3 Days in Naples: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

Three days in Naples cover the National Archaeological Museum, Pompeii and Herculaneum, with the Via Toledo and Spanish Quarters area as a base for the city and its excursions.

At a glance

• Recommended length: 3 days
• Best base: Via Toledo / Spanish Quarters
• Main transport: the four funicular railways in the city, the Pompeii Artebus shuttle between the Pompeii sites
• Best time to go: May, with a 75°F (24°C) average high and 6 rainy days
• Excursions: Pompeii and Herculaneum, both part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Is 3 days enough in Naples?

Three days is enough for the three pillars of the trip: the city’s museums and monuments, Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pompeii covers 66 hectares, about 50 of them excavated, so it fills a day without help.

With one more day, Vomero would fit in, with Castel Sant’Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino. The Pompeii Plus ticket would also become worthwhile, since it covers Oplontis, Villa Arianna, Villa San Marco, the Archaeological Museum of Stabiae and Boscoreale.

With one less day, drop Herculaneum or the second half of the city plan. Pompeii and the National Archaeological Museum are the two stops to keep.

When to plan 3 days in Naples

May is the easiest month for this plan: highs reach 75°F (24°C) and rain falls on about 6 days, which suits a day on the open ground of Pompeii. April brings 6 hours of sun a day but 9 rainy days. From January to March, sunshine runs between 3.7 and 5.1 hours a day, and rain falls on 8 to 9 days a month, so pack for wet cobbles and keep the museums in reserve.

Where to stay in Naples for 3 days

The Via Toledo / Spanish Quarters area is the one recommended for a first stay that combines Naples and several excursions. It puts the historic center, Gallerie d’Italia on Via Toledo and the Pignasecca Market within reach. The Spanish Quarters are lively and some streets can be noisy in the evening, so ask for a room off the main lanes.

Chiaia is a good alternative for a quieter, more elegant feel. Vomero, on the heights, is residential with views over the city and the gulf.

Getting around Naples in 3 days

Naples has four public funicular railways: Central, Chiaia, Montesanto and Mergellina. Each ride takes 3 to 7 minutes. The Central runs from Piazza Augusteo to Piazza Fuga in Vomero, and the Montesanto climbs from the Montesanto district to Via Morghen. The Chiaia funicular links Chiaia with Vomero and first opened in 1889.

A car is of little use in town. Several restricted traffic zones (ZTL) apply, such as via Ferdinando Russo, 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. every day from July 1 to August 31, and via Marechiaro from May 16 to September 27. Between the Pompeii sites, the Pompeii Artebus shuttle connects them all.

At Herculaneum, Campania Artecard holders, including the LITE version, must go to the ticket office to activate the card before entering.

3 Days in Naples, day by day

Day 1: National Archaeological Museum and the old center

The day starts at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, at Piazza Museo 18/19. From there, the historic center holds Spaccanapoli, San Gregorio Armeno, Santa Chiara and the Duomo, all in one walkable area. The Sansevero Chapel, also known as S. Maria della Pietà, is at Via Francesco De Sanctis 19/21.

The Pignasecca Market, near the Montesanto district, is a convenient place to stop for lunch.

Day 2: Pompeii and Villa Regina

Pompeii is the day’s main stop, with the ancient city, the suburban villas (Villa of the Mysteries and Villa of Diomedes) and Villa Regina in Boscoreale. The Pompeii ticket includes the Antiquarium and shuttle bus. The site is large, so go early and wear sturdy shoes.

The MyPompeii card is valid for all the sites of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. If you want to add Oplontis or Stabia, the Pompeii Plus ticket covers them with the shuttle.

Day 3: Herculaneum and Via Toledo

Allow time for the Theater, the Antiquarium and the Boat Pavilion. Ticket office and trail access at Vesuvius close on days of orange weather alerts or above, so check the day before if you plan to climb it.

Back in the city, finish with Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), the Palazzo Reale or Gallerie d’Italia on Via Toledo. For a last evening with views, take a funicular up to Vomero and walk around Via Scarlatti.