By Olivia Bennett for Wonders of the World
The day at sea wasn’t boring at all. Over breakfast, I ran into Steve — we used to meet at the same New York coffee shop every morning for years, and we even traveled together to the Caribbean three times. It was lovely to reminisce about the old days. Steve got stuck in Europe during the pandemic and has been living in Italy ever since.
Today, we docked in Naples, and I’m full of anticipation for the day ahead.
If you’re looking for a one-day itinerary in Naples, you’re in the right place — though I needed a few insider tips first, so I asked my friend Victoria for guidance.
Naples’ historic center is packed with things to see, so I recommend starting early. Just a ten-minute walk from the port and you’re right in the heart of the city.
Every traveler in Naples should start their day on a sweet note.
Whether or not you love sweets for breakfast, you must try the city’s iconic pastry: the sfogliatella. Invented by a nun in an Amalfi monastery in the 17th century, it’s a layered, flaky pastry filled with semolina cream. Paired with a strong espresso, it’s perfection.
Neapolitan coffee is said to be the best in Italy — though Victoria would probably argue that Florence takes the crown.
Ask any local what to see in Naples, and they’ll tell you without hesitation: Spaccanapoli.
Literally “Naples splitter,” this ancient street traces back to the city’s Greek foundations and stretches from the Forcella quarter to the Spanish Quarters.
It’s the city’s heartbeat, and along its narrow alleys, you’ll discover Naples’ main sights.
First stop: Duomo di Napoli, the city cathedral, home to the San Gennaro Chapel and the priceless relics of Naples’ patron saint. History hangs in the air here, centuries of devotion captured in every gilded treasure.
Back on Spaccanapoli, I wandered into Via San Biagio dei Librai, lined with workshops selling hand-carved nativity figures.
Neapolitan artisans create traditional Christmas scenes with a twist — modern characters, humorous touches — an absolute delight this close to the holidays.
Of course, I had to try one of Naples’ classic street foods: pizza fritta, fried pizza stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, and tomato. Hot, handheld, and irresistible.
Next, the Sansevero Chapel Museum, home to Giuseppe Sanmartino’s Veiled Christ. I had reserved my spot days in advance — and seeing the marble draped figure in person was worth every moment of anticipation.
Time flies in Naples. A single day barely scratches the surface.
But no visit is complete without pizza, so I headed to Gino e Toto Sorbillo on Via dei Tribunali for a classic Margherita. Five and a half euros and heaven on a plate. What makes Neapolitan pizza so perfect? The dough? The water? The air? Or maybe it’s just Naples.
Continuing down Via Benedetto Croce, I admired the centuries-old architecture, from decadent palaces like Palazzo Venezia to bustling street corners. I sipped coffee in the rooftop garden of the palace, taking in the city’s colorful chaos, then wandered past the Gesù Nuovo Church and onto Piazza del Plebiscito, where the breeze off the sea refreshed me.
Naples makes you feel alive. Every street, every alley, every corner pulses with life. And I can’t wait to wake up tomorrow — the sea awaits again, but tonight, Naples stays with me.