Naples for family
Hey Rider Family!
Naples is not just a city, it’s a true adventure, a place that welcomes, entertains, and amazes you all at once.
It’s perfect for a family day full of discovery, where every alleyway tells a story, where the past intertwines with the present, and where legends come to life.
Your visit will be a "ride" through medieval castles, dinosaur fossils, ancient underground passages, and mischievous spirits.
Here’s an itinerary that will make the whole family dream and have fun—from the youngest to the oldest!
Touching Naples is already a beautiful emotion!
Naples greets you with an explosion of sounds, colors, and scents. Mount Vesuvius stands tall on the horizon, boats sway in the harbor, and the air is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and just-out-of-the-oven pastries.
If you’re wondering, “Where should we start?” I can’t help but suggest an unmissable first stop!
A great way to begin is with a delicious stop at a café near the port for an authentic Neapolitan breakfast.
The kids will love a sfogliatella or a graffa, a warm, soft, sugar-coated fried donut, while you enjoy a traditional Neapolitan espresso.
Meanwhile… between sips of coffee and bites of pastry, you can share a fun fact with your little ones.
Legend has it that beneath the Gulf of Naples, the giant Typhon still sleeps, a mythological monster trapped by the god Zeus. Some say that Mount Vesuvius is his breath… who knows if he’ll ever wake up!
I can’t find of a better way to start the day, so let’s go!
Now that you’re energized, take a walk along the port, passing by Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino.
Just outside the port, you won’t be able to resist stopping to admire this majestic medieval castle, your first taste of Naples’ fairy-tale side. Its towering structure and grand triumphal arch will instantly transport you to another era.
This real medieval fortress is full of fascinating stories, from epic battles to eerie legends about prisoners. Its towers seem straight out of a knight-and-dragon story, and in fact, a mysterious creature once lived here… a crocodile in the moat!
It is said that in the castle’s underground chambers, a giant crocodile lurked in the dark waters. Prisoners mysteriously disappeared… until it was discovered that the beast was dragging them away to eat them! Even today, some claim to hear strange noises from below…
Oh, and before you move on, try to spot the cannonballs still embedded in the walls!
Let’s see who can find the most!
Will you break the curse?
After exploring the castle, take a short walk along the seafront to Piazza del Plebiscito, one of Italy’s largest squares.
It’s the perfect place for the kids to run freely while you admire the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Royal Palace.
Here’s a fun challenge for everyone: Start from the Royal Palace with your eyes closed (no peeking!) and try to walk in a straight line to the basilica’s columns… sounds easy, right? But no one can do it!
Some say it’s because of a mysterious force that confuses anyone who tries.
Now, walk behind the square towards Via Chiaia, one of the city’s most famous shopping street, but don’t get distracted, because your final destination is Villa Comunale.
Inside this beautiful park, full of greenery and playgrounds, you’ll find the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, a historic aquarium where you can discover the wonders of the sea, from seahorses to moray eels.
Now it’s time to explore the ancient heart of Naples!
And why not get there in style? Take the metro and admire two of the most beautiful subway stations in the world—Chiaia and Via Toledo—underground art at its finest!
After an action-packed morning, it’s time for a delicious, quick lunch, and what could be better than pizza?
Try pizza a portafoglio (a folded slice, perfect for eating on the go) or a cuoppo di mare (a cone of mixed fried seafood).
But save some room, you’ll want a treat later!
Traveling through mysteries and traditions...
Now, head towards the Paleontology Museum. Here, kids can see dinosaur fossils, mammoths, and other prehistoric creatures up close.
Keep the mystery alive by asking the kids: What if a dinosaur is still hidden in Naples’ underground tunnels?
Naples is full of secrets… who knows what’s lurking beneath its streets!
Continue your adventure towards Via San Biagio dei Librai, part of Spaccanapoli, the true historic heart of the city.
Here, you’ll find the Doll Hospital, a magical place where old, broken toys get a second life.
Children will learn a valuable lesson: nothing is ever truly thrown away, especially things that hold precious memories.
Next, visit the Neapolis Underground at San Lorenzo Maggiore. If Naples Underground seems too long for your little ones, this is a great alternative—you’ll see a real ancient Roman market hidden beneath modern Naples!
For those who don’t like closed, dark spaces, skip this stop, but for the brave, seeing history come to life is unforgettable!
Now, here’s a story to entertain the kids along the way…
The Legend of the Munaciello
A tiny monk-like spirit, called Munaciello, is said to roam Naples’ homes. Sometimes he brings good luck, but other times he plays little tricks…
Did you just feel a tap on your shoulder? Maybe it was him!
We conclude with one last mystery: the ghost of Santa Maria la Nova
Your last eerie stop is Santa Maria la Nova, a church with a chilling secret!
Some believe that Vlad III of Wallachia: the real Dracula, was buried here. Could the most famous vampire in history really rest in Naples?
Before heading back to the port, treat yourself to something sweet at “The Factory of Wonders”. But be warned, your kids might not want to leave!
Now it’s time to go… but I have one last question for you:
What has Naples left in your heart? And most importantly… will you return?
I truly hope so. I hope this city has enchanted you with its magic, history, and kindness.
See you for the next trip!
Book your trip now!
Ready for a family day in Naples?
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