Naples free walking tour: trust a local guide

Naples is a wonderful city, being Neapolitan is wonderful! I want to start this article like this, a little biased! Plus I want to immediately dispel a doubt: what you have just looked for on google is possible. A Naples free walking tour is waiting for you! Ready to go?

The question I ask myself is: why coming to Naples for just one day? Cruise? Are you passing through? Romantic touch and go or with friends? Whatever the reason that brings you to Naples, know that what I will write is just a taste.
To make your tour more simple and more schematic, I'll leave you a map at the end of the article. I will also tell you where to stop for lunch or dinner and where to stay for the night.

One last thing, if you trust me I will make your experience in Naples incredible. At the end of this article, I will leave you a section of useful links. I leave them at the end so as not to interrupt you as you read. Ready? First let's get a coffee, iamm bell ia!

This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links to helpful experiences that I love to suggest to my readers. (here the cookie policy). If you click on one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am really grateful) at no extra cost to you. Clicking on it will help me manage my website for you, free of charge, funding my project and continuing to travel, informing explorers and travelers.

Are you in a rush? Book the essentials

🛬 How to get to Naples 🚆

😴 Book Accommodation 🏠

Naples free walking tour: Maschio Angioino

I didn't collocate it as the first at random, but for 2 very specific reasons! The first is that if you are a cruise passenger, as soon as you dock in Naples, the Castel is opposite. The second is that Piazza Municipio (where the Castle is located) is strategically perfect. Here you will find metro and bus stops! We could also avoid taking them since all the places follow one after the other.

A stone's throw from it you will find Via Toledo , from here you can then reach all destinations. But now let's go step by step! Piazza Municipio is famous above all for the Maschio Angioino or Castel Nuovo .
Its origins are very ancient, so much so that we must go back to 1266 with Carlo I D’Angiò. In my opinion it is worth even just seeing it from the outside! So I put it on the list.

Let's say that, for the long day we will have, I don't recommend you visit it. Inside it is beautiful but it takes about an hour. However, I leave you the link of the site (in case you came back for a lot of days) to buy tickets . The interior of the Castle hosts continuous exhibitions and is often used for events! From here I took one of the best photos I have of Naples. When you visit it internally, the Castle overlooks the pier with a view of Vesuvius. On the 2nd floor you will also find a beautiful outdoor terrace with a view! Enjoy !!!

Naples free walking tour: Galleria Umberto I

From Piazza Municipio to the Galleria Umberto I it's a snap! Just go in the opposite direction to the Castle and you will find yourself at one of the entrances. The Galleria is nothing more than a shopping center opened between 1887 and 1990!

It is dedicated to Umberto I King of Italy for his aid during the cholera epidemic of 1884! The architectural style is very beautiful and can be accessed from different points!
The ceiling, very high, is glazed and that is why it makes it very bright. Inside the gallery you will find historic shops with centenary signs! The mosaic-style floor is also very nice!

Once in the Galleria you can reach Via Roma by taking one of the exits. Before doing this, I suggest you try a super babà (or a sfogliatella) by Mary (Unique venue). It is located right at the exit near Via Roma!

Historic and tiny strictly take away place. A beautiful showcase with many beautiful desserts that just choosing becomes a challenge. Leave the Gallery without having tried something, it is from Dante's circle of hell.

Naples free walking tour: via Roma, via Toledo and Quartieri Spagnoli

3 birds in one stone. Via Roma and Via Toledo follow one after the other and are the soul of shopping! You will find all kinds of shops here, from retail to food! Just for information, also in via Toledo there is the metro stop .

From both streets there are alleys that intersect each other giving life to the "quartieri". Also better known as Quartieri Spagnoli , they are pure Neapolitan veracity!
Immerse yourself in these ways to absorb the Neapolitan spirit . Let yourself be guided by your senses, admire its simplicity. If you can, stop and eat for a unique experience.

In Naples the 'hospitality is in the DNA, especially in these folkloristic places!
If you have the opportunity, stop by nennella , a trattoria now typical for their way of doing very easy going. A way that, however, is appreciated for this reason, because it reflects simplicity!

Naples free walking tour: Piazza Plebiscito

Once you have visited the streets of the center you can head towards Piazza Plebiscito ! You can easily reach it by foot and you can never go wrong: it is a huge square. So big that once there you will feel tiny!
A moment before reaching Piazza Plebiscito, however, you can do one thing!

Do you want to have a nice experience? Do you want to go back to the 1860 ? Good! "Pigliateve nu cafè" at Gambrinus ! "Let's have a coffee at Gambrinus". From 1860 to today it is the living example of literary café ! It has seen illustrious personalities inside and it is an institution in Naples. Then, stop and sip a nice espresso! No excuses.

Naples underground tour

The experience that in Naples you MUST do without any doubts, without even thinking twice. One of those experiences between mystical and adrenaline: visiting Underground Naples. How can I describe it… You have to go there and then be able to say that you have had one of the most beautiful experiences in the World.

Underground Naples tickets are just online and as promised, I leave you the link at the end of my article . The tours are, of course, with a guide and the price is very low. Most importantly, it lasts an hour, so I consider it a tour to do 100% if you are in Naples one day.

Naples free walking tour: via Nazario Sauro and via Parthenope

You are tired? But did I tell you in the opening paragraph to wear comfortable shoes? No, because now the fun comes, a nice walk along the seafront! To be precise, between via Nazario Sauro and via Partenope. This last note for Castel dell’Ovo and Borgo Marinari .

It houses some of the most important hotels in the city and in Italy. Besides the fact that it is full of sea view catering activities! From Piazza Plebiscito to via Nazario Sauro it is a 5 minute walk! During the stretch you will begin to see his Majesty the Vesuvius in the background.

Once you get there, all the photos and postcards seen so far will be just a distant memory! You will be facing one of the Italian wonders: Vesuvius. Volcano still active and symbol of this city that is the background in every corner!

Naples free walking tour: Ovo Castle

Another symbol of the Neapolitan city, which you often find in photos on social and web! You come across it while walking along via Partenope and visiting it is completely free.
The Castello rests on a tuff islet called Megaride and exudes history from every pore! Norman, Swabian, Angevin, Aragonese, Viceroy and Bourbon kings.

In almost 1000 years, things have happened. Aaah if those walls could talk…
Once you have crossed the pier that takes you from Via Partenope to it, you can go up to the terrace. Take advantage of it to take a little break and relax before leaving.
Once we go back down before returning to Via Partenope we make another stop and then rest!

Naples free walking tour: Borgo Marinari

I put this wonderful place on the list for 2 reasons. The first is that it is adjacent to the Castle (so you are there), second because it is too pretty!
The Borgo is an old fishermen place of the Santa Lucia area. The Borgo is located on an artificial isthmus and what makes it special is that it looks like a citadel in itself.

It also seems to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city which is a 2 minute walk (via Partenope). The Borgo is also full of suggestive places by the sea and Vesuvius in the background! So what I recommend you do now would be: either you stop here or in via Partenope.
Obviously I mean to get something to eat before continuing the tour. Also because after we should walk for a while!

Naples free walking tour: Mergellina

Neighborhood located in Chiaia area, at feet of Posillipo . The extension of Via Caracciolo which can be reached by walking! Why do I mention it to you? Because if you reach Mergellina you can have a different perspective of Naples!

From Mergellina you can admire one of the classic scenarios seen in photos or social networks. That of the Castel dell’Ovo with Vesuvius background ! In my opinion it is one of the most beautiful spots even if very "commercial" if we can define it that way.

But I make you a promise, I'll take you to a special place that you can reach in about 20 minutes on foot from here. This is also one of the iconic places in Naples but that a tourist, if not guided, risks not seeing!

Naples free walking tour: 13 discese di Sant Antonio viewpoint

In Naples we use a very truthful expression (in dialect) when we have to go here! "Iamm ngopp e 13 discese" which stands for “ Let's go on the 13 descents “
This place is one of those, in my opinion, absolutely not to be missed and the easiest to reach! I tell you this because there are some places in Naples that only the locals know!

And reaching them is not at all easy but they are of a disarming beauty!
The “13 descents” are the ones you can admire if you look out from this viewpoint. The Belvedere in question is located a few steps from the Church of Sant Antonio in Posillipo !

How to get to the viewpoint of 13 descents

• 1st option on foot : The first is to go to the Chalet Ciro (known as the waterfront Chalet). Behind it you will find a small road that begins to climb which is called Via Orazio . From there you just have to continue and follow the directions! To be sure, if I were you, I would set the destination on maps or google maps! Destination to be included "Viewpoint or Belvedere of Sant Antonio in Posillipo"
• 2nd option on foot : from Piazza Sannazaro (a few steps from Mergellina), famous for the statue of Parthenope. It is the oldest square in Naples and, in fact, the starting point to get to the belvedere. Do you remember those famous 13 discents? Well, if you do them the other way around they become steep. If I am to be honest? If you want to have a complete experience, I recommend starting here! Also because this was the route used by the pilgrims to reach the Sanctuary.
• Funicular : If you are tired (and honestly I would understand you) you can use the funicular. It is located in Mergellina and up to the Belvedere there is only one stop, that of S.Antonio. I leave you the link for info and timetables!

Once you get to the lookout you will understand why this spot is in every photo of Naples! Take advantage of it as much as you can!

Naples free walking tour: San Gregorio Armeno

I leave this spot for last not because it is less beautiful or interesting, on the contrary! The fact is that it is nowhere to be found when we decide to leave from areas like Municipio or Toledo!
The good thing is that from Mergellina, the last visited place, to San Gregorio are 24 minutes.

24 minutes between subway and walk, so if I were you I would put it on the list of favorites! If you click on the photo you can see how to reach the place in detail!
The perfect time to visit San Gregorio would be Christmas. In short, starting from November until the end of January!

Because via San Gregorio, popularly called San Liguoro is famous for the crib art ! Tradition can be felt in the air as soon as you step into it! A spot not to be missed if you are at the right time and if you have time!

Where to eat in Naples

In this long tour there are many restaurants that you can meet. Naples also lives on this thanks to its culinary traditions. Traditions that blend with the modern thinking of many chefs - pizza makers who want to have their say. Below is a list of the places that are worth visiting during the journey:

1. Trattoria da Nennella (Spanish quarters)
2. Transatlantic Naples (Pizzeria - Restaurant) (Borgo Marinari)
3. Pizzeria 50 Kalò (Piazza Sannazaro)
4. Osteria del Mare (Piazza Sannazaro)
5. The President's Daughter (Pizzeria) (Via del Grande Archivio, 24)
6. Pizzeria Vincenzo Capuano (Piazza Vittoria)
7. Trattoria Destè (Riviera di Chiaia, 119/120)

Cocktail Bar Napoli

Are you staying one night in Naples? P.s. After that I also recommend where to stay. There are at least 3 places to spend a pleasant evening with a nice atmosphere!

• Flanagan's (Via Carlo Poerio, 13)
• Antiquario (Via Vannella Gaetani, 2)
• Misture (Via Santa Lucia, 70)

Where to stay in Naples

On where to stay in Naples I leave you several options based on your budget:

• Top b&bs in Naples selected by booking.com
• Best luxury hotels (with breathtaking views) in Naples selected by booking.com
• Hostels in Naples selected by Hostelworld (in case of low budget)

Naples public transport: how to get to the city centre

• From the airport : alibus with a maximum cost of 5 euros that takes you to Piazza Garibaldi. From here you can take the metro (line 1) and get off at Piazza Municipio.
• From Garibaldi Station : Take the metro (line 1) and get off at Piazza Municipio.
• By car : just follow the directions either on maps or on google maps. Naples has many paid parking lots with daily offers!

Useful links to book guided tours in Naples

The fantastic guided tour of Underground Naples for only 12 euros

FREE tour of Naples on foot with a guide from Piazza Plebiscito

FREE guided tour of the historical center of Naples from Piazza Dante

Conclusions

This small tour of Naples has ended. I hope I have been as helpful as possible and that you can spend at least one night here. I recommend it to do things more calmly and relax after a long day of walking.

Want an alternative tour of Naples in a day? Read this article of mine on what to see in the historic centre of Naples.

P.s. don't forget to click here to follow on my instagram page the places I've been.

If you liked this article , and you're thinking of Naples as your next destination, you can share it with the various buttons you find immediately below (facebook - Whatsapp etc) with the people you love. Don't keep them waiting!