Itineraries for Your Trip to Naples
3 Days in Naples for Families
Naples is an unruly city, with colorful street life, raucous restaurants, and a maze-like historic center where lavish churches sit at the center of chaotic outdoor markets. It’s probably this very sense of lighthearted anarchy that makes Naples one of our family’s favorite destinations, where we have learned over our many visits to keep plans flexible, go with the flow, and abandon a checklist itinerary.
Though the city can be daunting, Naples is also surprisingly welcoming to families. Don’t be put off by the relentless urban traffic and pace; beyond the busy streets, you’ll find a captivating city that kids love to explore. Here are my insider tips for three family-friendly days in Naples.
If you only have time for one thing, stroll the length of Spaccanapoli to delve into the city’s famously theatrical street life.
Temperatures in Naples soar in the summer, so tour in the early morning or late afternoon and cool off with gelato and beach breaks.
Get an overview of the city with a kid-focused walking tour through the heart of Naples. Take in the landmark sights like Piazza del Plebescito and the Duomo (cathedral), plus walk along the lively Spaccanapoli. Pause to regroup with gelato along the way and end your morning of exploration with an authentic Neapolitan pizza lunch. If your little ones aren’t yet walking-tour age, opt for a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to take in the city’s highlights without getting footsore.
Now that you’ve explored Naples by land, take a break from the city heat and crowds with a family-friendly boat tour through the bay. Be sure to bring along swimsuits and towels so you can take a dip against the backdrop of Posillipo, Castel dell’Ovo, and other sights along the coast.
This morning, set out for Pompeii, one of Italy’s top ancient sites that sits just a short train ride from Naples. Visit with an expert family-friendly guide who can bring the Roman ruins to life for young archaeology buffs and keep everyone interested and engaged. If Pompeii seems overwhelming for younger kids, opt for the more compact (and more intact) ruins of Herculaneum instead.
Older kids will be interested in seeing the wealth of ancient art and artifacts unearthed at Pompeii and Herculaneum, so check out Naples’ world-class Archaeological Museum this afternoon. Since vast collection can be overwhelming, explore with a guide to focus on the highlights in just a few hours.
Active families can opt for a hike up to the crater’s edge atop Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that looms over Pompeii, as well as the entire Bay of Naples. You can drive or take a bus just below the trailhead, then walk the final 30 minutes along the scenic path up to the peak for spectacular views across the entire crater and the bay.
Naples is home to a busy ferry port, making it the perfect jumping-off point for a day trip to the nearby coast or islands. Head out by sea this morning to Sorrento, a short sail to the south. One of the most family-friendly destinations along the coastline, this seaside resort has a pretty old town to explore, plus plenty of parks and beaches. The hills just outside of town are dotted with small farms that offer kid-friendly activities like pizza lessons and cheese-making demonstrations.
Alternatively, cruise across the Bay of Naples to one of the outlying islands. Capri is a good choice for families with older kids who can take on the steep streets and scenic walks on the island. Ischia has a number of sandy beaches and bustling resort towns with excellent restaurants that won’t bust the family budget.
