The Ultimate 2-day Itinerary In Naples

To end off your first day in Naples, take the funicular to Castel Sant’Elmo, a 13th-century star-shaped fortress that sits on top of Vomero Hill. It offers panoramic views of Naples which makes it one of the best places to watch the sunset and take in everything you’ve explored during the day. Reward your first day of exploring the best of Naples with a feast of Neapolitan Pizza. For an authentic Neapolitan pizza head to Antica Pizzeria & Trattoria AL 22 or Pizzeria Di Matteo or one of the many others around the city (they’re all so good!).

After your whirlwind tour of some of the best things to do in Naples, it’s time to explore some of the best things to do and see nearby. First up is Napoli Sotterranea or Underground Naples, embark on a short tour of Naples’ underground geothermal zone and explore the maze of underground corridors that are intricately linked with the city’s history. There is a whole city beneath that includes aqueducts, secret chambers, catacombs, air-raid shelters, and even vegetable gardens tucked away. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and it’s a fascinating way for the whole family to learn more about Naples’ history.

Next, take a short trip out of the city to explore the excavated towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum which were destroyed and buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E.The excavations offer a glimpse of Roman life in the 1st century and you’ll be able to see how Roman cities looked almost 2000 years ago. Near the Pompeii ruins, you’ll find Virtual Pompeii which is an educational entertainment facility that features a 3D projection room a virtual reconstruction of the ancient town before the volcano erupted. There is no re-entry into the ruins once you’ve left so you can either enjoy lunch from one of the restaurants nearby or eat at the Pompeii Scavi Café within the ruins. There are also a number of food carts selling all sorts of delicious Neapolitan street food such as Cuoppo (fried fish in a cone) or Panino Napolitano (a doughy roll filled with cheese and salami).

Head back to the city to explore an ancient castle. The first is Castel Nuovo which is a medieval castle that was first erected in 1279. This is one of the main architectural attractions in Naples and a must-visit while you’re in the city. The terraces of the castle also offer great views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. It closes at 6:30pm so depending on the time of year that you visit you may be able to watch the sunset from here. Or head to the seafront Castel dell’Ovo (The Egg Castle) which is located on the former island of Megaride for sunset. If you climb the tower you’ll be able to see the island of Capri in the distance. Then to end off your two-day itinerary in Naples, head to a local trattoria such as Trattoria Don Vincenzo or Trattoria Pizzeria La Lazzara for some of the best things to eat in Naples.