One-day itinerary in Naples
First of all: no! It is not possible to visit Naples in just one day; however, if you are short of time or are passing by, it is good to know you can have a broad view of the city in just one day, yet it is not in depth. You can be sure of one thing: you will want to come back! We prepared for today a One-day itinerary in Naples, especially for you who are short of time in the beautiful Italy! Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patriciayou make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”
Introduction
Naples is a historic city, charming and full of beauties. With inheritances from several people, Naples was colonized by the Greeks in the 9th century BC, in Ischia and Cuma; in the 6th century BC, a small island arose in Megaride, where nowadays the Castel dell’Ovo (“Castle of the Egg”) is located. It was named Parthenope, which was the name of the mermaid who, according to the legend, committed suicide, perplexed for not being able to enchant Ulysses with her singing. The colony, around 470 BC, expanded to the mainland, more precisely on Mount Echia (Pizzofalcone) and received the name Neapolis, which means ‘new city’, to make it different from the former settlement, Palepolis, which means ‘old city’.
Important to know
- People, it is good to know that it is impossible to visit Naples in just one day! That id because you need time to get to know its museums, castles, cuisine and so many other attractions the city offers you. However, in one day you can get a brief overview of this city full of magic! Read also our posts Two-day itinerary in Naples and Half-day itinerary in Naples!
- We have considered the itinerary with no visits inside the mentioned sights.
1) One-day itinerary in Naples: VISIT PIAZZA GARIBALDI (GARIBALDI SQUARE)
Our starting point to spend the day in Naples could not be different: Piazza Garibaldi. Here you find the city’s central railway station, which makes you arrival quite easier if you come by train. Tip: here is also Toledo subway stop, considered one of the must beautiful in the world. It is, indeed, impressive!
2) One-day itinerary in Naples: VISIT THE FOUNTAIN OF NEPTUNE
Leaving the station, head towards Corso Umberto I, which is also called, by the locals, Rettfilo. This street is the one, indeed, connecting the central station to the historic center and it has several monuments and historical buildings. Walking along Rettfilo, which means almost 1,5 km on foot, you will reach Piazza Bovio (Bovio Square). Go ahead through Cardiale Guglielmo and Medina streets to get to the beautiful Piazza Municipio (“Town Hall Square”). Here you will find the beautiful, splendorous, Fountain of Neptune!
3) One-day itinerary in Naples: VISIT CASTEL NUOVO (“NEW CASTLE”)
In the square, you also can see the magnificent Maschio Angioino, also known as Castel Nuovo. Its structure is impressive and is of unmatched beauty! Built between 1279 and 1284, by Carlos I of Anjou, over the years it has received important names like Giotto, Petrarca and Boccaccio. The Palatine Chapel, today the Civic Museum, is still intact and is beautiful! They say that, in the castle dungeons, there was an immense crocodile that fed on the prisoners sentenced to death!
4) One-day itinerary in Naples: VISIT SAN CARLO THEATER AND THE ROYAL PALACE
From here, you can proceed to Piazza Trieste (Trieste Square) and Trento, where you can see the elegant, historic and beautiful San Carlo Theater and the Royal Palace.
San Carlo Theater
The theater has always received incredible cultural performances and its interior is finely decorated. Beautiful, really! San Carlo Theater is one of the most famous opera houses in the world and is one of the oldest still in operation. It was founded in 1737 and, in the past, had a capacity of 3,285 seats, but its capacity was reduced to 1,386. Although other theaters have tried to copy the stage of San Carlo Theater, it was useless: the stage of this theater remains the favorite of Italy for many opera singers and theatrical actors.
The Royal Palace of Naples
Also in Piazza Trieste and Trento, you will find the Royal Palace of Naples. Designed in 1600 by Domenico Fontana, the Palace, however, was completed, among others, by Luigi Vanvitelli. The Palace served as the residence of the Spanish viceroys for over 150 years and today houses the fantastic National Library.
5) One-day itinerary in Naples: VISIT PIAZZA DEL PLEBISCITO (PLEBISCITO SQUARE) AND ITS ATTRACTIONS
Leaving there, we finally arrived at the wide and famous Piazza del Plebiscito and, there, we can admire it in its entire splendor. Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the most symbolic places in Naples and is in the heart of the historic city center, at the end of via Toledo.
The Attractions of the Square
With more than 25 thousand square meters, it is the largest square in the city and one of the largest in Italy. On the sides, we can see the famous colonnade, and also the Palazzo della Prefettura (Prefettura Palace), the Palazzo Salerno (Salerno Palace), the Royal Palace and the Church of St Francis of Paola. The area here is exclusive for pedestrians. It is great to stop and photograph the statues of the kings of Naples in the eight niches built by Vanvitelli, in addition to the majestic equestrian statues of Carlos III and Ferdinando I. The first ‘half’ of the statue was made by Canova and the second (the horse) by Canova before his death; it was completed by his student Antonio Calì.
6) One-day itinerary in Naples: VISIT GALLERIA UMBERTO I
Continuing the walk, go to a place that will make you feel in Milan. We are talking about the iconic Galleria Umberto I, between Via Toledo and Piazza Dante. To enter the Galleria, just follow via Toledo and you will soon find one of the 4 entrances on your right. The gallery dates back to the 18th century, it was built between 1887 and 1890 and in 1896 it was chosen as the location of the first cinema in Naples.
Gold Tip
- If you have little time in Naples, I suggest you to hire a guide, as he will know exactly where to take you so that you can get the most out of the city! Do you want to hire a guide in Naples? Then click here and ask for a free budgeting!
Reading Tips
- How to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast?
- How to get to Naples from Rome?
- Excursion from Naples to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
- Excursion from Naples to Capri
- The best pizzerias in Naples!
How to get to Naples?
1) How to get to Naples? BY AIRPLANE
From Capodichino International Airport, which is one of the most important in Italy, and located just 7 km from the center. The city is very well connected by public transport and you can use an Alibus bus, which also stops at the city’s port.
Also read our posts about Airports in Italy:
- HOW TO GO FROM THE ROME AIRPORT TO THE CENTER OF ROME?
- HOW TO GO FROM THE MALPENSA AIRPORT TO THE CENTER OF MILANO?
- HOW TO GO FROM VENICE AIRPORT TO VENICE CENTER
2) How to get to Naples? BY TRAIN
Napoli Centrale – Piazza Garibaldi station is perfectly connected to all Italian destinations. Well structured, it offers good options for those coming from all parts of Italy, north or south.
Also find out “What is the difference between trains in Italy?”. Would you like to save? So buy your ticket online in advance and save a lot, read the Post “How to buy a train ticket in Italy?“.
3) How to get to Naples? BY CAR
Coming from the North, take the A1 highway, the famous Autostrada del Sole; coming from the south – on the Mediterranean Sea side – use the A3, Naples-Reggio Calabria, while for those coming from the Adriatic, we suggest using the A16 motorway, Naples-Canosa. When you arrive in Naples, to go to the city center, follow the signs Centro – Porto – Maritime Station – Central Station.
Traveling by car in Italy
How about if I give you a rental car option? Are you ready for it? If you are renting a car be sure to read our posts in the section Driving in Italy on the blog Your Travel to Italy. In addition to car itinerary tips, we have everything about signage, tolls, roads and many more tips.
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Conclusion
One-day itinerary in Naples? Naples is the kind of enthralling city! A unique, historic, poetic and very important city for southern Italy. I suggest that, if possible, stay more than one day in Naples, so that you can really have a wide and detailed view of this city that is often treated so wrong in terms of tourism.
And if you feel insecure or have no time, and need help to organize your trip, do not hesitate to look for me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy. And how can I do that? Continue reading this post until the end and you will understand how can we make your life and journey easier.
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