For our Italian summer adventure we decided to start our holiday in Naples and, after a couple of days, head on to Rome. We had booked a stay at Village Fabulous just outside Rome, and were looking forward to seeing The Colosseum and Vatican City.
We weren’t really sure what to expect when it came to Naples. When it comes to visiting Italy as a family, Naples may not be top of the list. However there are some great things to do in Naples with kids. Prior to our visit we read about the high levels of crime and disruption in the centre of the city. I’d love to say our experience of Naples completely negates this theory, but unfortunately it doesn’t. The city centre is littered with overflowing bags of rubbish and graffiti and there were gangs of men just loitering in doorways. We found it created quite a menacing atmosphere, particularly around Piazza Garibaldi near the main train station. It probably didn’t help that this was where our B&B was situated! The B&B itself was lovely and the hosts could not have been more accommodating but the area certainly wasn’t somewhere you’d want to take a leisurely stroll with the kids.
Perhaps if we’d stayed within the historic district or closer to the water we would have had a different view of Naples, so please don’t let our experience put you off! It’s still considered one of the best cities in Italy to visit and there are definitely some great things to do in Naples with kids. Here’s just a few.
We took the train from Naples to Pompeii and whilst the train journey itself was awful, the trip was worth it. We spent a good four hours exploring the ruins and could easily have spent longer if the children hadn’t started to get tired. The kids loved it, even our four year old. Our older two had learnt about Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius at school so found it all fascinating. We would definitely recommend, it was easily our favourite of all the things to do in Naples with kids.
The National Archaeological Museum Naples is one of Italy’s most important museums, in terms of historical importance and its collection of ancient artefacts. If you’re interested in Pompeii, the National Archaeological Museum is a must. The museum is full of original artefacts from both Pompeii and Herculaneum, the two cities destroyed by Mount Vesuvius. Here you can also find the Farnese Collection, consisting of numerous Greco-Roman antiquities including sculptures, gems, and marbles.
In Italian Castel dell’Ovo means The Egg Castle. The castle got its name from a tale about the Roman poet Virgil who was a great sorcerer in the medieval times. The legend claims Virgil placed an egg in its foundation saying that if it broke the structure would collapse. It’s free to enter and there isn’t a huge amount to see inside especially for the kids but the castle itself and the surrounding area are beautiful. There’s a handy elevator that takes you to the top so you can enjoy magnificent views of the Napoli coast with Vesuvius looming in the background.
What’s so special about a metro station? Well just look at it! It’s no wonder it’s won awards, including The Daily Telegraph naming it as the most beautiful subway station in Europe. We’ve never seen a station quite like it.
We never made it to Sorrento as we ran out of time, but we have heard wonderful things about it. The train we caught to Pompeii actually continued on to Sorrento so it would be pretty easy to make the day trip there. The train journey may be awful but it definitely looks worth it.
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I've only passed through Naples, or spent the day there when we went to Pompeii but it sounds like there's a lot to do in the area x
There are so many incredible things to see and do! I remember visiting Pompeii as a teenager and it really is somewhere that makes you stop and think. A piece of history that everyone should visit at some point :)
I can't get over how stunning Toledo Metro station is - and I thought Russia had it good! Wow... I would love to visit Naples myself!
I’m sorry that it was not the experience you’d of wanted it it sounds like there is so many wonderful things to do that it more than made up for it x
Oh wow we have never been but it looks amazing! I love Italy, I will be putting this on our bucket list!
I loved Naples when I visited but I couldn't image going with my kids! I'm sure yours must have loved the weather and the food too :)
I've never actually visited Naples, with or without the children, but have heard about the crime etc. which has always put me off. I have visited Pompeii twice though, which is fabulous, and we honeymooned in Sorrento which is absolutely beautiful!
I never would have thought of going here as a family. There are certainly some beautiful places to go.
Oh there really is some beautiful places to visit in the Naples. It’s such a wonderful place full of lots of culture. For us, visiting Sorrento would definitely be on the list, it’s always somewhere I’ve wanted to go and see!
Wow, how beautiful is Toledo Metro station?! Stunning. I would also love to see Pompeii, I was always intrigued learning all about it at school.