Naples in 48 hours: the itinerary for those with little time (but who want it all)

Naples in 48 hours? That’s very little time, it’s true. But don’t let that put you off: with the right itinerary you can capture the true soul of this extraordinary city. Among alleyways steeped in history, views over the gulf and a gastronomic tradition among the most beloved in the world, Naples is capable of surprising you at every turn.

In two days you can cross its historic centre, let yourself be caught off guard by its contrasts and live intense moments among culture, art and authentic flavours. This 2-day Naples itinerary is designed for those who have little time but don’t want to miss anything: a balanced, dynamic and engaging route to discover the best of the city, without wasted time and without regrets.

If you’re still looking for where to sleep in Naples, our properties are in the heart of the city, right along the stops of this itinerary.

Day 1 – The ancient heart of Naples

The first day belongs to the oldest, most layered Naples: that of the alleyways of the historic centre, the baroque churches and the underground spaces that hide millennia of history. It’s the most intense day — and probably the one you’ll remember most.

The itinerary begins with a visit to the Duomo, situated along the street of the same name. Dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, it is far more than a place of worship: it is a living testament to the layering of religious, artistic and historical traditions that have shaped the city of Naples. Built by King Charles II of Anjou in the 13th century and modified several times over the centuries, it retains its original pointed arches in the three-nave layout, onto which several chapels open. The most famous is the Cappella di San Gennaro, built by the Neapolitans following a terrible plague. It is in this baroque chapel that each year the miracle of the liquefaction of the saint’s blood is awaited.

Leaving the Duomo, turn left onto Via dei Tribunali and in a few minutes you reach the Pio Monte della Misericordia. The 17th-century palazzo, built to a design by architect Francesco Antonio Picchiatti, houses one of the most important private collections open to the public. The picture gallery on the first floor holds an extraordinary series of paintings produced between the 16th and 19th centuries, while above the high altar of the church hangs Caravaggio’s celebrated canvas “The Seven Works of Mercy”.

After the Pio Monte, return along Via dei Tribunali to Piazza San Gaetano, where you’ll find the entrance to Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples): a city beneath the city, made up of galleries, cavities and tunnels carved out of the tufa stone that tell millennia of history. During the tour you visit the remains of the Greco-Roman aqueduct, the Second World War air-raid shelters, the War Museum, the Hypogeal Gardens and the Greco-Roman Theatre. The guided tour lasts around one hour.

Back on the surface, continue along Via dei Tribunali, then turn onto Via Nilo and Via Francesco de Sanctis to reach the intimate Cappella Sansevero, a jewel of international artistic heritage. Dating from the 16th century, it was remodelled in baroque style in the 18th century at the behest of Prince Raimondo di Sangro. Inside it holds priceless masterpieces, among which the Veiled Christ stands out — sculpted in 1753 by the Neapolitan artist Giuseppe Sanmartino and celebrated for the incredible realism of the marble veil covering the body of Christ.

After the Cappella Sansevero it is the ideal moment for a lunch break. You’re in the perfect spot to enjoy a pizza made to perfection: the historic centre of Naples, universally recognised as the birthplace of true Neapolitan pizza, offers a wide choice of historic pizzerias to choose from.

In the early afternoon the itinerary continues to the Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara. Made up of a monastery, church and convent, it was built between 1310 and 1328 at the commission of Robert of Anjou and his wife Sancia of Majorca. The true jewel of the complex is the Chiostro delle Clarisse (Cloister of the Poor Clares), transformed in the 18th century by architect Domenico Antonio Vaccaro. What makes it unique is the extraordinary majolica decoration, which creates a captivating interplay of colours.

The route continues into the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter): a place of narrow alleyways, laundry drying in the sun and small taverns, where every detail reflects the authentic soul of Naples. Walking without a fixed destination, letting yourself be surprised step by step, is the best way to enjoy what is probably the most emblematic neighbourhood in the city. Not to be missed, at Via Emanuele de Deo 60, is the large mural of Maradona created by local artist Mario Filardi in 1990 to celebrate Napoli’s second league title.

Leaving the Quartieri Spagnoli you emerge onto Piazza del Plebiscito, with its semi-elliptical colonnade ending at the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola, commissioned by Ferdinand I to celebrate the return of the Bourbons after the Napoleonic interlude. Opposite stands the majestic Palazzo Reale, former residence of the Spanish viceroys and later of the monarchs of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Rounding off the first day, a relaxing walk along the Lungomare Caracciolo, with Vesuvius in front and the gulf stretching as far as the eye can see, followed by a traditional dinner of seafood or, of course, another unforgettable pizza.

Day 2 – Naples in vertical

The second day reveals a different Naples: more elegant, higher up, more panoramic. It begins in the bourgeois Naples of Chiaia, rises towards the catacombs and Rione Sanità, and climbs up to Vomero and Posillipo. A day of ascents and descents — physical and metaphorical — that shows you how dramatically this city can change face from one neighbourhood to the next.

The second day begins at Piazza dei Martiri, in the heart of Chiaia — the neighbourhood where Naples dresses in elegance without ever ceasing to be itself. The centrepiece of the square is the monument to the martyrs of the Parthenopean Republic, created by Enrico Alvino in the 19th century, with four lions symbolising the anti-Bourbon uprisings of 1799, 1820, 1848 and 1860. Around it open the shopping streets, the historic cafés and several noble palaces. From the square, head towards the Church of Santa Teresa a Chiaia or simply walk along Via dei Mille and Via Filangieri, enjoying the slower pace of this neighbourhood.

From Chiaia, take public transport to reach the Catacombe di San Gennaro (Catacombs of San Gennaro), the most important in southern Italy for their size and historical-artistic value. They extend over two non-overlapping levels, both characterised by unusually large spaces — unlike the better-known Roman catacombs. The site is distinguished by its rich pictorial and mosaic heritage, ranging from pagan works of the 2nd century to Byzantine paintings from the 9th and 10th centuries. The guided tour lasts around one hour.

Leaving the catacombs you find yourself in Rione Sanità, one of the oldest and most authentic neighbourhoods in Naples, which perfectly embodies all of the city’s contradictions. It is an embrace of spices, colours and sounds that envelops you with every step. Some of the most celebrated films in Italian cinema were shot here, including “L’oro di Napoli” and “Ieri, oggi, domani”. Not to be missed, at Via Vergini 19, is the Palazzo dello Spagnolo, one of the finest examples of Neapolitan baroque, built in 1738 to a design by Ferdinando Sanfelice.

For lunch, stay in Rione Sanità and treat yourself to a fried pizza at Isabella De Cham, at Via Arena della Sanità 27. Alongside the classic version (with provola, tomato, cicoli, ricotta, pepper and basil), the Genovese (with onion, meat, carrot and cheese) and the Scarpariello (with yellow and red datterino tomatoes slow-cooked at low temperature, chilli, shavings of parmesan, basil and confit cherry tomatoes) are equally worth trying.

In the afternoon, take public transport to reach Vomero, the neighbourhood of upscale Naples, with magnificent period buildings and the shopping street of pedestrianised Via Scarlatti. The neighbourhood is dominated by Castel Sant’Elmo, an imposing medieval fortress now used as a museum, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the sea, Vesuvius, the islands, the Campi Flegrei and the Matese mountains.

Right beside the castle stands the Certosa di San Martino, the 14th-century monastery converted into a museum in 1866.

After Vomero, move towards Posillipo, one of the most exclusive and panoramic neighbourhoods in Naples. Perched on a promontory, it offers unique vistas and a calm, refined atmosphere. At the top of the hill stands Parco Virgiliano, with its broad terraces offering panoramic views over the gulf: Vesuvius, the Sorrentine Peninsula and the islands, with Procida and Ischia rising behind the small island of Nisida. The perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.

Return to the historic centre for the last evening. Naples at night takes on a different light: the alleyways fill with music, the bars come alive and the atmosphere becomes even more vivid and theatrical. A walk along: Spaccanapoli, a folded pizza on the go, a coffee in a historic bar, a pastry in one of the centre’s pasticcerie: the perfect way to close 48 hours in Naples.

Naples never runs out

Forty-eight hours in Naples are not enough — and you already knew that. But they are enough to understand why this city stays under the skin of those who pass through even for just a day. The largest historic centre in Europe, an unrepeatable art of living, a cuisine without equal: Naples does not ask you to understand it, it only asks you to let yourself be swept away.

If you have a few more days, consider extending the trip to the Sorrentine Peninsula: less than an hour from Naples you’ll find another world entirely, one of romance and Mediterranean landscape. You’ll find everything in our guide: 10 things to do in Sorrento.

Frequently asked questions about Naples in 48 hours

What should I see in Naples in 48 hours if I have little time?

With just two days, focus Day 1 on the UNESCO historic centre: the Duomo, the Cappella Sansevero, Underground Naples, the Quartieri Spagnoli and Piazza del Plebiscito. On Day 2, dedicate the morning to Chiaia and the Catacombs of San Gennaro, and the afternoon to Vomero for the panorama from Castel Sant’Elmo. If you have to choose just one thing, the Cappella Sansevero with the Veiled Christ is unmissable.

How do I get around Naples during the 48 hours?

The historic centre can be covered almost entirely on foot. To reach the Catacombs and Rione Sanità you can take the bus or a taxi. For Vomero, the Funicolare Centrale (departing from Via Toledo) is convenient. For Posillipo, a taxi is preferable. Avoid driving in the historic centre: traffic and parking are almost impossible.

What is the best time for a weekend in Naples?

Naples can be visited well at any time of year, but the ideal months are April, May, October and November: mild climate, fewer crowds than in summer, more accessible prices. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. December and January have a particular charm thanks to the artisan nativity scenes on Via San Gregorio Armeno.

Is it worth combining Naples and Sorrento in the same trip?

Absolutely — they are two complementary experiences that never overlap. Naples offers energy, art and street food; Sorrento offers romance, relaxation and scenery. With 2 days in Naples and 3 in Sorrento (or the other way round) you have a complete and richly varied trip. The connection is straightforward: direct Circumvesuviana train in about 70 minutes or summer ferry. 

Where should I sleep in Naples to be close to everything?

The two best locations for this itinerary are the Chiaia neighbourhood] (elegant, quiet, an excellent base for Day 2) and the historic centre (right in the thick of it, perfect for Day 1). Vivaldo Suite has properties in both areas: Vivaldo Suite Piazza dei Martiri] in Chiaia and Vivaldo Suite Spaccanapoli] in the heart of the old centre.