Naples, the largest city in the South of Italy has the perfect blend of arts, culture, and a dash of chaos. You may be wondering how you’ll be able to experience it all in only one day but with this handy guide, one day in Naples is just what you need for a taste of the city’s highlights and hidden gems. From exploring world-class monuments and archaeological treasures to indulging in Italy’s best pizza, here’s how to make the most of your visit to Naples.
Breakfast
With only one day in Naples, treat yourself to a hearty breakfast full of Neapolitan delicacies. Start out in Piazza Trieste e Trento and put your diet aside as you indulge in a variety of pastries and sweet treats from Il Vero Bar del Professore. Their specialty is coffee and it pairs perfectly with the vast variety of croissants, brioches, and other baked goods on offer. Another great place and also the city’s oldest cafe is the Gran Caffè Gambrinus, a short walk away from the beautiful Piazza del Plebiscito.
A morning of sightseeing
Once you’ve filled up on Neapolitan delicacies it’s time to see some of the city’s sights. The Piazza del Plebiscito is a great place to start. The elegant piazza is home to the sweeping colonnade of San Francesco di Paola, a 19th-century church constructed in the Neoclassical style. Next is the Royal Palace of Naples, where Neapolitan royalty ruled and entertained in the 18th and 19th centuries. The impressive private theater here, Teatrino di Corte, is a must-see too but if you’re looking for one of the most beautiful theaters in the world then check out the Teatro di San Carlo.
Lunch
Next, take a stroll along Via Toledo, one of Naples’ most famous shopping streets to the National Archeological Museum or marvel at the Galleria Umberto. The Galleria Umberto is full of elegant shops and cafes but best not to shop here unless you want to spend a fortune. Instead, take time to marvel at the vaulted glass ceiling and its giant 56-meter dome and the unique floor decoration. Then enjoy an off-the-beaten-path visit to the Spanish Quarter, it’s a must-visit for unique picture-perfect moments, you’ll see why. This is also a great place for lunch with many local tapas bars and pizzerias to choose from.
An afternoon of sightseeing
You’ll find many of the best things to do in Naples are underground such as the Toledo Metro Station on the L1 line of Naples Metro. This station is an architectural wonder that gives you the impression of descending underwater as you head down the escalator. Walk off all that lunch with a stroll in the Historic Center of Naples. Enjoy people-watching, witness street musicians, artists’ workshops and take in the historic and monumental architecture that landed this area on the UNESCO World Heritage site list. Explore the bric-a-brac stores selling all sorts of ornaments and antiques and perhaps get a souvenir along the way. There are close to 500 historic churches in Naples and one day in Naples is simply not enough time to explore them all but you can still get a glimpse of them. So before the afternoon ends be sure to check out the Santa Chiara that dates back to the 14th century and the Naples Cathedral.
Evening
To end off your one day in Naples, take the funicular to Castel Sant’Elmo, a 13th-century star-shaped fortress that sits on top of Vomero Hill. It offers panoramic views of Naples which makes it one of the best places to watch the sunset and take in everything you’ve explored during the day. Then end off your whirlwind tour of the best of Naples in one day with a feast of Neapolitan Pizza. For an authentic Neapolitan pizza head to Antica Pizzeria & Trattoria AL 22 or Pizzeria Di Matteo or one of the many others around the city (they’re all so good!)
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