The enthralling city of Naples captivates with its vibrant blend of history, culture, and delectable cuisine. But beyond its famous landmarks lies a unique atmosphere, begging to be discovered. The prospect of exploring a city like Naples may leave you wondering where to start. Fortunately, our Naples 4-day itinerary for your family will point you in the right direction to ensure that you have an amazing time in the heart of Italy.
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DAY ONE
Napoli Sotterranea
Go on an unforgettable journey into Naples’ hidden depths with a captivating underground tour, immersing yourself in the city’s storied history. Discover ancient aqueducts, tunnels, and wartime shelters, unveiling intriguing facets of Naples’ past. Gain a new perspective on the city’s evolution through the ages.
Following the tour, venture to the nearby piazza, where the grandeur of the Palace of Naples awaits your exploration.
Piazza del Plebiscito
Naples proudly displays its magnificence at the expansive Piazza del Plebiscito, the city’s grandest square. With the imposing presence of the Royal Palace of Naples and the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola, this iconic plaza has been a witness to centuries of dynamic festivities, jubilant celebrations, and momentous historical gatherings.
Royal Palace of Naples
Go on a walk directly from the lively plaza to enter the majestic Royal Palace of Naples. Revered for its stunning architecture, profound cultural significance, and rich historical tapestry, the palace invites you on a fascinating journey through time.
Explore the grandeur of its regal throne room and lavish royal apartments during a guided tour.
After indulging in the palace’s opulence, continue southward through the piazza and along Via Cesario Console until you reach Via Nazario Sauro, ready for your next adventure.
Via Nazario Sauro
Take a stroll along the Bay of Naples and lose yourself in its mesmerizing views. The promenade stretches far beyond the castle, providing sweeping views of the bay with the magnificent Mount Vesuvius towering in the background.
Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the Fontana del Gigante as you head down the walkway.
Castel dell’Ovo
Although the castle is currently closed, mark it as a must-visit for when it reopens. This medieval gem promises fantastic exploration opportunities, with its panoramic views and location. Keep it on your radar for an exciting experience once it reopens.
Villa Comunale di Napoli
Nestled within the lively city atmosphere is a tranquil green haven, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenation. Families will enjoy its playground, offering an ideal retreat after a day of exploring the city’s wonders and excitement.
DAY TWO
Pompeii or Herculaneum
Just a short 30-minute train journey from Naples awaits these historic sites. Simply make your way to Napoli Centrale and board a direct train to your chosen destination.
While exploring either Pompeii or Herculaneum is an enriching experience in itself, some opt to visit both. Pompeii, being larger and more popular, tends to attract more visitors, so be sure to allocate plenty of time to fully explore the ruins.
Although these archaeological sites offer a wealth of historical marvels, there’s minimal information available onsite.
Based on our visit to Pompeii, we would recommend hiring a guide to provide additional context. Consider equipping yourself with an audio guide or joining a guided tour to enhance your understanding 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.
Keep in mind that these ancient sites offer limited shade, making summer visits particularly hot, especially if you’re accompanied by young ones. Dress appropriately and plan accordingly to beat the heat and ensure a comfortable experience.
Bagno Elena
After a morning of exploration, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation. Bagno Elena, a charming city beach, provides an idyllic retreat for families.
Surprisingly, this became a favorite spot for our family. While it may not offer the picturesque views of nearby islands, we found it to be quite enjoyable.
With convenient changing facilities, shallow waters, and gentle waves, it’s the perfect place to unwind. The entire area is meticulously maintained and easily accessible by bus, typically via routes like the 151 or 140.
DAY THREE
Naples National Archaeological Museum
Consider your visit to the Naples National Archaeological Museum as a perfect complement to your exploration of Pompeii or Herculaneum. Housing a wealth of artifacts unearthed from these iconic sites, the museum provides a deeper understanding of the region’s history.
Yet, its significance transcends the local area, offering a captivating display of Roman and Greek treasures.
Once you’ve immersed yourself in the museum’s riches, venture into the heart of Naples. You can easily reach it by making your way to Via Santa Maria di Constantinapoli and catching a bus heading east, such as the 147, 184, or 201.
Alternatively, indulge in a pleasant 15-minute stroll on foot, soaking in the city’s charm along the way.
Centro Storico/Spaccanapoli
Experience the dynamic heartbeat of Naples’ central district. Take a stroll down the bustling Spaccanapoli for an engaging glimpse into the city’s essence, where magnificent architecture, lively markets, eclectic boutiques, and inviting eateries converge.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to try the iconic Pizza Margherita, a Naples delicacy. Treat yourself to a slice at renowned establishments like L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or explore the plethora of fantastic pizzerias scattered throughout the area.
Our family’s experiences at various pizzerias in this vicinity were consistently delicious.
DAY FOUR
Posillipo Hill
Perched up above the Bay of Naples, Posillipo Hill offers astounding panoramic views of an amazing area. Not only do you get the view of the water but of Mount Vesuvius as well.
The area is full of natural beauty with its olive groves, pine trees, and vegetation. This spot is not only great for beautiful views early in the morning but is also a famous spot for enjoying the sunset if you decide to visit later in the day.
Spanish Quarter
The Spanish Quarter is the place to go to get a true feel for authentic Neapolitan culture. It’s here that you can enjoy the vibrant streets, lively markets, and colorful murals that dot the area.
There is an intriguing combination of architecture including Greek, Roman, and baroque to go with the narrow cobblestone alleys.
There are plenty of culinary treats to be had also with the many street food vendors, trattorias. While you’re in the area, you may as well head on over to Via Toledo and get some shopping done.
Shopping on Via Toledo
Bordering the eastern edge of the Spanish Quarter lies Via Toledo, a bustling shopping street renowned in Naples. If traveling by metro, exit at the Toledo metro stop and you’ll get to experience its amazing design.
Via Toledo presents a wide spectrum of shopping delights, from upscale boutiques and luxury brands to charming local markets and street stalls. During our visit, we snagged some fantastic finds from street vendors, including clothing and jewelry.
Despite their affordability, the quality surpassed our expectations. Additionally, it’s an excellent chance to pick up memorable souvenirs to cherish from your Naples adventure.
Pizza Making Class
With Naples being the birthplace of pizza, there is no better place to learn how to make the right way! Take a class and learn from local expert chefs and find out the traditions and techniques that make Neapolitan pizza so good.
It’s a fun way to get the whole family involved and is a unique experience. Not only will you learn to make pizza you’ll get a chance to learn more about the history and culture of Naples in a fun way.
Most importantly, when you finish you’ll have a pizza to eat!
Find the perfect pizza making class for your family here.
ENJOY YOUR 4 DAYS IN NAPLES
Among a variety of remarkable sights and tantalizing gastronomic wonders, Naples will provide your family with an amazing experience. In a mere four days, this meticulously curated itinerary ensures a journey full of awesome moments. Now that your itinerary is in place, check out our ultimate guide to the city, the best tips for visiting Naples on a budget and then dive into our essential guide to uncover the best neighborhoods to stay in during your visit to Naples.
