A city full of life, rich in history, and culture, and, of course, known for its amazing food, Naples is filled with wonders and this guide is here to show you how to spend 36 hours in Naples.
We could tell you a lot of things about Naples, but you will have to see it all with your eyes. Yet, we can promise you one thing. Naples will steal your hearts from the moment you arrive.
No matter if you’re a history enthusiast or a foodie, this city has something for everyone. In the following article, we want to show you how to enjoy 36 hours in Naples to the fullest, combining must-see attractions and our local recommendations.
Are you ready for a unique experience?
36 Hours in Naples – A Local’s Take
Day 1
Breakfast at Gran Caffè Gambrinus
Your first morning in Naples cannot start without a traditional breakfast with coffee and sfogliatella. Naples is famous for its caffé espresso, and the best place to taste it is Gran Caffè Gambrinus, one of the city’s oldest cafés.
In this elegant coffee shop, we suggest ordering a strong Neapolitan espresso and a typical sfogliatella, which is a thin-crusted pastry filled with ricotta and citrus peel. This is a must-try for anyone visiting Naples. Don’t be scared of the queue as the service is really fast.
Local tip: Take a few moments before drinking your coffee, as the cup is very hot.
Explore Piazza del Plebiscito & Its Surroundings
After this very delicious breakfast, you are ready to start your 36 hours in Naples adventure.
Your first stop is, of course, Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. The square is surrounded by famous and important buildings, like the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) and the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola.
This basilica’s colonnade might remind you of Rome’s St. Peter’s Square, and the great news is that its access is free. If time allows, you could also take some time to check out the Royal Palace’s wonderful interiors. However, to do so, you would need to purchase entrance tickets.
Right next to the piazza stands Teatro San Carlo, which is Italy’s oldest opera house and one of the most famous in the country. If you have enough time, we suggest booking a guided tour to admire its stunning interiors or checking if there’s a performance during the dates of your visit.
Just in front of Teatro San Carlo, take a short detour to Galleria Umberto I, the most famous shopping gallery in Naples city center. This 19th-century historic gallery is a perfect mix of Neapolitan architecture, history, and shopping. The gallery is full of shops and cafés.
Don’t forget to take a moment to look around and admire the glass dome and the detailed mosaic floor under your feet. The Galleria is also a great spot to sit, relax, and grab a quick coffee.
Lunch With a View
After an exciting morning, you will be hungry and asking yourselves where to go for lunch. What do you think about having a pizza with a view? Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than with a sea view.
A favorite spot to eat traditional Neapolitan pizza and enjoy the beauty of the sea from the city is the Lungomare, Naples’ most famous seaside promenade.
Stop by Piazza Vittoria, a lovely square near the sea, where you can eat a traditional pizza at Gino Sorbillo Lievito Madre al Mare while looking at the views of Mount Vesuvius and the island of Capri in the background. No reservations here, but you can trust us – the wait is worth it.
Shopping on The Spaccanapoli & The Spanish Quarters
After enjoying an authentic pizza under the Neapolitan sun, head back to the historic center and visit Piazza del Gesù Nuovo and its homonymous church.
The church has a diamond-shaped stone facade; inside, its Baroque decorations will leave you speechless. Upon entering the church, you’ll understand why it’s considered one of the city’s most important landmarks. Access to the church is free.
A few steps away, you’ll find Piazza Dante, a lively square in Naples’ historic district. Then, walk down Via Toledo, the most famous and busiest shopping street in Naples, filled with boutiques, cafés, and street performers.
From here, you can also walk through Spaccanapoli. Its name literally means Naples Splitter, as it is a long and narrow street that cuts the city into two halves. Don’t forget to buy souvenirs and a traditional corno amulet, a small red horn that is said to bring good luck and protect against the evil eye.
A visit to Naples wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters) near Via Toledo. This historic neighborhood is full of narrow streets with street art, traditional shops, and cafés. Here, you can surely feel the true spirit of Naples.
Naples is also known for its love and strong passion for soccer. This passion was embodied by Diego Armando Maradona, the legendary Argentine footballer who played for Napoli in the 1980s. Maradona’s effect on the city is still visible today, as he’s considered a hero in Naples.
One of the best ways to experience this passion and pay tribute to his legacy is by visiting various Maradona murals throughout the city. The most famous of these murals can be found on Via Emanuele de Deo. This mural is so iconic that it has become a symbol of pride for the city’s football community.
Happy Hour at Piazza Bellini
As the sun sets, it’s time for a traditional Italian aperitivo on Piazza Bellini. This piazza is very popular among locals, and it’s surrounded by historic buildings, such as ancient Greek ruins.
Grab a Spritz or a glass of Falanghina wine with some food at one of the many bars and enjoy the relaxed vibes. Then, after your aperitivo, treat yourself to a classic babá, which is a traditional light, fluffy, rum-soaked pastry that melts in your mouth. Is there a better way to end your first day in Naples?
Day 2
Breakfast at Pasticceria Poppella
Start your second day in Naples with a delicious breakfast at Pasticceria Poppella, a historic pastry shop famous for its traditional Neapolitan desserts but most of all for the Fiocco di Neve. Its name means snowflake, and it’s a soft, creamy pastry that has become one of the city’s most beloved sweet treats.
Get Ready To Dive into The Centro Storico (Historic Center)
The historic center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. If you have 36 hours in Naples, there are a few amazing places to check out in the city’s centro storico.
For starters, make sure you visit the Duomo di Napoli (Naples Cathedral). It was built in the 13th century, and it’s a Gothic masterpiece in tribute to the city’s patron saint, San Gennaro.
Inside, there are amazing frescoes as well as the Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, where the saint’s blood is kept and miraculously turns into liquid three times a year. Entrance to the church is free, but there’s a ticket for the Treasure of San Gennaro.
Now, you are ready for one of Naples’ most fascinating experiences: Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples). Below the city’s busy streets, there is a network of tunnels and ancient ruins that date back to the Greek and Roman eras.
We suggest booking a guided tour that will take you through these underground passages, offering a different perspective on the city’s past.
Once you’re back from the underground, take a short walk to San Gregorio Armeno, Naples’ famous Christmas alley.
This small and narrow street is not open during Christmas time only, but you will find artisan shops selling handmade nativity scenes and figurines all year round – from traditional saints and shepherds to modern pop culture icons like soccer players, politicians, and even celebrities.
This is a perfect spot if you’d like to purchase something special to bring back home.
Lunch With a Cuoppo
It’s time for lunch, and what’s better than a Neapolitan cuoppo? A cuoppo is a traditional street food dish consisting of a paper cone, which is the cuoppo itself, filled with a variety of fried foods. You can have it filled with seafood, meat, or vegetables.
It’s a very famous snack in Naples, often enjoyed while walking around the city center. One of the best in town is made by Il Cuoppo in San Biagio Dei Librai, a few steps from Via di San Gregorio Armeno.
Veiled Christ
In the afternoon, dedicate some time to visiting the Cappella San Severo Museum, home of the stunning Cristo Velato (Veiled Christ).
You’ll be able to admire this incredible marble sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino closely and see its delicate veil, which appears almost transparent, a true work of art that must be seen in person. Make sure you book your visit here well in advance.
One Last Pizza & Night-Time Walk
To say goodbye to Naples, there’s no better way than to have one last pizza. Go to Antica Pizzeria da Michele, one of the city’s most iconic pizzerias, also made famous by the movie Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts.
Here, they serve only two types of pizza – Margherita (with tomato and mozzarella) and Marinara (with just tomato) – since 1870. This could be the best pizza you’ve ever eaten in your life.
Be patient, as there will be a line to enter the restaurant. Otherwise, get a takeaway pizza. This way, you’ll only need to wait for about 20 minutes.
After dinner, take one last walk through the streets of Naples or perhaps go back to Lungomare to see Castel dell’Ovo and enjoy a beautiful view over the Gulf of Naples at night.
Although it doesn’t sound like much time, in just 36 hours in Naples, you can explore and experience some of the best things this fascinating city in Southern Italy has to offer, from its stunning historical landmarks to its hidden underground secrets to its delicious food and traditional dishes.
This city and its people make you fall in love every time you visit. Whether you are here for the first time or one of many, Naples always has something new to be discovered and loved.
If you want to spend 36 hours in Naples like a local, we’ve got you covered. Here at JayWay, we can craft the perfect Naples itinerary for a trip to remember.
Until next time, or as we say here: Buon viaggio e a presto!
This article was edited and published by Maria Spyrou, our Content Lead.
Born and raised in Rome, Alessandra grew up surrounded by stunning architecture, magnificent art, and the Italian Dolce Vita. Working in the travel industry allows her to share her passion for uncovering hidden gems and delving into the Italian culture with her guests, who are lucky to have her prepare their trips to the Eternal City.