Naples is a complex place—a city of immense historical importance and one of the bedrocks of Italian culture that in modern times has developed a reputation for being chaotic and unsafe. This three-hour Naples Walking Tour takes us along the city waterfront, visits the royal palace, and explores two castles with an art or social historian. Along the way we'll explore the city’s political and social history, from its Greek origins as Neapolis (the new city) to modern times, developing a deep appreciation for both the Naples of old and its current incarnation, grit and all. This is a great tour for first-time visitors looking to get a feel for Naples today, in all of its chaotic beauty.

The walk begins with an exploration of Castel Nuovo, the political fulcrum of the city during antiquity, when there was a crucial commercial port in the area (some Roman ships have recently been discovered nearby), up through the high medieval period when Petrarch and Boccaccio were guests here. We will also discover the other Neapolitan castle, Castel dell'Ovo (literally, the egg castle), which too has a history stretching back to Roman times and has experienced many reincarnations, most notably as a prison under the Normans. With the Bay of Naples as a backdrop, we will push on to the Palazzo Reale, designed by Domenico Fontana, which served as the royal palace during the reign of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century. Boasting an overwrought imperial-style of interior decoration, the royal apartments attest to the wealth and power of the city during Bourbon rule.

Our itinerary can vary at this point, continuing along the waterfront to drink in some of the legendary scenery, or turning to the dense Spanish district and its artist treasures, such as the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli or the Palazzo Serra di Cassano.

The emphasis of this walk is on understanding the political and social development of Naples, and therefore serves as an excellent primer for further explorations in the city. From lowly harbor to elaborate palace, this coastal area is a true marker of the complex Neapolitan identity.

If you’d like to discover Naples through the eyes of an archaeologist, we recommend our Naples Underground Tour. If you wish to learn about the importance of Italian art in Naples, we recommend our Naples Art Tour. Or, to simply dive deep into any number of topics, take a look at our full list of Naples tours.

Are skip-the-line tickets included in this tour? 
We do not purchase tickets in advance of the tour as the sites included may vary per guide and clients interests. The sites we visit also do not require waiting in a long ticket line. Clients purchase on site entry tickets to the site they want to visit which is around 16 euros/adult, children under 18 are free.

Is this suitable for children?
This tour is not part of our family program, however, we can adapt the itinerary based on the ages, needs, and interests of travelers in your party. Families might also be interested in our Ancient Naples: Above and Underground Tour for Kids or our Full Day Pompeii Tour for Kids, which have been particularly designed to engage children and are led by family friendly expert guides.

Is this tour suitable travelers with mobility challenges? While this tour is relatively walking intensive, we can adapt the itinerary for travelers with mobility issues. Please reach out to start the discussion.