Is beautiful Naples calling you, but your tight budget is making you hesitate? Don't worry, there are plenty of free things to do in Naples. Among them is one of its most famous castles: Castel dell'Ovo. Filling up on free activities in Naples means admiring magnificent panoramas, taking part in unusual activities such as the Toledo metro, or contemplating architecture from another time. A magical trip on a budget: we at the Petit Futé couldn't agree more!
1. Visit the Castel dell'Ovo, the top free activity in Naples
If Naples is one of Italy's top 10 cities to visit, it's partly for its superb castles. Among them, the Castel dell'Ovo is a must-see in Naples. To visit it, head for the island of Megaride, visible from numerous vantage points in Naples. Its rich history, as well as its exceptional panorama, make it one of the most beautiful free activities in Naples.
Good to know: Its name comes from a legend: a golden egg is said to have been laid in the castle's basement. If it were to break, not only the castle but also the city would be in peril.
2. Marvel at the Naples Botanical Garden - it's free!
Here's a great place to visit with kids in Naples. From giant water lilies to exotic plants, the Naples Botanical Garden is an invitation to a complete change of scenery. The free tour attracts Neapolitans and visitors alike. A forest of tree ferns, colorful flowers, mangroves and unusual citrus trees create a fascinating plant world that you can immerse yourself in for free.
The article to read: What to see and do in Naples 18 must-sees
3. Free activities in Naples: admire the panorama from the Floridiana park
Admire the view over the city and the Bay of Naples from the Floridiana park, located in the Vomero district. Among the park's other free activities, don't miss the chance to admire the Villa Floridiana, the Italian garden, the panoramic tower and the rich vegetation from the outside.
4. Take a trip back in time at the Toledo metro station
Voted Europe's most beautiful metro station, Toledo is a life-size work of art. Completed in 2012 by Catalan architect Oscar Tusquets, it plunges you into a futuristic universe. The mosaic walls, evoking a starry sky, give the impression of climbing up to the laced track... on an escalator. A real favorite!
The article to read: 10 metro stations that look more like underground museums
5. Paying and being paid for a free coffee in Naples: a tradition!
Are you familiar with the concept of "hanging coffee"? This typically Neapolitan tradition has gradually conquered other parts of the world. It involves paying for one or more coffees in advance, so that the less fortunate can also enjoy them. Admittedly, you may not be so poor as to ask for it, but the tradition was at least worth mentioning, because thanks to your small gesture, this time you'll be helping to offer a free activity to someone else: drinking an Italian coffee!
6. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Naples
Admission to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, also known as the Duomo Santa Maria Assunta, is free. Entrance to the baptistery costs €2. Built between 1299 and 1314, it is one of the city's landmarks. Its beautiful, uncluttered neo-Gothic façade and the impressive size of its three naves, 100 meters long and 48 meters high, make it quite simply unique. Inside, you can contemplate a beautiful harmony of Gothic, Baroque and neo-Gothic styles.
Good to know the treasure chapel houses over 50 silver sculptures.
7. Free activities in Naples at Parco Vergiliano di Piedigrotta
The Parco Virgiliano, perched on a terrace at the end of the Pausilippe hill, is a veritable jewel-case of greenery not to be missed when visiting Naples for free. Its greatest asset: a spectacular panorama of the Bay of Naples! Created in 1930 and redeveloped in the early 2000s, this 92,000 m² park majestically overlooks the sea. It is named after the poet Virgil, but beware! It should not be confused with the park of Virgil's Tomb ( Parco Vergiliano a Piedigrotta).
The article to read: What to do in Italy? 27 must-sees!
8. Free activities in Naples: discover the Santons of San Gregorio Armeno
In Naples, and particularly on Via San Gregorio Armeno - the city's oldest district - santons are sacred! Numerous artisans display and sell their "pastori", made in the purest tradition. Even if your budget doesn't allow you to buy any, a stroll down this street will take you on a real journey into local craftsmanship.
9. Admire the architecture of Galleria Umberto I
Built at the end of the XIXᵉ century, the Galleria Umberto I was originally designed to relieve the city's congestion after the cholera epidemic. You'll find this impressive building between the San Carlo Theatre and Via Toledo. With its glass and steel structure, murals and beautiful statues, it's an impressively beautiful place. One of the best free activities in Naples, a must-see!
10. Stroll from Piazza del Plebiscito to Via Spaccanapoli
What if you simply took the time to stroll through the heart of the city for free? Start your tour at the Piazza del Plebiscitoa vast urban space surrounded by magnificent historical monuments such as the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Palazzo Reale. A little further on, Via Spaccanapoli literally cuts the city in two, linking the Spanish quarters and the Forcella district.
Good to know: naples is said to have the best Margherita pizzas. Take advantage of your stroll through the city center to discover this delicacy, as well as other must-try Italian specialties.
What museums are free in Naples on the 1ᵉʳ Sunday of the month?
Good news for anyone visiting Naples at the beginning of the month: some of the city's museums are free on the 1ᵉʳ Sunday of the month:
- the National Archaeological Museum,
- the Duca di Martina ceramics museum in Villa Floridiana,
- the former residence of the Royal Palace,
- the Carthusian monastery and museum of San Martino,
- the Castello Sant'Elmo and the XXᵉ century museum,
- the Capodimonte Museum and Royal Forest,
- the Diego Aragona Pignatelli Cortes Museum and the Carriage Museum,
- the Park and Virgil's Tomb.
Long live free culture!
Petit Futé Tip: we advise you to visit Naples in April. Temperatures are mild and you'll escape the summer crowds for a while, especially if you leave outside the school vacations. You can also go in May, during the summer holidays, but these long weekends usually attract a lot of people.
The article to read: How to visit Naples in 3 days Itinerary tips
A visit to Naples means a mix of culture, restaurants and hiking on the Amalfi Coast. But there's a question to be asked here: is there a charge for climbing Mount Vesuvius, one of the world's most impressive volcanoes? As the volcano is still active, it is possible to climb it, but for obvious safety reasons, the climb is strictly supervised. It is therefore a guided tour for which a fee is charged. Our last word of advice: don't leave Naples without tasting the excellent Neapolitan cuisine, which will delight your taste buds! Want to see more? Discover the best things to do in Campania, a region of many wonders.
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