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
From the Naples cruise port, you can walk straight into the city in minutes, making a one day in Naples itinerary easy to tackle without a tour. Follow the pedestrian path toward Castel Nuovo and Galleria Umberto to start hitting top things to do in Naples Italy right away.
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
The Naples metro and funicular lines connect quickly to key sights like Castel Sant’Elmo and Piazza del Plebiscito, and an inexpensive day pass covers subways, buses, and funiculars. Buy tickets at station kiosks or tobacco shops near the entrances so you can hop between neighborhoods and still be back at the cruise terminal on time.
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?
Naples is as safe as most major European cities when you use basic city smarts—keep valuables zipped, be aware on crowded transit, and watch for pickpockets around popular landmarks. Stick to well-traveled routes between the Port of Naples, the historic center, and major sights, and you’ll have a smooth, stress-free day.
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
Pompeii from Naples cruise port is the classic day trip, with frequent trains and tours that make an ancient city visit doable in a single call. Alternatives like Herculaneum and a Mount Vesuvius hike are closer, crowd-lighter options if you want archaeology or volcano views without going as far.
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 (tickets). 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
Ride the Naples funicular up to Castel Sant’Elmo for the best panorama of the Gulf of Naples, Vesuvius, and the historic center. Pair the fortress with nearby Certosa di San Martino for a tight, high-impact loop before descending to the Port of Naples.
This 13th-century Medieval fortress of Sant’Elmo (tickets) 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).
Take in the Sights at Piazza del Plebiscito
Piazza del Plebiscito anchors many things to do in Naples Italy, framed by the Royal Palace of Naples and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. It’s an easy add to any one day in Naples plan—and a perfect spot to break for photos on the way to Galleria Umberto or Castel Nuovo.
The Piazza del Plebiscito is a large pedestrian square flanked by two of the top sights in Naples.
The Royal Palace of Naples (tickets) is a 17th-century palace that was home to former rulers of portions of Italy. 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
Maschio Angioino, better known as Castel Nuovo, sits steps from the cruise terminal and delivers that classic medieval-castle silhouette right on the waterfront. Even if you skip the interior, the triumphal arch and fortress towers make a quick, worthwhile stop on a DIY Naples cruise port walk.
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 glass-domed Galleria Umberto is a dramatic place to do coffee the Italian way—an espresso at the bar before you move on. Use it as a mid-route recharge between Piazza del Plebiscito and Via Toledo so you keep your one day in Naples itinerary on pace.
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
A pilgrimage to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is the best pizza in Naples, with blistered crusts and simple margherita and marinara pies that set the standard. Plan for a wait and consider an early lunch; da Michele fits naturally after Castel Nuovo and Galleria Umberto on a walking route from the Port of Naples.
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)
Via San Gregorio Armeno—often called Christmas Alley—is famous for hand-crafted “pastori” figurines, nativity sets, and playful miniatures of everyday Neapolitans. Prices run from tiny souvenirs to artisan showpieces, making it a fun stop to browse and buy unique gifts you won’t find elsewhere.
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
Napoli Sotterranea reveals ancient quarries, cisterns, and World War II shelters beneath the historic center, turning a quick tour into a memorable underground adventure. Book a timed entry if you can, then resurface for pizza or a waterfront stroll back toward the Naples cruise port.
The fascinating underground city of Naples (Napoli Sotterranea) (Tickets) 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)
