills of Naples. You can get your ticket at the funicular stop.
- TIP: Always make sure you validate your ticket!
Accommodation
- Location is important when it comes to Naples. There is a variety of places to chose from but you’ll want to be in a safe and secure neighborhood. The best area to stay is Centro Storico.
Solo / Budget Travelers:
Mid-Range Budget:
- For other accommodation options that match your ideal budget, browse through the listings on Booking.com or Airbnb.com to find the perfect place.
Tips from a Solo + Budget Traveler
1. To be honest, Naples is sketchy and rough around the edges, which is why it’s best experienced as a stopover to get the best pizza of your life. To stay safe, lock up your belongings, avoid wearing flashy jewelry, and always keep your bag and wallet close to you. Naples is known for pickpocketing.
2. I highly recommend staying in a hostel while in Naples. The people you meet can truly make or break your experience. Book a hostel, join their social events, make some friends, and explore the city together! Good friends make all the difference.
3. Naples is one of those places where you can eat out all the time without breaking your budget. Just find a bakery or street food stall, and you can grab a bite for as little as €2-€10. Trust me, the food in Naples is worth it!
You’re all set!
Have the best time and make sure you do one thing that makes you say “I love my life” each day!
– G
