48 Hours in Naples

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning: Arrival and Check-In Start your whirlwind tour of Naples by checking into either Napoli Inn Station or Napoli Regina, both ideally located in the heart of the historic center. Napoli Inn Station offers a spacious holiday home perfect for families and groups, while Napoli Regina provides elegant guest rooms with modern amenities.

Mid-Morning: Discover Spaccanapoli Once settled, head out to explore Spaccanapoli, the narrow street that slices through the historic center of Naples. This bustling thoroughfare is packed with shops, cafes, and historic sites. Stop by a local bakery to grab a sfogliatella, a deliciously flaky pastry that is a Neapolitan specialty.

Late Morning: Visit the Naples Cathedral Make your way to the Naples Cathedral, also known as the Duomo. This stunning church is famous for the Miracle of San Gennaro, where the saint’s blood is said to liquefy several times a year. Take in the beautiful frescoes and the ornate Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro.

Lunch: Traditional Neapolitan Pizza No visit to Naples is complete without indulging in a traditional Neapolitan pizza. Head to one of the city’s renowned pizzerias like Sorbillo or Da Michele for an unforgettable meal. The simple yet perfect combination of fresh ingredients on a soft, chewy crust will leave you craving more.

Afternoon: Naples Underground In the afternoon, take a tour of the Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea). This fascinating journey through the city’s subterranean world reveals layers of history from the ancient Greeks and Romans to World War II. The cool, dark passages provide a unique perspective on Naples’ past.

Evening: Stroll Along Lungomare Caracciolo As the sun begins to set, enjoy a leisurely walk along Lungomare Caracciolo, the scenic seafront promenade. With stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, this is the perfect spot for a relaxing evening. Stop at one of the seaside cafes for a drink or a light snack.

Dinner: Seafood by the Sea Naples is renowned for its fresh seafood. Head to a seaside restaurant such as Ristorante Zi Teresa for a sumptuous dinner featuring local seafood delicacies. Enjoy dishes like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) or a mixed seafood grill, accompanied by a glass of local wine.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Day Trips

Morning: National Archaeological Museum Start your second day with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in Italy. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, including mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures. This is a must-see for history and art enthusiasts.

Late Morning: Explore the Historic Center Spend the late morning wandering through the historic center of Naples. Visit the charming Piazza Bellini, a lively square surrounded by cafes and bars, and home to ancient Greek ruins. Continue to Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, where you can admire the unique facade of the Church of Gesù Nuovo and the nearby Santa Chiara Monastery with its beautiful cloister.

Lunch: Street Food Delight For lunch, dive into Naples’ street food scene. Try a cuoppo, a cone filled with fried seafood or vegetables, or a delicious arancini (fried rice ball). Don’t forget to grab a slice of pizza margherita from a street vendor for a quick and tasty bite.

Afternoon: Day Trip to Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius In the afternoon, take a short trip outside the city. You can visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, a city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Wander through well-preserved streets and marvel at the frescoes and mosaics. Alternatively, if you’re up for an adventure, hike to the summit of Mount Vesuvius for breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples.

Evening: Return and Relax Return to your comfortable accommodations at Napoli Inn Station or Napoli Regina. Freshen up and take a moment to relax after your day’s adventures.

Dinner: Authentic Neapolitan Cuisine For your final dinner in Naples, head to a local trattoria like Osteria La Chitarra. Enjoy a hearty meal featuring classic Neapolitan dishes such as pasta alla genovese (slow-cooked beef and onion sauce) or parmigiana di melanzane (eggplant parmesan).

Night: Gelato and Evening Stroll End your 48-hour journey with a scoop of creamy gelato from a local gelateria. Take one last stroll through the historic streets of Naples, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and making plans to return to this captivating city.

Conclusion: A Taste of Naples in 48 Hours While 48 hours might not be enough to see everything Naples has to offer, this itinerary ensures you experience the city’s highlights. Staying at Napoli Inn Station or Napoli Regina places you in the heart of the action, making it easy to explore, dine, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Naples. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Naples always has something new and exciting to offer.