Naples -Your Perfect Day in the City That's Been Called "See Naples and Die"
Most travelers dedicating just one day to Naples are those arriving from outside. We detailed the ways to reach the city here.
Naples’ main train station, Stazione di Napoli Centrale, is usually the most convenient arrival point for those coming by train or car. That’s why this itinerary starts and ends at Piazza Garibaldi.
Starting Point: Piazza Garibaldi
End Point: Piazza Garibaldi
Top Sights to See on the Tour:
Piazza del Plebescito
Galleria Umberto
Castel Nuovo
Piazza Municipio
Piazza Gesu Nuovo
Spaccanapoli
Welcome to Naples. The itinerary of the city that’s been called “See Naples and Die” we’ve divided into two main areas: the city center and the old town. In each, you’ll find key sites that tell the story of Naples’ rich and glorious past. And of course, we didn’t forget to include all the Italian must-haves: great coffee, delicious gelato, top-notch pastry shops, and the best local restaurants.
To get from Piazza Garibaldi (your starting point) to your first stop, Piazza del Plebiscito, you have two main options:
Taxi – The easiest and fastest way. You’ll find them waiting right outside the train station. The ride costs around €10–15, depending on traffic.
Metro – Take the metro from the lower level of the train station and get off at Toledo Station. From there, walk down Via Toledo to Piazza del Plebiscito (about 700 meters).
Piazza del Plebiscito welcomes visitors with the grand columns of San Francesco di Paola, wrapping around the square like open arms. It’s reminiscent of St. Peter’s Square in Rome and is Naples’ main square, often used for public events, celebrations, and protests.
To the east of the square stands the stunning Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), its peach-colored facade and sheer size making a powerful impression. Once home to the Kings of Naples and France, the palace was fully restored after World War II. Today, it’s a museum showcasing the palace’s historic rooms, furniture, and artwork.
Time for Your First Coffee in Naples
We think it’s the perfect moment for your first coffee in Naples. Right next to the square, just across the street, stands the city’s most famous café since 1860 — Caffè Gambrinus. It’s our first (and very strong) recommendation for today. Step inside, take in the historic charm and elegance, and order your coffee — whether standing at the bar like a local or sitting down to soak up the atmosphere.
From this classic spot, turn left onto Via Toledo, Naples’ busiest and most important street. On your left, you’ll see the entrance to the Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli), a neighborhood that reflects the city’s Spanish influence from the 17th century.
Wait, one more foodie tip!
We’re not sure when you last had breakfast, but if you’re in the mood for something truly local, right at the start of Via Toledo — still on the left — you’ll find the most famous fried pizza in town:
Antica Pizza Fritta da Zia Esterina Sorbillo.
Trust us — it’s a must-try before you go any further!
Now that you’re fueled up, walk another 200 meters down Via Toledo, cross over to the other side of the street, and look for the entrance to Galleria Umberto I. Step inside and stand beneath the stunning glass dome. Look up — breathtaking, isn’t it? The size, the light, the architecture. Then look down at the colorful marble floor, decorated with the signs of the zodiac. Can you spot yours?
This impressive structure was built at the end of the 19th century and marked the beginning of a major urban renewal project in Naples, known as the Risanamento (literally: “making healthy again”), which lasted until World War I. The gallery is named after King Umberto I of Italy, who reigned at the time.
Exit South Toward Piazza Trieste e Trento
Just ahead, you’ll see the oldest opera house in Europe — Teatro di San Carlo, which has been operating in the same building since 1737. If you’re interested, you can take a guided tour inside and explore its rich history and stunning interiors.
From there, continue along Via San Carlo, and you can’t miss one of Naples’ most iconic landmarks: Castel Nuovo (also known as Maschio Angioino). This imposing, fortress-like castle was built in the 13th century and served as the royal residence for the rulers of Naples. Over time, it also became a heavily fortified military stronghold. Today, it houses a vibrant museum filled with sculptures, paintings, and relics from the city’s royal past.
Our next stop is exactly 1 kilometer away. You can either hop in a taxi waiting just outside the castle or take a leisurely 15–20 minute walk. From the castle, head toward Piazza Municipio, then follow the wide boulevard Via Medina. You’ll recognize the street by the tallest building in Naples — the NH Napoli Panorama Hotel, standing 100 meters high.
Feeling hungry?
If your stomach is already calling for a bite, here’s a great tip: just outside the castle, turn right, cross the construction zone, and you’ll find a cozy and affordable Neapolitan osteria — Osteria Da Antonio. Highly recommended — you won’t regret it.
Continue walking up Via Medina, which turns into Via Monteoliveto. Then, turn right onto Via Calata Trinità Maggiore, which leads you to Piazza del Gesù Nuovo.
Welcome to the Oldest Part of Naples
You’ve just entered Spaccanapoli, the historic heart of the city. The name literally means “Naples-splitter,” as this narrow, straight street cuts right through the center of the ancient Roman layout. Like many Roman cities, this area is structured in a classic grid pattern, with intersecting streets and a layout that dates back centuries.
Exploring Spaccanapoli
Start your walk through Spaccanapoli on Via San Benedetto Croce, and don’t skip that afternoon coffee! Just to your left, you’ll find a fantastic local coffee bar — Centrale del Caffè — known for serving some of the best coffee in Naples. Totally worth a stop.
Continue strolling down this unique street and check out the many small stalls and shops that capture the spirit of Naples. Keep an eye out for:
The iconic red Cornicello (good luck charm shaped like a chili pepper).
The mischievous and melancholic character Pulcinella.
The incredible handcrafted Presepi (Nativity scenes), carved in wood and unique to Naples.
Walk on until you reach Piazza San Domenico Maggiore. Here, you might spot vendors selling traditional Tombola game cards — a beloved local version of bingo.
Don’t leave the square without trying a sfogliatella, Naples’ most famous pastry, at Scaturchio, one of the best pastry shops in the city.
Just behind the square, take a quick detour to visit the nearby Sansevero Chapel (Cappella Sansevero). From the church of San Domenico Maggiore, turn left and then immediately right onto Via Francesco de Sanctis. Inside this small yet breathtaking chapel, you’ll find 28 stunning marble sculptures by Italian masters.
Do not miss the legendary Veiled Christ (Cristo Velato) — a masterpiece that many call one of the most remarkable sculptures in the world.
Head back to the square and continue straight — the street now becomes Via San Biagio dei Librai — until you reach the corner of Via San Gregorio Armeno. But before turning left, walk just a few more steps ahead. On your left, hidden inside a classic Neapolitan courtyard, you’ll discover one of the area’s hidden gems:
Ospedale delle Bambole — the “Doll Hospital” of Naples.
Yes, it’s a real place — a repair shop and museum for dolls and figurines. Quirky, charming, and completely unforgettable.
Return from the Doll Hospital to the intersection and walk up Via San Gregorio Armeno, lined with stalls and souvenir shops. At the end of the street, you’ll reach Via dei Tribunali, another important street in the Spaccanapoli neighborhood.
At this junction, you can choose which of the following nearby highlights you’d like to visit:
Le Neapolis Sotterrata –
Beneath the church of San Lorenzo Maggiore lies an entire world of ancient Naples, dating back to its Greek and Roman past, layered one on top of the other. You’ll walk through ancient streets with shops and homes that strongly resemble those of Pompeii.
Napoli Sotterranea –
One of the city’s absolute must-sees: Underground Naples. A fascinating maze of tunnels, chambers, and water cisterns that once served as the city’s water system in Roman times, and later as a hiding place during World War II.
The tour is a thrilling experience, including walks with flashlights and, in some of the narrow tunnels, even sideways walking.
Perfect for kids.
Important: there are 132 steps to go down — and then back up. Worth it!
Duomo di Napoli –
The city’s cathedral, where the vial of dried blood belonging to San Gennaro, Naples’ most beloved saint, is kept.
Three times a year — on the first Saturday in May, September 19, and December 16 — a sacred ritual is held in which the dried blood is said to liquefy.
If the miracle happens, it is believed that the city and its people will be protected from harm.
Depending on the time and your hunger level, it’s worth checking out our next recommendation:
Naples is full of pizzerias, but there are a few that you just have to try at least once.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is the most famous of them all. Feeling like a slice? Go for it.
If you get there around 6:00 PM, there’s a good chance the line won’t be too long.
It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Spaccanapoli area, and from there, it’s a short walk back to the end point.
Head back to Via San Biagio dei Librai and continue downhill — the street changes its name to Via Forcella — until you reach the right turn onto Via Cesare Sersale.
You’ll likely spot the line for the pizzeria from a distance.
If Julia Roberts chose to eat here in Eat, Pray, Love, there’s probably a good reason.
But hey — if waiting in line isn’t your thing, no worries. Right across the street is another excellent spot:
Pizzeria D’Angeli. Buon appetito!
Now, head to the main street, Corso Umberto I, one of Naples’ main shopping avenues, and walk to Piazza Garibaldi. Just 10 minutes on foot.
Wait — one last treat before the end:
Right before you hop in your car or catch your train, want to try the best sfogliatella in town?
Head to Sfogliatelle Attanasio.
How to get there?
At the corner of Corso Umberto I and Piazza Garibaldi, on the left side, you’ll see the UNAHOTEL Napoli. From there, it’s just a 300-meter walk, about 4 minutes.
[Click here for the walking route.]
Totally worth every bite.
