This article was adapted from the original itinerary published on the blog Visit Naples and Amalfi Coast Travel Tips
Enjoy The Best of the Best of Vibrant, Chaotic Naples by Yours Truly
You need at least 48 hours to fully appreciate my hometown, Napoli. In all honesty, you need at least a week or so but unfortunately many visitors are on tight schedules. Sadly for many years, Naples has suffered a bad reputation for being a dangerous city tainted by mobsters and petty theft, but I’m here to tell you times are changing.
Tourism is on the rise thanks to people discovering the immense beauty and history of this city, once you scratch the surface. It’s become a magnet for foodies, culture buffs and curious people with a sense of adventure.
So, here’s my personal guide to help you curate your own experience from the best of the best that I’ve tested all myself. Whether you’re tight on time or planning a longer stay, this list has something for everyone.
Come with me for a few days in Naples—my Naples. It’s not a polished tour guide kind of itinerary. It’s how I show my friends around when they visit and the places I enjoy regularly. Real food, real streets, real Neapolitan life. Let’s go.
Start with Coffee (Always)
Naples begins with coffee. There’s something grounding about standing at the bar with your cappuccino (only before 10am) or espresso while the city starts to stir.
Luciano Mazzone is my go-to spot—just around the corner from home. The sfogliatella is always warm and flaky, and the barista knows how I take my coffee. It’s small, no frills, but perfect.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
If I want something quieter or quicker, I head to Bar Ceraldi. You’ll see the same old-timers every morning, arguing about football and politics like clockwork.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
Wander the Streets, Above and Below
Start underground at Napoli Sotterranea, where ancient aqueducts and WWII shelters twist beneath the city. I’ve done this tour many times, and it still gives me goosebumps.
Google Maps | Tickets
Nearby, San Lorenzo Maggiore hides a Roman market beneath its chapel—a quiet, cool break from the buzz above.
Tickets
Don’t miss Cappella San Severo, home to the Veiled Christ. Tip: Pre-book your ticket online.
Open daily 9am–7pm (closed Tuesdays)
Google Maps
Saints, Silence & Skulls
Visit the Duomo di Napoli, a grand cathedral where the audioguide to the Chapel of San Gennaro is worth the €4.
Google Maps
Next door, the Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro displays centuries of dazzling donations.
Tickets: €10; audioguide included
Google Maps
Down a quiet alley, Chiesa di Santa Luciella holds the curious “skull with ears.”
Google Maps
For something older and deeper, visit the Catacombs of San Gaudioso and San Gennaro.
Combo ticket: €13; hourly tours 10am–5pm
Tickets + Info
For Rainy Days or Art Lovers
Spend a few hours at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale—Pompeii mosaics, Farnese sculptures, and more.
€22 (valid for 2 days); under 18s free
Google Maps | Tickets
For peace and panoramic views, head to Museo di Capodimonte.
Tickets: €15
Google Maps
Royal Touches
In Piazza del Plebiscito, explore Palazzo Reale and peek inside Teatro San Carlo, Europe’s oldest opera house. Palazzo Reale | San Carlo
Eat Like a Local
Meals in Naples aren’t just about eating—they’re about being part of the neighborhood energy.
Trattoria da Nennella is a must. The waiters sing, the food comes flying, and the pasta e patate con provola is as comforting as it gets. This is where I bring friends who want the full experience.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
If I’m near the Maradona murals and craving something fried and filling, Ciccio Fri is the move. It’s a little wild, a little noisy, and totally satisfying. Come hungry and order anything from pasta to pizza fritta.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
For something calmer, Locanda del Gesù Vecchio has an old-world feel I love. The pasta is thoughtful, and the wine list is always spot-on.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
Trattoria Antica Capri is another local gem. Family-run and full of charm, this spot is where you go for classic seafood, meatballs, and a glass of good local wine.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
Craving seafood? Head to Pescheria Azzurra for frittura mista di pesce—a golden combo of fried squid, shrimp, and mini octopus. Or go for the spaghetti alle vongole if you’re feeling classic.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
Trattoria A Pignata is where tradition meets heartiness—perfect for fans of Neapolitan fish dishes and cozy atmospheres.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
Bianco Mangiare offers a fresh take on traditional seafood dishes, always made with a deep respect for Neapolitan culinary roots.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
Ristorante Al 53 is a local favorite with a refined touch. The menu stays true to Neapolitan heritage while offering something a little elevated.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
If you’re out for lunch, Osteria da Ciccio e Mery is a hidden gem open every day except Sunday (dinner only on Saturdays). Local families love it, and it’s easy to see why.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
Another lunch-only favorite is Lo Spiedo d’Oro, a cozy family-run spot where meatballs, pasta, and good wine flow with ease.
Google Maps
Pizza, Always Pizza
You can’t walk more than a few blocks in Naples without bumping into a legendary pizza place. And honestly? That’s a blessing.
Pizzeria Attilio
Their star-shaped pizza looks playful but tastes serious. One of my personal favorites.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
Santissima Pizza
Housed in an old church. Go at least once for the vibes. My favorite is the Capodimonte pizza with antipasti fritti.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also iconic. The margherita still hits. Fun fact: it was the pizza spot featured in Eat Pray Love.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
1947 Pizza Fritta
Pizza that’s deep-fried and stuffed? Say no more. A favorite stop for pizza fritta lovers.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
Antica Pizzeria De’ Figliole
The OG of pizza fritta, and possibly my top pick if I could only take you to one. Choose between the classic or the version with ciccioli (crispy pork bits). Since 1860, they’ve been crafting golden-crusted, cheesy fried perfection.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
Pizzeria Vesi
A reliable local favorite for traditional Neapolitan pizza in the heart of the city.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
Pizzeria Al 22
Top choice for when you want a full Neapolitan street food feast. Order the pizza plus all the antipasti: parmigiana di melanzane, panzarotto fritto, frittatina, and arancino. Come hungry.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
Sweet Stops & Gelato
When I need a break from walking (or thinking), I head to Mennella Il Gelato. Their pistachio is insanely creamy—and their fruit flavors actually taste like fruit.
Google Maps
Aperitivo Rituals
This is when Naples gets soft around the edges. My favorite time of day.
Oak Wine Bar – Cozy, calm, and with wines I can’t find anywhere else.
Google Maps
Peppe Spritz – If you want to feel the heartbeat of Piazza Bellini.
Google Maps
Shanti Art Musik Bar – For when you want a little weird with your wine.
Google Maps
Libreria Berisio – A bookshop that serves wine. What else do you need?
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Palazzo Venezia – Secret courtyard. Feels like a hidden party.
Google Maps
Pepi Vintage Room – Retro, romantic, and full of surprises.
Google Maps
BUCO PERTUSO PUBLIC HOUSE – A quirky Neapolitan pub with heart, hops, and a whole lot of personality.
Google Maps | Tripadvisor
The Little Stuff That Matters
Flor Do Cafè – Inside Montesanto Station. Quick stop for wine or water.
Google Maps
Caseficio La Nuova Casearia – If you only try one mozzarella in Naples, make it this one.
Express Wash – In and out in under an hour. Reliable and open late.
Google Maps
Vegan & Gluten-Free? You’re Set
Green Mama – Bright, colorful, and full of surprises. Google Maps
Un Sorriso Integrale – Comforting and casual. Google Maps
Vitto Pitagorico – Elegant enough for a real dinner out. Google Maps
Where to Hang Out
When you want to relax and people-watch:
- Largo San Giovanni Maggiore Pignatelli – A student-favorite piazza. Cheap beers, lively vibes.
- Piazza San Domenico Maggiore – At night, you might even catch traditional dancing.
- Piazza Bellini – My favorite place for outdoor cocktails and meeting locals. Try Intra Moenia for a drink.
Day Trips From Naples
Want to explore beyond the city? Here’s how:
Pompeii
From Piazza Garibaldi – Stazione Centrale, take the Circumvesuviana train toward Sorrento. Get off at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri. The entrance is right across the station. EAV
Herculaneum
Same as Pompeii—just get off at Ercolano Scavi. EAV
Vesuvius
Take the Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi. From there, outside the station, catch the EAV bus to the crater. EAV
Sorrento and Amalfi Coast
Take the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento (or Meta/Vico Equense). From Sorrento’s train station, catch a SITA bus to Positano, Amalfi, Minori, or Praiano. EAV | UNICO
By Bus (No Train)
- SITA Bus Station from Molo 21 (Varco Immacolatella) Google Maps
- SITA Bus Train Station (Corso Arnaldo Lucci) – Address: Corso Arnaldo Lucci, int. Scalo FS, 80142 Napoli NA
Islands: Capri, Ischia, Procida
Head to Molo Beverello (15 min walk from the apt). Take a hydrofoil (aliscafo) for a quick trip or walk to Calata di Massa for a slower but cheaper ferry (traghetto).
Tip: Use the Ferry Hopper app to book tickets easily.
Getting Around Without Losing Your Mind
From the airport or train station: just give me a heads-up when you’re close. I’ll meet you at the apartment.
Check-in: After 14:00 (I don’t live on-site—give me a few minutes)
I can help with:
- Airport/train pickups
- Amalfi Coast drives
- Trips to Rome, Florence, etc.
- Guided tours (Pompeii, Herculaneum—you’ll want one)
Cash only, please.
Stay in the Loop
Need a last-minute pizza rec? Want to ask where locals go dancing? Whether you’re here for two days or ten, I hope these tips help you fall in love with Napoli the way I have. It’s a loud, chaotic, delicious, historic, and unforgettable place—and now it’s yours to discover.
👉 Join our Facebook Group: Naples & Amalfi Coast Travel Tips
Or just message me while you’re in town. I’m around.
Ciao for now,
Salvatore
