16 Best Places to go in Naples on a Budget – One-day Itinerary

Naples, the famous Italian city which has the crown of having Mount Vesuvius. But aside being the major city in southern Italy, there are also a bunch of places to go in Naples.

Napoli, the third-largest municipality in Italy after Rome and Milan. Its name originated from Ancient Greek which means “New City” nestled in the Bay of Naples.

The Road Trip to Pisa Italy was one of the best moments to be cherished on the other hand our European road trip trail must continue. On our list, the next target is Naples, Italy.

We took the 1-star Hotel from Agoda which looks like a Bed and Breakfast to me, situated in the middle of the city center. The first struggle was when arrived at Naples City center with a car. Driving in this crazy Italian traffic maniac drivers was undesirable.

Luckily, my Hubby was patient enough to maneuver every quaint stiff and narrow roads where all cars parked on the two sides of the road.

As promised, I will show you all the best places to go in Naples without breaking your budget. Since Italy regarded as one of the countries with a cheaper living cost.

However, some of its tourist spots or places have a different case which will cost you more than you expected.

1. Piazza San Domenico Maggiore

Our hotel was minutes walk away from Piazza San Domenico Maggiore. It was the square where you can find some of the best places visit in Naples center.

Some of them are Palazzo Corigliano, Sant’Angelo a Nilo, Palazzo di Sangro di Casacalenda, Domenicane Di Santa Maria Del Rosario and many more.

In this square, you can see the Obelisco di San Domenico or Spire of San Domenico. One of the famous spires designed by Cosimo Fanzago. It was early in the morning when we started the tour.

The square filled with souvenir boutiques, people were wandering, and busy restaurants.

First of what we have seen was the pretty narrow streets of Naples. It’s kinda unique to see some cool spots established in the middle of the residential area.

2. Sant’Angelo a Nilo

Walking in the square, we entered in this Baroque architecture style church Sant’Angelo a Nilo. Stands slanting across from San Domenico Maggiore.

Known for containing the monumental Rennaissance-style tomb of Cardinal Rainaldo Brancacci by Donatello and Michelozzo.

Looking at the interior part of this church, its baroque style really outstanding. Sadly, at that time there were some construction going, and people were even continuously praying.

With respect to those people praying, I didn’t take any photo inside. If you’re looking for a great place to see some of Donatello’s work, you should come here.

3. Nile God Statue

Piazzetta Nilo, the street after the square is also surrounded by restaurants, stores, and souvenir boutiques. We continued the road until Via San Biagio Dei Librai until we reach the Nile God Statue.

It is a statue of Nile God with a cornucopia (horn of plenty) and lying on a now mutilated sphinx. It is an Ancient Roman marble statue dating from the 2nd to 3rd century AD.

I know you’ll be asking, why the hell a Nile God statue in the street? Well, according to its history the statue erected in the Roman port city by Alexandrian merchants in 1476 and nicknamed “Corpo di Napoli” It is a copy of an original from Alexandria, Egypt.

4. Domenicane Di Santa Maria Del Rosario

Strolling in the square of Obelisco di San Domenico, we figured this unpopular church Domenicane Di Santa Maria Del Rosario. In the beginning, it looks a bit sparse hence we entered without hesitation, and didn’t expect to see a fantastic view inside.

The church connecting to another side is San Domenico Maggiore. Known as an ornate basilica from the early 1300s. Featuring frescos, sacred relics & tombs of a royal family.

Looking at the church, it is bigger than what it looks outside. It is a perfect place to visit cause there are fewer tourists and the interior is vividly beautiful with its ceiling medieval atmosphere.

If we were given a chance to enter and see the sacred relics and tombs of a royal family. It would be very interesting. But there were some parts that are off limits to its visitors. On the other hand, we were pleased to visit the church solemnly.

5. Via Benedetto Croce Street

Are you looking for a place where to see artisanal or local Neapolitan products in the city? Then via Benedetto Croce is your answer.

A five-block street in Naples center, these streets are not hard to miss. Composed of varieties of souvenir boutiques and restaurants. As I’ve said about finding the Nile God statue. Via Benedetto Croce Street is probably one of the busiest streets.

Walking through this bustling street, you can also find some places to sneak into like Palazzo Venezia, Palazzo Petrucci, Saint Marta church, settled on the right side of the road directly after Campanile di Santa Chiara.

6. Torre Campanaria di Santa Chiara

While in the alley of the 3rd block of via Benedetto Croce, we have perceived a silhouette of a giant tower with a bell. It leads to the monumental complex of Santa Chiara almost to make them perceive the point of entry nearby.

Some say that the sound of the bell is unsupportable. But who knows, Unfortunately, I haven’t heard it when we’re there.

7. Santa Chiara

Santa Chiara, a sacred complex in Naples, Italy. Including the Church, a monastery, tombs, and an archeological museum.

This church features the tombs of King Robert of Anjou, Bourbon king of Naples, Francis II and his consort Maria Sophie of Bavaria. As well as those of Queen Maria Christina of Savoy and of the national hero Salvo d’Acquisto.

Accordingly, the interior had a Gothic style and refurbished the interior in a Baroque style. The stuccoed ceiling was frescoed by a team of artists, including Francesco De Mura, Giuseppe Bonito, Sebastiano Conca, and Paolo de Maio. The floor was paved with a design by Ferdinando Fuga.

Honestly, this should be on your must-visit places to go in Naples. There’s nothing more fascinating than adoring the beauty Santa Chiara church. Perfect for your budget and worth it of your time!

8. Gesu Nuovo Square

Gesu Nuovo or New Jesus, a small square with two landmark churches plus an ornate monument & statue of the Virgin Mary. Located just after steps away from Santa Chiara and its tower.

Walking in this area would be one of those best places to see a panoramic view of the tower, churches and the Spire of the Immaculate Virgin or Obelisque de l’Immacolata.

On perfect proof is this photo above, it’s clearly an adorable place to be. Around the square, you can see some restaurants where you can take a coffee break after the long march from those blocks of streets.

9. Spire of the Immaculate Virgin – Immacolata

The 18th-century monument standing 111 feet. Located in the center of the Piazza of Gesu Nuovo. One of the Spires of Naples featuring detailed baroque ornamentation.

Designed by Giuseppe Genoino and the main sculptors were Matteo Bottiglieri and Francesco Pagano. There are more spires in the city like Spire of San Gaetano, Portosalvo, Giuseppe Vittorio, Villa Comunale and a lot more.

10. Via Pasquale Scura Street

Via Pasquale Scura is few blocks away from Gesu Nuovo square. It’s a quite long narrow street heading to Santa Maria ad Ogni Bene dei Sette Dolori or mostly known as Santa Maria de Sette Dolori.

It’s a 300-meter street that has a very unique view of not just the church but as well as the upper part of the city. If you are looking for the best streets views, this place would be one of the best places to go in Naples.

11. Galleria Umberto I

Next in our list of the best places to visit in Naples is Galleria Umberto I. A public shopping gallery in Naples, located directly across from the San Carlo opera house.

If you’ve been to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. You will surely say that Galleria Umberto I of Naples ressembles a lot with the one of Milan. There’s nothing new there because they are both designed by Emanuele Rocco.

That moment I entered in this gallery, I was definitely shocked as well. It is really a copy cat of the one in Milan. The only difference was, Galleria Umberto I is more solemn/calm since there are fewer people inside the gallery.

12. Castel Nuovo

Castel Nuovo or New Castle also called by Neapolitan as Maschio Angioino or Angevin Keep.

A medieval fortress with five towers and a Renaissance triumphal arch, civic art museum and Palatine Chapel. Located in front of Piazza Municipio and the city hall in central Naples.

It is mostly known as the headquarters of the Neapolitan Society of Homeland History. And of the Naples Committee of the Institute for the History of the Italian Risorgimento.

There’s a reason why I included this spot as one of the places to go in Naples. Although, entering the Museum and Chapel would not be free. The view of this castle is just magical that you should put it on your list.

13. Piazza del Plebiscito

Piazza del Plebiscito is a large public square in central Naples. Occasionally, the square is used for open-air concerts.

Located very close to the Gulf of Naples. Composed with Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola, Palazzo Salerno, Territorial Office of the Government of Naples, and Royal Palace of Naples.

According to the record, Italian and Neapolitan artists performed in Piazza del Plebiscito. Such as Franco Battiato and Pino Daniele, as well as international stars including Elton John, Maroon 5 and Muse and many more.

14. Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola

The San Francesco di Paola is a church in Naples. Situated at the west side of Piazza del Plebiscito, the city’s main square. It is 53 meters high dome highlighting a circular church with two side chapels.

The church gives a nostalgic presence of the Pantheon in Rome. Its façade is fronted by a portico resting on six columns and two Ionic pillars.

15. Royal Palace of Naples

Royal Palace of Naples or Palazzo Reale di Napoli a palace, museum, and historical tourist destination for locals and tourists.

Based in the Napolitean History, Palazzo Reale di Napoli is one of the four residences used by the Bourbon Kings during their rule of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

As you can see in the Palace’s façade, there are statues installed. Which actually represents the kings of Naples. The series starts with Roger the Norman and ends with Vittorio Emanuele II.

Among other statues are; Frederick II Hohenstaufen, Charles I of Anjou, Alfonse of Aragon, Emperor Charles V and a lot more.

16. Via Nazario Sauro Street

Last but not least on our list of best places to visit in Naples is the Via Nazario Sauro Street. Although, there a lot more beautiful areas to visit in Naples center I chose this place.
It is a perfect spot to get full scenic views of the Naples Gulf and Mount Vesuvius.

I, personally enjoyed my brief unforgettable moment looking at the sea (Gulf of Naples) feeling the breeze of the air while savoring the eccentric view of its beauty.

What do you think about my list of 16 Best Places to visit in Naples on a Budget? Which one is your favorite? Mine would be all of it! I hope you enjoy your vacation in Naples, Italy and hoping this comprehensive guide would help you.

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16 Best Places to go in Naples on a Budget