3 Days in Naples, Italy: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do, Eat & See

Naples is unique in terms of having a very warm attitude towards tourists and still retaining a lot of authenticity. In terms of what to see and do, there are a few major highlights that are worth noting in the city and some spots nearby that you can’t miss. 

This is such an incredible city and one that has so much to offer: beauty, taste, culture, and tradition. From its bustling streets to its rich history, vibrant food culture, and stunning coastal views, Naples is one of those cities that leaves a lasting impression. It has become a favorite of ours and one that we would return to over and over again so let’s get into it!

If you’re planning 3 days in Naples, Italy, this guide will show you the best things to do, eat, and explore – both in the city and nearby.

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways: 

• Explore Naples’ Historic Heart: Spend time wandering the Centro Storico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with grid-style streets, historic storefronts, and local culture.
• Taste the Best of Naples: Don’t miss iconic pizza at 50 Kalo and L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, plus traditional pastas and fried delights at family-run eateries.
• Sip Like a Local: Visit Limonè for limoncello tastings and Puteca Wine Bar for volcanic Campania wines.
• Day Trips Are Worth It: Plan visits to Pompeii (book a guided tour) and the Amalfi Coast for breathtaking scenery and cultural experiences.
• Safety and Navigation Tips: Naples is vibrant and authentic – watch out for scooter traffic, keep an eye on belongings, and enjoy the city confidently.
• Plan for 3 Days in Naples, Italy: This is enough time to hit major highlights, savor local food and drinks, and enjoy at least one day trip.

This post was co-written with our friend, Matt. We met him while he and his wife were living in Bologna for a few months. 

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Is Naples Safe?

To start things off, it’s worth addressing some of the preconceived notions about Naples that are out there. Lots of folks go to this city and are faced with something that does not meet their expectations. This says less about Naples and more about expectations that should be set beforehand.

The city isn’t like Florence or Rome, and its energy can be a little overwhelming if you’re expecting pristine streets or quiet avenues. But that’s part of what makes it special – Naples has a lived-in, vibrant charm that reveals its true character.

Before you dive into your trip, it’s worth addressing some common preconceptions about Naples. We personally never felt unsafe. Our train arrived at 10:30 PM on a Thursday, and we walked the 20 minutes to our Airbnb without issue. 

Like any major city, you should stay aware of your surroundings, especially around transportation hubs, and always keep an eye on your belongings – pickpockets can be an occasional nuisance, as they are in most cities.

Over the last 5 years or so, they’ve been making efforts to clean up some of the trash but there is still some work to do as far as cleanup and it’s worth preparing mentally for that. The main roads are relatively clean but there is still more garbage in the streets than you’d find in other, richer cities.

In terms of safety, we did not have any issues whatsoever and would not expect most tourists to run into any problems when visiting Naples. 

But overall, we never felt unsafe. 

The data found in this article from a study done in 2019 was really enlightening to see where Naples stood in comparison to some American cities when it comes to violent crimes vs. robberies. It makes it clear that pickpockets are prevalent but a keen eye and attention to your belongings should prevent any issues, as it does in any other major city.

The biggest safety issue is probably with the scooter traffic! They drive very aggressively in Naples and the sidewalks are few and far between in the main historical center. So keep an eye out and try to make way for them if they give you a courtesy toot from the horn and zoom past.

Where to Stay in Naples

We stayed in the Centro Storico and found it to be a perfect launching point for what we wanted to see. You’ll be in the heart of the historic streets, close to top restaurants, bars, and attractions.

Booking.com probably has the widest selection of budget (and luxury) accommodations in the world. In our experience, they consistently have the cheapest rooms.

We also like their easy-to-use interface and no money down policy. When we book our travel stays, we personally use booking.com. 

There’s something for every budget, and we’ve rounded up three excellent options that are highly rated on Booking.com.

Splurge Worthy: Grand Hotel Oriente

• Rating: 8.6 (Excellent)
• Price Range: €200–€300 per night

A 4-star hotel offering spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a central location in the heart of Naples. Perfect for travelers seeking a bit of luxury.

>> Check current prices and availability here

Mid-Range: Culture Hotel Centro Storico

• Rating: 8.3 (Very Good)
• Price Range: €150–€200 per night

Modern amenities and a central location make this 4-star hotel a comfortable choice for a balance of quality and value.

>>Check current prices and availability here

Budget: Napoli Porta Di Mare

• Rating: 8.9 (Excellent)
• Price Range: €80–€120 per night

Located in the center of Naples, offering cozy accommodations with air conditioning – perfect for travelers looking for comfort without breaking the bank.

>>Check current prices and availability here

Explore More Hotels in Naples’ Centro Storico

Looking for more options? View All Hotels in Centro Storico, Naples

Things to Do in Naples, Italy

If you only want to see the city center, 3 days in Naples, Italy would be enough to hit the highlights. But you’d be missing out on some of the things to do in the surrounding area that are definitely worth an extra day or two. 

We spent five days, which allowed us to go at a relaxed pace and really soak in the local culture. It felt like a good amount of time to see everything we wanted to and to get a feel for the city.

Centro Storico: Explore the Heart of Naples

• Hours: 24/7 to walk around
• Cost: Free

The main downtown area of Naples, known as Centro Storico, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its historic layout. 

Unlike most Italian cities with winding, confusing streets, Naples was one of the first cities designed with a grid system, where major east-west streets (called decumani) intersect neatly with narrower cross streets. This makes navigating the heart of Naples surprisingly straightforward – a huge relief when exploring for the first time.

The north-south streets are narrower and get less sunlight, but they’re filled with vibrant storefronts, twinkling lights, and homages to Maradona, the legendary soccer player who helped Naples win two national championships in the late 1980s.

One of the most iconic souvenirs you’ll see in these streets is il corno, a bright red horn said to bring good luck, but only if it’s given to you as a gift (don’t buy one for yourself!). They come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, ranging from just €1 to €100, so take your time window shopping and pick one up for a friend or loved one.

Exploring Centro Storico is not just about sightseeing – it’s about soaking in the culture, history, and lively street life of Naples.

Explore Spaccanapoli & Centro Storico Streets

The heart of Naples’ historic center, Spaccanapoli, slices through the city like a living timeline. Walk along the narrow streets lined with artisan shops, vibrant cafes, and ancient churches such as Gesù Nuovo. 

Don’t miss the local street food vendors serving traditional sfogliatella pastries or fried pizza. The grid-like layout makes navigation easier than other Italian cities, and every turn reveals centuries of history and authentic Neapolitan life.

Castel Sant’Elmo: Sunset Views from Vomero

• Hours:
  • Monday – Sunday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Museum: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
• Cost: € 5.00
  • Reduced ticket: € 2.00

For one of the best things to do in Naples, Italy, head to Castel Sant’Elmo, a medieval fortress perched on Vomero hill. 

Originally built in 1329, the castle was expanded over the centuries into a star-shaped fortress – an advanced design for its time, allowing defenders to oversee both the city and the bay. Castel Sant’Elmo has served as a military garrison, prison, and political stronghold, making it a living piece of Naples’ history. 

Today, it’s preserved as a cultural landmark while offering 360-degree views of the Bay of Naples, the city, and surrounding mountains – breathtaking at sunset.

To get there, take the funicular – Naples’ steep-hill train system. 

A quick tip: the Augusteo funicular off Toledo Street takes you all the way to the last stop, Funicolare Centrale, and tickets are just €1.20 each way. Trust us, it’s a bargain for the views that await.

We learned the hard way to double-check Google Maps – one station was under construction, which led to a minor adventure of its own. 

Once at the top, follow signs to the castle, buy your ticket, and start the ascent. As you climb through this beautifully preserved medieval structure, peeks of the bay and cityscape appear around every corner.

Even if the entrance fee were double, Castel Sant’Elmo is worth it. It’s one of the most memorable experiences in Naples and a perfect spot for photos, people-watching, and soaking in the city’s history. For those planning a Naples itinerary, this fortress makes for a late afternoon stop before dinner, combining history, architecture, and breathtaking scenery.

Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea)

• Hours: Tours usually run 1–2 hours
• Cost: Around €10–€15

Beneath the bustling streets of Naples lies a hidden world that few visitors see – the Naples Underground, or Napoli Sotterranea. 

These tunnels and passageways stretch for kilometers beneath the city and tell a story that spans 2,400 years of history. Originally carved by the Greeks as aqueducts to supply water, the underground network later served the Romans and medieval Neapolitans, evolving over centuries into a labyrinth of chambers, cisterns, and secret passageways.

During World War II, the tunnels were used as air-raid shelters, saving countless lives. 

Today, guided tours take visitors through a mix of ancient structures, narrow tunnels, and wartime bunkers, revealing a side of Naples that is both eerie and fascinating. Along the way, you’ll see original mosaics, stone arches, and even remnants of Roman theaters hidden beneath the city streets.

The tour usually lasts 1–2 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity during your 3-day Naples itinerary. While some areas are well-lit and easy to walk through, others can be narrow or slightly damp, so comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended.

Book a skip-the-line Napoli Sotterranea tour with Viator to avoid long waits, especially during peak tourist season. These tours often include small group sizes, giving you a more intimate experience of the underground city.

Piazza del Plebiscito & Royal Landmarks

• Hours: Open 24/7
• Cost: Piazza del Plebiscito: Free
  • Individual landmarks have separate entry fees (Royal Palace start at €15, Teatro di San Carlo €7–€9)

One of Naples’ most iconic public spaces is the Piazza del Plebiscito. This expansive square is named after the 1860 plebiscite that led to Naples joining the Kingdom of Italy, and it’s surrounded by some of the city’s most impressive architectural landmarks.

The Royal Palace of Naples, facing the square, was originally built in the 17th century and served as a residence for Spanish viceroys and later the Bourbon kings. Inside, you can explore opulent rooms, historic frescoes, and grand halls that offer a glimpse into Naples’ royal past. 

Just across the square, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, with its neoclassical colonnade and dome, creates a dramatic backdrop perfect for photos.

Nearby, the Teatro di San Carlo, founded in 1737, is one of the oldest opera houses in the world. Even if you don’t catch a performance, a guided tour provides insight into its history and stunning interior design.

The square is also ideal for people-watching, street performers, and casual strolling, and it’s particularly magical at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the surrounding buildings and colonnades.

Food Tour: Taste the Real Naples

• Hours: 6-hour food tour – read to find out WHY this is worth it
• Cost: starting at €130 per person

During our 3 days in Naples, Italy, we knew we wanted to dive into the city’s famous culinary scene, so we booked a food tour – though we had some doubts at first. 

We had seen large groups wandering through Rome and Florence on similar tours, and they didn’t look very appealing. Often, these crowds visited the same restaurants and got in the way, making the experience feel more touristy than authentic.

A private food tour, however, quickly became one of the most unforgettable things to do in Naples, Italy. We discovered Culinary Backstreets, a company with excellent reviews that actually started their tours in this city. Even better, our tour was completely private — just the two of us — which immediately made the experience feel personal and special.

Over six hours, our guide Sonia, born and raised in Naples, led us to a variety of food spots we would never have found on our own. She carefully curated the tour to highlight both the city’s culinary diversity and its family-run businesses, some of which have been operating for six generations. From the aroma of freshly baked pizza to the lively chatter in trattorias, every stop immersed us in the heart of Naples’ culinary culture.

As we strolled from stop to stop, Sonia shared fascinating insights about the city, from traditional recipes to the local ingredients that make Neapolitan cuisine so unique. The combination of discovering hidden eateries, tasting authentic dishes, and learning the stories behind these family-owned businesses made this tour one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.

If you’re planning your 3-day Naples itinerary, this food tour is a perfect way to experience authentic local flavors in a single afternoon. We would highly recommend it for anyone visiting Naples.

If you’re crunched for time or on a tighter budget, here are other food tour options that you can check out:

Pompeii: Step Back in Time

• Hours: Opens daily at 9 AM
  • Closing hours vary by season
• Cost: start at €18.00
• How long to spend here: a minimum of 4 hours is needed

Visiting Pompeii is an absolute must and easily one of the best things to do in Naples, Italy. 

Sure, you’ve probably heard of Pompeii and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, but the city itself was actually founded long before that, around the 6th century BC. Originally a bustling Roman settlement, Pompeii thrived as a commercial hub, with homes, markets, and public spaces that reflected daily life in ancient Rome.

Today, the ancient city, frozen in time by the volcano’s eruption nearly 2,000 years ago, is not only incredibly well-preserved but also an active archaeological site. Ongoing excavations continue to uncover new insights into Roman life, and with over 170 acres to explore, there’s far more here than a single visit can cover.

We did a guided tour of the vast archaeological site, which helped us make sense of what we were seeing – without a guide, it’s easy to miss key details. The locals seem to joke about Vesuvius erupting again since it’s an active volcano but it was kind of spooky to be walking among the ghost town that was destroyed by ash and smoke.

Walking through the streets, it’s so easy to envision the daily life of the folks who lived here. Our guide took us to “fast food” stalls, one of the many brothels marked by phallic symbols acting as directional signs 😳, and through a typical home of a Pompeii resident.

The backdrop of Vesuvius and the surrounding mountains made the experience both beautiful and slightly eerie – a reminder that this was once a thriving city suddenly frozen in time. While our feet were tired by the end of the day, the sense of history and the vivid storytelling made it unforgettable.

For first-time visitors spending 3 days in Naples, Italy, we recommend allocating 4-5 hours to explore the main highlights of Pompeii with a guided tour. If you want a more in-depth experience, including some of the lesser-known areas, 6-7 hours is ideal. 

Important update: Starting November 15, 2025, Pompeii will require nominative tickets (tickets in the name of the visitor) and will enforce a daily limit of 20,000 admissions. This makes booking in advance even more crucial to secure your preferred time slot!

If you want the full Pompeii experience – from hidden streets to fascinating stories – secure your spot on a guided Pompeii tour with Viator. Trust us, it’s worth it to see what you’d otherwise miss.

Amalfi Coast: Day Trip from Naples

• Duration: 10–12 hours (typical full-day tour from Naples)
• Cost: Around €75–€120 per person, depending on group size and inclusions
• Stops Included: Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi (may include boat ride along the coast)

After exploring Pompeii, we took a day trip to the Amalfi Coast, one of the most picturesque stretches of coastline in Italy. We again opted to do this on a tour which included stops in Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi, giving us a taste of the colorful cliffside villages, dramatic coastal views, and charming streets that make this area so famous. 

Group tours can sometimes be a little hectic – ours was no exception – but they are the most convenient way to cover multiple towns in a single day. While the van ride included some loud narration and close-quarters seating, the payoff was worth it: breathtaking views, cliffside streets, and stops perfect for photos or a quick stroll.

In our opinion though, the tour was absolutely worth it in terms of getting to see the gorgeous coastline and we would recommend everyone to check it out. 

A nice surprise was that the guide said we could go on a boat tour if the whole group wanted to and who would say no to that?! So we got to go out on a 30-minute boat tour to see the coastline from the water!

Seeing the Amalfi Coast from the sea gives a completely different perspective and makes the experience unforgettable. The combination of driving along the scenic roads, stopping in multiple towns, and enjoying the coast from the water made this one of the most memorable day trips from Naples.

For travelers who want a bit more flexibility, consider staying overnight in Sorrento, Positano or Amalfi to fully soak in the atmosphere. However, even a single day trip allows you to experience some of the best things to do in Naples, Italy in the surrounding region.

Where to Eat in Naples

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and exploring the city without tasting it would be like visiting Rome and skipping the Colosseum. 

Reading about where to eat online, a lot of folks will say that even in the most “touristy” parts of the city, there aren’t really tourist traps because locals still go there to eat so all of the restaurants and bars are there for the locals as much as they are for the tourists. 

This made it really easy to pick where to go because if we were hungry and we saw something we liked, we would just stop and grab a bite without worrying if it was “the best” or if we were being taken advantage of since we’re tourists. 

So feel free to take our suggestions or stop anywhere along your travels if you see or smell something that appeals to you! You can’t go wrong in the city of pizza and fried foods.

50 Kalo: Upscale Pizza at Local Prices

• Hours:
  • Piazza Sannazaro: Daily from 12 PM  – 4:30 PM & 6:30 PM – 12:30 AM
  • Piazza della Repubblica: Daily from 12:30 PM – 4 PM & 7:30 PM – 12:30 AM

Located close to the shoreline, 50 Kalo feels upscale but has the friendly prices of a local pizzeria. They start off by giving you a small glass of prosecco to whet your appetite and that perfectly set the mood for the rest of the experience.

We got some fried squash blossoms to start with that were fragile and delicious and then got right to the main course – pizza. We wanted to try their take on Margherita which they altered slightly to use a more aged Parmigiano that gave it a unique taste. 

We also got their potato and sausage pizza which we’ve had in other places. This one blew all the others away though. We didn’t used to like white pizza but Italy and 50 Kalo specifically has changed that forever.

It’s not common to get things to go after a meal if you didn’t finish the portions but when they realized that our eyes were bigger than our stomachs (and the pizzas were bigger than we anticipated!) they offered to box up our leftovers without us even asking which was a nice bonus. 

The staff was great and we only spent €45 for a bottle of wine, an appetizer, and 2 pizzas. Definitely worth checking out!

Osteria Ippolito: Authentic Family Dining

• Hours:
  • Thursday – Saturday: 12:30 PM – 3 PM & 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Tuesday – Wednesday: 12:30 PM – 3 PM
  • Monday: Closed 

This is an unassuming spot on the main drag in the historical center. Our food tour guide recommended Osteria Ippolito when we walked past the night before so we had to check it out. Right away, we knew that this was going to be a great experience as the owner came out to take our order and explain to us the history of the local dishes that were offered there.

The owner’s warm welcome translated perfectly into the food that we got and the ambience of the evening was perfectly set. We sat outside to people watch as tourists and scooters set the soundtrack. 

We got a potato and provola pasta and an octopus rigatoni for our pasta dishes and then a giant meatball for our main course. The meal was finished off with a small taste of limoncello that the owner said was made right there in the restaurant.

During the dinner, street performers came by and the owner welcomed them inside to play. While normally these performers feel gimmicky, this felt like they genuinely just wanted to entertain us – no one came around asking us for money, they just asked for song requests and gave a great performance, then people gave money if they wanted to.

Eventually, they came outside where we were sitting and we watched as 3 generations of women sat together, a young girl of about 6 sitting with her mother and grandmother, listening to them play. 

The grandmother was so moved by the music that she began to cry and the little girl offered a single euro when they finished. Sometimes it feels odd to be a voyeur into these brief, sincere flashes of life but it stirred something deep inside us and was something we’ll remember forever.

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Don’t Miss the Fried Pizza

• Hours: Daily from 11 AM – 11 PM
• Pro Tip: Arrive early or during mid-afternoon to avoid long lines, especially at the original location

This legendary pizzeria gained international fame after being featured in Eat Pray Love, where Julia Roberts visited during her culinary journey through Italy. 

While it’s become more of a small chain with multiple locations, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele still preserves the simple, traditional recipes that made it famous. 

Their fried pizza is a must-try, and the experience gives you a taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza culture, even if you’re standing in line with tourists from all over the world.

Where to Drink

Naples isn’t just about pizza and pasta – it’s also home to incredible local drinks, from limoncello to volcanic wines. Here are some spots we loved during our 3 days in Naples, Italy:

Limonè: Limoncello Factory Tastings

• Hours: Daily from 11 AM  – 8:30 PM
• Cost: free tastings

Located beneath a church and right across from Osteria Ippolito, Limonè is a must-visit for lovers of all things lemon. 

Limoncello, the signature lemon liqueur of Naples and the Amalfi Coast, has roots going back to at least the 17th century, when families in southern Italy began using the abundant local lemons to make sweet, citrusy spirits. 

Traditionally, it was a homemade digestivo, enjoyed after meals to aid digestion and celebrate the region’s vibrant citrus culture. 

Today, places like Limonè continue this tradition, combining centuries-old recipes with modern flair, offering both locals and travelers a taste of Naples’ tangy heritage.

They offer free tastings of limoncello, chocolates, cookies, and travel-sized bottles of various lemon products. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making it a fun and informative stop for anyone wanting to understand Naples’ citrus culture.

Puteca Wine Bar: Local Volcanic Wines

• Hours: Daily from 4 PM – 12:30 AM

Hidden on a sloped side street, Puteca Wine Bar offers an intimate enoteca experience with knowledgeable sommeliers to guide you through the wines of Campania. A great enoteca located on a side street on a hill. The seating was a little tough because you’re on a slant but the vibes were perfect. 

We got to try the two main local wines from the area, Aglianico and Falanghina. Aglianico is a smooth red wine that was a favorite of ours and the falanghina we got was from Campi Flegrei. Both wines are unique in that the soil the grapes are grown in is volcanic from Mount Vesuvius so it’s a special experience to try the local favorites.

The combination of ambiance, friendly staff, and local flavors makes this an ideal stop after a day of exploring the city.

Naples is messy, loud, flavorful, and utterly unforgettable – a city that wears its heart on its sleeve and invites you to dive in with all your senses. From wandering the historic streets of Centro Storico to sampling the world’s best pizza, tasting limoncello, and exploring ancient sites like Pompeii, there’s no shortage of things to do in Naples, Italy.

Looking for more Italy travel? Explore all our Italy travel guides here and start planning your next adventure! 

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