The scent of espresso and wood-fired pizza fills the air as Mount Vesuvius rises dramatically over the Bay of Naples. Few cities are as chaotic, passionate, and irresistibly alive. Spending 2 days in Naples is the perfect way to experience Italy’s raw southern soul, full of history, flavour, and energy.

View of a city with dense, colorful buildings in the foreground. A large mountain with a distinctive peak is visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Naples and Vesuvius
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👋 I’m Hazel, a British solo travel blogger who’s explored Italy extensively. Naples can seem overwhelming at first, but with the right plan, it’s an unforgettable city to explore solo .

Here is your itinerary for spending 2 days in Naples. There is a lot to do, and you could stretch this over 3 days if you prefer.

Day 1 of Your 2 Days in Naples – Classic Sights & Street Life 🗓️

Note: Day 1 of this itinerary is completely walkable and covers Naples’ historic centre.

🌅 Morning: Piazza del Plebiscito & Galleria Umberto

Start your 2 days in Naples in the heart of the city at Piazza del Plebiscito, where royal palaces frame sweeping views of Vesuvius.

Aerial view of a city in daytime, light coloured European buildings can be seen with a central pizza in a semi circle shape with a grand building supported by many plinths. Hazy blue sky, with the sea in the distance.
Piazza del Plebiscito

Then step inside the ornate Galleria Umberto I for breakfast – order a sfogliatella pastry and a strong espresso to start your Italian adventure.

An ornate circular rooftop, picture taken from inside the building looking up at the circular design
Two glasses of coffee on saucers, one with a spoon, and a pastry on a rectangular plate on a white table.
Galleria Umberto I

🏺 Late Morning: Naples National Archaeological Museum

Head to the Archaeological Museum of Naples, home to mosaics and sculptures from Pompeii and Herculaneum.

It’s a must-visit highlight of any Naples 2-day itinerary – allow around two hours to explore. Buy your tickets here. The museum is not open on Tuesdays.

An ancient roman sarcophagus, decorated with many intertwined marble statues and figurines.
Naples Archaeological Museum

🍕 Lunch: Street Food on Spaccanapoli

Follow Spaccanapoli, the narrow street that slices through Naples’ old town.

Try a paper cone of cuoppo (fried seafood) or a folded pizza a portafoglio. The chaos here is pure Naples – loud, fast, and full of life.

Close-up of two paper containers filled with a delightful assortment of fried foods, reminiscent of the classic Cuoppo from Naples, Italy. The treats are artfully arranged on wooden trays and displayed behind glass.
A hand holds two folded pizzas wrapped in paper, with blurred buildings in the background.
Cuoppo and folded pizza
Some people walkign down a very busy Italian steret with vendors selling their products on both sides of the street.
Spaccanapoli, Naples, Italy

🛍️ Afternoon: Via Toledo & the Duomo

Walk up Via Toledo for shopping and local life, then turn into Via San Gregorio Armeno, the famous “Christmas Alley” filled with handmade nativity figurines.

Finish at the Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro), where relics of the city’s patron saint are kept.

Exterior view of a large Gothic cathedral, showcasing intricate stone carvings and pointed arches, set against a clear blue sky.
Naples Cathedral

🌇 Evening: Dinner in Piazza Bellini

End your first day of your 2 days in Naples in Piazza Bellini, a lively area with outdoor cafes, music, and easygoing solo-friendly restaurants.

Order spaghetti alle vongole or classic Margherita pizza with a glass of local Falanghina wine and watch the world go by. A perfect end to your first day in Naples.

Where to Stay:

Day 2 in Naples: Volcanoes, Underground Tunnels & Seaside Views 🌋

Note: Day 2 includes a half-day trip, so you’ll need to join a guided tour, use public transport, or hire a car for the morning!

🌄 Morning: Pompeii, Herculaneum or Mount Vesuvius

Dedicate the morning of your 2 days in Naples to the region’s legendary sites.

Take a small-group tour or drive to Pompeii, Herculaneum, or even hike Mount Vesuvius.

🚗 Need wheels? I recommend Discover Cars for easy rental pickup at Naples Airport and the best local deals.

Ancient Roman ruins with stone columns, a statue, and a stone basin in an outdoor setting.
Pompeii

🍕 Lunch: Naples’ Best Pizza

After your excursion, return to the city and join the locals for lunch at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Gino Sorbillo.

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so don’t leave without tasting the original Margherita!

Italian margherita pizza served on a table in a restaurant in Rome.

🕳️ Afternoon: Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground)

Venture beneath the city on a guided tour of Napoli Sotterranea, where ancient Greek aqueducts and WWII tunnels reveal Naples’ layered history.

Get your tickets here. It gets crowded on weekends.

Ancient arched stone tunnel with illuminated walls and ceiling, featuring intricate brickwork and a rustic, aged appearance.
Naples Underground

🏰 Late Afternoon: Castel dell’Ovo

Walk the seafront promenade to Castel dell’Ovo, a 15-minute stroll from Piazza del Plebiscito.

The castle’s views over the bay and Vesuvius are stunning, especially at golden hour. Guided tours are also available.

Stone fortress on a rocky shoreline with a clear blue sky and calm water in the foreground.
Castel dell’Ovo

🌙 Evening: Dinner in Chiaia & Gelato at Villa Comunale

End your 2 days in Naples in style in the Chiaia neighbourhood, known for its chic wine bars and seafood restaurants.

Then grab a gelato and enjoy a sunset walk through Villa Comunale Park by the sea.

Ornate green gazebo with blue and white stained glass roof, situated in a city park with surrounding buildings and palm trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Park Of Villa Comunale di Napoli

🏨 Where to Stay:

Helpful Tips for Spending 2 Days in Naples📝

Here are a few essential tips to make your 2 days in Naples smooth and stress-free:

🚗 Driving Tip: Italy drives on the right. Naples traffic is intense! Walk or use public transport inside the city.
🔑 Car Hire: For day trips, book through Discover Cars for the best deals and flexible pickup.
☀️ Best Time to Visit: April-June and September-October bring sunshine and fewer crowds.
👣 Solo Travel: Stay central, walk confidently, and avoid quiet alleys late at night.
🗣️ Language Tip: Learn simple phrases like ciao (hello) and grazie (thank you) – it goes a long way!

Map of This 2-Day Naples Itinerary 🗺️

See all the key stops pinned on this custom Google Map.

FAQs for your Trip to Naples, Italy 💡

Before you finalise your plans, here are some quick answers to common questions about spending 2 days in Naples:

Is Naples safe for solo travellers?

It’s busy but welcoming. Stay aware and keep valuables close in crowded areas.

Do I need a car for 2 days in Naples?

No. You can walk or use the metro. Rent a car only if you’re visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, or Vesuvius independently.

What’s the best time to visit Naples?

Spring and autumn offer the best mix of warm weather and smaller crowds.

Can I visit Pompeii during 2 days in Naples?

Yes, and it fits perfectly into Day 2 of this itinerary.

What food should I try?

Start with a sfogliatella for breakfast and indulge in pizza Margherita and spaghetti alle vongole for dinner.

Is Naples walkable?

Completely! Day 1 of this itinerary is designed to be walked (just wear comfortable shoes).

Final Thoughts on Naples 🧳

Whether you come for the history, the food, or the chaos that makes Naples so magnetic, 2 days in Naples offers the perfect blend of culture and charm.

As a solo traveller, I found the city vibrant yet surprisingly easy to explore. It’s a whirlwind of espresso shots, Vesuvius views, and unforgettable flavours.

Related Reading 📚

More Italy inspiration to pair with your 2 days in Naples:

🌋 8 Brilliant Day Trips from Naples.
🍝 Naples Food Guide.
🌋 Naples Travel Guide: Tips for Visiting Napoli.
🚆 How to Get from Naples to Sorrento.
🏛️ Unusual Things to do in Naples.

📌 Save This 2 Days in Naples Itinerary for Later

Planning ahead? Save this itinerary to Pinterest so you can easily find it before your trip.

Coffee cup on wooden table with view of sailboats and Mount Vesuvius, overlaid by text: "2 Days in Naples. Explore the best of Italy." Visit www.hazeltravels.co.uk for more.
Collage of Naples: a statue with a building and mountain, pizza close-up, a castle by the sea, and an aerial view of colorful rooftops. Text reads "How to Spend 2 Days in Naples" with a web address.

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