W E L C O M E TO TH E
G O O D L I F E
I N
N A P L E S
P L A N N I N G
Much of the Neapolitan experience is about atmosphere and the pure joy of the place, rather than specific sites.
If you've not got your heart 100% set on precisely one or two specific restaurants (pizza or otherwise), you'll find that the city overflows with great cooking, and being flexible might land you in strange and wonderful territory.
Naples is also a place which offers a vastly different experience depending on which neighbourhood you stay in, and these can approximately be described as following:
Centro Storico: The Centro Storico of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage site, made up of narrow, bustling streets, ancient Roman ruins, and vibrant markets, capturing the heart of the city's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Some of the most beautiful churches in the world are also here, often with unassuming entrances.
Quartieri Spagnoli: The Quartieri Spagnoli is a lively and densely packed district with lots of great street food, colorful street art, and authentic local atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of Naples with its traditional shops and trattorias.
Chiaia: Chiaia is an elegant, upscale neighborhood along the waterfront, known for its chic boutiques, stylish cafes, and beautiful seafront promenade, providing a more refined and leisurely experience of Naples. Many of the biggest menswear houses have their ateliers here.
While it's possible to walk the whole of Naples, to some extent take the tube, or manage with cabs, all forms of transport can be deceptive. Some distances appear close on a map, but because the city is built on the side of a hill, vertical distances and huge numbers of stairs can easily do you in before you know it.
M U S E U M & S I T E B O O K I N G
There are a few key places well worth booking in advance.
If you're planning on visiting the Sansevero Chapel to view Giuseppe Sanmartino's spectacular Veiled Christ, for example, you'll need to plan for this well in advance as it will absolutely book out anywhere from days to a week in advance, all year round.
Pompeii and Hercolaneum will be absolutely swarming in the high season, but relatively empty during the off-season (November-March).
For the best restaurants, follow the tide of the season you visit in to decide whether to make advance bookings or be spontaneously, and plan accordingly.
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y P O I N T S
DAY I
Veiled Christ & Naples Archeological Museum & Pizza
Start your morning at the Sansevero Chapel Museum to see the extraordinary Veiled Christ, a masterpiece of sculpture that captures every detail with haunting realism.
Wander through Spaccanapoli, the narrow street that cuts through the heart of Naples, and soak up its vibrant atmosphere. Keep an eye out for artisanal shops, try not to fall for the tourist traps, and enjoy the wildness of it all.
After lunch—and your first meal should probably be a pizza—visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum, where treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum—including mosaics and frescoes—provide stunning context for the sites you’ll go to visit tomorrow.
End your day with an aperitivo in Piazza Bellini, a lively square favored by locals.
DAY II
Pompeii
Begin your visit with a morning trip to Pompeii, where the ruins tell the story of life—and sudden death—in a Roman city frozen in time.
After a leisurely lunch near the archaeological site, head to Herculaneum for a more compact but equally fascinating exploration of ancient life. Both truly have value to offer and there would be no sense in picking one over the other.
Return to Naples for a relaxed evening, perhaps enjoying a spaghetti alle vongole along the Lungomare seafront promenade while the lights of the Bay of Naples twinkle.
DAY III
Old Masters, Views, & Frescos
Begin your day at the Capodimonte Museum, where works by Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael are housed in a serene hilltop setting.
Afterward, take the funicular to Castel Sant'Elmo in the Vomero district for sweeping views of the city, Mount Vesuvius, and the sea.
In the afternoon, explore the Catacombs of San Gennaro, a fascinating network of ancient burial chambers adorned with early Christian frescoes.
Conclude your trip with a memorable dinner in the Chiaia district, known for its elegant restaurants and lively atmosphere. There are some true gems here.
Palaces & Tidying Loose Ends With Pizza
Begin your final day with a visit to the Royal Palace of Caserta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that rivals Versailles in scale and splendor. The palace’s opulent interiors and extensive gardens provide a stunning glimpse into the grandeur of 18th-century Bourbon rule.
After returning to Naples, enjoy a relaxed afternoon strolling the waterfront or revisiting your favorite neighborhood for a last taste of the city’s unique look at the world.
For your final dinner, consider an elegant restaurant that showcases the modern evolution of Neapolitan cuisine, celebrating both its rich traditions and innovative spirit.
Or, go for another glorious pizza with beer. Why not. Make those memories.
DAY IV
DAY V PLUS
You might also want to stay longer, and here’s why we think you should:
Naples serves as a gateway to some of Italy’s most stunning destinations.
Take a ferry to Capri for its rugged cliffs and azure waters, hike the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast, or explore the ancient Greek temples of Paestum.
Positano and Nerano are also both within range.
For the adventurous, a hike to the summit of Mount Vesuvius offers unparalleled views and a visceral connection to the volcanic force that shaped this region.
M E E T Y O U R G U I D E
All of our guides can offer you a spectacular experience. As each person has a slightly different look at the world, due to their own unique interests and specialties, we'd encourage you to read a few profiles.