Discover Naples: A Weekend Getaway Guide with Budget Travel Tips
Naples, the third-largest city in Italy, offers its visitors a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and gastronomy. Known for its bustling streets, historic charm, and culinary delights, Naples provides a vibrant weekend escape when visiting Italy. This comprehensive guide will lead you through an unforgettable weekend in this fascinating city, revealing some lesser-known gems along the way and offering insider tips for budget-conscious travelers.
Believe it or not, I had never been to Naples until this past summer! So, when my friend from Australia came to visit me, I absolutely had to pop by and see this unique city. So, get ready and let’s explore Naples together!
Day 1: Explore the historic and artistic heart of Naples
Morning: Dive into History in the Old Town
Start your day in the historic center, known as the Centro Storico. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest in Europe, featuring narrow streets filled with churches, ancient ruins, and traditional Neapolitan life.
- Visit Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro): Begin your day at the magnificent Naples Cathedral, which houses a vial of the blood of San Gennaro, the city’s patron saint. The best part? Entry is free.
- Via San Gregorio Armeno: Stroll through the famous street of San Gregorio Armeno, known for its artisan workshops where you can watch artisans crafting intricate Nativity scenes—a Neapolitan legacy. Browsing is free, and if you choose to buy a souvenir, you’ll find options for every budget.
- Spaccanapoli: Via San Gregorio Armeno is connected to Spaccanapoli which is probably the most famous road in the city. It’s 2 km long and it means “Naples splitter” and here you can find countless local shops, tasty restaurants and it’s a living museum of Naples’ history.
Lunch: Traditional Neapolitan flavors
Break for lunch at a budget-friendly local eatery:
- Trattoria Da Nennella: This charming restaurant in the Spanish Quarters offers both delicious food and budget-friendly prices, giving you a taste of authentic Neapolitan cuisine without breaking the bank. Try “Pasta e Patate con la Provola” at a fraction of the cost you might pay in more tourist-focused eateries.
- Another option can be Tandem. They are famous for their rich Neapolitan ragù served over handmade pasta and for an affordable price!
Afternoon: Discover hidden artistic treasures
Naples is not just a city of historic wonders; it’s also rich in contemporary and underground art scenes.
- Madre Museum: Admissions to Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina is free on Mondays. Explore the works of both prominent and emerging artists, saving your euros while soaking up cutting-edge culture.
- Museo Cappella Sansevero: While there is an entrance fee, the spectacular Veiled Christ sculpture is an unforgettable sight that justifies the expense, even for budget travelers. This is definitely a must visit!!
Evening: Immerse yourself in local culture
Conclude your day with some budget-friendly cultural experiences:
- Teatro San Carlo: If attending a performance stretches your budget, consider a daytime tour to admire the historic opera house. Tours are inexpensive and give you a taste of luxury.
- Dining in the Squares: Head to Piazza Bellini, a lively square with vibrant atmosphere. It’s perfect for an inexpensive aperitivo, as you can soak up the lively setting alongside locals and students.
Day 2: Venture beyond the tourist path
Morning: Ascend to the heights
Take your morning up a notch—literally!
- Castel Sant’Elmo: Pop by ancient fortress and you can visit it for a fee or just enjoy the breathtaking and uninterrupted view of the city and the majestic Mount Vesuvius!
Lunch: Embrace the Neapolitan street food
Opt for affordable and quick delights from street vendors:
- Pizza time: It wouldn’t be a visit to Naples without some pizza! There are literally countless pizzerias in Naples so it might feel overwhelming but some are a true institution!
- Pizzeria da Michele is said to have invented the Margherita Pizza. It’s often very busy and they only serve Margherita and Marinara pizza but it’s worth a shot.
- Gino e Toto Sorbillo: This is where we had dinner the first night and it did not disappoint at all! We booked a table in the afternoon and lucky we did because, when we got there at out time, the queue of people waiting for a table was very long!
- Cuoppo: Look for vendors selling “cuoppo,” a paper cone filled with fried seafood, veggies or meat—a cheap yet must-try Neapolitan delicacy.
Afternoon: Discover the underground
Naples’ history is as fascinating below ground as it is above as there’s a whole different city lying underneath:
- Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea): Choose a group tour for a more affordable way to explore the ancient subterranean network. I haven’t done it, yet, but have heard many good things about it!
Evening: Seaside relaxation
Wrap up your day with free seaside activities:
- Lungomare Caracciolo: A walk along Naples’ seafront promenade is free and offers stunning views, particularly at sunset. Stop by the beautiful Fontana dell’Immacolatella.
- Picnic by the sea: Instead of an expensive dinner, consider purchasing local foods from a market and enjoy a scenic picnic while watching the sunset.
Day 3: Adventure into the outskirts
Morning: Experience the lesser-known
Venture slightly outside of Naples to explore a more serene side of the area:
- Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei): Public transport is a budget-friendly way to reach these fascinating volcanic landscapes. Entry to some sites, like the Macellum of Pozzuoli, is free or affordably priced.
- Visit the ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum: although visit either of these places would take at least half a day, it’s very worth it if you are interested in it. It’s like stepping into time machine and traveling back to the ancient world!
- Visit Ischia or Capri: This one also might be a stretch to do in one day, but not impossible. Especially visiting Ischia. We spent one night and managed to enjoy it but, if you just go for the day, stop by:
- Giardini La Mortella: this private gardens are really heaven on Earth! Peaceful, clean, with an impressive variety of plants and flowers and a view of the island that’s to die for!
- dal Calabrese: We ate every meal here because it felt like a family and it is run by a local family. They have an extensive menu with many delicious meals. They might not be known for being quick, but you will feel at home here.
Afternoon: Explore a Roman legacy
Discover ancient history on a budget:
- Amphitheater of Pozzuoli: The amphitheater charges a modest entrance fee. Exploring the ruins and learning about their history makes it a worthwhile investment.
Evening: Conclude with relaxation
Return to Naples for a cost-effective tranquil evening:
- Parco Virgiliano: Entry is free, and you’ll enjoy breathtaking sunset views from its tiered terraces overlooking the Gulf of Naples.
- Outdoor Dining: End with a budget-friendly pizza dinner overlooking the bay, an affordable way to conclude your trip.
How to move around Naples
Naples boasts a pretty good network of metro lines that can conveniently take you to almost any destination. Among its stations, some stand out for their breathtaking beauty, particularly Toledo. We made a stop here to admire its splendor before returning to our room by train.
Conveniently, you can tap your credit card to use Naples’ public transport network. If you plan to use it frequently, I recommend purchasing either a Giornaliero (24-hour ticket) for 5.40 Euros or a 7-day pass for 16.20 Euros.
Where to stay in Naples
We stayed at an AirBnB in the Vomero neighborhood, which is among the more pricey and elegant areas of Naples. The room was beautiful as well as the area, however it’s not very budget friendly.
The second time I stopped in Naples, though, I stayed near the Central Station at a B&B called O Saracino which I highly recommend! The owner goes the extra mile to make you feel at home, it asks you what pastry you’d like for breakfast and deliver it fresh the next morning. The area is okay but it’s very convenient and the B&B is on a side street so fairly quiet.
Final thoughts on exploring Naples on a budget
While Naples is rich in culture and history, it doesn’t need to be an expensive destination. With careful planning and these tips, you can enjoy this unique city without spending a fortune. Whether you’re trawling historic landmarks, tasting Neapolitan street food, or venturing into Naples’ lesser-known areas, there’s an adventure for every budget traveler.
Also, feel free to add your suggestions in the comments!
