A living, ancient, and beautiful city located on the southern coast of Italy, Naples offers something truly special with its rich history, lively streets, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Since you’re lucky enough to have only one day in Naples, the best way to make the most of your time is by taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. This Naples bus tour will guide you through the city’s top attractions, allowing you to soak in Napoli’s vibrant culture, its world-renowned pizza, and the stunning scenery of the city’s historic and coastal landmarks.
Follow our itinerary for spending 24 hours in Naples, and you’ll be sure not to miss any of the must-see sights.
Why Explore Naples in Just 24 Hours?
The city of Naples is rich in centuries of history, stunning architecture, and, most of all, amazing food, making it an excellent destination for a short visit. Whether you’re on a Naples day trip or stopping by during a cruise layover, the city offers a perfect mix of sights and experiences that will leave you wanting to return and explore even more.
If you’re short on time during your stay in Naples, the best way to make the most of your visit is by joining a Naples city tour. A hop-on, hop-off bus tour allows you to explore the top city sights at your own pace. You can choose to hop off at major landmarks such as the Historic Centre and Castel dell’Ovo, or simply relax and enjoy the scenic views and live commentary from the comfort of your coach.
Start Your Day with a Hop-On Hop-Off Naples Bus Tour
Image Alt – Hop On Hop Off Naples
Where to Board the Bus Tour
The hop-on hop-off bus tour in Naples is one of the most convenient ways to begin your day. You can board the bus at the main station, near Piazza Garibaldi, or at other stops around the city. The buses run frequently, and you can choose from different routes that cover the city’s most popular tourist spots.
How the Hop-On Hop-Off System Works
The hop-on hop-off system is simple: once you’ve purchased your ticket, you can get on and off the bus at various stops along the route. This flexibility makes it easy to explore Naples at your own pace. The buses have audio guides in multiple languages, which will provide you with interesting facts and stories about the city’s landmarks and history.
Key Stops to Prioritize
When you’re only in Naples for one day, it’s important to make sure you visit the city’s key attractions. Some must-see stops on the Naples bus tour include:
- Piazza del Plebiscito – The central square where you’ll find the Royal Palace of Naples and the San Francesco di Paola Church.
- Castel dell’Ovo – A historic fortress offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples.
- Spaccanapoli – The narrow, lively street in the heart of the historic center, famous for its churches, pizzerias, and artisan shops.
Top Things to Do in Naples in a Day
If you’re looking for what to see in Naples in 24 hours, you’ve won. A single day of sightseeing in Naples allows you to visit some of the sites while also sampling the gastronomical delights that this city so well promotes.
What to see in Naples in 24 hours
Visit the Historic Centre
The historic center of Naples is a World Heritage site and is a good place to start exploring this city. There are lovely churches, tight streets and charming squares in the vicinity that will transport you back to Naples’ old days. The Naples Cathedral, dedicated to San Gennaro, the city’s patron saint, is one of the highlights of the Historic Centre.
Another thing you can do is visit the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, where you’ll find one of the largest arrays of Roman antiquities, including relics from the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
See Castel dell’Ovo or Castel Nuovo
Another not-to-be-missed attraction in Naples is the Castel dell’Ovo, an old fortress overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Incredible views of the coastline from the castle itself make it also a fantastic spot for photos. Another historic castle, albeit closer to Piazza del Plebiscito, is Castel Nuovo, where you can have a free visit if you have more time than the just-mentioned one and which is known for its grandeur and beautiful architecture.
Grab Pizza in the Birthplace of Pizza
Naples is famous for its pizza, and no trip is complete without tasting the authentic Neapolitan pizza. Stop by one of the local pizzerias, like L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, and enjoy a classic Margherita pizza made with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce. This is where pizza was born, so don’t miss out on this culinary experience!
Walk the Seafront or Take a Ferry View
Pizzas are world-famous, and no trip to Naples is complete without a taste of Naples pizza. Opt for a classic Margherita pizza with some fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce at one of the local pizzerias, such as L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. Making the most of this culinary experience before pizza was born, this is where pizza was born after all!
Sample One-Day Itinerary – Hour-by-Hour Plan
Here’s a quick one-day itinerary for you to follow to make the most of your 24 hours in Naples.
- 9 AM – Start at Piazza Garibaldi
Begin your day by boarding the hop-on hop-off bus tour at Piazza Garibaldi. This central location is perfect for getting oriented with the city and catching the first bus of the day. - 10 AM – Explore the Historic Centre
Hop off the bus at the Historic Centre and wander through the charming streets. Visit the Naples Cathedral and Spaccanapoli for an authentic taste of Naples’ history. - 12 PM – Castel dell’Ovo
Hop back on the bus and head toward Castel dell’Ovo, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Gulf of Naples. - 1 PM – Pizza Time
Stop at a local pizzeria for a traditional Neapolitan pizza. It’s the perfect time for a lunch break before continuing your exploration. - 2 PM – Castel Nuovo and Piazza del Plebiscito
After lunch, hop on the bus to Castel Nuovo and Piazza del Plebiscito. Take in the beauty of the Royal Palace of Naples and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the square. - 4 PM – Seafront Walk
Spend the late afternoon strolling along the Lungomare, Naples’ seafront promenade. If you have time, take a short ferry ride to explore the nearby islands. - 6 PM – Evening Drinks with a View
Finish your day at one of the cafes near the seafront. Relax and enjoy a drink while taking in the stunning views of the bay.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Naples City Tour
- Start Early: Naples has so much to offer, and starting early ensures you get the most out of your Naples bus tour.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Many of Naples, Italy’s top attractions require a fair bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Use Public Transport: If you don’t want to hop on and off the bus, Naples has a reliable metro and tram system to help you get around.
- Take Photos: Naples is incredibly picturesque, so be sure to capture some photos of the historic streets, castles, and stunning views.
Final Thoughts
One day in Naples may not be enough to fully uncover all its layers, but it’s certainly enough to experience the highlights. In just 24 hours, you can enjoy everything from the rich history of the Historic Centre to the stunning views from Castel dell’Ovo and the maritime heritage of the bustling Bay of Naples. Hop on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour and explore all the must-see spots with ease; it’s the ideal Naples city tour for travelers short on time.
Naples is one of Italy’s most cultured and charismatic cities, known for its vibrant streets, rich traditions, and, of course, pizza. Whether you’re just passing through or spending a day here before heading to the Amalfi Coast, a quick city tour guide will ensure your time in Naples becomes one of your most memorable travel experiences.
