Naples, the capital of the Campania region in southern Italy, is a city with a rich history, culture, and cuisine. It is a city that deserves more than one day to fully explore, but if you only have 24 hours, there are still many things you can do to make the most of your time. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to do in Naples Italy in one day.
Explore the Historic Center
The Historic Center of Naples, also known as the Spaccanapoli, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a vibrant and chaotic area with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lively markets. Take a walk along Via dei Tribunali and Via San Gregorio Armeno to see historic churches, shops selling Nativity scenes, and local street food. Stop by Piazza del Gesù to see the Baroque church of Gesù Nuovo and the obelisk of Immacolatella.
Visit the Naples Cathedral
The Naples Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is a beautiful Gothic church located in the heart of the city. It houses the Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, which contains the relics of the patron saint of Naples. The cathedral also has a museum where you can see historic artifacts and art pieces.
Admire the Royal Palace of Naples
The Royal Palace of Naples, also known as the Palazzo Reale, is a stunning 17th-century palace located in Piazza del Plebiscito. It was the residence of the Bourbon kings of Naples and houses numerous art collections and important historical artifacts. The palace also has a beautiful garden that is worth a visit.
Try the Local Cuisine
Naples is famous for its delicious food, and trying some of the local specialties is a must-do when visiting the city.
Eat a Pizza Margherita
Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and trying a Pizza Margherita is a must-do when in the city. The Margherita is a simple pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. It was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889 and has become a symbol of Neapolitan cuisine.
Taste the Pastries
Naples is also famous for its pastries, such as sfogliatelle and babà . Sfogliatelle is a crispy pastry filled with ricotta cheese and candied fruit, while babà is a sweet cake soaked in rum. You can find these pastries in almost every bakery in the city.
Take a Trip to Pompeii
If you have time, take a trip to Pompeii, an ancient Roman city located just outside of Naples. Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, but the city was preserved under layers of ash and pumice. Today, it is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In conclusion, Naples is a city that has a lot to offer, even if you only have one day to explore it. Visit the Historic Center, admire the Royal Palace, try the local cuisine, and take a trip to Pompeii if you have time. You will fall in love with this vibrant and chaotic city.
