Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Naples?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Naples?
Many visitors spend one to three days in Naples during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This city offers a number of attractions to explore, including the restaurant scene, the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, and the big city activities.
Naples is a rough-around-the-edges city that offers visitors a glimpse into a more authentic side of Italy. While it has a reputation for being a bit chaotic and gritty, the city is actually a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. Most of the attractions are in the historic city center, which is easy to explore on foot. The city also offers access to many great day trips, and many visitors use it as a gateway for exploring Southern Italy.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Naples? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Naples?
Three days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Naples. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Naples as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 3 days in Naples
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Naples, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Tour of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples ($87)
- NAPLES: MANN, National Archeological Museum of Naples ($184)
- National Archaeological Museum of Naples ($74)
The culinary scene in Naples is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Campania Wine Tasting Experience in Napoli ($142)
- Taste of Napoli Food Tour with Eating Europe ($85)
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Napoli ($63)
Naples is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Naples Private Food Walking Tour With Locals: The 10 Tastings ($132)
- Historical and Street Art walking tour of Naples ($25)
- Naples Street Food and Walking Tour ($41)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.
The public transit in Naples is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.
In the large and diverse city of Naples, you'll want to dedicate at least a day to experiencing the unique neighborhoods, exciting attractions, and immersive activities offered around town. Don't miss out on visiting some of the city's famous landmarks as well. It's a big city with a reputation for being a bit rough around the edges. While it can feel a bit edgier than the larger cities in Northern Italy, it also has an authenticity that many visitors appreciate.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Procida Island Tour by Boat 2h 15m with Swimming and Underwater Photos ($49)
- Capri Island Small Group Boat Tour from Naples ($168)
- Naples City Tour ($247)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Naples.
Is 4 days enough time in Naples?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Naples at your own pace to taste delicious cuisine, browse the museums, admire the historic sights, and enjoy the city's energy. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Italian Pizza
How to spend 4 days in Naples
With 4 days in Naples, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Shopping in Naples is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Naples?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Naples has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Naples as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the restaurant scene, the museums and landmarks, and the historic old town at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
Naples, Italy
How to spend 5 days in Naples
If you have more than 5 days in Naples, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Perhaps the most famous spot in Naples is Piazza del Plebiscito, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Naples.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Naples, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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