Three days in Naples

Have in mind that in this three days in Naples you’ll walk a lot so be ready!
I didn’t know what to expect from this city; I had heard many different opinions from all sorts of people. Some love it, some hate it.
But I know better than to let myself be guided by other people’s perspectives. And I was right—Napoli was my favourite city during my three-week itinerary in Italy.

I loved all of it: its chaos, the FOOD, the people screaming, the mess and garbage, the hospitality, and the feeling of being immersed in real Italian culture.

A good tip is to have something that connects you to Maradona, because he is God in Napoli.
I’m Argentinian, so I spent my three days in Napoli wearing my Argentina jersey, and everybody on the street loved me!

It was a crazy and enriching experience. Every street tells a story, and every turn reveals something extraordinary.

For food lovers, Napoli is a paradise. Bite into a traditional pizza margherita, indulge in creamy buffalo mozzarella, or satisfy your sweet tooth with sfogliatella or babà al rum. Vegetarians will also find plenty of delicious options, including fresh pastas and vegetable-rich dishes. Napoli has something to delight every palate!

Keep in mind, like the rest of Italy, the city uses the Euro (€). So it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand or a travel-friendly card.

Day 1

Poppella

If you’re in Naples and have a sweet tooth, Poppella is a must-visit. This historic bakery, tucked away in the Sanità district, is famous for inventing the Fiocco di Neve (“Snowflake”). A pastry that has taken the city by storm.
The Fiocco di Neve often sells out, so arrive early to snag one.

The owner of the place is absolutely fantastic. He saw me with my Argentinian jersey and show me the “left foot of Maradona” with some pictures of the two of them together.

Palazzo Dello Spagnolo

Just six minutes walking from the little cafe almost hidden away there is this old Palazzo.
Tucked away in the heart of Naples. The Palazzo dello Spagnolo is an architectural gem that often flies under the radar.
Built in 1738, this Baroque palace stands out for its stunning staircase—a work of art in itself! The grand spiral staircase, often referred to as the “staircase of the angels,” is beautifully designed with elaborate iron railings and a dramatic ascent that leads to the upper floors.

You don’t have to pay to get inside and appreciate the incredible architecture.

Duomo Di Napoli

Only ten minutes walking from the Pallazo you’ll find this breathtaking Cathedral.
I was strike by how big and beautiful is this Duomo! The Duomo di Napoli, also known as the Naples Cathedral or the Cathedral of Saint Januarius, is a must-see gem in the heart of Naples, Italy. Built in 1313, this Gothic masterpiece stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and devotion to its patron saint, San Gennaro.

The cathedral’s highlight? The Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, where the famous blood miracle takes place. Three times a year, the dried blood of San Gennaro is said to liquefy—a phenomenon that locals believe brings good fortune to Naples.

Don’t miss the stunning frescoes by famous Italian artists and the remnants of an ancient 4th-century basilica. Visible in the archaeological area below the cathedral. The Duomo is built on top of two earlier churches, blending Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles into one breathtaking structure.

The entry to the Duomo is FREE.

Lunch in Cala la Pasta

Just four minutes from the Duomo you’ll have this amazing little place with the most delicious pasta I tried in Naples. The price is super affordable and the sizes are huge! Cala la Pasta y definitively worth recommend.

Girolamini Church And Via Deil Tribulani

Located right in the corner of the Duomo. You have this pretty Church that holds one of the oldest libraries in Italy in its complex. Having over 160.000 rare books.

After seeing the Church continue walking down this hectic street. Via dei Tribunali is the beating heart of Naples’ historic center. And a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the city’s authentic vibe. This ancient street, dating back to Roman times, is lined with pizzerias, cafes, and shops, making it the perfect spot for food lovers and history buffs alike.

Don’t miss out the Pulcinella Bust which is a playful and iconic statue that embodies the spirit of the city. Pulcinella, the mischievous character from Neapolitan commedia dell’arte, is known for his signature mask and cheeky charm. Also check out the beautiful graffiti art around the alleyway.

Sansevero Chapel Museum

Only three minutes walking from the Pulcinella Bust there’s this Museum.
By a misfortune we didn’t go to this museum and I deeply regret it, it hosts the famous Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino—a breathtaking marble statue that looks as though it’s covered in a delicate veil.
Although the price is a little bit high, if you are someone who likes art, then you definitely shouldn’t miss this place.
The museum is open from 9AM till 7PM. Is closed on Tuesdays.
The prices to the museum are:

• Adult: €12
• EU passport from 18 till 26 years old: €8
• Kids under 9 years old: FREE

Piazza Del Gesù Napoli And Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo

At about 6 minutes walking from the Museum you’ll get to Piazza del Gesú, full of history and amazing churches around it.

The Gesù Nuovo Church stands out with its unique diamond-shaped ashlar facade, a remnant of its Renaissance palace origins. Inside, its Baroque interior dazzles with frescoes and gilded details, while the tomb of Saint Giuseppe Moscati draws pilgrims worldwide.

Nearby, the Santa Chiara Complex offers a peaceful retreat with its famous Majolica Cloister, adorned with colorful hand-painted tiles, and a Gothic church housing royal tombs.

Both churches are FREE to visit.

Pizzeria e Trattoria al 22

Finish your first day in this authentic Pizza Napoletana.
Only 6 minutes walking from the square and into one of the oldest markets in Naples you’ll find this little piece of heaven.
The menu stays true to Neapolitan traditions, offering a genuine taste of the region.

Day 2

We start our second day taking the subway and heading to Toledo station, this station itself is already worth the visit for the intricate decoration and ornamented walls.
I would recommend to try a free walking tour in the Spanish Quarters, we did one and it was great! The tour guide was from Naples itself so she knew a lot of the traditions and culture.

Quartieri Spagnoli and Via Toledo

The Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters) is one of Naples’ most vibrant and authentic neighborhoods, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the city’s heart. Located between Via Toledo and the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, this densely packed area was built in the 16th century to house Spanish troops.

Get lost in the intricate little streets and go around enjoying all of the graffiti around and try the Sfogliatella a classic Neapolitan treat.

Maradona Graffiti

In Naples, Diego Maradona is more than just a football legend—he’s a cultural icon and a symbol of hope and pride. The city’s love for Maradona is immortalised in its streets through vibrant graffiti and murals, making it a must-see for sports fans and art lovers alike.

Try out the traditional spritz for ONE EURO! We went to Cammarota Spritz. This place opens at five pm.

Galleria Umberto I

Make your way back to via Toledo to see this incredible Gallery, Built in the late 19th century, this grand shopping arcade is a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture and a vibrant hub of activity.

The gallery is a feast for the eyes, with its soaring glass dome, intricate mosaic floors, and ornate iron-and-glass structure. The design was inspired by Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, but it has a distinct Neapolitan charm.

Castel Nuovo

Walking 4 minutes from the gallery there’s this massive castle! Inside there’s a Museum with an art collection and a chapel.

Castel Nuovo (also known as Maschio Angioino) is a majestic medieval fortress that has stood as a symbol of the city’s power and resilience for over 700 years. Built in the 13th century by Charles I of Anjou, this imposing castle is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
Entry Fee for the Museum:

• Adults: €6

The castle is open from 8:30 AM till 17:30 PM.

Piazza del Plebiscito

Just seven minutes walking from the castle you’ll be in this amazing and relevant square. Framed by iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, this is where the city’s past and present collide.

Don’t miss out the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola where the semicircular colonnades of mimic Rome’s Pantheon.

The Basilica is open from 9 AM–12 PM and 4–7 PM.

Royal Palace of Naples

The Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) is a stunning symbol of the city’s royal past. This grand palace was built in the 17th century as a residence for Spanish viceroys and later became home to the Bourbon kings.

You can get inside and explore the Romantic gardens for free! To see the other rooms and exhibitions you need to pay a ticket.

The Palace is open from: 9.00 AM ‒ 20.00 PM

Day 3

We went to spend the day in Pompeii in our third day of this three days in Napoli and oh boy it was worth it! Only 45 minutes by train from the central station.
Take the L1 line.

Pompeii

This place blow my mind away! I knew what to expect but living it in first person and walk through the perfect kept streets is something entirely different.
Use comfortable shoes because you walk a lot.

Pompeii is one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites, offering a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into life during the Roman Empire. Buried under ash and pumice during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, this ancient city was preserved for centuries, only to be rediscovered in the 18th century.
It’s unreal the definition of the canvases around the houses, the tones of colours!

Don’t miss the Forum, the Amphitheatre, the Garden of the Fugitives, the House of the Vettii, and the Temple of Apollo.

The prices of the tickets are:

• Pompeii Express: € 18.00 this includes only ancient city of Pompeii without suburban villas.
• Pompeii +: € 22.00 this includes the Ancient city of Pompeii and suburban villas: Villa dei Misteri + Villa di Diomede + Villa Regina in Boscoreale with Antiquarium

DO NOT BUY THE TICKETS in the train station when you get down in the “Ticket office” continue walking, go to the entrance of the park and you’ll see the official ticket booth.

I hope this three days in Naples help out everyone coming to this incredible and underrated city. I’ll add my link to other itineraries of Italy HERE.