FREE THINGS TO DO IN Naples

Known as the largest piazza in Naples, Piazza del Plebiscito is a top free attraction to visit in Naples.

It’s an old-fashioned semi-circular piazza that’s absolutely teeming with quintessentially Italian charm and history.

Throughout Piazza del Plebiscito, you’ll find a plethora of indulgent cafes, numerous bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of benches where you could easily lose hours to people watching.

The piazza is a place that’s ideal for a wander through if you’re visiting Naples with the whole family as it offers lots of historic buildings and beauty.

While there might not be lots of entertaining activities for kids, they’re still sure to admire the impressive grandeur that is the Piazza del Plebiscito.

Address: Piazza del Plebiscito, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy

San Lorenzo Maggiore is one of the top religious sites in Napoli, and for good reason; it’s absolutely beautiful!

Dating back to the Greco-Roman era, the San Lorenzo Maggiore is a mightily impressive Basilica that’s housed numerous tales and tragedies over the years.

Regardless of whether you’re a religious believer or not, you won’t be able to deny that the San Lorenzo Maggiore is a truly spectacular work of art, and the interior is just as beautiful as the exterior.

There are 23 side chapels inside the basilica, and while you certainly don’t have to admire every single one of them, it’s a good idea to spend half an hour or so inside the church, marvelling at its impressive complexities.

Address: Piazza S. Gaetano, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy

If there’s one thing that you certainly won’t want to miss out on when visiting Naples, it’s Via San Gregorio Armeno.

This ancient street in the old center of Naples is teeming with character and charm and is one of the very best markets in the city.

It’s often nicknamed the “Nativity Street” as it’s home to numerous artisans who create scenes for the Christmas Nativities all over the world and regardless of whether you visit in the height of summer, or during the winter, you’ll find that it feels like Christmas all year long!

This street offers magic and prosperity to anyone who wanders down it, and it’s an ideal place to bring kids to so they can see the craftspeople hard at work!

Address: Via S. Gregorio Armeno, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy

While it might not be as an impressive of a structure on the outside as other buildings in Italy such as the Colosseum in Rome or the Pantheon, the Duomo di Napoli offers unparalleled beauty within its towering walls.

As the Duomo has received plenty of alterations and “facelifts” over the years, the interior now includes a mishmash of different influences in terms of its architecture and religious figures.

It’s a beautiful place to visit while in Naples, and it makes for a truly remarkable backdrop for photographs that you can use to commemorate your trip there!

You’ll also find numerous artworks within the Duomo’s walls, plus plenty of Baroque frescoes that give it a quintessentially European feel.

Address: Via Duomo, 147, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy

One of the best free attractions in Naples if you’re looking for a quieter space in the city without venturing too far afield is the Villa Floridiana Park in the Vomero area.

Here, you’ll find ample open space where you can wander around at your own leisurely pace, while admiring the spectacular views out to sea from within the park’s grounds.

It’s a fantastic place to bring the whole family as you can enjoy running around on the grass, soaking up the delicious Italian sunrays, or even paying a visit to the Museo duca di Martina which houses a plethora of decorative Italian antique artworks.

The fact that this beautiful park is free to enter makes it the perfect place to hang out on an afternoon in Naples when you want to do very little but relax and enjoy the views.

Address: Via Domenico Cimarosa, 77, 80127 Napoli NA, Italy

The Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina, or Museo MADRE as it’s more commonly referred to, is a museum teeming with collections of contemporary art in the city centre of Naples.

This museum is the perfect place for art lovers to visit as it combines an eclectic mix of the ancient architecture of Naples city as its backdrop, along with the incredibly modern and unique installations and art collections inside the museum.

It’s situated inside the Palazzo Donnaregina, so it offers a vibrantly historic setting, teamed with new and alternative art collections.

If you have a few hours to spare when visiting Naples, make sure you add the MADRE Museum of Contemporary Art to your list of things to do while you’re there.

Address: Via Luigi Settembrini, 79, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy

The seaside castle of Castel dell’Ovo perches upon the once-island of Megaride, which is now a peninsula, on the Gulf of Naples.

While you might have to take a short boat journey to reach the castle, once you’re there, you’ll be provided with free entry to the castle complex’s grounds and interiors where you’ll be free to roam around at your own pace and explore the intricate designs of the castle.

From the Castel dell’Ovo terrace, you can see for miles out to sea; a view that’s certainly not to be missed on a clear day while in Naples!

Even children will find this particular free activity interesting as it’ll be a fun excursion learning all about the castle’s fascinating history.

Address: Via Eldorado, 3, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy

The scenic park of Parco Virgiliano resides on top of the hill in Posillipo and offers remarkable views out to sea.

It’s an incredibly romantic place in Naples, especially at sunset when you can watch the sun slowly going down over the horizon.

However, the park is also a charming place to visit with kids who will also appreciate the impressive and expansive views.

You’ll definitely want to pack your camera on a trip up the hill to Park Virgiliano, as you won’t want to miss out on those timeless oceanic shots!

The park is also home to a few sculptures and statues, as well as a small amphitheatre that houses several outdoor events during the summer months.

Address: Viale Virgilio, 80123 Napoli NA, Italy

Situated within the rooms inside Castel dell'Ovo is the Ethno Prehistory Museum where you’ll find a whole manner of weird and wonderful objects, artefacts and statues.

It’s home to various carved bones and stones, ceramics, plus many metal and glassware artefacts from many stages during the Prehistoric era.

Fans of history and architecture will thoroughly enjoy a visit to the Ethno Prehistory Museum inside Castel dell'Ovo, but it might not be the most interactive place for kids to visit.

Instead, stick to the complex walls and interior of Castel dell'Ovo with the children, and leave the history fanatics to explore the museum for themselves!

Tickets for the museum are completely free, but you are required to book an appointment before you visit so bear that in mind when planning your Naples travel itinerary!

Address: Castel dell'Ovo, Borgo Marinari

The Botanical Garden of Naples stretches out for an impressive 15-hectares so it’s safe to say that you’ll find something to enjoy within the expansive grounds!

Not only is it a beautiful place for tourists to enjoy, but the Botanical Garden also plays an incredibly important role with regards to research and development of numerous species.

Inside, you’ll find a vast array of different plants and flowers, situated across the enormous 15-hectares of vast open space; each in their own unique habitat settlement.

There’s “the beach”, the “desert” and the “Mediterranean Stain”! Each area is specifically designed to be the perfect home for the native species and it’s an absolute wonder of a place to spend a few hours while in Napoli!

Address: Via Foria, 223, 80137 Napoli NA, Italy