How to spend one day in Naples Italy

One day in Naples Italy is nowhere near long enough. 

A city that blends ancient charm with modern living, Naples is somewhere where words or photos do little justice. 

Gritty, rustic and a little rough around the edges, Naples leaves quite an impression. Yet, within its rough exterior lies a city that’s fun, colorful and pulsating with life and soul around every turn. 

If a visit to Naples is on the cards, this easy Naples itinerary is ideal for a 24-hour stopover. It’ll list the best things to do in Naples in one day and when to visit Naples. 

An Italian city that was made for every Italy bucket list, use this post to plan your Italy trip. 

Why visit Naples? 

Naples has a rich tapestry of history, culture, food and some of the most impressive architecture I’ve seen in Italy. 

It's also one of the cheapest places in Italy we’ve visited and many of the top attractions are free.  

Like many visitors, we visited Naples on a brief stopover before our 4-day trip to the Amalfi Coast. But, having spent one day in Naples, we were so impressed with the city we’ll be planning a return visit.  

Best things to do in one day in Naples Italy 

1. Start at Piazza del Plebescito  

Our base in the Santa Lucia area of Naples put us in a well-placed position to visit Piazza del Plebescito.

The neighborhood near the marina was around an 8-minute walk from our hotel, Di Palma Suite. A top area on where to stay in Naples, it’s also close to the promenade that overlooks Mount Vesuvius. 

Di Palma Suite, Via Generale Giordano Orsini, 46 

Historical significance  

One of the largest and most famous squares in Naples, Piazza del Plebescito isn’t just iconic, it’s unmissable. It was named after the plebiscite (a direct vote by the people) that took place in 1860. Its results later led to the unification of Italy. 

Today, Piazza del Plebescito is a popular meeting point and location that hosts cultural events in Naples. 

The church in the square 

The Basilica of San Francesco of Paola steals the limelight in the Piazza del Plebescito. 

Its large dome and colonnade were inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, a similarity that’s easy to spot. Free to enter, the neoclassical church is one of the best attractions to see in Naples. 
The royal palace 

The royal palace

Adjacent to the basilica is the Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale di Napoli), a former royal residence. 

Construction of the palace began in the 17th century during the Spanish rule of Naples. 

Featuring a blend of architectural styles (Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical), there’s plenty to see inside and out. Book tickets for the Royal Palace of Naples to see the lavish lifestyle of the Bourbon monarchs who once resided there. 

Two statues 

The last thing to mention when visiting Piazza del Plebescito are the two statues in the square, both on horseback. 

One is of King Charles III of Spain (Carlo III) who ruled as King of Naples from 1734-1759.  
The other is of Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies (Ferdinando I delle Due Sicilie). He was King of Naples and of Sicily from 1816 to 1825. 

Basilica of San Francesco of Paola (Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola), 
Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale di Napoli), Piazza del Plebescito 

2. Have breakfast at Gran Caffè Gambrinus 

A stone’s throw from Piazza del Plebescito is the historic Gran Caffè Gambrinus. Established in 1860, it’s one of Naples’ most iconic coffeehouses.  

Its Belle Époque decor with chandeliers, mirrors and marble tables only adds to the lavish interior. 

A substandard experience 

Unfortunately, our dining experience didn’t quite match Gran Caffè Gambrinus’ beautiful interior. 

Service was extremely slow (there were only 3 other tables at the time) and our Italian breakfast left us underwhelmed. For a city known for having one of the best food cultures in Italy, we’d expected better. 

If you’ve just one day in Naples, I’d say to give Gran Caffè Gambrinus a miss. Instead, try the other places on this list for a more delicious, authentic and cheaper Neapolitan experience. 

Gran Caffè Gambrinus, Via Chiaia, 1 

3. Explore Galleria Umberto I  

My husband and I got an instant feeling of déjà vu the second we stepped inside Galleria Umberto I.

Its architectural style, characterized by its iron and glass structure and central dome, reminded us of Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. 

The public shopping gallery in Naples was inaugurated in 1890 and named after the King of Italy at the time. Inside is a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants to help pass the time. A must-see attraction on your one day in Naples, it’s also a good place to get shelter when it rains. 

Galleria Umberto I, Via Chiaia, 1 

Map: one day in Naples things to do

4. Discover the Spanish Quarter 

An electrifying energy fills the air the moment you enter the Spanish Quarter (I Quartieri Spagnoli). The further away you are from the main street, the more local the scene becomes. 

Laundry flutters in the breeze, strung between buildings like colorful banners. Locals engage in animated conversations over freshly brewed Neapolitan coffee; the tantalizing aroma of pizza is never far away. 

In short, it’s one of the best things to do on a day trip to Naples. 

Browse the goods at Pignasecca market 

While in the Spanish Quarter, do as the locals do and visit Pignasecca market (Mercato della Pignasecca). A food market selling everything from fruits and vegetables to cheese and fresh tripe, there’s plenty going on. 

Alongside the market are trattorias as well as stalls selling fried pizza and other Neapolitan food at cheap prices.  

Pignasecca Market (Mercato della Pignasecca), Via Pignasecca, 28 

Other attractions to see 

Around 11-minutes away from the market is the 16th century church of Santa Maria della Mercede in Montecalvario. Once flanked by 2 gardens at the front and rear it’s since undergone several renovations.  

Also in the Spanish Quarter is the Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea) attraction. Tickets for a guided tour will take you through the underground system of ancient catacombs, tunnels, caves and cisterns. 

Santa Maria della Mercede in Montecalvario (Chiesa di Santa Maria della Mercede a Montecalvario) 
Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea), Vico S. Anna di Palazzo, 52 

5. Discover Naples’ churches 

I could easily write a separate post about the churches in Naples and why they’re unmissable. 
Each and every church that we stopped by was as remarkable as the other.  

Church of New Jesus (Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo) 

We were so impressed by the Church of New Jesus (Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo) that we passed by twice. One of the most iconic churches in Naples, its facade is notable for its unique volcanic stone carving. 

A prime example of Neapolitan Baroque art, inside is an explosion of marble, gold and color waiting to be admired. 

An unmissable attraction, entrance is free and it’s one you can’t miss on your one day in Naples. 

Church of New Jesus (Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo), Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, 2 

Church of St. Gregory Armeno (Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno, Chiesa di Santa Patrizia) 

Another jaw-dropping scene awaits inside the church of St. Gregory Armeno (also known as the church of St. Patricia).  

Its entrance is a little different to what you’d expect from a standard church. You first enter an atrium with four square columns before entering the main door that’s surrounded by two small columns. 

Inside is an interior rich in 17th century frescoes and with a decorated and frescoed wooden ceiling.

A monumental church, make sure to add this to your Naples one-day itinerary. 

Church of St. Gregory Armeno (Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno), Via S. Gregorio Armeno, 24 

Church of St. Nicholas (Chiesa di San Nicola alla Carità) 

We’d no expectations when we entered the Church of St. Nicholas (Chiesa di San Nicola alla Carità) on Via Toledo.  

Inside is an interior so striking, we’d to sit down to fully appreciate the scene in front of us. With artwork from some of the greatest Neapolitan painters of the 18th century it’s worth visiting when in Naples. 

Church of St. Nicholas (Chiesa di San Nicola alla Carità), Via Toledo, 376 

Lose yourself in the Duomo  

A church we couldn’t miss on our one day in Naples was Naples Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli). Its official name is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Cattedrale Metropolitana di Santa Maria Assunta). 

Dating to the 13th century, the cathedral is one of Naples’ most important churches for both artistic and cultural reasons. Three times a year, it hosts the rite of the dissolution of the blood of St. Gennaro.  

The dissolution of the blood of St. Gennaro  

In May, September and December of each year, parishioners come to witness the dissolution of the blood of St. Gennaro. A cardinal takes the ampule of the saint’s blood (which is solid) and parishioners pray until it liquifies.  

Aside from the ritual, the cathedral’s neo-Gothic façade and chapels with 4th century works of art is a must see. 

Naples Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli), Via Duomo, 147 

6. Try a Neapolitan ‘snowflake’  

After a morning filled with churches and architecture, we took a coffee break at Leopoldo Cafebar. 

One of many locations across Naples, I sat down to try my first ‘snowflake’ (fiocchi di neve). Also known as ‘nuvole ripiene’ (stuffed cloud), the best way to describe this Neapolitan pastry is heavenly. 

Filled with a light and airy cream, it’s the perfect late-morning filler. 

Leopoldo Caffebar, Via Benedetto Croce, 30/31 

7. grab a traditional slice of pizza

The biggest tragedy you can commit when visiting Naples is to not try the best pizza in Italy. 

Pizzerias are everywhere in the center of Naples and it’s not hard to eat well.  

Our inner gluttons were unleashed in Naples as we strolled past plenty of tempting shopfronts selling pizza and other goods. 

Finally, my greed got the better of me as we saw a fresh pizza pie placed in the window of Pimó pizzetteria.  

Unable to resist, I ordered a slice, to which the lady behind the counter reheated in the oven. The perfect Neapolitan crust topped with sausage and friarielli, it was so delicious that it didn’t take long to finish. 

Pimó pizzetteria, Via San Biagio Dei Librai, 22 

Try it fried 

If you thought we’d gotten our pizza fix in Naples, you’d be wrong.  

Later that evening, we stopped by a pizzeria after having had a very busy one day in Naples. 

A local place serving Neapolitan-style pizza, antipasti and other Italian naughty bites, San Gennaro Pizzeria beckoned us through its doors. 

My husband ordered a standard pizza while I wanted to try my first ‘pizze fritte’ or fried pizza. Not long after we’d placed our order, our pizzas came out.  

The look on my face said it all. My fried pizza was double the size of my husband’s. A little bit red in the face, I felt like a total glutton as I cut into it.  

Crunchy, satisfying and cooked perfectly, we’d definitely come back for a second helping. 

San Gennaro Pizzeria, Via Mezzocannone 

Naples attractions that we missed 

Given that we’d just one day in Naples Italy, there was plenty that we didn’t get to see. Should your visit to Naples be longer than ours, consider adding the following attractions to your itinerary for Naples. 

• Museum Chapel Sansevero (Museo Cappella Sansevero): a funeral chapel with sculptures of the veiled Christ. Booking tickets in advance is essential. 
• Naples Bellini Theater (Teatro Bellini di Napoli) 
• Ovo Castle (Castel dell’Ovo) 
• St. Elmo Castle (Castel Sant’Elmo) 

When is the best time to visit Naples? 

We visited Naples in mid-May, a time of year when we can usually expect good weather. 

Unfortunately, May 2023 turned out to be an exception. Nearly all of the country was experiencing torrential rains and heavy thunderstorms making less than desirable travel conditions.  

On the bright side, temperatures in Naples in May remained mild (21°C/69.8°F).  

With the weather becoming more unpredictable, it’s hard to know when is the best time to visit Italy.  

But, if pressed for an answer, I’d go with visiting Naples in either June or September/October (see 'Italy in September' and 'October'). 

Is Naples Italy safe? 

The burning question that many people want to know is, is Naples safe?

From our personal experience, we found Naples Italy to be very safe. We walked through much of the Spanish Quarter (day and night) and in more local areas without any trouble. 

Suffice it to say, we didn't, and had no intention to, venture into parts of Naples that had a questionable reputation.

As with anywhere, always keep an eye on your belongings and stay vigilant.

Want to read more on this topic? My guide on 'is Italy safe to visit' covers topics not only relating to Naples but also to Rome, Venice and Milan. 

Final thoughts 

If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’ve enjoyed this itinerary on how to spend one day in Naples. It may seem like I’ve covered a lot of attractions and things to do, but everything is within walking distance. 

Feel free to mix and match the attractions that we visited with with some that we didn’t get to see. 

What are you thoughts on Naples? Would you like to visit Naples Italy one day? Which attractions would you most like to see? Let me know in the comments below. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.