11 Reasons Why Naples, Italy is Worth Visiting
My husband, two-year-old, and I visited Naples, Italy for two weeks during a slow-travel trip. We experienced the city of Naples and the surrounding area, including Capri Island and Amalfi.
I typically travel with the belief that kids can travel anywhere and be entertained. Naples challenged this belief because my two-year-old was constantly asking for a playground and we could not find one. Despite not finding a playground, she did enjoy many other sites and activities we found in our two week stay.
Read on for 11 fun things to do that will entertain your whole family and make Naples, Italy worth the visit!
Is Naples Worth Visiting?
As far as the city of Naples, it wasn’t our favorite. It felt a little run-down and public transportation was a big challenge for us, along with the lack of playgrounds. We did find lots of other fun things that our toddler enjoyed, and we loved the surrounding areas like Capri, Pompeii, and Amalfi.
The weather is usually sunny and warm, so if tropical coastal city is your vibe, this is the place.
If Capri, Pompeii, or The Amalfi Coast are the main purpose of your visit, then staying closer to that preferred location would be better for you. Naples is worth staying in if you are a history buff or love picturesque city views, love pizza, and want to take day trips to Capri, Pompeii, or The Amalfi Coast. Centro Storico in Naples would be perfect because it is close to the train station and airport, and close to meeting points for tour groups.
11 Reasons To Visit Naples
There are lots of fun places and historical sites to see in and around Naples, Italy. Below are 11 reasons, Naples is worth a visit!
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
1. Acquario di Napoli
The aquarium is an interesting place. Though not as old as most of the historic sites around Naples, I think the first public aquarium in Italy built in 1874 is pretty cool! Right by the beach, this is a perfect place to stop on a beach walk or take a break from the sun on a beach day!
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
2. Mappatella Beach
The walking path along the water is lined with restaurants and spans most of the shoreline. Mappatella Beach is small but a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The sand is soft and the water is cool, which is perfect to take a dip in on a hot day.
The beach is typically filled with people, but it’s not so crowded that you can’t find a spot on the sand. We saw a wide range of ages from young kids building sand castles to middle-aged people basking in the sun, playing music on a speaker.
3. Eat Pizza
Naples, Italy, is the birthplace of Pizza! You can find pizza at almost any restaurant in and around the city. I’m a Plain Jane so I loved Pizza Marinara. It’s better than you think!
If you’re a foodie and really want a pizza experience, I recommend doing a pizza-making class.
➡️Check Viator for Classes and Food Tours
4. The Naples Underground
The Naples Underground is a parallel of the city of Naples below the city itself. First started in 470 B.C. by the Greeks, it has had many uses over the years, from water cisterns, aqueducts, and even a bomb shelter during World War II. Book a guided tour to learn about the construction, myths, and legends of this underground city.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
5. Castles
There are many castles to see and explore in Naples. Some have guided tours that are very informative and give a glimpse of what the castle was like and what rooms were used for when it was still lived in. You’ll also learn a bit of general history about the city of Naples.
Here are some castles in the area:
Castle Sant Elmo
Castle dell’Ovo
Castle Nuovo
Castello Aselmeyer
Castel Capuano
Palazzo Reale di Napoli (Royal Palace of Naples)
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
6. The Island of Capri
One of our favorite days was on the Island of Capri. We did a day tour through Viator and saw the Blue Grotto, Anacapri, and went on a boat tour around the Island.
There are lots of great shops and restaurants on the Island but I recommend a day tour because accommodations on the Island are limited and pricey. To save money, stay in Naples and book a tour or take a day trip on your own!
7. Edenlandia
About an hour or more by bus outside of Naples City center sits Europe’s first amusement park, Edenlandia! Opened in 1965, this classic amusement park offers rides, princess meet and greets, shows, and dining.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
8. Pompeii
Pompeii was another one of our favorite places. We greatly enjoyed exploring the vast city of ruins. This is a great place if you are interested in history and learning by visual experience. This is not for someone looking for a quick activity and an easy walk.
The ruins feel heavy with the knowledge of the apocalyptic past. The climate is sunny and hot and there is very little shade in the ruins. I recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, a full water bottle, and an umbrella for shade.
You can explore on your own or with a guided tour if you want a little more information. You can also plan time explore the Herculaneum ruins nearby. Some tours include both Pompeii and the Herculaneum ruins.
➡️Book Your Pompeii Tour Here!
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
9. Vesuvius National Park
Hike the famous volcano that destroyed an entire city. This active volcano is just 15 miles (24km) from the ruins of Pompeii. There are 11 hiking paths around the volcano. Depending on how many paths you want to walk this could take as little as one hour or you could take a half day or whole day to explore around the volcano.
If your taking a day trip from Naples you could explore Pompeii ruins in the morning and hike Mount Vesuvius in the afternoon. There are some tours that take you to both if you prefer to a tour guide.
10. Phlegraean Fields
Campi Flegrei is a volcanic caldera just 40 min West from Naples city center. The area has hiking trails, historic towns and sites, lakes, beaches, and hot springs. You can take the metro for a day trip or book a tour.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
11. Amalfi Coast
The drive along the Amalfi Coast is beautiful. This is possible to do as a day trip by renting a car or booking a tour.
Why Not To Visit Naples
As I mentioned before, there were no playgrounds which was difficult for our two-year-old who kept asking for a park.
Transportation was difficult to navigate. We once waited an hour and a half for a bus that supposedly came every 20 min. We found out from locals that buses are often late and difficult to rely on. Use the official site for public transportation information.
FAQs
Still wondering if Naples is worth a visit? Here are a few frequently asked questions to help you decide!
How many days do you need in Naples, Italy?
It really depends on what you want to see. If you plan on sticking to the city and visiting castles and museums, then three days would be enough. If you plan on visiting Pompeii, The Amalfi Coast, Phlegraean Fields, or Capri, those would be a full day each. I would then start with three days then add one day for each added place (e.i. Pompeii, Capri,…).
Is it worth seeing Naples, Italy?
If you love history and beautiful city views, then Naples is worth seeing. The city is beautiful and picturesque. If cities aren’t your thing, maybe rent a car stay along the Amalfi Coast and take day trips to Capri and Pompeii from there instead of Naples.
Which is better, Rome or Naples?
We preferred Rome over Naples because it was more walkable because it has more level ground and we felt the city was kept up a little more. Rome is more touristy and has ruins from the end of the Roman Empire throughout the city, making every street feel ancient.
Naples is a coastal city with mountainous scenic views and hilly terrain. The history lies more in the castles and the ruins are just outside the city.
Let’s Recap: 11 Reasons Why Naples, Italy is Worth Visiting
Naples, Italy has something fun for everyone. Even with young kids, there is lots to do and locals are friendly and accepting of kids. Whether you are a foodie, history buff, or adventurer, there will be something for you!
You Might Also Like:
