1-day trip from Rome to Naples.
What is Naples famous for?
Naples is like a breath of fresh air. It offers a bit of everything: exuberant chaos on the alleys, the calm of centuries-old culture, the thrill of volcano hiking, and the excitement of uncovering the archaeological sites. It sits on the magnificent shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea overlooking the gulf. The soul-stirring landscape is accentuated by the looming Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Claimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Naples is one of the most ancient cities in Europe and the third most populous city in Italy. It has awe-inspiring landscapes, medieval churches, petite beaches, millennial castles, mouth-watering cuisine, and of course, pizzas. Its infectious energy and raw vibe are irresistible. Traveling and exploring around Naples is easy because it is compact, but mainly due to the friendly locals. Also, it is one of the cheapest places to visit in the world.
How to Reach Naples from Rome?
- By Train:
(Duration: 1-2 hours)
One of the easiest ways to travel from Rome to Naples is by train. Trenitalia and Italo are the most common trains running between these destinations. While the high-speed trains cover the distance in merely 1 hour, other trains could take up to 3 hours. You will whizz through the lush scenes in comfortable seats.
- By Car:
(Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes)
Travelers who have hired a cab or want to self-drive their cars to Naples can take the fastest route of Via Casilina to the A1/E45 toll highway. If you are not tight on time, explore the beautiful coastline on the route of Via Appia Nuova, extending to Strada State and Via Domiziana. You can even hop off at your convenience to check out the Castel Gandolfo Archaeological Museum of Sperlonga and Gaeta. A shared ride is your cheapest bet when getting between Rome and Naples.
- By Bus:
(Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours)
Early morning buses run from Rome Tiburtina and Rome Termini stations. Rome and Naples have different private bus systems, and these services are available on an hourly basis every day.
Getting Around Naples
Naples is not an expansive city that demands hopping on buses whenever you travel from one place to another. Although it is well-connected with metros, subway trains, public buses, and funiculars, you can walk along the streets to tick off the landmarks.
The Best Places to Visit in Naples for a Day
1. Gesù Nuovo
Naples is dotted with beautiful churches across the countryside, which is among the best places to visit in Italy. The most stunning of all, Gesù Nuovo (meaning New Jesus), was a palace in the 15th century. When you see it from the outside, it has a toned-down facade with an understated elegance. But its interior is mind-boggling. Influenced by the Neapolitan Renaissance, the inside of the church has impressive art and decor, making it difficult to take your eyes away. From fresco to altar, every detail is a result of exquisite craftsmanship. Some notable masterpieces you can find here are The Expulsion of Heliodorus and The Supper at Emmaus.
2. Palace of Capodimonte
Image Credit: wikimedia.org
Originally a summer home and hunting resthouse of the Bourbon Kings, the Palace of Capodimonte is a large palazzo that has undergone several renovations. It is snugged in different centuries-old trees, such as oaks, chestnuts, and lime. Before becoming a national museum in 1950, it was an art gallery. The bottom two floors of the palace serve as the National Gallery, while the rest are staged as royal apartments. These apartments are embellished with antique 18th-century furniture and earthware from royal residences.
3. Naples National Archaeological Museum
Did you love the museum at the palace previously? Dig deeper into the ancient Roman monuments, buildings, artifacts, and statues at the National Archaeological Museum. Naples was founded in the 1st millennium BCE. This museum is a testament to epic history. Initially, the site was used as cavalry barracks, and later, it developed into the University of Naples. During the 19th century, it was renovated and preserved as a museum. Carrying the legacy forward, today it sits as a treasure trove of sculptures, mosaics, and Egyptian collections.
4. San Gennaro Catacombs
A trip to San Gennaro Catacombs will give you goosebumps; it is both amazing and unforgettable. This ancient burial site became sacred when San Gennaro’s body was laid to rest there. This place has been restored and preserved for centuries, creating the same fascination over the years. Archaeologists have uncovered 3,000 burials here. The silence and dim lighting will take you back in time. You can also take guided tours to this place for more interesting facts.
5. San Carlo Theatre
A UNESCO Heritage Site, Teatro di San Carlo is the oldest performing theatre in Europe. Inspired by Neoclassical architecture, the blend of blue and gold leaves guests mesmerized. It has a whopping capacity to accommodate 1,386 spectators, which has been brought down from its initial strength of 3285 audience. If you are interested in art and music, catch the opera season from late November to July and ballet performances from December to early June.
6. Piazza del Plebiscito
If you are in Naples for one day, visit this famous hotspot. Embrace the peace and vibrance of the largest public square in Naples. Built in the 19th century, Piazza del Plebiscito is located in the heart of the city.
What to eat in Naples?
Are you a pizzaphile? There is no better place than Naples, the hometown of pizza! It has a wealth of pizzerias serving a variety of delicious and lip-smacking pizzas. Plus, they are available at the cost of a song. You will be spending only four Euros to get a pizza. Beyond pizza, the sweet tooth can savor the pastry, espresso, and fresh ricotta cheese. Keep discovering and relishing the local cuisine— slurp the creamy pasta, devour Friarelli, and taste cuoppo.
Is Naples safe?
Naples is one of the safest cities in Italy. There are petty crimes, probably scams, so tourists are advised to look after their belongings, just like any other big city.
The Best Time to Visit Naples
Although it is a year-round destination, the best time to visit Naples is between May and June (during spring) and October (during early fall). The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are descending. Avoid visiting the city during the summer season, from July to August, when the temperature soars, making the trip uncomfortable.
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When planning an Italy trip, don’t just think about obvious ones like the best time to visit Rome or top things to do in Venice. Naples is a pleasant destination resulting from waves of historic events and blessed with natural beauty. If you have more time on your hands, extend your trip to the views of Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.
