16 of the Best Free (And Cheap) Things to Do in Naples, Italy

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Visiting Naples, Italy on a budget? Easy! These are the best free things to do in Naples along with the best affordable activities.

The southern Italian city of Naples is often misinterpreted, wrongfully judged, and often overlooked by many travelers. Why venture off to a city with a questionable reputation when Rome is a much easier target?

For the right type of adventurer, Naples can turn out to be one of the most memorable experiences in all of Europe.

An edgy personality, vibrant culture, remarkable history, and an epic food scene are just some of the treasures that Naples has to offer. What’s often left out from this laundry list is its affordability.

When ranked amidst other top destinations in Italy, Naples is unquestionably among of the most inexpensive places to enjoy for many tourists. From outdoor sites, historical landmarks, and even museums, there are several incredible things to do for free (or cheap) in Naples, Italy.

In this guide, discover the top places to see, where to stay, and eat on a budget while visiting Naples, Italy.

Quick List: Affordable and Free Things to Do in Naples

• Tour Castel Sant’Elmo
• Visit Maradona Mural
• Wander through Quartieri Spagnoli
• Via Pignasecca fish markets
• Museums
• Strolling through Centro Storico
• Taking the funicular to Vomero
• Hiking up Salita del Petraio
• Swimming at Naples beaches
• Underground Naples Tour
• Walking along the lungomare
• Piazza del Plebiscito
• Galleria Umberto I
• Admiring Palazzo dello Spagnolo
• Window shopping on Via Toledo
• Eating and making pizza

The Essentials for a Budget Trip to Naples, Italy

✈️ The Naples International Airport connects to the city center in less than 30 minutes by bus (Alibus shuttle). It is the quickest and cheapest way to get to/from the airport in Naples.

🍷 The Centro Storico (historic centre), Quartieri Spagnoli and Piazza del Plebiscito neighborhoods of Naples are bustling and close to all the major attractions. However, they are also the busiest. For calmer places to stay, consider the Chiaia or Vomero quarters of Naples.

🛌 Browse for hostels that offer rooms with private bathrooms to get cheaper prices on hotel-style accommodations.

🖼 Naples is home to a ton of unsuspectingly incredible museums. Visiting at least one or two museums during your 2 days in Naples is a must. If you’re visiting from May – September, book tickets ahead of time because the popular ones do sell out.

🚉 Getting around Naples, Italy is inexpensive with public transportation, which includes the metro, bus, and a funicular train. You can buy a day pass for unlimited use of public transportation or simply pay per ride (under €2 one-way).

🍽 It’s no secret that pizza is a big deal in Naples. Do not get hung up on only eating the “absolute best pizza in Naples” because it’s actually quite difficult to eat bad food in Naples. A majority of the time, the unsuspecting pizza you find in Naples will still taste better than what you’re used to and will cost less than the hyped up restaurants.

Is Naples, Italy Worth Visiting?

The city of Naples is one of the most unique cities not just in Italy but in Europe in general. Of course, it is renowned for its historical significance, crowd-pleasing cuisine, rich heritage, and one-of-a-kind landscape.

On top of all this, Naples proudly boasts its own identity, unmatched and unreplicable in any other part of the world. Its character, feel, and atmosphere are what define Naples and undeniably make it worth visiting.

To be extremely truthful, if you don’t feel like you can appreciate intangible characteristics, Naples may not be the destination for you.

Naples is worth visiting for its location alone. With a stunning backdrop of the famous Mount Vesuvius and glimpses of islands (Capri) in the distance, Naples is certainly fortunate in its geographical position.

It is also home to some of the most distinct and impressive museums and galleries, including collections of masterpieces you won’t come across anywhere else in Italy.

Among the most well-known reasons to book your trip to Naples, Italy, is for the food. Yes, its pizza culture is no secret, but it is deservingly worth all the hype and recognition you’ve likely heard much about.

Incredible food in Naples doesn’t just stop at pizza! The seafood is a whole different level of delicious. If all else fails to influence you to visit Naples, you can rely on never having a bad meal in this captivating and misunderstood city.

16 Wonderful Free (& Cheap) Things to Do in Naples, Italy

1. Tour Castel Sant’Elmo

The medieval fortress balances on the highest hill of the Vomero neighbourhood above Napoli. The location of Castel Sant’Elmo originally began as a humble church, but developed into a military defensive position in the 16th century.

For tourists visiting the castle today, Castel Sant’Elmo houses various temporary art exhibits, preserved chambers, and dungeons that are reportedly haunted by ghosts of Naples’ past.

One of the simplest reasons to visit Castle Sant’Elmo is for the view. From the top terrace of the fortress, you’ll receive unobstructed and panoramic views of the city, Gulf of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius.

It’s not free to visit Castle Sant’Elmo, but it’s pretty darn close to it. Admission only costs €5, which makes it one of the cheapest historical landmarks to visit in Naples. Alternative castles in Naples worth visiting include Castel Nuovo or Castel dell’Ovo, both with similar ticket prices.

Most landmarks in Italy will have reduced (or free) admission for children and teenagers under 18 years old.

2. Stop at the Maradona Mural

Often known as the “God of Naples,” Diego Maradona was not even Italian. Maradona was a football player originally from Argentina who played for SSC Napoli from 1984 to 1991.

His time playing in Naples was epic, to say the least, and was a shining moment in history for the city, fans, and all. He led the Naples football team to titles, but more importantly, gave southern Italy a glimmer of hope, recognition, and pride.

For people who understand the impact a sports team (let alone, one member) can have on an entire population, the presence of Maradona in Naples is a wonder to see. Even today, it’s difficult to find a corner or wall in Naples that’s absent of any ode to the great Maradona.

The most famous and unique free thing to do in Naples, Italy is to visit the Maradona Mural in the Spanish Quarter. It is no longer just one art piece but what can be best described as a shrine in a small piazza.

3. Get Lost in Quartieri Spagnoli

The Quartieri Spagnoli neighbourhood in Naples translates to the Spanish Quarter. It is named after its original purpose of housing Spanish soldiers during the occupation in the 16th century.

Quartieri Spagnoli consists of narrow streets, close living quarters, many loud discussions and tall buildings which allow very little sunlight throughout the neighborhood.

It gained a reputation for a less than perfect lifestyle consisting of drug and prostitution activity during a period in history.

Travellers who are looking for free things to do in Naples that are also iconic will enjoy wandering through the paths of Quartieri Spagnoli without an agenda.

It is the most characteristic zone of Naples, where you aren’t always sure what you’ll stumble upon around the next corner.

4. Experience the Outdoor Markets on Via Pignasecca

With the Gulf of Naples (or Bay of Naples) as the gateway to the Mediterranean Sea, seafood is a way of life for the people of Naples. When you order seafood in Naples, it is pretty much guaranteed that you’ll eat well because it’s fresh.

Any reputable restaurant in Naples will purchase their products fresh and from the local mongers in the city, not from commercial providers.

Visiting fish markets is one of the best free things to do in Naples, Italy for anyone who’s a lover of gastronomy, or if you have kids. After all, a good fish market is essentially a free aquarium.

A dance of the fishmongers can be seen on the bustling street of Via Pignasecca, west of Via Toledo.

This area is jam-packed with various outdoor vendors going about their business and providing the streets of Naples with the very best seafood.

5. Visit the Museums

A mix of contemporary art, archaeological findings, marble sculptures, Caravaggio paintings, underground tunnels, and royal palaces all have a home in the endless number of museums you’ll find in Naples.

It always takes us by surprise how many museums and galleries there are to visit in the unassuming city of Naples, which at first doesn’t necessarily scream “major culture destination.”

Once you get below the surface (literally) of the city’s identity, you’ll be greeted with some of the most iconic curations and masterpieces in the entire country.

While a couple of the museums in Naples are a bit costly, most of them are affordable with admission around €10 for adults.

If you’re planning to visit museums in Naples from May – September, book tickets online because they do sell out (especially The Sansevero Chapel)!

Must-visit museums in Naples include:

• The Sansevero Chapel
• Capodimonte Palace and Museum
• The Archaeological Museum of Naples
• Donnaregina Museum of Contemporary Art
• Certosa e Museo di San Martino
• Bourbon Tunnel
• Catacombs of San Gennaro

6. Wander Through Centro Storico

The historic center (or centro storico in Italian) of any city is always the most charming, packed with character and picturesque street corners. In the case of Naples, the centro storico is all these things, plus the best neighborhood for some seriously good restaurants.

If you want to try some of the most historic eateries in Naples that have been around for ages, you must venture down Via dei Tribunali for the most genuine places to eat that are said to have started it all.

Top rated places to eat on Via dei Tribunali in Naples:

Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo

Friggitoria Verace Napoli

Portico Pizzeria e Trattoria Via Tribunali

Gino e Toto Sorbillo

Pizzeria I Decumani

7. Ride the Funicular Train to Vomero

The public transportation network of Naples is inclusive of a funicular train, which takes you up and down the steep hills of the city. For example, to reach the neighborhood of Vomero or Castel Sant’Elmo, you must go up.

Naples has easily solved this small challenge with a couple of funicular trains that cost just as much as a metro ride (under €2). So, forget trekking up hundreds of stairs and take advantage of the funicular train (which is basically a slow rollercoaster) to get to higher altitudes in just minutes.

Experiencing the funicular train is one of the best inexpensive things to do in Naples while also serving a purpose. You’ll notice that many people aboard the train are just commuting.

PRO TIP: To buy tickets for any funicular ride in Naples, you can “tap to pay” with your card or phone at the turnstile upon entering. There is no need to buy a physical ticket from a booth beforehand.

8. Hike Up or Down Salita del Petraio

Exercise is always free, and there’s no better place to break a sweat than on the Salita del Petraio staircase in Naples. The staircase runs from the upper quarter of Vomero and reaches the Chiaia neighborhood.

At times, it is steep and narrow but offers a beautiful view and perspective of the Gulf of Naples, giant freight carriers, and Vesuvius.

The entrance/exit from the top of the hill can be found here. Naturally, we’d recommend walking down Salita del Petraio because it’ll be less strenuous, but if you’re set on getting your climb on, be our guest and walk up!

As a heads up for those trekking this path in the summer, bring plenty of water and wear a hat or sunscreen because there is no shade.

9. Go Swimming at the Beach

While Naples is not a striking beach destination, it may come as a surprise to find out there are a handful of beaches right in the centre of the city. It can get mighty hot during the summer (or even earlier) and the people of Naples need a place to cool down.

Situated right under the waterfront promenade are a couple of sandy beaches in addition to flat rocks. If you’re privy to Italian beach culture, it is no surprise that you’ll see these rocks filled with sunbathers, families, and fishermen enjoying the beach on a warm day.

Napoli beaches are completely free to enjoy while simultaneously being the easiest way to cool off while visiting in July or August.

Three Sandy Beaches in Naples City Centre:

• Spiaggia Mergellina
• Mappatella Beach
• Spiaggia della Colonna Spezzata

10. Tour the Underground of Naples

There are two sides of Naples – one above ground and one below. Naples has a fascinating network of subterranean passageways, some of which are 5,000 years old.

Several tunnels, caves, catacombs, aqueducts, living quarters, and more are situated underneath the old town of Naples and are a fascinating chapter in the city’s history.

While much of the underground world in Naples dates back to ancient times, portions of the network were functionally used as recently as WWII. During this time, citizens sheltered from air raids and bombs in the bunkers below ground.

You can find a variety of tours that explore Napoli Sotterranea depending on how much you want to see and spend.

We were able to tour Galleria Borbonica for €11 per adult, which is a good deal considering the many other museums in Naples that cost much more.

11. Take a Walk on the Lungomare

Taking a walk is unquestionably the best free thing to do in Naples, Italy or any major city for that matter. It allows you to discover secluded corners and hidden gems of the city that you wouldn’t have otherwise stumbled upon.

One of the most scenic walking paths in Naples is the waterfront promenade (or lungomare in Italian) that runs along the Chiaia neighborhood.

Lungomare Francesco Caracciolo begins here and takes you all the way to the port (Porticciolo Molosiglio) on the other side of town. In addition to being the easiest route to access the city beaches, it’s a lovely path made for pedestrians only, so you do not have to worry about traffic.

The pathway has a gorgeous view of Castel dell’Ovo and the island of Capri in the hazy distance.

12. Catch an Event at Piazza del Plebiscito

Located in front of the Royal Palace of Naples, Piazza del Plebiscito is a massive town square that’s for pedestrians only. Naturally, it’s one of the most convenient places for the city to host events because of the lack of traffic (something that is quite rare in Naples).

Whether you plan in advance or not, take a brief look at an event calendar for Naples to see if there is anything upcoming during the time of your visit.

During the summer months, your chances of catching a random event at Piazza del Plebiscito are high. A majority of the time, these events are communal, sponsored, and free to experience.

In addition to the best free things to do in Naples, Italy, Piazza del Plebiscito is also the place you’re most likely to receive something for free from a booth giveaway.

You can also enter the Basilica behind Piazza del Plebiscito for free as well.

13. Gaze Up at Galleria Umberto I

Defined by a domed glass, cross-shape and steel structure, Galleria Umberto I is possibly the most attractive mall you’ll ever visit. The construction of Galleria Umberto I was completed in 1890 in an Art Nouveau style with one purpose – to shop and stroll in style and comfort.

To this day, that’s exactly what it is known and admired for. Whether you hit the shops or not, the covered shopping centre is simply marvellous to admire and is among the best landmarks to take photos of in Naples.

Entrance to Galleria Umberto I is completely free.

14. Admire the Palazzo dello Spagnolo

Built in 1738, the Palazzo dello Spagnolo is just one of the many historic aristocratic buildings you’ll catch a glimpse of while walking through Naples.

These Rococo-style marvels are somewhat similar to buildings you may see in Barcelona. They are just one testimony to the complex and diverse history of Naples.

These properties are most distinctly characterized by their elegant staircases and never-ending supply of arches. Whether you’re an architecture buff or not, you can’t help but stop in your tracks to take a second look when you come across one of these wonders in Naples.

The Palazzo dello Spagnolo (Spanish Palace) and San Felice Palace are the most well-known sites. Both of them are free to admire from the exterior.

15. Window Shop Along Via Toledo

The avenue of Via Toledo splits through the middle of Naples. What makes Via Toledo notable is that a large portion of it is off limits to cars or motorized vehicles.

The pedestrianized area of Via Toledo is lined with many big name brands, commercial shops with a sprinkle of ma and pa boutiques. This is among the best places in Naples to get your shopping done, whether it be with your wallet or just your eyes.

In addition to clothing stores, it’s a one-stop shop to get fed while on the go. Many of the eateries along Via Toledo are casual and finding a slice of inexpensive pizza (or pizza fritta), ice cream cone or pastry is not difficult.

16. Take a Pizza Making Class

“Give a man a fish pizza, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish make pizza and you feed him for a lifetime.” While eating pizza is a magical activity, why not learn to make it yourself?!

We can’t all flock to Naples every time we get a craving for Neapolitan-style pizza. The only sensible solution is to learn how to make it at home and be able to enjoy incredible pizza any time you want. Sure, it probably won’t be exactly the same at first but practice makes perfect!

If you’re going to opt for a hands-on activity while visiting Naples, let it be a pizza making class. There are tons to choose from, some of which are better for families, couples, or groups of friends.

As a fair warning, this isn’t the friendliest budget activity while visiting Naples, but we have seen pizza workshops cost as little as €45 per person.

The Best Cheap Food in Naples, Italy

Among the best things to do in Naples, Italy on a budget is to eat! Restaurant and food prices in Naples are pleasantly affordable, especially when compared to Rome, Milan, or Venice. It’s much easier to eat really well, but still modestly while visiting Naples.

Spending a lot of time eating pizza in Naples is a must. Neapolitan pizza is not only a staple dish; it’s found on every corner of the city and at fair prices.

The basis of pizza Napoletana is uncomplicated ingredients of high quality on a specifically light and thin dough. Naples is famous for many reasons, but pizza is arguably one of its most intriguing features for tourists from all over the world.

In addition to Neapolitan-style pizza, Naples is well known for pizza fritta (fried pizza). Typically served as street food and meant to be eaten with your hands, this fried version of a stuffed pizza is usually filled with sauce, cheese, and occasionally prosciutto.

🇮🇹 Read More: How to Eat Pizza in Italy

If you’re visiting Naples, Italy on a budget, then you should seek casual eateries or places which specialize in takeaway dishes opposed to traditional sit-down restaurants.

The difference in pricing is definitely noticeable, but the quality of food remains excellent. Below are just a few of the best places to eat in Naples, Italy for cheap.

• Pizzeria e Trattoria del Purgatorio
• Il Cuoppo | San Biagio Dei Librai
• Trattoria Don Vincenzo
• Friggitoria Vomero
• Tandem Spaccanapoli
• Fiorenzano
• Pappulè
• Ciccio Fri
• Pizzeria Nennella
• Mo Sarpi

How to Get Around Naples, Italy

Public Transportation

The easiest form of public transportation to utilize in Naples is the underground metro.

While the metro network covers a good amount of the city outside of the city centre, most tourists will only need to know about Line 1, Line 2, and the funicular trains. The remainder of the metro lines and stops are in the outskirts of the Naples city centre.

Riding the metro and funicular in Naples is the cheapest way to get around. A one-way ticket costs around €1.50 and applies to both the metro or funicular.

Additional public transportation ticket options that are good for tourists include a 90-minute pass, 24-hour pass, and 7-day pass.Unless you are purchasing a pass (90 minutes, 24 hours, or 7 days), use the “tap to pay” feature at the turnstile of the metro station in order to enter.

If you have a “tap to pay” capable credit card or Apple Pay, it’s so much easier to pay for the metro this way than to purchase a physical ticket. You do not need to buy a ticket beforehand to use the metro or funicular in Naples.

For anything more than a one-way ride, you need to purchase a public transportation pass. When entering a metro or funicular station, you may see a lot of ticket booths.

While you can buy a ticket pass at the booth, it’s a lot easier to complete the purchase at a self-service kiosk available at almost every station.

City Tour of Naples

If a self-guided tour of Naples isn’t your speed, there are other easy and relatively cost-effective ways to get around the city.

First, you can never go wrong with the traditional hop-on hop-off bus, which takes you to all the major sites in Naples and requires minimal effort on your end. This way, you also get to see the city while still being outside instead of traveling underground by metro.

We always recommend experiencing a city (especially one like Naples) on foot, whenever possible. Nothing beats getting to know an intricate destination than by walking through all its nooks and crannies.

While wandering without reason through Naples is equally enjoyable, a guided walking tour is also an excellent option because you’ll receive intel from an expert or local.

Guided walking tours are often affordable (or even free as long as you provide a tip) and suitable for all types of travellers.

Best Budget Places to Stay in Naples, Italy

Similar to any popular destination in Europe, the farther out from the city centre you stay, the cheaper the accommodation will be.

While this is a key tactic to saving money on travel, it’s important to pair it with another prominent tip: book a stay near a public transportation station.

As long as your hotel or apartment is located near a bus or metro station that connects you to the city centre quickly, it’s almost as good as booking a place to stay in the heart of Naples.

The best rated places to stay in Naples on a budget:

Neapolitan Flat B&B – Best Overall Value for City Centre (⭐️ personal favourite!)

La Petite Maison – Best One-Bedroom in Centro Storico of Naples

Savoy Riviera – Best Suite in the Chiaia Neighbourhood

The Idyll Boutique Apartment – Best Stay in Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter)

La Chambre – Best Quiet Location in the Vomero Neighbourhood

Binario 14 – Best Rooms Near the Central Train Station (Napoli Centrale)

How Many Days Should You Spend in Naples?

A well-rounded trip to Naples, Italy should last a bare minimum of three days. If you’re only stopping into the city for a brief one-nighter or weekend, you’ll only be able to scratch the surface of its beautiful chaos.

Of course, if you’re lucky to find yourself in Naples in 24 hours, you’ll still have an incredible time. Within one day in Naples, you can visit a handful of top sites and enjoy a couple of mind blowing meals.

If you’re primarily interested in visiting Naples, Italy for culture, art, and history, plan a trip that’s around 4 or 5 days long.

There are countless museums, galleries, and historic landmarks in Naples, some of which take a good amount of time to get through. Even if you purchase tickets ahead of time, many of the museums will still require you to queue up and wait to enter.

Foodies and anyone coming to Naples to eat as much pizza as possible will want to plan for a minimum of three days in the city. Three full days will allow you to eat a number of different meals from various restaurants and give you an opportunity to fully taste the best of Naples.

You may also want to plan an additional day or two and squeeze in a cooking class!

Is Naples, Italy Safe for Tourists?

There may be an unsavoury reputation of Naples floating around, but we can’t say we’ve experienced it ourselves.

Tourists who are traveling to the typical sites, attractions, and landmarks in Naples have no reason to feel unsafe while visiting the city. We’ve personally visited Naples a few times (even as a family with a child) and never found ourselves in a dangerous scenario.

From an overall safety standpoint, Naples is as safe for tourists as any other major European city.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should let your guard down and there are always precautions that travelers should take whenever visiting a busy and crowded destination, regardless of where in the world you are.

While traveling throughout Naples, be aware of your belongings and do not leave anything unattended. If you look careless with your items, you may be seen as an easy target for pickpocketing.

More specifically to Naples, motorbikes and scooters are a potential hazard to pedestrians who aren’t used to sharing the road.

Keep your eyes and ears open to avoid any accidents with motorized vehicles that seemingly fly through the narrow streets of Naples at all hours of the day.

More Budget Travel Posts:

• How to Visit Sardinia on a Budget
• Free Things to Do in Barcelona
• How to Plan a Family Trip to Italy on a Budget
• 2-Day Itinerary for Berlin on a Budget
• How to Save Money While Visiting Switzerland

Naples, Italy Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator