A weekend in Naples is certainly an unforgettable experience, which remains etched in the memory of anyone lucky enough to visit this vibrant and fascinating city. Thanks to its thousand-year history, its lively culture and a world-renowned gastronomic scene, Naples offers endless opportunities for its visitors. If you are planning to visit this fascinating Italian city, then be prepared to stroll through narrow streets overflowing with history, music and scents and be enchanted by its hidden wonders. Do you want to organize an unforgettable weekend? Then continue reading and find out what to visit in Naples, where to eat and what is the best itinerary for a weekend!
What to visit in Naples: places to see
Naples is a city full of history and culture and it absolutely deserves a visit. There are so many places to see: churches, palaces, neighborhoods, squares, museums and much more, the attractions of Naples will not allow you to get bored even for a second! Even just a walk through its crowded streets will make you discover truly unique corners and views. But, exactly, what are the things to see in Naples? Sambac Studio has prepared a list of attractions not to be missed during a weekend:
Historical-cultural attractions
Let's start by listing the things to see in Naples if you want to learn more about its history and culture! One of the first attractions to mention is Piazza del Plebiscito , a majestic square at the end of Via Toledo and featuring the Basilica of San Francesco (inspired by the Roman Pantheon) and the Royal Palace of Naples . Although this square can be considered an architectural attraction for its beauty, it has a strong historical value: its name, in fact, derives from the plebiscite that voted for the unification of the Kingdom of Italy. Two other places to visit in Naples are the castles that stand on the seafront and overlook the gulf: Castel dell'Ovo and Castel Nuovo , also known as Maschio Angioino . The first is one of the oldest fortifications in the city and dates back to the Roman period, while the second one to the medieval period. From both fortresses you can enjoy a spectacular view! On your tour of Naples you cannot miss the Quartieri Spagnoli with their murals and Spaccanapoli, one of the oldest streets in the city. Finally, if you don't suffer from claustrophobia, plan a visit to Underground Naples! It is a vast complex of tunnel caves that extends under the historic center with a truly ancient history: its origin, in fact, dates back to the Greco-Roman era, when it was used as a tuff quarry. But, over the centuries, its functions have diversified: from shelter to storage for water. Today, visiting Underground Naples will lead you to discover a wonderful world that will leave you speechless.
Architectural attractions
Among the things to see in Naples there are also an infinite number of architectural masterpieces that cannot be missing from your list of places to visit. One is, without any doubt, the Galleria Umberto I: twin of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, this structure inaugurated at the end of the 19th century and today it houses several shops, bars and restaurants. Topped by an impressive glass dome, the gallery is a place not to be missed when visiting Naples . Even if you don't need the subway, there is one stop that is really worth visiting and that is Toledo: its fame comes from the complex work of light and mosaics that dominates the escalators. It is a true artistic masterpiece that we recommend you visit! Finally, don't miss some of the historic buildings in the city center: while walking through the streets you can stop in the internal courtyard of some buildings and admire their architecture. Don't miss the Palazzo dello Spagnuolo, dating back to the 18th century, it is famous for its incredible baroque façade that leaves all visitors stunned. A further attraction to visit in Naples is Palazzo Venezia: a timeless place that was built in the fifteenth century and which today houses a splendid bar with an internal garden; a real gem not to be missed! Finally, don't miss masterpieces such as Banksy's Madonna with the gun in Piazza Girolamini and the Veiled Christ, kept in the Sansevero Chapel Museum .
Where to eat in Naples during the weekend?
During a weekend in Naples, the culinary experience is an essential part of the trip. Among the many renowned restaurants in the city, there are several options you can consider. If you want to have an authentic taste of traditional Neapolitan cuisine, the Nennella restaurant offers homemade and genuine dishes in a welcoming and familiar atmosphere. A visit to Naples on a weekend is not complete without eating some great pizza! Here it is impossible to go wrong, because every pizzeria will be able to make you fall madly in love, among those to try there are, certainly, 50 Calò and Da Michele. Remember that you can not reserve, so we suggest you to avoid peak times. If you want to taste the infamous fried pizza, instead, go to Isabella de Cham! Finally, if you prefer something sweet, you won't go wrong at the Poppella pastry sho : here you can taste some of the best and most typical pastries of the Neapolitan tradition!
What to see in Naples in 3 days: the best itinerary
To best optimize your weekend, plan a complete and detailed itinerary that can lead you to discover the most beautiful neighborhoods and unmissable attractions of the Neapolitan city. There are many things to see in Naples, so here is a list of what you could do and when:
First day
On the first day, dive into the magical atmosphere of the Historic Center, walking through the winding and crowded streets, admiring the baroque churches and stopping for a coffee on the renowned Piazza del Plebiscito. You can include in this day a visit to the Umberto I Gallery, the Royal Palace , the Mergellina seafront and the two fortresses: Castel dell'Ovo and Maschio Angioino. Pass through Via Toledo and stop to admire the famous metro stop and, finally, take a dip in the Spanish quarters, where the most famous of the murals dedicated to Maradona awaits you!
Second day in Naples
During the second day, you can visit Spaccanapoli in the direction of Vomero and, in the meantime, stop to admire the Monastery of Santa Chiara with its internal cloister. Once the walk is over, take the funicular and go up to the neighborhood that overlooks the city: Vomero. From here you can enjoy a truly wonderful view! Furthermore, you can visit Castel Sant'Elmo, one of the attractions in Naples not to be missed.
Third day
Finally, during the last day of your weekend in Naples you can think about dedicating the morning to visiting the National Archaeological Museum of Naples and, subsequently, you can walk through the streets of the city and be enchanted by its buildings and murals! It will be a truly unforgettable trip.
