There is so much to see and do in Naples. I've listed some of the most popular free and inexpensive attractions below, ones that I, my fellow guides and guests say give visitors a great taste of Naples.
This vibrant and at times gritty city is full of art museums, lively markets, delicious foods, pristine beaches, the theater, and so much more.
I think you'll find these attractions well worth the visit.
So here I am summing up the top free and inexpensive things to do in Naples which will definitely make your Naples visit one of the best of your life.
- Free Things to Do
- Inexpensive Things to Do
- Naples Walking Tours
- How to Get from Naples to Sorrento
- How to Take the Train from Rome to Naples
- How to Get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast
1. Visit the Duomo di Napoli
The Duomo, considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, is known by a number of names: Naples Cathedral, Cattedrale di San Gennaro, and Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta.
This cathedral dates back to the 13th century having been commissioned by King Charles I of Anjou in 1294.
As I can see, a number of architectural styles were introduced over the course of its existence, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.
The Duomo is magnificent in size and has ornately carved and painted ceilings. There are also relics, masterpiece artworks, and statues.
Ten side chapels can be found next to the church, some of which are particularly impressive in their own right.
One is said to hold the blood of St. Januarius. His blood is believed to liquefy 3 times a year when it is then carried through the streets in a solemn procession.
The best part is that entry to the Duomo is free, though special exhibits such as the Museum of the Treasures of San Gennaro need tickets.
2. Explore the Historic Center
The Historic Center of Naples is one of the oldest and most interesting areas in the city.
When I walk through the Historic Center of Naples, it feels like I’m stepping into the past.
The narrow streets are full of life, with people chatting, scooters zooming by, and colorful markets everywhere.
I see beautiful old buildings, churches, and even ancient ruins from the Greek and Roman times. There’s so much history in every corner, and it’s fun to explore all the hidden alleys.
The mix of old and new is exciting, with street art and modern shops blending with centuries-old architecture.
To me, this area seemed a mix of old and new, showing the heart of Naples' rich culture and everyday life.
3. Check out the Egg Castle
Castle Dell'Ovo, the“Egg Castle” or Castle of the Egg as it is known, sits on the Bay of Naples.
The name comes from a legend saying the Roman poet Virgil, who lived until 19 BCE and is best known for the Aerneid, had placed an egg in the castle.
The reasons for this depend on the story being told. Some think an egg, broken or unbroken, would reflect the state of the castle.
Of course, Virgil lived a thousand years before the castle was built. Its location was chosen for reasons of strategy due to its view over the bay.
The Catholic church eventually turned it into a monastery, which lasted until the Normans turned it back into a castle. It was also used as a bomb shelter during WWII.
There’s not much to do there but it’s worth seeing for the view, and is particularly lovely at sunset.
It's the perfect place to look out over Mount Vesuvius and along the coastline of Naples.
Castel dell'Ovo is free to visit, however, a paid tour will allow you to visit other parts of the castle.
As long as you’re down there, you may walk to stroll upon the seafront promenade, Lungomare Caracciolo.
The views are amazing, the walk is romantic, there are cafes, restaurants, and bars, and you can admire villas and gardens along the way.
4. Walk Along Lungomare Caracciolo
When I walk along Lungomare Caracciolo in Naples, I’m surrounded by the sea and the stunning view of Mount Vesuvius in the distance.
The path is peaceful, with people biking, walking, or sitting by the water, enjoying the fresh air.
I love seeing the islands of Capri and Ischia across the bay—it feels so relaxing. There are cafés along the way, perfect for grabbing a coffee while looking out at the ocean.
As I stroll, I feel calm and connected to the city. The sunsets here are beautiful, with the sky turning orange and pink.
I can also see Castel dell’Ovo nearby, adding to the charm of the whole experience. It’s a great spot to unwind and take in Naples' beauty.
5. Piazza del Plebiscito
Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the biggest and most famous squares in Naples.
It’s a large open space surrounded by important buildings like the Royal Palace and the Church of San Francesco di Paola.
The square is perfect for walking around, relaxing, or taking photos of the beautiful architecture.
Sometimes, I see street performers or events happening here, adding to the lively vibe.
It’s a great place to relax and take in the history of the city. The views of Naples from here are amazing, especially with Vesuvius in the distance.
6. Parco Virgiliano
When I visit Parco Virgiliano, I love how peaceful it feels, far from the busy city.
The park sits on a hill, so I get amazing views of the sea and the islands of Capri and Ischia.
I can even see Mount Vesuvius in the distance. It’s a perfect place to take a relaxing walk, surrounded by trees and flowers.
There are plenty of paths to explore, and I sometimes stop at a bench just to enjoy the view.
The fresh air and quiet make it a great escape. I see people jogging or picnicking, and it feels like a calm oasis.
Being up here, I really appreciate how beautiful Naples is from above.
7. Spend time in Spaccanapoli
When in Naples, one can’t miss Spaccanapoli, the street that splits the city in half. In fact, the name means “Naples splitter”, something clear when seen from up above.
But Spaccanapoli is more than just a street that runs north to south for less than a mile.
It’s a zone or area of the city center, one that gives you a real sense of the character of Naples.
Roaming around, I found the narrow, dark, cobblestone streets are full of shops, cafes, markets, bakeries, street food, monuments, street art, and dozens of churches.
Many folks suggested me that some of the best pizzas in Naples can be found here.
It’s also rubbish strewn and often full of people. But it’s certainly lively and bustling, and often called “the real Naples”.
8. Experience the Spanish Quarter
The name for this part of the city, Quartieri Spagnoli, comes from the fact that Spanish troops were stationed there in the 16th and 17th centuries.
I see the narrow streets, colorful facades, and noisiness, that reflect the vibrance of this crowded neighborhood.
There are loads of restaurants, cafes, bars, markets with vegetables and fish, hanging laundry, motorbikes, and so much more.
Don’t let the graffiti and grime fool you into thinking poorly of the area.
The people are friendly and welcoming, and the hustle and bustle reflect Neopolitans living their daily lives.
If you'd like a walking tour of the Spanish Quarter, you can learn more about it here.
The street art is interesting as well and worth its own tour.
9. Villa Comunale
Villa Comunale is a big park in Naples, located right next to the sea.
It’s a big park with wide paths, perfect for a relaxing stroll. There are lots of trees and flowers, making the air smell fresh and clean.
I enjoy watching the fountains and statues scattered around the park, and sometimes I sit on a bench to enjoy the calm atmosphere.
The park is right by the sea, so I can hear the waves and feel the breeze from the sea.
Families, joggers, and people looking for a quiet break from the city often visit here.
It’s a nice spot to enjoy nature and take a break in the middle of Naples.
10. Piazza Dante
Piazza Dante is a large square in Naples that’s full of life and energy. It’s named after the famous poet Dante Alighieri.
It’s a perfect place to meet my friends or just relax for a bit. I enjoy watching people pass by and taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
There are nice cafes and shops around where I can grab a coffee or snack. The square is also home to some beautiful statues and fountains.
It’s close to the historic center, making it easy to explore nearby sights.
Sometimes, there are events or performances happening, adding to the fun. Overall, Piazza Dante is a lively spot that shows the spirit of Naples.
11. Via San Gregorio Armeno
When I walk down Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, I’m amazed by all the beautiful nativity scenes on display.
The street is filled with shops that sell handcrafted figurines and decorations. I love seeing the tiny people and animals that bring the stories from the Bible to life.
Sometimes, I can even watch the artisans making new pieces right in their shops. This street is really popular, especially during the holiday season when it’s extra lively.
Even when it’s not Christmas, I enjoy exploring the unique shops and their creative displays.
The atmosphere is so cheerful, and I always find something interesting. Each visit feels special, and I discover new art and designs every time.
It’s a wonderful part of Naples' culture that I look forward to experiencing.
12. Visit the Greek Ruins in Piazza Bellini
When I visit Piazza Bellini, I’m amazed to see ancient Greek ruins right in the middle of the city.
These old stone walls date back to the 4th century BC, from when the Greeks lived in Naples.
It’s amazing to see history out in the open like this. The ruins are surrounded by lively cafés and bars, making the area a mix of old and new.
The mix of modern life around the square and these old ruins makes the area feel really special.
It’s a small but fascinating piece of Naples' history that you can see for free. The ruins are a reminder of the city’s ancient past, right in the heart of the city.
13. San Domenico Maggiore Church
San Domenico Maggiore Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Naples. It was built in the 13th century and has a stunning mix of Gothic and Baroque styles.
Inside, I see stunning artwork, including frescoes and sculptures that decorate the walls.
There are also tombs of important historical figures, which makes me feel like I’m surrounded by history.
The atmosphere is peaceful and impressive, making it a great place to sit and reflect.
One of the things that catches my eye is a large painting of the Last Supper—it’s incredible to see up close.
Since it’s free to enter, I love coming here whenever I’m in the heart of Naples.
14. Mercato di Pignasecca
Mercato di Pignasecca is the oldest street market in Naples, and it’s full of life and energy.
The stalls are packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats, and the smells of all the fresh food fill the air.
I love browsing through the vendors selling local cheeses, pastries, and street food, and it’s a great place to try some traditional Neapolitan snacks.
The narrow streets are always busy with people shopping, chatting, and enjoying the atmosphere.
It’s exciting to see local life up close, and I feel like I’m experiencing the real heart of Naples.
Every corner has something new to discover, and I love the lively energy of the market. It’s the perfect spot to explore and soak in the city’s culture.
15. Head Up to the Upscale Vomero
If you'd like to get outside of the noise of the city center, you might enjoy a visit to Vemero, a suburb in the hills above Naples.
This upscale neighborhood can be easily reached by funicular, metro, or bus.
The Medieval Castel Sant'Elmo is found there. I enjoy 360-degree views of the area from its terrace and it's highly recommended by me despite the steep climb to the top.
The monastery Certosa e Museo di San Martino is also here and leaves me in awe with its stunning interior and works by Italian masters.
There are also lovely cafes and restaurants, markets, places to buy pizza and gelato, a football stadium, shopping, and some architecturally beautiful neighborhoods to walk through.
A number of tours go through there if you'd like a tour guide to take you through the area.
16. Take in the Royal Palace of Naples
The royal palace (Palazzo Reale) was built in the 1600s to host King Phillip II of Spain, eventually becoming the royal residence of the Bourbons.
The unassuming "plainness" of the outside of the palace hides the fact that the interior is often called stunning.
Inside, there are 31 rooms for guests to stroll through, including the Throne Room, Royal Apartments, and Hall of Hercules.
I find tapestries, vaulted ceilings, magnificent paintings, ornate furniture, frescoes, statues, porcelain, and an incredible marble staircase.
From the palace, I also enjoy a commanding view of the Gulf of Naples and of Mount Vesuvius.
While entry to the Royal Palace requires a fee, you can admire its grand facade, gardens, courtyard and statues of Neapolitan kings for free, that to be with a free audio guide!
Tickets to the Royal Palace can be found here.
The palace bookends Piazza del Plebiscito where many political events, concerts, and celebrations take place.
17. Enjoy the Sunset at Mergellina
Mergellina is a beautiful seaside area in Naples, perfect for relaxing by the water.
The views of the water, Mount Vesuvius, and the islands of Capri and Ischia are amazing.
I enjoy walking along the promenade, with palm trees swaying and cafés nearby where I can grab a coffee.
I often see fishing boats in the harbor, which adds to the charm of the area. The best part is watching the sunset—the sky turns beautiful shades of orange and pink.
It’s one of my favorite spots to relax and take in the beauty of Naples. Mergellina feels like a perfect escape, and it’s so easy to get to from the city center with the nearby train station.
18. Gesù Nuovo Church
When I step into Gesù Nuovo Church in Naples, I’m amazed by how stunning and grand it is.
From the outside, the church has a unique stone facade that looks like a fortress, but inside, it’s full of beautiful art and decorations.
The walls and ceilings are covered with colorful frescoes, and there are so many statues and intricate details to look at.
The church feels peaceful, and I love just sitting and taking in the beauty.
One of the highlights is the Chapel of St. Joseph Moscati, where many people come to pray.
Every corner of the church feels like a work of art. It’s right in the heart of Naples, and visiting Gesù Nuovo always feels special.
INEXPENSIVE THINGS TO DO IN NAPLES
19. Enjoy the Food
I can’t help but think of “pizza” when I think of Napoli.
Their wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, with its simple, high-quality toppings and thin, soft crusts, is known worldwide.
The beloved Margherita pizza, made of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese, also comes from here.
But of course, there are other dishes you don’t want to miss.
Naples has a fantastic street food scene, where you can find such delicious fare as arancini (fried rice balls) and pizza fritta.
Naples is known for its pasta as well, with dishes such as pasta e fagioli and sauces such as spaghetti alle vongole proving popular.
Seafood lovers like me won’t want to miss the fresh seafood this coastal city offers.
And of course, desserts and coffee are a big part of any Neapolitan menu. Cannolis, zeppoles, stofliatella, espresso and cappuccino, all are sure to fill you up.
To experience the best of these in the city, consider taking a food tour or cooking class. These are surely the ways to find some of the best pizza, pasta, and other foods in the city.
20. See Historical Artifacts
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale de Napoli has some of the most significant archeological collections in the world.
There are artifacts from excavations of Herculaneum, Pompeii, and other locations in the region.
One of its most interesting draws is the Gbinetto Segreto (Secret Cabinet). These contain artwork from both Herculaneum and Pompeii that are deemed explicit; ancient erotica, in other words.
It also has artworks and sculptures from the Farnese Collection, such as the Farnese Hercules, as well as Greek, Roman, and Egyptian creations.
There are items in silver, bronze, glass, and marble. I find paintings, frescoes, gladiator attire, mosaics, and so much more.
It is truly one of the most attractive and fascinating museums in Italy and well worth a visit.
TIP: Admission to this museum is included at no extra cost with the Naples City Pass.
21. Go to the Theatre
One of the most famous theatres in Naples is Teatro di San Carlo.
It was opened in 1737 which makes it Europe’s oldest continuously open opera house.
Its magnificent interior, with its gilded stucco, six tiers of box seats, and frescoes, makes it the perfect backdrop for opera and ballet performances.
I also attend the classical music performances of the San Carlo Theatre Orchestra.
Renovations were made in the late 1900s and the theatre is known for its good acoustics.
The theater sits next to the Royal Palace of Naples and can be visited by guided tour or through a show ticket.
Other theatres to visit include:
22. Find Art in the Metro Stations
Normally metro stations wouldn't be on a list of recommendations for any given city.
However, aside from the practicality of using the metro to get around, I find a world of art deep underneath the ground.
The Metro dell'Arte project has introduced contemporary art to the public by making the stations art museums of sorts.
There are 12 of them, some with mirrors and photographs, others with statues and artwork.
The one that I don't miss is the award-winning Toledo station, which has been named the most beautiful metro station in Europe.
This is an inexpensive activity as a single use ticket costs just over a Euro and a day ticket is under five Euros.
23. Visit Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius
Not far from Naples is Pompeii, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy.
The historical significance of Pompeii, and what provokes much emotion, lies in its vivid snapshot of life in an ancient Roman city, frozen in time due to the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Under the ash, I find the remnants of a bustling and thriving city, with people going about their daily duties having no idea what was soon to befall them.
If you'd looking for a guided tour of the area, here is a list of Pompeii Tours.
24. Take a Walking Tour
Whether you’re hoping to enjoy some sightseeing or you want to find the best food in the city, there are a variety of Naples free walking tours you might enjoy.
There are many pay-what-you-wish tours, which means they are tip-based and you can decide what to pay your guide at the end of the tour. Most people who enjoy their service will tip around €10-€15.
You can visit the Spanish Quarter, discover the street art scene, take a food tour, or even go on a pub crawl.
Or you could take a tour that gives you a survey of the most interesting spots in the city, like the ones from Experience Napoli or Walkative Tours.
25. Stop in at Galleria Umberto I
Naples' oldest shopping gallery, located near the waterfront and across from Teatro San Carlo, quickly became one of my favorite spots to explore.
It’s always filled with locals and tourists, creating a lively atmosphere. I love stopping here for a short break, especially to take in the real highlight—the stunning ceiling.
The gallery’s glass and ironwork ceiling reminds me of Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with its large central glass dome and side panels arranged in a cross shape.
As I wander through, I can't help but admire the ornate architecture, beautiful sculptures, and intricate floor mosaics.
And of course, I always make time to grab a pastry from La Sfogliatella bakery, though the line can be long, it’s always worth the wait!
26. Visit the Dead
Underneath the city lies a network of underground caves, tunnels, and structures dating back to Greek and Roman times.
There are aqueducts to transport water and the remains of buildings from the city long past, all of it 40 meters beneath the surface of the present-day city.
There are also catacombs and cemeteries, the most well-known of which are the Catacombs of San Gennaro and Fontanelle Cemetery Cave.
In the catacombs of San Gennaro, which dates back to the 2nd century BCE I find an enormous burial chamber and impressive frescos.
The bodies are no longer there. They were long ago moved, along with the bones from other sites across Naples, to Fontanelle Cemetary.
A tour and tickets for the Catacombs of San Gennaro can be found here.
During the Plague, many of the remains of tens of thousands of residents were added to Fonatanelle Cemetary, as were some of the dead from WWII.
Be prepared. You won’t find a cemetery in the modern sense. There are endless numbers of bones stacked in piles to the “ceiling”.
It’s considered one of the most haunted places in Europe by some. It is free to enter and locals visit to pay respects.
TIP: The Naples City Pass includes admission to a guided tour of the Naples Underground at no extra cost!
27. See Where Ancient Romans Used to Summer
Less than 30 minutes outside Naples is the seaside town of Baia.
This is where wealthy Romans built villas and temples, enjoyed private and public baths, and ate the freshest foods the sea had to offer.
Senators, generals, and emperors regularly visited this holiday resort.
In fact, the Emperor Nero spent time here. It was from this location that he ordered the murder of his mother, Agrippa the Younger, and her tomb can be found nearby.
Much of the city became submerged due to volcanic activities that caused parts of it to slide into the sea.
But there is still plenty to see on land, including ancient Roman structures, baths, frescoes, mosaics, and a museum.
Nearby is the Underwater Archeological Marine Park of Baia. Visitors can go scuba diving or snorkeling and find ruins (and copies) of statues and mosaics under the water.
Also worth visiting are the nearby attractions of Archeological Park at Cumai, Castello Aragonese, and the Flavian Amphitheatre at Pozzuioli.
28. Be Amazed by the Veiled Christ
The stunning sculpture, Veiled Christ, by Italian artist Giuseppe Sanmartino can be seen in Museo Cappella Sansevero.
The 18th-century masterpiece is made of marble, although one would not guess that the delicate and transparent draping overtop the statue was made of stone.
Also in the museum sculptures depicting the ten Virtues, including ones for Liberality, Self-Control, Modersty, and Disillusion.
And for those who are not squeamish, I recommend to see two glass cases with the Anatomical Machines, skeletons with the arteriovenous system on display. These date back to the mid-1700s.
And of course, the chapel itself is quite stunning and worth the visit.
Visit the website for more information about Museo Cappella Sansevero.
29. See the Colorful Santa Chiara Monastery
The Santa Chiara Monastery dates back to 1310 when its construction first began.
The quiet complex of buildings includes a cloister, a church, and a museum amongst other buildings.
What makes it amazing are the beautiful, though slightly degraded, frescoes and ceramic tiles that decorate the Baroque architecture, most of which date back to the 17th century.
In the cloisters, I find tiled scenes of the outside world, ones the nuns would have viewed as they stayed within the monastery walls.
They managed to survive a bombing in 1943 that destroyed the Basilica.
30. Explore the Bourbon Tunnel
As mentioned above, underneath Naples lies a network of underground caves, tunnels, and structures dating back to Greek and Roman times.
The Bourbon Tunnel (Galleria Borbonica) dates back to 1852.
It was intended to be used as an escape passage for the ruling Bourbon family members, and as a way for soldiers to quickly move around as needed.
Ferdinand II of Bourbon had made a lot of enemies during his attempt to retain absolute rule by squashing all dissent.
Afraid that an uprising could spell the end of the Bourbons, the passageways stood ready as an escape route.
These tunnels were also used to transport goods and later used as air raid shelters and bunkers in WW2.
Click here for entrance tickets and a guided tour.
31. Check out the Doll Hospital
Ospedale delle Bambole (Dolls Hospital) stands ready to repair beloved but damaged toys.
This little shop inside a courtyard has restored and repaired children's dolls, teddy bears, and other toys for over 100 years.
And it now includes a museum that includes dolls from centuries past.
There are some activities for children, but adults are sure to enjoy this unique shop as well.
32. Visit an Extensive Collection of Art Works
You could spend a lifetime viewing the works in the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte.
It holds over 47,000 works of art, many by such masters as Caravaggio, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
The museum sits in the stunning Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte, which was constructed in the 1700s as a picture gallery and hunting lodge.
Outside is the Royal Park, 300 acres of green space, all overlooking the Bar of Naples.
Click here for an entrance ticket that comes with a postcard.
RELATED POSTS