Naples Cruise Port: Things To Do in Naples Italy in One Day
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The notorious city has treasures around every corner. If you’re visiting Naples from a cruise ship this guide will help you plan your day ashore.
Naples One Day Itinerary: (Jump To)
How to get to Naples from the Cruise Port
Naples is one of those magical ports where you can walk from the ship to the city in a few short steps. The ship pulls into a cruise terminal building with shops and small food vendors. When you exit the building you can follow a pedestrian path to the heart of the city. (They’re in the process of clearing a large pedestrian plaza and path that will make this journey even easier).
Public Transportation in Naples
Riding the subway in Naples is easy. There is a subway stop within a 10-minute walk from the cruise port. Single journey tickets are €1.10 and an all-day pass that allows rides on subways, buses, and funiculars is just €4.50.
Tickets can be purchased from vending kiosks with a credit card or cash. If paying in cash the machines typically only take small bills and change. Larger stations will also have a ticket window with a human to help you. Tickets can also be purchased from tobacco stores near the station entrances.
Is Naples Safe?
People love to talk about how unsafe Naples is. Do not let this scare you or stop you in any way. Use the same discretion you would in any large city. I sometimes think the cruise ships know how easy it is to explore the city on your own so they spin tales of roaming bands of pickpockets. You’ll be fine on your own.
Day Trips from Naples
If it’s your first time in Naples and you only have one day, the best thing to do is to skip Naples altogether! Take a day trip to visit Pompeii, it’s one of the most amazing places on the planet!
You can also take a day trip to Pompeii’s less famous cousin, The Archaeological Park of Herculaneum. It’s closer to the city and less crowded than Pompeii.
If you’re outdoorsy, there are plenty of great opportunities to hike on the notorious volcano of Vesuvius.
Visit the Hilltop Castel Sant’Elmo
This 13th-century Medieval fortress of Sant’Elmo offers the best view of the City of Naples, the volcano of Vesuvius, and the Gulf of Naples.
The castle is accessible via one of the many hillside funicular railroads. You can use your subway day pass to ride the funicular or buy single journey tickets at the station (€1.10 each).
Admission to the castle is only €4.
Take in the Sights at Piazza del Plebiscito
The Piazza del Plebiscito is a large pedestrian square flanked by two of the top sights in Naples.
The Royal Palace of Naples is a 17th-century palace that was home to former rulers of portions of Italy. For under €10, you can tour the palace. The private theatre and throne rooms are of particular elegance. If you’re not that interested, take the time to admire the exterior architecture and the row of statues of famous rules of Naples.
Across the plaza, you’ll find the stone-domed Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. Entry to the massive church is free. The interior is lined with marble columns, impressive religious statues, and some religious art.
Castel Nuovo
Near the port, you’ll find Castel Nuovo (often called Maschio Angioino). The nearly 800-year-old castle is most impressive from the outside. It has the same shape as the castles you know and love from Super Mario Bros.
If you decide to enter the castle (Tickets €6) you can tour the upstairs art exhibits and admire historic religious art in the public chapel.
Have an Espresso in Galleria Umberto
The elegance of the glass-domed shopping plaza of Galleria Umberto will stop you in your tracks. The shopping options inside are less elegant (choices include McDonald’s and Sephora).
This is a great stop for an afternoon pick-me-up. Do as the Italians and have an espresso standing up at the espresso counter of any of the coffee shops in the mall. If your feet need a rest, you can grab a table too.
Get a Pizza at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Possibly the most famous and popular pizza shop in Naples, Pizza at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, is a meal you will never forget.
The huge pizzas are enough for two (but order one per person anyway). At just €5 per pizza, you would expect them to be awful, but they are AMAZING. This is the best pizza I have ever tasted.
There is always a wait. Often it’s a long wait. When you arrive at the shop enter the lobby and get a number. An LED sign above the door shows what number is next for entry. A good strategy is to line up at about 11:30 am. They open at Noon and will start giving out numbers slightly before opening. We only waited about an hour for our table inside the tiny shop.
You can also line up for takeaway pizzas. The nearby streets are lined with people sharing pizzas from boxes sitting on the curbs and sidewalks.
Shop for Miniatures Along Via S. Gregorio Armeno (aka Christmas Alley).
Naples is believed to be the home to the first-ever recreation of the Nativity at Christmas. The tradition of creating terracotta figurines depicting the birth of Jesus is alive and well in Christmas Alley. The beautiful handcrafted figurines of all shapes and sizes are surprisingly affordable.
There are also numerous “Pastori” figurines that do not feature the Christmas story. These are often depictions of people in various jobs (farmers, fruit sellers, shepherds, pizza makers, etc.) Some artists have even begun to sell more contemporary figurines like footballers and nurses.
See the Underground City
The fascinating underground city of Naples (Napoli Sotterranea) is a must-see when visiting.
The underground city was created over many years, starting with the mining of stone used to build the buildings of early Naples. Underground tombs were created, and then later a massive underground aqueduct system. During World War II the area became a necessary bomb shelter.
Guided tours take you through the caverns under the city. You’ll see underwater pools filled with water, tight passageways, and WWII remnants. At times you’ll be asked to carry candles to illuminate your journey.
It's a one-of-a-kind experience filled with history and a little bit of adventure.
Things To See in Naples, Italy:
Visit the Hilltop Castel Sant’Elmo
Piazza del Plebiscito (including the Royal Palace of Naples and Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola)
Castel Nuovo
Have an espresso in Galleria Umberto
Get a Pizza at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Shop for miniatures along Via S. Gregorio Armeno (aka Christmas Alley)
See the underground city (Napoli Sotterranea)
