What to see in Naples in a week: complete itinerary in seven days

To spend a week in Naples is a pleasure for the senses, but to enjoy it to the fullest we recommend you to plan everything carefully. A useful tool is, for example, purchasing a city pass. Naples Pass is the city card that allows you to access exclusive discounts, the best attractions and public transport in a convenient and practical way. To best organize your seven days in Naples, look at our guides on the best places to sleep, where to have breakfast and where to eat in the city. We have also created for you a complete guide on the best things to do in Naples for a truly top travel experience!

Here we are, therefore, ready to begin an intense journey full of beautiful adventures day after day. Our one-week itinerary in Naples will begin in the picturesque historic center; on the second day we will visit the main attractions of the city. On the third day we will move from the center towards the hilly area, to visit the most beautiful museums in Naples. Then an unmissable and adventurous day on Vesuvius, the mountain symbol of the city. On the fifth day we will return to the city for a visit to Mergellina, Posillipo and Chiaia, among the most fascinating places in Naples. On the sixth day we will take you to the Quartieri Spagnoli, among narrow and winding streets where you can discover the true Neapolitan spirit.

The seventh and final day will be dedicated to leaving the city and exploring the surroundings. Do you prefer to explore the stunning islands of the Gulf of Naples, or would you rather head to Caserta to marvel at the magnificent Royal Palace? Alternatively, you could dedicate your last day to a shopping spree and treat yourself to a luxurious gift at the nearby McArthurGlen Designer Outlet. The choice is yours!  

Start your journey to Naples in a week by exploring the historic centre of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, perfect to visit in the morning. Stroll through the old town's picturesque streets, discover its treasures, and lose yourself in the most hidden alleyways around Spaccanapoli. If you want, check out where to stay in Naples historic centre.

Take a leisurely stroll through the city's chaotic and colourful streets and pay a visit to the Cathedral of Naples, where the blood of San Gennaro, the city's patron saint, is kept in a precious cruet. Discover the treasure of San Gennaro and enter the Royal Treasury Chapel, one of the finest examples of Baroque art in the city.

On your second day on your week trip to Naples, you could dedicate the early morning to explore again some of the streets of the historic centre and then venture for a visit to Underground Naples. Here's our guide on how to get there.

We are talking about a labyrinth of underground passages and tunnels that tell the secret history of the city. A history that has its roots in Roman antiquity, when volcanic tuff, easily excavated, was used to build the foundations of the city. Over the centuries, however, these cavities were expanded and exploited for a variety of purposes, becoming over time shelters, cisterns for collecting water or oil, places of worship, and lazarettos during wars or epidemics.

When it comes to art and culture in Naples, you are truly spoilt for choice. This third day of your trip to Naples in a week you can dedicate entirely to the cultural attractions of the city. In the morning we recommend to visit Capodimonte Museum, one of Italy's largest art galleries, with a vast collection of works of art by famous artists such as Caravaggio, Tiziano and Raffaello.

The Capodimonte Museum not only has a unique collection but is also immersed in the greenery of the Real Bosco di Capodimonte, a true green lung of the city. Moreover, from the hill on which it is located you can admire beautiful views of the city of Naples, Vesuvius and the Islands.

Here we are on the fourth day, halfway through the travel itinerary to Naples in one week. After having already visited many attractions in the city, it's time to discover its enchanting surroundings...what's better than the city's symbolic mountain?

Our suggestion is to dedicate a whole day to Vesuvius, from morning to evening, visiting the natural wonders of the area and above all the suggestive archaeological sites of Naples. If you are a lover of ancient history, you cannot help but be fascinated by the discovery of places such as Pompeii and Herculaneum, both overwhelmed by the violent eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.

If you love hiking and the weather conditions are fine, you could climb Vesuvius to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay of Naples and admire the volcano's crater. You can reach the top of the volcano by following the signs of the hiking routes, but be careful, we suggest always relying on experts to tackle the route safely.

Before venturing on this day trip to the volcano of Naples, we recommend that you read our guide to Vesuvius with all the information and useful tips.

Fifth day of your week in Naples, and after having explored Vesuvius and its cultural and landscape riches you return to the city, dedicating this day to the discovery of three truly evocative areas of the city: Mergellina, Posillipo and Chiaia.

In the morning explore the Mergellina area, walking along the city's charming seafront in the sunlight, following the string of bars and small seaside chalets. Don't miss the nearby Parco Vergiliano in Piedigrotta, a location full of fantastic views to photograph, considered the traditional burial place of the poet Virgil with a monument dedicated to him. Among the other attractions of the park, they stand out the funerary monument dedicated to Leopardi and the Crypta Neapolitana, an ancient gallery of Roman origin.

What to see in Naples in a week? The Quartieri Spagnoli certainly cannot be missed, the beating heart of Neapolitan life, an authentic immersion in the culture of the so-called Neapolitanity. The Quartieri Spagnoli of Naples are famous for their liveliness and authenticity, for their narrow and winding streets dotted with traditional shops and above all for the lively atmosphere that can be felt in this area of the city. Here you can also find the famous mural dedicated to Diego Armando Maradona, one of the tourist attractions most loved by football fans and a true destination for a secular pilgrimage, halfway between sacred and profane.

Here we are, the last day of your week-long holiday in Naples has arrived. The last day of every holiday is always a little special. There are those who become more romantic and indulge in melancholy while observing poetic landscapes, those who want to take full advantage of the experience until the very end, and those who instead want to dedicate themselves to shopping without neglecting relaxation. We have therefore thought of more options to leave you the choice of how to spend the last day of your wonderful trip.

If you are looking for a romantic landscape to indulge in dreamy scenarios, if the season allows it, we recommend spending your day on the splendid islands of the Gulf of Naples: Ischia, Capri and Procida. Just the ferry ride to these destinations can give you a poetic memory of your trip. Among these islands, Ischia is the largest, famous for its thermal waters, its beaches and its natural beauty, a unique Mediterranean setting enriched by the authentic flavors of the local cuisine and the warm welcome of the local population, green hills, picturesque views and small villages overlooking the sea bordering the sky. Capri is the most famous island that enchants visitors with its incredible panorama and unique attractions such as the famous Grotta Blu, a natural cavity illuminated by a magical light. In Capri you will breathe a lively atmosphere. The smallest island of the three is Procida, a picturesque and colorful village with authentic charm, its authenticity also emerges from the culinary tradition of Procida, rich in traditional flavors for all palates.

If, however, you are not yet tired of visiting the iconic attractions of this area, we suggest a walk in the majestic Royal Palace of Caserta, which is only a half-hour drive from Naples. The Royal Palace of Caserta is considered the largest royal residence in the world, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed in the 18th century by the architect Vanvitelli on commission from Carlo Borbone, king of Naples and Sicily, the Palace with its enchanting scenery both inside, where you can visit the royal apartments, and outside with the grandiose and splendid gardens, it will be able to take you out of time, into an era of sumptuous balls, horse-drawn carriages and hunting trips. The gardens extend both in the front and rear parts of the Palace, you can take a long walk among ancient fountains and nature and the woods on the sides of the fountains. 

Lastly, not far from the Royal Palace of Caserta, there’s the perfect destination to combine shopping, fashion and relaxation. We are talking about La Reggia Designer Outlet. Located in a strategic position, close to the A1 motorway, Caserta sud exit, just 10 minutes from Naples-Capodichino International Airport La Reggia Designer Outlet, hosts the best Italian and international brands, and offers high quality tailor-made services. Consider visiting La Reggia Outlet if you have already checked out and you are with all your luggage. You’ll get closer to the airport and you will indulge in your latest purchases, taking advantage of the outlet's convenient prices, while spending a relaxing and pleasant day. You will be welcomed by a square with a scenic fountain and tree-lined boulevards, where you will find major brands’ stores, but also restaurants and bars to grab a bite or drink your last spritz. In short, everything you need to spend your last hours in Naples in style.