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Naples: City of flavours and traditions with a trip to Pompeii

The itinerary will guide you through Naples through sights and tastes - from authentic pizza and sfogliatella to other local specialities. An unforgettable mix of history, atmosphere and gastronomy awaits you.

Veronika Pololáníková

Guide creator
  • Plan for 4 days
  • Map of 13 places
  • Practical tips, accomodation tips
Unlocked
Number of days

4 days

Transport

By foot

Pace

Medium pace

Difficulty

Medium difficulty

Season

Year-round

Suitable for

For everyone

Budget

$$

Visited places

13 places


Discover Naples in all its glory on a four-day itinerary that combines famous sights, local atmosphere and great cuisine. Stroll along the bustling Via Toledo, visit the Umberto I Gallery, Piazza del Plebiscito and enjoy views of Vesuvius and Castel dell’Ovo as you stroll along the sea. See the Vomero district with Castel Sant’Elmo and San Martino Monastery, discover the lively Spanish Quarter and the library hidden in a bar. There’s a trip to Pompeii, Neapolitan pizza at the legendary Starita pizzeria and a picnic in the green Capodimonte Park with a visit to the Duomo. An ideal choice for lovers of cities full of contrasts, history and delicious food.

Galleria Umberto I

Galleria Umberto I

Naples, Italy

Castel Sant’Elmo

Castel Sant’Elmo

Naples

Piazza di Plebiscito

Piazza di Plebiscito

Naples, Italy

Flight tickets

I definitely recommend buying your tickets as soon as possible to get the best price. You can buy them directly on the websites of airlines such as Ryanair or Wizz Air. The advantage is that you can fly to Naples at very affordable prices pretty much all year round.

Wizz Air

From Europe

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Ryanair

From Europe

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Accommodation

It is best to stay in the city centre area, where you will be closest to the main sites.

Brancaccio’s House

Napoli • $$

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<p>Brancaccio’s House je příjemné ubytování s vynikající polohou v srdci historické Neapole, ideální pro pohodlný pobyt.</p>

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Day 1

Treasures in the heart of Naples

This day takes you into the heart of Naples - you'll stroll along the bustling Via Toledo, visit the impressive Umberto I Gallery, and take a sweet break at a local pastry shop. Afterwards, you'll enjoy the famous Piazza del Plebiscito and a pleasant stroll along the sea with views of Vesuvius and Castel dell'Ovo. Finish the day with a stroll through the elegant Chiaia district and a delicious dinner at the Tandem restaurant, where you can taste traditional Neapolitan ragù.

1

Via Toledo

Via Toledo, Neapol, Itálie

Via Toledo is a vibrant thoroughfare in Naples – ideal for shopping, strolling and city watching. It connects history with the present, lined with shops, cafes and lively streets. Nearby you’ll find the famous Toledo Metro Station, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Start the day with a stroll along Via Toledo, the main street, an ideal place for a pleasant wander or a little shopping, full of shops, boutiques and cafés. I recommend taking the metro here and getting off at Toledo station, which is one of the most beautiful in Europe – its blue, “watery” design makes it look like an underwater world.

0.5 km (6 mins)

Pasticceria Poppella

Napoli • $

Pasticceria Poppella is a famous Neapolitan pastry shop, best known for its dessert Fiocco di Neve – a fluffy sweet filled with a delicate ricotta cream. The pistachio version is also popular, and is one of the most popular among locals and visitors alike.

Stop by Pasticceria Poppella, a famous pastry shop in Naples, for the legendary Fiocco di Neve, a fluffy dessert filled with ricotta cream. Don’t forget to try the pistachio-filled version, which is popular with locals and tourists alike.

0.1 km (2 mins)

2

Galleria Umberto I

Naples, Italy

Galleria Umberto I is one of those places where you walk in by accident – and you don’t want to leave. The elegant historic passageway with its glass dome and mosaic floor feels like another world in the middle of vibrant Naples. The light is different here, the noise of the city seems to have died down, and you just want to slow down and look around.

As well as cafes and shops, there’s the quaint Mondadori Bookstore | MA – unassuming but surprisingly spacious and full of atmosphere. The perfect place if you feel like getting lost among the shelves for a while and discovering something you weren’t looking for. I definitely recommend a visit – even if it’s just for ten minutes.

And a little interesting fact: the gallery was built at the end of the 19th century as part of the urban reconstruction project after the cholera epidemic. Its architecture was inspired by the famous Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery in Milan – and if you look up at the majestic dome, you’ll understand why.

At the end of the street, stop by the Umberto I Gallery, which will enchant you with its elegant architecture and historic atmosphere. I also recommend visiting the local bookstore – it is very original and worth discovering.

0.4 km (5 mins)

3

Piazza di Plebiscito

Naples, Italy

The Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the most important and imposing squares in Naples, which will immediately impress you with its size and historical significance. Surrounded by monumental buildings that tell the story of the city’s history, this square offers not only a breathtaking atmosphere but also a wealth of cultural heritage.

On one side of the square is the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), once the seat of the Bourbon family who ruled the Kingdom of Naples in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, this palace is open as a museum, where you can walk through rooms that remember royal times and admire its fascinating architecture. The palace also houses the National Library, and next door is the Teatro San Carlo, the oldest opera house in the world, where you can experience the beauty of the art of opera.

On the opposite side of the square, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola rises majestically, a neoclassical building that immediately captures your attention with its monumental dome. Its appearance is reminiscent of the famous Pantheon in Rome. Surrounding the basilica are equestrian statues whose arrangement recalls the design of Vatican Square. These statues were erected to commemorate the Bourbon family’s return to power after the fall of Napoleon. The Basilica and its surroundings are also a great place to relax and enjoy the view of the entire square.

Piazza del Plebiscito is where history meets modern life in Naples. Don’t miss a stroll through this square, which is not only the cultural but also the spiritual centre of the city.

Continue to the famous Piazza del Plebiscito, where you’ll want to visit the impressive Church of San Francesco di Paola. Enjoy the unique atmosphere overlooking Vesuvius, and if you get a craving for coffee, head to the historic Gambrinus Cafe, located right at the beginning of the square.

0.8 km (11 mins)

4

Lungomare

Lungomare Suites, Via Santa Lucia, Neapol, Itálie

From Piazza del Plebiscito, head towards the sea and stroll along the Lungomare, a picturesque seaside promenade with unforgettable views of the sea, Vesuvius and the iconic Castel dell’Ovo.

0.6 km (8 mins)

5

Castel dell'Ovo

Castel dell'Ovo, Via Eldorado, Neapol, Itálie

Castel dell’Ovo is the oldest castle in Naples, located by the harbour. It is famous for the legend of the magic egg that was supposed to protect the city – if it were to break, Naples would lose its power. The castle was built on the foundations of a Roman temple and offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius.

Unfortunately, you can’t get to Castel dell’Ovo at the moment because it’s undergoing renovation, but it’s still worth a walk – the view from the coast is really impressive.

2.3 km (32 mins)

6

Chiaia

Chiaia, Napoli, Neapol, Itálie

After visiting Castel dell’Ovo, head towards the Chiaia district, known for its elegant atmosphere and picturesque streets full of boutiques, cafés and bars. Afterwards, you will slowly return to the centre where a delicious Neapolitan dinner awaits you at the Tandem restaurant.

From the castle, continue along the coast until you see a large park ahead. Just before it, turn right onto Via Chiaia and head back towards the centre. This elegant street will charm you with its peaceful atmosphere, shops and historical charm.

3.5 km (50 mins)

Tandem Ragù

Napoli • $

Tandem Ragù is where Neapolitan tradition meets fine cuisine. This restaurant, a symbol of true Neapolitan taste, specialises in one of the most famous dishes in Naples – ragù. If you want to taste authentic Neapolitan ragù, prepared with love and passion according to a traditional recipe, Tandem is the place to be. Whether you choose ragù with pasta or indulge in it as part of another dish, every bite will take you right to the heart of Naples.

After a busy day, enjoy a delicious dinner at the Tandem Restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Neapolitan dishes prepared with love and traditional ingredients.

0.5 km (7 mins)

Brancaccio’s House

Napoli • $$

Book now

Brancaccio’s House is a welcoming property with a superb location in the heart of historic Naples, ideal for a comfortable stay.

Day 2

From the heights of Vomero to the heart of Naples

Start the day with a stroll through the elegant Vomero district, from where you'll walk up to Castel Sant'Elmo and the Convent of San Martino, with spectacular views over Naples. Then descend into the lively Spanish Quarter, full of colour and Neapolitan temperament. For dinner, head to the traditional trattoria Da Carmine on Via dei Tribunali and finish the evening with a drink at the charming Libreria Berisio library bar.

7

Vomero

Vomero, Neapol, Itálie

Vomero is an elegant and peaceful neighbourhood set on a hill above Naples, offering breathtaking views of the entire Bay of Naples, Vesuvius and the historic centre. In contrast to the chaotic centre, the atmosphere is relaxed, with stylish boutiques, cafés and ice cream parlours lining the wide streets. The district is dominated by the medieval Castel Sant’Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino monastery, with one of the city’s most beautiful panoramas. Vomero is ideal for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, but stay in the heart of it.

In the morning, take the metro to the Vomero district and get off at Vanvitelli station. You’ll walk through this elegant neighbourhood before heading towards Castel Sant’Elmo.

0.8 km (13 mins)

8

Castel Sant’Elmo

Naples

Castel Sant’Elmo is one of the most imposing and best located historic fortresses in Naples. Built on Vomero Hill, it offers a magnificent panoramic view of the whole of Naples, including the bay, Vesuvius and the surrounding countryside. From the top of the castle, you have a breathtaking view of the city with its narrow streets, colorful houses and the blue sea in the distance. This view is one of the most beautiful in Naples and is a great place for photography.

The fortress was built in the 14th century as a defensive structure and gradually underwent several reconstructions. Today it is open to the public and serves as a museum, hosting exhibitions on the history and culture of the region. In addition to the castle itself, there is also an adjacent area with beautiful gardens and resting areas.

Throughout its history, this fortress has been used not only for military purposes, but also as a prison and even as a television broadcasting station. The site has retained its historic character and, combined with modern art exhibitions, creates a fascinating contrast between past and present.

Here you will visit Castel Sant’Elmo, where you will enjoy breathtaking views of Naples, Vesuvius and the surrounding bay. Below the castle you can visit the Certosa di San Martino Monastery, which is also full of historical charm and offers wonderful panoramic views.

1.6 km (26 mins)

9

Quartieri Spagnoli

Quartieri Spagnoli, Neapol, Itálie

The Quartieri Spagnoli are one of the most lively and authentic neighbourhoods in Naples, where everyday life in the city in all its raw glory takes place among the narrow streets with laundry hanging overhead. Originally built for Spanish soldiers in the 16th century, today this neighbourhood is the heart of Neapolitan folkiness – full of homely bistros, raucous conversations, holy pictures, Maradona murals and the real energy of the street. A visit to the Quartieri Spagnoli is like jumping into the soul of Naples – gritty, honest, vibrant and irresistibly captivating.

From the castle, you’ll descend into the Spanish Quarter, where you’ll find the bustling and authentic atmosphere of Naples.

0.2 km (4 mins)

10

Murals of Diego Armando Maradona

Murale Diego Armando Maradona - Quartieri Spagnoli, Via Emanuele de Deo, Neapol, Itálie

When you’re in the Spanish Quarter, make sure to stop by the Marada Wall. Located on Via Emanuele de Deo, this iconic wall commemorates Neapolitan football god Diego Maradona, who spent an unforgettable part of his career in Naples. On the wall you will find a lot of graffiti and messages from fans who have chosen to pay tribute to this football genius.

1.8 km (26 mins)

Antica Trattoria Da Carmine

Napoli • $$

Antica Trattoria Da Carmine is a traditional Neapolitan restaurant on the bustling Via dei Tribunali, where the atmosphere is like your grandmother’s Sunday lunch. It offers the classics of local cuisine – delicious ragù, eggplant parmigiana and other honest dishes with homemade flavours, large portions and reasonable prices.

After a busy day, enjoy a well-deserved rest in the authentic Neapolitan restaurant Antica Trattoria Da Carmine.

0.5 km (7 mins)

Libreria Berisio

Napoli • $$

Bar Libreria Berisio in the heart of Naples is a magical place that combines a love of books with a pleasant evening atmosphere. The interior is reminiscent of an old library, with shelves reaching to the ceiling. With dim lighting and wooden furniture, the atmosphere is intimate and cozy, perfect for original cocktails and a quiet evening.

After a delicious dinner, take a short walk to the Libreria Berisio bar, a magical place in the heart of Naples.

1.0 km (12 mins)

Brancaccio’s House

Napoli • $$

Book now

Brancaccio’s House is a welcoming property with a superb location in the heart of historic Naples, ideal for a comfortable stay.

Day 3

Pompeii: A journey into the past

Start the day with a delicious sfogliatella in a traditional patisserie, then head to Pompeii to discover the ancient city under a blanket of ash. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Neapolitan pizza at the legendary Pizzeria Starita, where tradition combines with great taste.

Sfogliatelle Attanasio

Napoli • $

Sfogliatelle Attanasio is an iconic Neapolitan bakery, famous for its excellent sfogliatella. This historic patisserie is located near Garibaldi Station and is popular with locals and tourists alike. The sfogliatelle, a delicate pastry with a filling of ricotta, semolina and vanilla, is exceptional and perfectly reflects the local culinary tradition. When you visit this bakery, you can enjoy fresh pastries that are prepared with love and care, making it a popular place for a perfect start to the day.

Before you set off on your journey to Pompeii, be sure to stop right outside Garibaldi Station, where you’ll find the historic pastry shop famous for its sfogliatelle. This delicious pastry, typical of Naples, is the perfect way to brighten up your morning and sample a bit of local tradition.

33.9 km (2 hours 1 min)

From Garibaldi station in Naples, take the train to Pompeii in about an hour. Tickets can be purchased either directly at the station or online on the Trenitalia website. Once you get off the train, you’ll have about a 15-minute walk to the historic centre of Pompeii, where you can buy your tickets and start exploring this fascinating place.

11

Pompeii

Naples, Italy

Pompeii, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, is an ancient Roman city that was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. The city was preserved under a layer of ash, allowing visitors today to explore its remains, including houses, temples, streets and even paintings.

Pompeii provides a unique insight into everyday life in the Roman city. Many parts of the city are still unexcavated, which means that archaeological excavations are still ongoing and yield fascinating new discoveries. Highlights include the Forum, the Amphitheatre, the Villa of the Mysteries and various well-preserved mosaics and frescoes that show the aesthetic and taste of the inhabitants of the time.

Pompeii is also famous for its plaster casts, which have captured the bodies of the eruption victims, as well as personal items such as utensils, tools and jewellery. In addition, famous erotic frescoes have been discovered here, showing the open attitude towards sexuality in Roman culture.

The overall cultural and historical heritage of Pompeii is now recognised internationally and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Pompeii represents a fascinating combination of history, archaeology and art, and is one of the most visited places in the world.

The next stop is Pompeii. From the train station, it’s about a 15-minute walk, or you can ask for directions or use Google Maps to find your way around.

32.7 km (1 hour 56 mins)

Starita

Napoli • $

Pizzeria Starita is one of the most famous pizzerias in Naples, boasting a long history and tradition of making the best Neapolitan pizza. This establishment is famous for its excellent pizzas, which are carefully prepared according to traditional recipes, using quality local ingredients. The pizzeria’s authentic setting, with its typical Neapolitan charm, will instantly transport you to the heart of the city. Pizzeria Starita is the place to enjoy the real taste of Naples and experience a true culinary experience.

In the evening, enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza at one of the city’s most famous pizzerias, Pizzeria Starita.

1.9 km (25 mins)

Brancaccio’s House

Napoli • $$

Book now

Brancaccio’s House is a welcoming property with a superb location in the heart of historic Naples, ideal for a comfortable stay.

Day 4

Sweet morning and green afternoon in the heart of Naples

Start the day with an ice cream in Manèlle and walk through the narrow streets of the historic centre to the Duomo. On the way, buy a panini at a local restaurant and later enjoy a picnic in Capodimonte Park. From there, grab a coffee and a dessert at the Stufa dei Fiori café and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the greenery.

Gelateria Mennella

Napoli • $

Gelateria Mennella in Naples is known for its excellent gelato, which combines traditional flavours with modern variations. It offers a wide selection of creamy flavours, from the classic pistachio to original combinations. The ice cream is of high quality and has a rich, smooth consistency. The interior is simple and uncluttered, highlighting the focus on product quality. If you find yourself in Naples, it’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re craving something sweet even late in the evening.

Start your day at one of the best gelaterias in Naples – Gelateria Mennella, where you can enjoy honest, authentic gelato made with quality ingredients

0.6 km (8 mins)

Storica Salumeria Zinzi

Napoli • $

Storica Salumeria Zinzi is a traditional Neapolitan bakery and salumeria, known for its excellent panini. It offers a wide range of sandwiches with quality ingredients such as mozzarella di bufala, prosciutto crudo, salami and friarielli. It’s a popular spot among locals and tourists alike, providing an authentic experience in a bustling environment.

This place makes delicious paninis – have them wrapped and enjoy them later in the beautiful park you’re headed to. The perfect spot for a picnic with this great lunch.

0.4 km (6 mins)

12

Duomo di Napoli

Duomo di Napoli, Via Duomo, Neapol, Itálie

The Duomo di Napoli is Naples‘ main cathedral, dedicated to St. Januarius, the city’s patron saint. It preserves his blood, which, according to tradition, is miraculously liquefied – which the locals consider a good omen. The cathedral impresses with its Gothic-Baroque architecture, rich decoration and peaceful atmosphere.

Visit Naples Cathedral, where it’s worth exploring the interior and seeing the relics of Saint Januarius, the city’s patron saint.

3.9 km (28 mins)

13

Parco di Capodimonte

Naples

Parco di Capodimonte is a Neapolitan gem that combines nature, art and relaxation in one. This large park, known as Real Bosco di Capodimonte, is located on Vomero Hill and offers not only breathtaking views of the city and the bay, but also quiet forest paths ideal for walking or jogging.

At the heart of the park is the impressive Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte. This palace served as the summer residence of the Bourbons and is now home to an important collection of Italian art. Here you can admire works from the Renaissance to the Baroque, including masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian and Raphael. A visit to the museum is like a journey through time, immersing you in the artistic history of Naples.

After visiting the museum, you will have a well-deserved rest in a local café – Capodimonte Café. Open daily from 08:30 to 19:00, this café offers a wide selection of drinks and snacks. You can enjoy a traditional Italian espresso, a cappuccino, a refreshing granita or a glass of wine.

The Parco di Capodimonte is therefore a place where nature, culture and well-being come together – the ideal destination for anyone who wants to experience Naples from a different angle.

In the park, enjoy a panini and afterwards I recommend a visit to the Stufa dei Fiori – Delizie Reali café, where you can enjoy a coffee and a sweet treat.

 

5.1 km (39 mins)

Brancaccio’s House

Napoli • $$

Book now

Brancaccio’s House is a welcoming property with a superb location in the heart of historic Naples, ideal for a comfortable stay.

Now there is nothing to do but return home. I hope you enjoyed your visit to Naples and the surrounding area and I will look forward to seeing your next itinerary on Retkee.

We will also be happy to tag you on social media with the hashtag #retkee.

How to get from the airport to the centre of Naples

From Capodichino Airport, Naples city centre can be reached quickly and comfortably by Alibus, which runs every 25 minutes. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and the ticket costs €5, which can be purchased directly from the bus. The first bus leaves at 6:00 am and the last one leaves at 11:00 pm. If the bus is not convenient, you can also take a taxi.

How to travel around Naples

The fastest way to get around Naples is by metro. It is reliable and operates daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. The metro has 7 lines, and Line 1 is known for its beauty – its stations are often described as works of modern architecture. The most popular station is Toledo with its underwater design and beautiful blue mosaics.

Ticket prices

Single metro ticket
Price: 1,10-2,20 € (depending on the type of route)

Daily and weekly tickets (metro only)

  • Daily: 3,50 €

  • Weekly: 12,50 €

Ticket Integrato Campania (TIC) – valid for metro, buses and trains within the area:

  • Single ticket: 1,70 € (valid for 90 minutes)

  • Daily: 5,10 €

  • Weekly: 16,00 €

Tip: If you don’t have a traditional ticket, you can simply attach a contactless card on the metro. However, don’t forget to cancel it when you get off, or you may be charged for the next ride.

Where to buy tickets

Tickets can be bought at authorised ticket offices, at the ticket offices of the metro line 1 stations (Garibaldi, Toledo, Università and Vanvitelli), or through machines and vending machines. Another option is to buy your ticket online via the UnicoCampania app.

Transport in Naples: safety tips for tourists

Traffic in Naples can be busy and chaotic. When crossing the streets, always check carefully for traffic, as drivers, including motorcyclists, often do not brake even at crosswalks. It’s a good idea to make eye contact with drivers before you cross to make sure they can actually see you. Buses in Naples are not always reliable and you can wait up to half an hour for them to arrive. The metro and trains, on the other hand, are more punctual and convenient, perfect for getting around the city quickly. Be careful and be prepared for the lively atmosphere of city transport!

First Sunday of the month

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Naples on the first Sunday of the month, you can take advantage of a great opportunity to visit the state museums and archaeological sites for free. These include the famous Archaeological Museum, the Capodimonte Palace, the Royal Palace in Piazza del Plebiscito, or Pompeii and the Herculaneum just outside the city. It’s the perfect way to experience the city’s rich history and culture without breaking the bank.

Veronika Pololáníková

I created this itinerary based on my six-month stay in Naples - I wanted to pass on my experiences, tips and places that won me over in this city.

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Naples: City of flavours and traditions with a trip to Pompeii is a detailed travel itinerary for Italy, with a day-by-day plan, an interactive map and practical tips. Part of the Retkee collection of guides for experienced travelers.

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