Naples is a city of layers—Greek foundations, Roman roads, medieval chapels, and Baroque splendor—stacked like a perfect sfogliatella. It’s the birthplace of pizza, home to the world’s greatest trove of Roman artifacts, and gateway to Pompeii, Vesuvius, and the Amalfi Coast. For families, it’s dynamic and delicious, with pedestrian-friendly lanes, wide seaside promenades, and endless pastry bribes.

Founded by Greek settlers as Neapolis, Naples became a cultural powerhouse of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Today, its Centro Storico is a UNESCO World Heritage site where kids can peek into artisan workshops and marvel at nativity scenes on Via San Gregorio Armeno. Football (soccer) passion runs deep—Maradona murals still watch over neighborhood piazzas.

Practical notes: Naples is energetic and sometimes crowded; keep valuables close and book timed-entry tours where possible. Neapolitan cuisine is kid-approved—think margherita pizza, fried pizza, ragù, and fior di latte gelato. Plan a midday break, especially in summer. Sidewalks can be uneven; bring a compact stroller if needed.

Naples

Naples blends ancient history with daily theater: laundry flutters above narrow lanes, scooters hum, and bakers pull golden pizza from wood-fired ovens. You’ll stroll Spaccanapoli, count castle towers on the waterfront, and taste sweets that have made locals smile for generations.

• Top sights with kids: Spaccanapoli, Naples Cathedral (Duomo), Castel dell’Ovo on the harbor, Piazza del Plebiscito, Galleria Umberto I, and the National Archaeological Museum (best for ages 8+).
• Hands-on fun: a pizza-making class, seaside playgrounds near Villa Comunale, and short funicular rides up to the Vomero district for panoramic views from Castel Sant’Elmo.
• Budget tips: Street “pizza a portafoglio,” market lunches at Pignasecca, and free sunset strolls on the Lungomare.

Where to stay (family-friendly picks):

• Hotel Piazza Bellini (great value in the historic center; quad rooms, playful courtyard): Check rates on Hotels.com
• Hotel Royal Continental (seafront rooms, rooftop pool in season; stroller-friendly promenade outside): Check rates on Hotels.com
• Grand Hotel Vesuvio (classic bay views, indoor pool, near Castel dell’Ovo): Check rates on Hotels.com
• Prefer an apartment with a kitchenette and extra space for kids? Browse family-size stays on VRBO Naples or compare hotels on Hotels.com Naples.

Getting there and around:

• Flights within Europe: search options to Naples (NAP) on Omio Flights. From outside Europe, compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
• Trains from Rome: ~1 hr 10 min on high-speed services; check times and prices on Omio Trains. Buses for budget routes via Omio Buses.
• Airport to center: Alibus shuttle ~20–30 minutes; taxis have a fixed city fare. Within Naples, use metro Line 1, funiculars, and lots of walking.

Day 1: Arrival, Spaccanapoli Stroll, and Sunset by the Sea

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs along Spaccanapoli—the thin “spine” dividing the old city. Pop into the Naples Cathedral to see the Chapel of San Gennaro’s silver reliquary, then wander Via San Gregorio Armeno to watch artisans sculpt terracotta nativity figures (kids love spotting pop-culture cameos!). Snack stops: warm sfogliatelle at Sfogliatella Mary in the Galleria Umberto I or fluffy “fiocco di neve” cream buns at Poppella.

Evening: Head to the Lungomare, the pedestrian waterfront, where Castel dell’Ovo perches on a little islet. Let the kids roam the promenade’s wide pavement before dinner. Family-friendly pizzerias nearby include 50 Kalò (expert dough, easy seating times), La Masardona (legendary fried pizza; share one if you’re curious), or Gino e Toto Sorbillo on the seafront branch. For a sit-down trattoria, Da Nennella in the Spanish Quarters is loud, fast, and fun—perfect with kids if you don’t mind the theatrics. Gelato at Casa Infante or Gay-Odin (try the thick chocolate) to finish.

Day 2: Pompeii Adventure + Make-Your-Own Pizza

Morning: Dive into ancient history on a half-day guided visit to Pompeii—compact, engaging, and just the right length for kids. You’ll walk Roman streets, peek into frescoed villas, and step inside the amphitheater while learning about Vesuvius’ 79 CE eruption. Many departures include hotel pickup.

Explore Pompeii: Half-Day Highlights Tour with Pickup from Naples

Tips: Wear comfy shoes; bring water, hats, and a light snack. Strollers aren’t ideal on ancient stones—consider a carrier for younger kids.

Afternoon: Back in Naples, grab a casual lunch around Mercato Pignasecca: try folded street slices at Di Matteo or a pasta al ragù at Tandem (mild and kid-friendly). Then turn lunch into a life skill at a hands-on class where you’ll stretch dough, top a margherita, and bake it in a wood oven. It’s interactive, delicious, and a surefire hit with children.

Authentic Pizza Making Class in Naples with Appetizers and Drink

Evening: Let kids unwind at the gardens of Villa Comunale or stroll the fishermen’s quay at Borgo Marinari. For dinner, consider La Scialuppa (waterfront, lots of seafood and pasta) or Ciro a Mergellina (classic Neapolitan staples). If energy remains, ride the Chiaia or Centrale funicular up to Vomero for a twilight view from Castel Sant’Elmo’s terraces.

Day 3: Highlights Walk, Sweet Treats, and Departure

Morning: See the city’s greatest hits on a family-paced private walking tour—tailored to short attention spans, with frequent snack pauses. Typical routes cover Piazza del Plebiscito (kids love its grand scale), the Royal Palace exterior, Galleria Umberto I’s soaring glass dome, and Castel Nuovo’s photogenic gates.

Naples Private Tour - Highlights and Hidden Gems with Local Guide

Break for a pastry: try sfogliatella frolla (the smooth cousin of the crispy riccia) or taralli ’nzogna e pepe from Leopoldo (savory, peppery twists—great for the road).

Afternoon: If time allows, dip into the National Archaeological Museum (focus on mosaics and the Pompeii household objects for kids), then pick up souvenirs along Via Toledo. Aim for the airport or station about 1.5–2 hours before departure; taxis or the Alibus shuttle get you there in ~20–30 minutes. Trains onward in Italy are easy to book on Omio Trains; European flights on Omio Flights.

Optional add-on (weather-dependent): Capri boat day — If you extend your stay or swap Day 2, a guided Capri excursion with Blue Grotto (sea conditions permitting) is unforgettable for kids: chairlifts, lemon slushies, and cliffside views.

Day Trip to Capri and Blue Grotto From Naples & Sorrento

DIY ferry options can be compared on Omio Ferries, but guided tours simplify transfers and timing with kids.

Eat & drink favorites (kid-friendly):

• Breakfast coffee and cornetti: Gran Caffè Gambrinus (historic, grand rooms) or Bar Mexico (famous espresso).
• Lunch ideas: Pignasecca Market (fried calamari cones, arancini), Tandem (ragù pastas), or pizza “a portafoglio” near Via dei Tribunali.
• Dinner: 50 Kalò (top-tier dough science), La Scialuppa (waterfront pastas), Da Nennella (set menus, lively service), or family-friendly seafood at Mimì alla Ferrovia near the station.
• Sweets: Poppella (fiocco di neve), Casa Infante (gelato), Gay-Odin (chocolate gelato), Attanasio (still-warm sfogliatelle by the station).

Good to know with kids: Many pizzerias open for lunch and again around 7 pm; arrive early to avoid lines. Cobblestones can be bumpy—use a carrier in Pompeii. Tap water is potable; refill bottles. Keep small bills for quick snacks and bus tickets.

This 3-day Naples itinerary mixes ancient wonders, hands-on cooking, and breezy seaside time—balanced for families on a mid-range budget. You’ll leave with flour-dusted sleeves, camera rolls of blue bays and castle views, and kids who now judge every pizza by Neapolitan standards.