24 Hours in Napoli

Italians are no stranger to a perfect cup of coffee. Espresso (caffè in Italian), macchiato, cappuccino, the list continues…wherever you are in Italy, you’ll find that like most things consumed, Italians take their passion to uncommon heights for the sake of their caffè. It’s certainly one of the things Italians are known for.

Strolling through the bustling streets of the city, you can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement. From ancient ruins, street art to stunning, sacred cathedrals, there is something for everyone to enjoy, and it is easy to see why the locals say “Vedi Napoli e poi muori! (“See Napoli and die!). With so much to see or do, what do you do though if you only have 24 hours in Napoli? While it may be a daunting task, we look at some possible ways to do it.

Historical Visits

For the historians in your group, one of the most significant historical sites in Napoli is the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. This ancient city was buried under volcanic ash in 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the volcanic eruption buried the city with its ash, preserving it for centuries. Today, visitors can explore the remarkably preserved ruins, and gain insight into what life was like during the Roman Empire. It’s a snapshot in time – when I visited, I was taken away by the awe of viewing what everyday life would have been like thousands of years ago.

If really short on time, the Naples National Archaeological Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Pompeii, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the city’s history.

If you’re seeking something along the lines of a pilgrimage, another must-visit is the cattedrale di San Gennaro, the city’s main cathedral. This stunning place of worship is dedicated to Saint Januarius, the patron saint of Naples. The cathedral is renowned for its ornate Baroque architecture and houses the Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, which contains the saint’s relics. It also contains a breathtaking fresco by Giovanni Lanfranco located in the cathedral’s chapel.

Art

If you are an art lover (or even if you’re not), there are plenty of museums you can visit, such as the Gallerie D’Italia centrally-located on via Toledo, or the Museo di Capodimonte. The Gallerie holds art from the 17th to 20th century, with a substantial collection from Neapolitan artists.

The Capodimonte is, quite literally, a palazzo, so in addition to the stunning and extensive art collection (you’ll see Caravaggio and Titian among others), you’ll be visiting a historic site once belonging to Charles VII of Bourbon (Bonus: walk the palatial grounds after taking in the art and practice the Italian tradition of the ‘passeggiata‘).

Food

When you only have 24 hours in Napoli, food is a must. It goes without saying, but one must enjoy a vera pizza Napoletana (a true Neapolitan pizza), specifically regulated by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. You could find yourself at Mattozzi, one of the first members of the AVPN, or try L’antica Pizzeria da Michele, one of the oldest establishments serving vera pizza napoletana. At Da Michele, the only two pizzas served are the marinara (tomato, oregano and garlic) and margherita (tomato, mozzarella, and basil).

Experiencing the vera pizza Napoletana is a true Neapolitan experience – here you can see for yourself the differences between Roman pizza and Neapolitan pizza, and you’ll have an incredible memory.

However one cannot stop at pizza, to complete your food journey, you may want to consider trying cuoppo, which is often fried seafood packed in a paper cone, and cap the day with a sfogliatelle, a delicious Neapolitan pastry that with some of the best found all over the city.

24 Hours in Napoli – Yours to Discover

The above is by no means an exhaustive list, but rather, a helpful aide in your plans to discover Napoli. Another way to experience the city, however, is to do an impromptu tour without any plans (except, of course, to ensure your exploring is done safely). Much like our 24 Hours in Rome, you could make a loose outline of what you accomplish during your visit, and let the city guide you with its energy and spirit – in this way, you’ll explore the city uniquely, and discover it in ways that are off the well-known path.

And so, Napoli is a city wait to charm you, to take you in for a day, like an old friend waiting with a drink for your company. And the city will tell you stories if you’re willing to listen. So whichever way you choose to explore Napoli, you’ll see a city full of life, history, love, and wonder, all of which is yours to experience if you take the chance.