Things to do in Naples

Itineraries for Your Trip to Naples

Naples locals share their perfect days.
Find your Naples

2 Days in Naples for First Timers

Curated by Jessica Colley ClarkeJessica Colley Clarke is a freelance writer and curious traveler based in New York City. Her stories have appeared in AFAR magazine, BBC Travel, The Daily Beast, and the New York Times, among other publications.

A vibrant Italian city, Naples is known for its thriving food culture and quick access to regional attractions like Pompeii. On a quick trip, there’s time to explore the city by Vespa, sign up for a pizza-making class, and see all the major landmarks. Here are a few ways to spend 48 hours in Naples.


Day 1: Morning

Maximize your time in Naples with a comprehensive introductory tour. Climb aboard a double decker hop-on hop-off bus for quick and efficient transportation to 30 city stops. Or join a walking tour focused on local history, including major landmarks such as Piazza Municipio and the Naples Royal Palace.

Day 1: Afternoon

Experience the signature flavors of Naples on a culinary tour. Join a local guide for a walking tour to street food stalls and hidden restaurants, or sign up for a pizza-making class and learn how to make a Neapolitan pie from start to finish. Sample the fruits of your labor hot from the oven.

Day 1: Night

Go sightseeing after dark to see the city lights of Naples. Choose between a tour on the back of a Vespa or in a vintage Fiat 500 and explore the city with a local guide who shares stories about history, architecture, and contemporary culture.

Day 2: Morning

Explore underground with a tour that descends into the city’s tunnels and caves. Learn how these spaces were used throughout history, including as a bomb shelter in World War II. Above ground, move quickly through the city on a guided bike tour or a Segway tour.

Day 2: Afternoon

Spend an afternoon beyond the city limits on an excursion to the archeological ruins at Pompeii. Travelers interested in wine can add on a wine tasting on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. From the port in Naples, a boat tour to the island of Capri is also a possibility.

Day 2: Night

Discover Naples by night on a guided tour that includes panoramic views from Posillipo Hill. Learn about the city’s history and culture from your guide and finish the evening with a pizza dinner at one of Naples' famous pizzerias.

See more things to do in Naples