Naples offers families a unique and exciting experience with its rich history, stunning architecture, world-renowned cuisine, and proximity to the beautiful Amalfi Coast, making it a fantastic destination for parents and children to explore and enjoy. Here are some reasons why you should consider going to Naples with kids.
- Rich history: Naples is home to many historical sites and landmarks, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Royal Palace of Naples, providing educational and immersive experiences for families.
- Delicious cuisine: Naples is renowned for its pizza, seafood, and sweet treats like sfogliatelle, providing a variety of dining options for families with different tastes and preferences.
- Beautiful architecture: Naples is filled with stunning architecture, such as the Castel dell’Ovo and the Duomo di San Gennaro, providing plenty of opportunities for families to explore and learn about the city’s heritage.
- Proximity to Amalfi Coast: Naples is a gateway to the beautiful Amalfi Coast, which offers stunning views, charming towns, and beautiful beaches, providing a fun and relaxing family excursion.
- Family-friendly accommodations: Naples offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations, such as apartments and hotels with spacious rooms, pools, and other amenities, making it easy and comfortable for families to stay.
Things to Do in Naples With Kids
Naples may not be on top of your list for visiting Italy with kids. But there are plenty of things to do in Naples with the entire family:
- Visit Pompeii: A must-see attraction near Naples, Pompeii is an ancient city buried by Mount Vesuvius’s eruption, offering a fascinating and educational experience for kids.
- Explore the Naples National Archaeological Museum: This museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities, including sculptures, frescoes, and mosaics.
- Take a pizza-making class: Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so it’s only natural to learn how to make your own! Many restaurants and cooking schools offer pizza-making classes for kids and families.
- Go to the beach: Naples is surrounded by beautiful beaches, such as Posillipo and Castel dell’Ovo, providing opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the sand.
- Visit the Naples Aquarium: The Naples Aquarium is home to over 200 species of marine life, including sharks, turtles, and colorful fish, providing a fun and educational experience for kids.
- Walk around the historic center: The historic center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering beautiful architecture, charming streets, and delicious food, providing a fun and cultural experience for families.
- Take a day trip to the Amalfi Coast: The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations, with stunning views, picturesque towns, and beautiful beaches, making it a perfect family excursion from Naples.
Read more tips on Things to Do in Naples, Italy With Kids
Where to Go in Naples With Kids
Here are some places to go in Naples with kids:
- Castel dell’Ovo: A castle on the picturesque seafront of Naples, with a park and playgrounds nearby, providing a fun and safe environment for kids.
- Piazza del Plebiscito: The largest square in Naples, surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, and cafes, providing a lively and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Naples Zoo: A popular attraction for families, the Naples Zoo houses over 400 animals, including tigers, giraffes, and monkeys, providing a fun and educational experience for kids.
- Catacombs of San Gennaro: A unique attraction, the Catacombs of San Gennaro are underground burial chambers dating back to the 2nd century, providing an intriguing and educational experience for kids.
- Mount Vesuvius: A dormant volcano that overlooks Naples, providing a scenic and educational experience for families who want to learn more about the region’s geology and history.
- Castel Nuovo: A medieval castle located in the heart of Naples, with a museum and art gallery, providing a cultural and historical experience for families.
- Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa: A railway museum located in the town of Pietrarsa, just outside Naples, with exhibits and demonstrations of steam trains and other railway equipment, providing a fun and unique experience for kids.
Read more about the Most Famous Naples Landmarks
Where to Stay in Naples With Kids
Here are some suggestions on where to stay in Naples with kids:
- Chiaia District: This district is located near the seafront and has many shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a convenient and lively place to stay with kids.
- Historical Center: The historical center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering beautiful architecture, charming streets, and delicious food, providing a fun and cultural experience for families.
- Posillipo: This neighborhood is located on a hill overlooking the sea and offers beautiful views, quiet streets, and family-friendly restaurants and cafes.
- Vomero: This district is located on a hill overlooking Naples and has many shops, restaurants, and parks, providing a convenient and safe environment for families.
- Castel dell’Ovo: This area is located near the seafront and has many parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly restaurants, providing a fun and safe environment for kids.
- Amalfi Coast: If you’re looking for a more relaxing and scenic experience, you can stay in one of the many beautiful towns along the Amalfi Coast, such as Sorrento or Positano, which offer stunning views, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly accommodations.
Learn more about the Best Areas to Stay in Naples, Italy
Best Hotels in Naples
Here are some of the best mid-range and kid-friendly accommodations in Naples, according to TripAdvisor:
- B&B La Suite: This bed and breakfast is in the Chiaia district and offers spacious and comfortable rooms, a garden, and a terrace with beautiful views of Naples.
- Sweet Sleep: This hotel is located in the historical center of Naples and offers family rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a lounge area with games and books for kids.
- Decumani Hotel De Charme: This hotel is located in the historical center of Naples and offers spacious and elegantly decorated rooms, a courtyard garden, and a library with books and games for kids.
- Hotel Santa Brigida: This hotel is located in the Chiaia district and offers comfortable and stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Naples, and a garden with a playground for kids.
- San Pietro a Maiella: This bed and breakfast is located in the historical center of Naples and offers spacious rooms, a garden, and a terrace with beautiful views of the city.
- Pinto Storey Hotel: This hotel is located in the Vomero district and offers comfortable and modern rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a lounge area with books and games for kids.
- Grand Hotel Europa: This hotel is located in the historical center of Naples and offers spacious and elegant rooms, a garden, and a terrace with panoramic views of Naples.
These accommodations have received positive reviews from families and offer amenities and services that are suitable for kids, such as spacious rooms, playgrounds, and games.
What to Eat in Naples With Kids
Here are some traditional and kid-friendly dishes to eat in Naples:
- Pizza: Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and there are countless pizzerias where you can try this delicious dish. Margherita pizza is a classic choice, with its simple but flavorful toppings of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
- Arancini: These are fried rice balls stuffed with cheese and meat or vegetables, making them a great snack or meal option for kids.
- Gelato: Gelato is a popular Italian dessert, and there are many gelaterias in Naples where you can try different flavors, such as chocolate, strawberry, or pistachio.
- Mozzarella di Bufala: This type of fresh cheese is made from buffalo milk, a specialty of the Campania region, where Naples is located. It’s a delicious and healthy snack for kids.
- Spaghetti alle vongole: This is a pasta dish made with clams, garlic, and olive oil, and it’s a classic Neapolitan dish that many kids love.
- Baba: This is a sweet cake soaked in rum syrup, and it’s a popular dessert in Naples that kids will enjoy.
- Frittatine: These are small fried pastries filled with ham and cheese or vegetables, making them a great snack or appetizer for kids.
These dishes are popular in Naples and are sure to please the whole family, with their delicious flavors and kid-friendly options.
Best Restaurants in Naples
Here are some of the best mid-range and kid-friendly restaurants in Naples according to TripAdvisor:
- Pizzeria di Matteo: This pizzeria is located in the historical center of Naples and offers delicious Neapolitan-style pizza, including Margherita and Marinara pizzas.
- Pizzeria Lombardi: This pizzeria is located in the Chiaia district and offers a wide variety of pizzas, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
- Trattoria Da Nennella: This restaurant is located in the historical center of Naples and offers traditional Neapolitan dishes, such as pasta with tomato sauce and meatballs, and fried fish.
- Il Pomodorino: This restaurant is located in the historical center of Naples and offers a wide variety of traditional Neapolitan dishes, including pizza and seafood.
- Ristorante Pizzeria La Campagnola: This restaurant is located in the Vomero district and offers a wide variety of pizzas, pasta dishes, and seafood and meat dishes.
- Pizzeria Starita a Materdei: This pizzeria is located in the Materdei district and offers delicious Neapolitan-style pizza, including Margherita and Marinara pizzas.
- Fratelli La Bufala: This restaurant is located in the Chiaia district and offers traditional Neapolitan dishes, including pizza, pasta, seafood, and meat dishes.
These restaurants have received positive reviews from families and offer a range of kid-friendly dishes, such as pizza, pasta, and seafood, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Want more recommendations? Check out the Best Places to Eat in Naples, Italy
What to Wear in Naples
Naples is a vibrant and lively city, and the weather can vary depending on the season. Here are some tips on what to wear in Naples:
- Summer: Summers in Naples can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in July and August. Lightweight and breathable clothing, such as cotton t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and comfortable walking shoes or sandals, are recommended. Bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is also a good idea.
- Spring and Fall: The weather in Naples can be mild and pleasant in the spring and fall, with temperatures ranging from 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit). Light layers, such as a sweater or jacket, are recommended for cooler days, while t-shirts and shorts are still suitable for warmer days. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the city.
- Winter: Winters in Naples can be cool and rainy, with temperatures ranging from 5-15 degrees Celsius (41-59 degrees Fahrenheit). Warm clothing, such as a coat, sweater, and scarf, is recommended, as well as waterproof shoes or boots. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella or rain jacket.
Overall, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing and shoes when exploring Naples, as there are many hills and cobblestone streets in the city. It’s also a good idea to dress modestly when visiting religious sites, such as churches and cathedrals.
When to Go to Naples
Naples is a wonderful destination to visit throughout the year, but the best time to go depends on your preferences and interests. Here are some things to consider when deciding when to go to Naples:
- High season: The high season in Naples is from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. This is also the busiest time of the year, with many tourists visiting the city. Prices for accommodation and flights tend to be higher during this time.
- Shoulder season: The shoulder season in Naples is from April to May and from September to October. The weather is mild and pleasant during this time, and there are fewer crowds and lower prices for accommodation and flights.
- Low season: The low season in Naples is from November to March. The weather is cooler and rainier during this time, but there are fewer tourists, and prices for accommodation and flights tend to be lower.
Other things to consider when deciding when to go to Naples include festivals and events, such as the Feast of San Gennaro in September, the Christmas markets in December, and the Naples Pizza Village festival in June. If you’re interested in visiting the Amalfi Coast, it’s also a good idea to consider the weather and crowds there, as it’s a popular destination in the summer months. Overall, Naples is a great destination to visit throughout the year, with something to offer for every season.
How Long to Stay in Naples
The length of time you should stay in Naples depends on your interests and travel plans. Here are some things to consider when deciding how long to stay in Naples:
- City exploration: If you’re interested in exploring Naples and its surrounding areas, you’ll need at least 2-3 days to see the major sights, such as the historic center, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Castel dell’Ovo. You may also want to consider taking day trips to nearby attractions, such as Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, or the island of Capri.
- Food and drink: Naples is famous for its delicious cuisine, and if you’re interested in experiencing the local food and drink scene, you’ll want to stay for at least a few days. This will give you time to sample the famous Neapolitan pizza and other traditional dishes and local wines.
- Relaxation: If you’re looking for a more laid-back vacation, you may only need to stay in Naples for a day or two. This will give you time to explore the city at a leisurely pace, take a stroll along the waterfront, or relax in one of the city’s many parks.
Overall, I would recommend staying in Naples for at least 2-3 days to get a taste of the city and its surroundings. However, if you have more time, you can easily spend a week or more exploring Naples and the surrounding area.
Want to know what you can do in 3 days? Read our guide on How Many Days to Stay in Naples
3-Day Naples Itinerary With Family
If you’re planning a 3-day trip to Naples with your family, here’s a sample itinerary that will allow you to see some of the city’s main sights and enjoy its food and culture:
Day 1:
- Morning: Start your day by exploring the historic center of Naples. Visit Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace of Naples, and the Castel dell’Ovo.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a pizza lunch at one of Naples’ famous pizzerias, such as L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Sorbillo.
- Evening: Take a walk along the Naples waterfront, or Lungomare, and watch the sunset over the Bay of Naples.
Day 2:
- Morning: Take a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii, which is about 30 minutes by train from Naples. You can explore the ancient city and learn about its history and culture.
- Afternoon: Return to Naples in the afternoon and visit the National Archaeological Museum to see the artifacts from Pompeii and other ancient sites.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant, such as Ristorante Umberto or Trattoria Da Nennella.
Day 3:
- Morning: Visit the Capodimonte Museum, which is home to an impressive collection of Italian art and is located in a beautiful park.
- Afternoon: Take a ferry to the island of Capri and spend the afternoon exploring the island’s beaches and sights, such as the Blue Grotto or the Gardens of Augustus.
- Evening: Return to Naples in the evening and have a final dinner at a traditional Neapolitan restaurant, such as Trattoria Nennella or Il Piastrato.
This itinerary will allow you to see some of the main sights of Naples, while also taking time to enjoy the city’s food and culture. Of course, there are many other things to see and do in Naples, so feel free to adjust this itinerary to suit your interests and preferences.
Here’s a more comprehensive itinerary for Naples in 3 Days
How to Get Around Naples
Naples has a variety of transportation options that can be used to get around the city. Here are some of the most common ways to get around Naples:
- Metro: Naples has a metro system that consists of two lines that connect the city center with its suburbs. The metro is fast and efficient, and tickets can be purchased at the stations or from vending machines.
- Bus: Naples also has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city. Buses are generally cheaper than the metro and are a good option for getting around the city center or to destinations that are not served by the metro.
- Tram: Naples also has a tram system that runs between Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Municipio. This is a good option for getting around the city center.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Naples and can be flagged down on the street or booked through a taxi company. Be aware that taxi fares can be expensive, especially if you’re traveling during peak hours or to destinations outside the city center.
- Walking: Many of Naples’ sights are located within walking distance of each other, and walking is a great way to explore the city and soak up its atmosphere. However, be aware that Naples’ streets can be crowded and chaotic, so be sure to stay aware of your surroundings.
- Car: Renting a car is not recommended in Naples, as the city’s streets can be narrow and difficult to navigate, and parking can be hard to find.
Overall, the best way to get around Naples depends on your destination and travel plans. The metro and bus are generally the most convenient and cost-effective options for getting around the city, but walking and taking taxis can also be good options depending on your needs.
Need more details. Check out our guide on How to Get Around in Naples
How Much to Travel to Naples
The cost of traveling to Naples depends on a variety of factors, such as the time of year, the length of your stay, your accommodation and dining preferences, and your activities and sightseeing plans. Here are some estimated costs for traveling to Naples:
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotels and apartments in Naples typically range from €70-150 per night, depending on the location and amenities.
- Food and drink: Dining out in Naples can be very affordable, especially if you stick to local pizzerias and trattorias. A typical pizza or pasta dish costs between €6-10, while a mid-range restaurant meal with wine can cost around €25-30 per person.
- Transportation: Public transportation in Naples is affordable, with single metro or bus tickets costing €1.50 each. Taxis are more expensive, with a typical fare starting at €5-6 and increasing based on distance and time.
- Sightseeing and activities: Many of Naples’ museums and sights are reasonably priced, with admission fees ranging from €5-10 per person. Day trips to Pompeii and other nearby attractions can cost around €20-30 per person.
Overall, a budget of around €50-100 per day per person should be enough to cover accommodation, food, and transportation in Naples, although your actual costs may vary depending on your travel style and preferences.