Naples in one week
Discovering Naples ..in a week!
Naples is the largest city in southern Italy (third Italian city by population) and among the most populous and densely populated metropolitan areas of the European Union. The city has something for everyone: rich in places of art, beauty, history, narrow streets, wonderful landscapes, attractions and contradictions. From world-class monuments to archaeological treasures, from the best pizza to the amazing street nightlife, Naples will never be boring. Have you landed in Naples for a trip for a whole week? International Community IC Napoli recommends in this section a long itinerary that will take you to discover what deserves to be visited and admired. One week in Naples will not let you explore everything, but it will give you time to fall under its southern charm. We have already organized several itineraries depending on the time requirements of a traveler in Naples, in particular you can consult our itineraries in Naples in one day and in a weekend. In this section we will take care of keeping you company for a whole week in our wonderful city.Practical information reviewed: . Choose stops to suit the time you have and check opening, transport and visitor notices through the official links before setting out. The order of the days is flexible: adapt it to the places' opening arrangements and available transport.
DAY 1: The old centre and the waterfront
MORNING Points of interest: Cimitero delle Fontanelle, Palazzo dello Spagnuolo, il Duomo di Napoli, S.Gregorio Armeno, Spaccanapoli, Piazza S.Domenico Maggiore, Basilica di Santa Chiara, Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo, Via Toledo, Maschio Angioino e Galleria Umberto I. In the morning we suggest you take the underground line 1 and get off at Materdei station, where our itinerary begins immersed in Neapolitan art and folklore. Once we get off the train, we will move on foot to arrive at the Cimitero delle Fontanelle, a gigantic tuff quarry that preserves the remains of the victims of the great plague of 1656 and cholera of 1836 and is known for the “Anime Pezzentelle” ritual.Booking is compulsory to visit the Cimitero delle Fontanelle. Check the official visitor information, opening times and ticket options before including the stop in your route. After the walk in Neapolitan folklore, we will move from the Sanità along the homonymous street to the district of Vergini, where we will take a look at the Palazzo Spagnuolo, characteristic for the wide and numerous arches that intertwine with the trend of the stairs. Our tour continues towards one of the most important artistic streets of Naples, via Duomo. Once out of the Virgins area, we will cross P.zza Cavour and in a straight line we will head towards the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, better known as the Cathedral of Naples, famous for the blood melting of San Gennaro. Our tour continues towards one of the most important artistic streets of Naples, via Duomo. After leaving the Duomo, you can take a street-food break on Via dei Tribunali, where Pizzeria Di Matteo is known for its frittatina. Check the restaurant's current menu and displayed prices. After the culinary break we will head towards Via S. Gregorio Armeno, where we will cross the Decumano Inferiore, commonly called Spaccanapoli, a road artery of the ancient center of Naples and is one of the most important streets of the city. On the street there are important buildings of great architectural value such as the Church of Santa Maria, the Church of San Francesco delle Monache, Palazzo Venezia, Palazzo di Sangro and Palazzo Marigliano. On the way we will also meet Piazza S. Domenico Maggiore, the Basilica of Santa Chiara and the Church of Gesù Nuovo, which is almost at the end of Spaccanapoli, in the homonymous Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, from here we will reach Via Toledo. Via Toledo, whose original name was dedicated to the Viceroy Pedro de Toledo, connects Piazza Dante with Piazza Trieste and Trento, and is a stone’s throw from Piazza del Plebiscito and the Palazzo Reale. At the crossroads with Via Emanuele de Deo, our tour will continue towards Castel Nuovo or commonly called Maschio Angioino. From the Maschio Angioino it will be easy to reach the Galleria Umberto I. AFTERNOON Places of interest: Galleria Umberto I, Real Teatro San Carlo, Palazzo Reale, Piazza del Plebiscito, Santa Lucia, Via Caracciolo, Castel dell’Ovo, Piazza Vittoria, Via Chiaia Our tour continues crossing and admiring the Galleria Umberto I, a marvelous and admirable gallery of Italian Liberty art. The walk continues towards the Real Teatro San Carlo, the oldest active theater in the world, adjacent to the Royal Palace, the former residence of the Spanish viceroys and Piazza del Plebiscito, symbol of Naples as well as one of the largest in the city and in Italy place, today, of great events. Once past Piazza del Plebiscito, we will cross the district of Santa Lucia, considered one of the most beautiful and evocative of the city, to cross Via Caracciolo, a long and wide promenade of Naples where there is Castel dell’Ovo, the oldest castle in the city. The fortress dates back to the twelfth century and overlooks the Neapolitan promenade. The curious name derives from the legendary Roman poet Virgilio, who narrates that the castle walls were fortified against external attacks using magical eggs kept in the dungeons. The walk will continue, crossing the pedestrian area of Via Caracciolo, towards Piazza Vittoria. From here we can return to the Historic Center via Via Calabritto and Piazza dei Martiri in the direction of Via Chiaia. This pedestrian area is a reference point for luxury shopping in Naples. Taking it all we will find ourselves in Piazza Trieste and Trento, from here we will again take Via Toledo to return to the Historic Center. NIGHT After a long day you will surely be tired. We suggest you take advantage of your stay in Naples and do not miss the opportunity to try the real traditional Neapolitan pizza, known all over the world and declared by UNESCO the immaterial heritage of humanity. To take advantage of the best value for money we suggest you to stay in the area of the historic center, where you will have the opportunity to find a succession of many pizzerias. Among all we recommend three of the most famous in the center: Gino e Toto Sorbillo, Di Matteo e L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele.
DAY 2: Vomero and Posillipo
MORNING Places of interest: Vomero District, Castel Sant’Elmo, Certosa di San Martino, Piazza Vanvitelli, Via Scarlatti, Villa Floridiana In the morning we start to discover the so-called hill of “Vomero” is a residential area that began to develop in the nineteenth century. Today, the old Art Deco style villas are flanked by modern buildings and the neighborhood is one of the most sought-after (and expensive) residential areas of Naples in the city. To reach Vomero, use Vanvitelli on Metro Line 1 or the city's funicular services as possible starting points. Check ANM's official routes, stops and service notices to choose a connection operating on your travel date. Once you reach the Vomero area, the most important steps will certainly be Castel Sant’Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino, today there are museum sites with fee entrance. Inside you can find evidence of the history of Naples and the Certosa, without upsetting the religious vocation of the building. Our walk to the Vomero continues towards Villa Floridiana, a beautiful park that offers a splendid view over the entire Gulf of Naples.Before visiting, check the official information for Castel Sant'Elmo and Certosa di San Martino; opening and visit routes can vary between areas. Once rested, we will continue our tour to Via Alessandro Scarlatti, one of the main streets of the Vomero district, considered one of the shopping streets of the Neapolitan city, together, for example, in via Luca Giordano, which is located nearby. The street is very elegant and overlooks palaces built in the Umbertine style. To continue from Vomero to Posillipo, check ANM connections and service notices and plan the route to Parco Virgiliano using the stops and services operating that day. AFTERNOON Places of interest: Virgiliano park The Virgilian Park was built during the Fascist period and opened in 1931 with the name Parco della Vittoria or della Bellezza. It was then called Parco delle Rimembranze, to commemorate the fallen of the Great War and later Virgiliano Park, in honor of the Roman poet. This park is built with a terraced structure, arranged over an area of 92,000 m2 and is located in a strategic position on the promontory of Posillipo, from where it offers a splendid panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples. From its “terraces” you can see at a glance the Sorrento peninsula from Vesuvius to Sorrento, the islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia and Nisida, the coast of Posillipo, Coroglio and the Phlegrean coast from Pozzuoli to Capo Miseno. For your return towards Mergellina and Riviera di Chiaia, plan the journey with ANM, checking the stops you can reach and the day's final services. NIGHT Places of interest: Mergellina, Lungomare, Via Bausan, Riviera di Chiaia, Chiaia, Via San Pasquale, Vicoletto Belle Donne Reached the area of Mergellina, we just have to enjoy the seafront towards the now sunset time. We suggest you to continue the night in the area, in particular the area of the Riviera di Chiaia you will find many long dining options Via Bausan, while, for the evening post, we suggest you to stay on Via San Pasquale – Vicoletto Belle Donne where you will meet many local and bars frequented by the Neapolitan youth environment.
DAY 3: Herculaneum and Vesuvius
MORNING Before visiting, check the Herculaneum Archaeological Park's tickets, reductions, free-entry days and open routes. Arrange transport and any visit to Vesuvius separately. For Herculaneum, check EAV railway timetables for Napoli-Sorrento trains calling at Ercolano Scavi, return services and the fare for your journey. Buried under a blanket of ash and lapilli due to the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, together with the cities of Pompeii, Oplonti and Stabiae, the ancient Herculaneum was brought to light by chance only in 1709 because of some works related to the construction of a well. Today the city of Herculaneum, together with the ruins of Pompeii and Oplonti, is part of the UNESCO list of archaeological sites in Campania. In particular, we advise you not to miss some of the stops on the site: Padiglione della barca di Ercolano; If you want to continue to Vesuvius after Herculaneum, arrange the transfer and return journey in advance, checking times and transport services with your chosen operator. AFTERNOON Tickets for the Gran Cono of Vesuvius must be bought online. Check the Park's official access rules, included services and notices, including weather-related updates. Arrange transport separately from the admission ticket. The Vesuvius National Park was officially born on 5 June 1995 to conserve animal and plant species, plant and forest associations, geological singularities, paleontological formations, biological communities, biotopes, scenic and panoramic values, natural processes, the hydraulic and hydrogeological balances and the ecological balances of the Vesuvian territory. The territory of the Vesuvius National Park is a concentration of naturalistic riches, history of volcanology, breathtaking landscapes, centuries-old crops and traditions that make the Vesuvius area one of the most fascinating and most visited places in the world. Plan your return around the transport you have arranged and the services running that day. NIGHT Places of interest: Piazza Bellini, Piazza S.Domenico Maggiore For the evening we suggest you take a walk through the historic center, in particular there will be two points of aggregation particularly frequented by the Neapolitan youth where you can spend a pleasant evening among numerous bars and clubs in the area: Piazza Bellini and Piazza S. Domenico Maggiore.
DAY 4: A trip to Capri
MORNING AND AFTERNOON For Capri, choose the operator and check the departure pier shown on your ticket: services from Naples may leave from Molo Beverello or Calata Porta di Massa. Check outward and return sailings and sea-condition notices before setting out. See Caremar's official Naples-Capri timetable; fares, services and conditions depend on the sailing you choose. Lush, extraordinary, with a mild climate, Capri is the Mediterranean island that has seen over time intellectuals, artists and writers, all captured by its magical beauty. A mix of history, nature, worldliness, culture, events, which meet here every day and which gave life to the Myth of Capri, a legend without equal in the world. Things to see in Capri: La grotta azzurra – I faraglioni; La piazzetta di Capri; Villa jovis; Monte solaro; Giardini di augusto e via krupp; Punta carena e faro; Arco naturale e pizzolungo; Marina grande; La migliera; Villa san michele; Centro di Anacapri. NIGHT After returning from Capri, you can have dinner in central Naples or the Quartieri Spagnoli. Choose a restaurant based on its menu, displayed prices and opening that day. For the rest of the evening, check IC Napoli's events calendar.
DAY 5: Sorrento and its coast
MORNING AND AFTERNOON For Sorrento, check EAV's Napoli-Sorrento railway timetable, the journey fare and return services. If you want to continue to Capo di Sorrento, check EAV bus services in the Sorrento area separately. Set in a picturesque position on a tufaceous terrace overlooking the Gulf of Naples, Sorrento is the most famous town on the Sorrento coast. Known resort since ancient times, Sorrento fascinates tourists and visitors with its breathtaking views, the landscape of gardens and citrus groves, the marinas, the charming old town, an interesting historical and religious architecture, the ancient tradition of inlaying and of laces. In particular, we advise you not to miss some of the stops on the itinerary: Vallone dei Mulini; Museo Correale; Chiesa di San Francesco; Piazza Tasso; Basilica di Sant’Antonino; Il Duomo; Sedile Dominova; Marina Grande e Marina Piccola; I Bagni della Regina Giovanna; NIGHT Places of interest: Piazza Bellini, Piazza S.Domenico Maggiore For the evening we suggest you take a walk through the historic center, in particular there will be two points of aggregation particularly frequented by the Neapolitan youth where you can spend a pleasant evening among numerous bars and clubs in the area: Piazza Bellini and Piazza S. Domenico Maggiore.
DAY 6: The Royal Palace of Caserta
MORNING AND AFTERNOON Choose the Royal Palace of Caserta's official ticket according to the areas you want to visit and check the opening and access arrangements for each area. Free-entry days have specific conditions and do not automatically include every space or the English Garden. To reach Caserta, check Trenitalia timetables and fares for your chosen date, including your departure station, arrival and return journey. To see it from afar, the Royal Palace of Caserta is spectacular. UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was owned by the Bourbons of Naples and is the largest royal residence in the world by volume. In particular, we advise you not to miss some of the stops on the itinerary: Museo della Reggia di Caserta; Scalone D’Onore; Teatro; Collezione Terrae Motus,; Parco Reale; Giardino Inglese; NIGHT Back in Naples, choose your evening plans from what is scheduled during your stay. Check IC Napoli's events calendar and confirm the address, entry conditions and return transport through the activity details and the transport operator.
DAY 7: The Pompeii ruins
MORNING AND AFTERNOON Choose the admission ticket that covers the places you want to see: the options do not all include the same sites. Check the Pompeii Archaeological Park's official tickets, reductions, free-entry days and opening times before travelling. Your daily cost also depends on transport and your choices. For Pompeii, check EAV's Napoli-Sorrento railway timetable for Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri, the service running that day and the appropriate fare. Pompeii is the largest archaeological site in the world, you just have to spend a whole day to visit it all and let yourself be enchanted by its magical atmosphere of antiquity that will make you relive the greatness of past eras. In particular, we advise you not to miss some of the stops on the site: Il Foro e il Tempio di Apollo; L’Anfiteatro; Casa del Fauno; Teatro Grande;