Planning 3 days in Naples, Italy, is the perfect way to experience the city’s energy, history, and incredible food while still having time for an unforgettable day trip. From exploring the vibrant streets of the historic centre to visiting ancient ruins and enjoying some of the best pizza in the world, Naples is a city that rewards curious travellers.
My husband and I have been to Naples multiple times, most recently with our kids. On our most recent trip, we spent only two days there, but we found that three days in Naples would be the ideal balance between sightseeing in Naples itself and a day trip to Pompeii.
Plus, allow time to simply wander, eat, and soak up the atmosphere. It’s a destination that can feel busy and chaotic at times, but with a simple itinerary, it becomes surprisingly manageable, even with kids.
In this guide, I’ll share the perfect 3-day Naples itinerary, including what to see each day, how to get around, and optional day trips if you want to extend your stay. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the food, or as part of a wider Italy trip, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Naples.
- The Perfect 3 Days in Naples, Italy Itinerary
- 3 Days in Naples, Italy: Day 1
- Map for your Naples Itinerary (Day 1)
- Day in Naples: A Day Trip to Pompeii
- 3 Days in Naples, Italy: Day 3
- Day 3 in Naples: Afternoon
- Map for Naples Itinerary: Day 3
- FAQ's on Spending 3 days in Naples
- Final Thoughts on Your 3 Days in Naples, Italy Itinerary
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The Perfect 3 Days in Naples, Italy Itinerary
On our most recent trip to Naples, I didnt get the itinerary quite right. I usually pride myself on planning great family itineraries. However, it can be tough to get it perfect every time, especially when you’re travelling with kids. Luckily, you can learn from my mistakes!
3 Days in Naples, Italy: Day 1
Naples is a busy, chaotic city. In some places, it’s a little rough around the edges, but I believe this adds to its charm.
We stayed at Angioino Apartments in Naples. This was a really budget-friendly option for families and in a great location, so this is where our itinerary starts. Overall, Naples is very walkable, so if you stay in the centre, this itinerary will work for you! Check all Naples accommodation here.
Day One in Naples: Morning
I planned a relaxed morning for our first day in Naples. This works really well with kids, especially if you’ve had a long travel day the day before.
Start your Naples itinerary with a walk along the waterfront. We started on Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton and followed Via Nazario Sauro, a pedestrian path on the waterfront towards Castel Ovo.
A relaxed walk along the waterfront with views of Mount Vesuvius across the bay.
This is a picturesque walk with views of Mount Vesuvius. It also wasn’t very busy, so my kids could run along the waterfront freely.
You can walk all the way along the water to Castel Ovo, which is a small castle located on the edge of the water. Entrance is free, making this a fun activity the whole family will enjoy.
Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, so we didnt get to go inside.
Day One in Naples: Lunch
After visiting Castle Ovo, you’ll most likely be ready for lunch. I would recommend a light lunch, as I have an evening meal restaurant recommendation that is very filling!
Follow the route back towards Piazza del Plebiscito and Galleria Umberto I. Both of these can be quick stops on your Naples itinerary, but are definitely worth seeing.
In this area, you’ll find lots of places to eat. We ate at Gran Caffè San Marco, it is slightly out of the way of the route shown on the map, but it was a lovely spot to stop for a coffee and pastries.
Take some time enjoying Piazza del Plebiscito and Galleria Umberto I before heading toward the next stop on your Naples itinerary.
The stuninng Galleria Umberto I building.
Day One in Naples: Afternoon
Riding the funicular train is a fun thing to do in Naples, especially if you’re visiting with kids. This is where our itinerary went a little wrong (as I didn’t realise there were multiple different stops), so make sure to take the F3 funicular train from Teatro Augusteo to Funicolare Centrale.
From there, it is a short walk to Castel Sant’Elmo. This is another of Naples’ Castles. It offers amazing views over the city and the Bay of Naples towards Mount Vesuvius. We had planned to go inside here, but after taking the wrong route, it was getting late, and our kids were hungry. We ended up just enjoying the views from the outside before going on to dinner.
Stunning views from outside Castle Sant’Elmo.
Adult tickets cost €5, 18 to 25 year olds are reduced to €2.50 and those under 18 visit for free. You can buy tickets from the castle on arrival, or book online to skip the line here.
You may not want to go into both Castle Ovo and Castle Sant’Elmo. Of course, if castles are of particular interest to you, then go ahead. I would probably have gone inside Castle Ovo (if it had been open) and just enjoyed the views from outside Sant’Elmo. But choose what will work best for you / your family.
Riding the Funicular train in Naples.
First Dinner: The Best Pizza in Naples
My husband and I visited Naples for the first time around 10 years ago. Ever since, we have remembered the pizza from Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo as the best one in the world. The number one thing on our Naples itinerary was to go back and eat here with our kids.
To get here, you’ll take a different funicular train back down the hill. Take an F2 train from Morghen Funicolare to Montesanto. From here, it’s around a 15-minute walk.
Delicious pizzas from Pizzeria Di Matteo.
You will pass many other places to eat, including some at the top of the hill. While most of these other options are probably great. For us, it had to be De Matteo. They have so many different pizza options, and a huge classic margarita costs just €5.
Bonus stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. After dinner, we grabbed our kids a gelato from Il Gelato Mennella. There was one located close to our rental apartment, and I would highly recommend it!
Map for your Naples Itinerary (Day 1)
Below is my map, showing the route for your day one in Naples itinerary. Click the blue “more options” button to open it in Google Maps.
Note, on this map, Augusteo and Funicolare Centrale are the first two funicular train stops. See Castle Sant’Elmo and then the next two points, Funicolare Montesanto and Funicolare Stazione Montesanto, which are another funicular route that will bring you back down the hill.
Day in Naples: A Day Trip to Pompeii
There are lots of day trip options available from Naples, but Pompeii is by far the most iconic! We debated whether it was best to visit Pompeii or Herculaneum (as Herculaneum is easier to navigate with young children), but in the end decided Pompeii was the right choice for us.
We were so pleased we made this decision, and with the right expectations, it was an experience the whole family enjoyed. I’ve written a full guide to exploring Pompeii with kids, linked here. Make sure to read that next for all our tips.
Visiting the iconic Pompeii as a day trip from Naples.
We visited Naples as part of a Southern Italy road trip, so we hired a car and drove to Pompeii. All the details on parking etc are in my Pompeii guide. If you’re just visiting Naples, the train is likely to be an easier and cheaper option.
You can take the Circumvesuviana train directly from Napoli Garibaldi station to Pompei Scav, which is only a few minutes’ walk from the Archaeological Pompeii site. Trains run regularly, and the journey takes around 30–40 minutes.
Train tickets start at just €3 each way. Visit Omio to check the schedule and book your tickets in advance. Alternatively, there are companies which run coach trips to Pompeii from Naples.
Exploring the Archaeological Site of Pompeii.
3 Days in Naples, Italy: Day 3
After a busy day exploring Pompeii, you’ll most likely be ready for a day in Naples with slightly less walking. The final day of our 3 days in Naples itinerary covers a few key landmarks and sites that didn’t quite fit into day one, and of course, more delicious food stops!
Day 3 in Naples: Morning
The pastries at Gran Caffè San Marco were so good, we went back for breakfast the next day. It was only a few minutes’ walk from our holiday apartment, so it made a very convenient stop and a delicious start to the day.
Tea and pastries from Grans Caffe San Marco.
After breakfast, head towards the Spanish Quarter. Here you’ll find a maze of vibrant streets, many of which pay tribute to Diego Maradona (one of the most famous players in history from the Napoli football team).
It’s a really cool area to explore. Note: the point on my Google Map below takes you to the edge of the Spanish Quarter. You can take as long or as little time as you like to wander this interesting area.
Maradona flags in the Spanish Quarter.
After exploring the Spanish Quarter, head up Via Toledo. This is one of the most famous streets in Naples, lined with shops and cafes. It has a bustling vibe.
Day 3 in Naples: Lunch
Get a relaxed lunch at Pizzeria Vesi. This was another restaurant we visited on our first trip to Naples, and the food here is also amazing. It has a much more relaxed vibe than De Matteo, and in the summer months, you might be lucky to get an outside table.
Family meal at Pizzeria Vesi.
Day 3 in Naples: Afternoon
Spend your afternoon exploring more of the historic centre of Naples. On my map, I have shared a route that takes you down the key streets you won’t want to miss. However, feel free to wander and explore at your own pace.
Via S. Gregorio Armeno, also known as the Christmas Street, is a really cool one to walk down. This small road is lined, all year round, with Christmas shops. Selling everything from traditional Nativity scenes to more modern decorations.
Via S. Gregorio Armeno aka, Christmas Street.
This street leads you onto Via dei Tribunali. This is the same street as De Matto Pizzeria is on, so if you’ve followed my itinerary, you will have seen part of it before. However, it’s a unique street with such a fun vibe; it’s nice to see it in the day as well.
Via dei Tribunali is a bit of a party street. It’s very busy, crowded, and you’ll hear music playing as you wander. It’s also a really good place to pick up a snack or sweet treat. If you want a lighter lunch, you could skip Vesi and get something here instead.
It’s also super affordable, you can get a small pizza for as little as €1.50 and an Aperol Spritz to go for just €2. (The cart in the photo below is qute expensive at €4!
Food and drinks for sale on Via dei Tribunali.
This 3 days in Naples itinerary finishes at the iconic Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta. This is another great place to see in Naples, and entry is free!
Map for Naples Itinerary: Day 3
FAQ’s on Spending 3 days in Naples
Yes, 3 days is a great amount of time for Naples. It gives you enough time to explore the city’s main highlights at a relaxed pace, enjoy the food scene, and still fit in an unforgettable day trip such as Pompeii or Capri. If you would like to do more day trips, then allow longer.
I would recommend staying in Naples rather than Pompeii. Naples offers a much wider range of accommodation, restaurants, and transport links, making it a far more practical base for exploring the region. Pompeii itself is very small and is mainly focused on the archaeological site.
There are a few key experiences you really shouldn’t miss when visiting Naples. Exploring the historic centre, walking along the waterfront, taking the funicular for city views, and visiting landmarks such as Galleria Umberto I are all great things to do. For me, a pizza at Di Matteo is also essential!
The best time to visit Naples is during spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is warm but not too hot and the city is more comfortable to explore on foot. These months are ideal for sightseeing, day trips to places like Pompeii, and enjoying outdoor dining without the peak summer crowds.
Final Thoughts on Your 3 Days in Naples, Italy Itinerary
Spending 3 days in Naples is the perfect way to experience the city’s unique energy while still having time for one of the most unforgettable day trips in Italy. In just a short stay, you can explore the historic streets, enjoy incredible food, take in amazing views over the bay.
What makes Naples so special is the contrast, it’s chaotic, authentic, and full of character, but also incredibly rewarding when you slow down and embrace it. From eating pizza in its birthplace to wandering atmospheric neighbourhoods and taking a day trip to Pompeii, every day feels completely different.
We found that a three day itinerary was the ideal amount of time: two days to really experience Naples itself, and one day to explore beyond the city. It’s a destination that works especially well if you’re happy to mix sightseeing with food, atmosphere, and a bit of adventure.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Southern Italy, this itinerary is a great way to experience the best of Naples without feeling rushed and it might just be one of the most memorable parts of your Italy trip.
Thank you so much for reading our perfetc 3 days in Naples, Italy itinerary, we hope you have the best trip Italy!
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Happy Exploring,
