Naples, a city steeped in history, culture, and delicious cuisine, promises an experience like no other. Yet, beyond its renowned landmarks lies a distinctive ambiance waiting to be explored. Planning a trip to a city as vibrant as Naples might leave you wondering where to begin. Thankfully, our meticulously crafted 5 days in Naples itinerary will guide you through the delightful streets of this Italian gem, ensuring an unforgettable journey in the heart of Italy.
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DAY ONE
Napoli Sotterranea
Go on an unforgettable journey into the hidden depths of Naples with an underground tour, exploring the city’s rich history. Uncover ancient aqueducts, tunnels, and wartime shelters, revealing fascinating chapters of Naples’ past.
Experience a fresh perspective on the city’s evolution throughout the ages.
After the tour, continue your journey to the nearby piazza, where the majestic Palace of Naples is waiting to be discovered.
Piazza del Plebiscito
Naples proudly showcases its splendor at the expansive Piazza del Plebiscito, the city’s most magnificent square.
Dominated by the imposing Royal Palace of Naples and the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola, this iconic plaza has witnessed centuries of vibrant festivities, joyous celebrations, and significant historical events.
Royal Palace of Naples
Head directly from the bustling plaza to step into the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Naples. Celebrated for its breathtaking architecture, profound cultural significance, and rich historical narrative, the palace invites you to go on a captivating journey through the annals of time.
Explore the regal magnificence of its throne room and royal apartments during a guided tour.
After experiencing the palace’s opulence, continue your journey southward through the piazza and along Via Cesario Console until you reach Via Nazario Sauro.
Via Nazario Sauro
Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Bay of Naples, and enjoy its enchanting vistas. The promenade extends well beyond the castle, offering panoramic views of the bay with the majestic Mount Vesuvius commanding the horizon. Pause to admire the Fontana del Gigante along the way.
Castel dell’Ovo
Despite its current closure, make sure to include this castle on your list of places to visit when it welcomes visitors again. This medieval treasure offers incredible opportunities for exploration, boasting panoramic views and a captivating location. Keep it in mind for an unforgettable experience upon its reopening.
Villa Comunale di Napoli
Tucked away amidst the vibrant urban landscape lies a serene green oasis, perfect for a spot to relax. Families will delight in its playground, providing a perfect sanctuary following a day of urban exploration and adventure.
DAY TWO
Pompeii or Herculaneum
Merely a quick 30-minute train ride away from Naples lies these remarkable historical landmarks. Just head to Napoli Centrale and catch a direct train to your preferred destination.
While exploring either Pompeii or Herculaneum is incredibly enriching, some visitors choose to explore both. Pompeii, being the larger and more renowned site, tends to attract a larger crowd, so make sure to allocate sufficient time to fully immerse yourself in the ruins.
However, it’s worth noting that these archaeological wonders offer limited onsite information.
Based on our experience at Pompeii, we recommend hiring a guide to provide valuable context. Consider using an audio guide or joining a guided tour to deepen your understanding of the historical significance of what you’re seeing.
You can purchase your Pompeii tickets here.
You can purchase your Herculaneum tickets here.
If you want to see both Pompeii and Herculaneum you can buy your tickets here.
It’s important to note that these ancient sites provide minimal shade, making summer visits particularly warm, especially if you’re accompanied by children. Dress appropriately and plan accordingly to beat the heat and ensure a pleasant experience.
Bagno Elena
Following a morning of adventure, treat yourself to some much-needed relaxation. Bagno Elena, a delightful urban beach, offers a serene getaway for families.
Interestingly, this spot quickly became a cherished destination for our family. Despite not boasting the breathtaking vistas of neighboring islands, we found it to be incredibly pleasant.
Featuring convenient amenities such as changing facilities, shallow waters, and gentle waves, it’s an ideal spot to unwind. The entire area is clean and easily reachable by bus, often via routes like the 151 or 140.”
DAY THREE
Naples National Archaeological Museum
Think of your visit to the Naples National Archaeological Museum as an enriching addition to your exploration of Pompeii or Herculaneum. Home to a vast collection of artifacts unearthed from these iconic sites, the museum offers deeper insights into the region’s history.
Its significance extends beyond the local area, presenting a captivating exhibition of Roman and Greek treasures.
Once you’ve considered the museum’s riches, venture into the heart of Naples. You can easily reach it by heading to Via Santa Maria di Constantinapoli and catching an eastbound bus, such as the 147, 184, or 201.
Alternatively, enjoy a pleasant 15-minute stroll, immersing yourself in the city’s charm along the way.
Centro Storico/Spaccanapoli
Soak up the vibrant pulse of Naples’ downtown district. Wander along the bustling Spaccanapoli for a captivating glimpse into the city’s soul, where striking architecture, busy markets, diverse boutiques, and enticing eateries come together.
Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the iconic Pizza Margherita, a Naples specialty. Treat yourself to a slice at acclaimed spots like L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or explore the numerous fantastic pizzerias dotted throughout the area. Our family’s visits to various pizzerias in this neighborhood were consistently delightful.
DAY FOUR
Posillipo Hill
Perched atop the Bay of Naples, Posillipo Hill boasts breathtaking panoramic vistas of the stunning surroundings. From here, you can admire not only the azure waters but also the majestic Mount Vesuvius.
The area is abundant with natural beauty, featuring olive groves, pine trees, and lush vegetation. Whether you visit early in the morning for stunning views or later in the day to witness the famed sunset, Posillipo Hill promises a memorable experience.
Spanish Quarter
The Spanish Quarter embodies the essence of authentic Neapolitan culture, offering vibrant streets, bustling markets, and vivid murals adorning its alleys.
The area boasts a fascinating blend of architectural styles, ranging from Greek and Roman to baroque, amidst its narrow cobblestone pathways. Indulge in culinary delights from the variety of street food vendors and trattorias scattered throughout.
While exploring the neighborhood, why not wander over to Via Toledo for some shopping?
Shopping on Via Toledo
Along the Spanish Quarter’s eastern boundary stands Via Toledo, a vibrant shopping street. If you’re taking the metro, be sure to exit at the Toledo stop to see the amazing design of the station.
Via Toledo offers a diverse array of shopping delights, ranging from high-end boutiques and prestigious brands to quaint local markets and street vendors.
During our trip, we found some great deals which included clothing and jewelry. Despite their affordability, the items exceeded our expectations in quality. This is also a good place to find some souvenirs.
Take A Pizza Making Class
In the birthplace of pizza, Naples offers the perfect setting to master the art of pizza making! Enroll in a class led by local expert chefs to uncover the traditions and techniques behind the renowned Neapolitan pizza.
It’s an enjoyable activity for the entire family, providing a distinctive and immersive experience. Not only will you acquire the skills to craft authentic pizza, but you’ll also learn the rich history and culture of Naples in a fun and unique manner.
And the best part? At the end of the class, you’ll have your very own pizza to eat!
Find the perfect pizza making class for your family here.
DAY FIVE
Ischia
Naples offers an ideal starting point for day trips, with easy access to the following locations:
Among these destinations, a standout choice is Ischia. This island is conveniently a short ferry ride away.
To save time on a day trip to Ischia, I would recommend the fast ferry instead of the regular ferry. Ischia boasts renowned natural splendor, featuring numerous beaches and thermal springs. Exploring its charming towns like Sant’Angelo, Forio, and Ischia Porto is a must, each offering its unique allure.
Sant’Angelo in particular had a lot to offer. We loved the pedestrian only spaces and awesome views of the little seaside town as well as Maronti Beach.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the historic Castle Aragonese, adding a touch of cultural richness to your itinerary. Whether you seek relaxation amidst natural wonders or cultural immersion in historical landmarks, Ischia promises a fulfilling day trip experience from Naples.
ENJOY YOUR 5 DAYS IN NAPLES
With a wide variety of captivating attractions and delectable culinary delights, Naples promises to offer your family an experience that won’t soon forget. With this carefully crafted five-day itinerary, prepare for a journey brimming with unforgettable moments. Now that your itinerary is set, check out our ultimate guide for Naples, the best tips for visiting Naples on a budget, as well as our guide to discover the best neighborhoods to stay in during your Naples trip.
