7 THINGS TO DO IN NAPLES ON A LOW BUDGET
Complete Guide 2023Naples is a city full of art and history, and it’s almost impossible to run out of things to do. When I was a teenager living in the town, I was always looking for cheap things to do and, fortunately, there are plenty of choices if you are planning a low-cost trip.
Keep reading to find out the best things to do in Naples if you are low on a budget!
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1) Walk San Gregorio Armeno
San Gregorio Armeno is one of the most suggestive Neapolitan streets.
Situated in the heart of the city centre, the small characteristic alleys contribute to the unique atmosphere and allow you to admire the authentic Neapolitan tradition. The street is full of small shops and merchants, specialising in the Presepe, the representation of the Nativity.
The best period to visit San Gregorio is on Christmas, but you can admire its specialities any time of the year. Just lose yourself in the typical Neapolitan alleys and maybe stop for a lunch break at Sorbillo, a historical (and cheap!) pizzeria not far from there.
2) Visit the Fontanelle Cemetery
You can find this singular cemetery in the Sanita` district, in the city centre.
The “Cimitero delle Fontanelle” is a very peculiar place, hosting the victims of the plagues of 1656 and 1836. The 40.000+ skulls contribute to the unique dark ambience of the site.
Naples is a city full of folklore, and, in this case, you can admire it through the traditional rite held by the locals in this cemetery. They call it “the rite of the anime pezzentelle“, and it consists of a woman adopting a skull with the hope that it will then be grateful after her death and show her gratitude in Heaven. Nowadays, you can still see some women bringing gifts to the skulls in the name of this cult.
The visit to the cemetery takes about 1 hour, and it’s completely free!
3) Admire the Cathedral
The Cathedral (“Duomo” in Italian) is situated in Via Duomo, in the city centre. Often known by the locals as “San Gennaro’s Cathedral“, in honour of the city’s patron, is a Roman-catholic church, the main of the town.
It dates back to 1300, although it’s been refurbished several times, and it hosts the city’s treasures. The entrance to this suggestive site is entirely free, so it’s worth a visit!
This site, just like many others, is full of folklore and traditions. The “Duomo” is widely known for hosting San Gennaro‘s blood which, staying at the locals’ beliefs, is supposed to melt three times a year to avoid catastrophes and protect the city.
4) Explore the Ovo Castle
The enchanting Ovo Castle is situated on the small peninsula of Megaride, accessible from the “Lungomare Mergellina“, Naples’ seafront.
The castle was built in the 12th century, and it is the oldest of the city. The panoramic view from the top is impressive, especially at sunset.
Because of the new Covid-19 rules, a booking is required to visit the castle. You can find more info on the official website.
The castle and the “lungomare” are my favourite places in Naples, and they are totally free! So if you plan a low-cost trip to the city, make sure you don’t miss the castle and its breathtaking view from the top!
5) Walk the Royal Forest of Capodimonte
One of the best low-cost things to do in Naples is to take a walk in the Royal Forest of Capodimonte (“Bosco Reale di Capodimonte“, in Italian). Initially, the Bosco was the hunting lodge of the Bourbon kings; it overlooks the city, and it extends for 134 hectares. In 2014, it was described as the most beautiful park in Italy.
It’s a really charming place to spend the day, especially when the weather is nice. You can explore the forest, rent a bike, or maybe have a picnic. You can also visit the museum inside the forest; it hosts a vast art collection with some masterpieces realized by artists like Michelangelo, Raffaello and Caravaggio.
The visit to the forest is free, while the ticket entrance for the museum is about €10 (€2 for under 25).
6) Galleria Umberto I and Piazza del Plebiscito
If you are low on a budget and are visiting the Southern Italian city, you might want to have a walk in Via Toledo, one of Naples’ main streets, full of shops and delicious takeaways. In Via Toledo, you can find the Umberto I Gallery, built at the end of the 19th century and hosting several shops.
At the end of your walk in Via Toledo, you will find Piazza del Plebiscito, the largest Neapolitan square. The piazza is surrounded by important buildings like the church of San Francesco di Paola (which you can visit for free) and the Royal Palace (entrance fee €6, €2 for under 25).
7) BIiblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III
Although the Royal Palace, situated in Piazza del Plebiscito, has a paid entrance, you can access for free the National Library, located inside the 18th century’s Royal Palace.
The library hosts almost 2 million volumes, and it is the third largest library in Italy. This building is full of art, culture and history, so it’s worth having a stop there!
Kikka
EDITOR IN CHIEF