Cheap things to do in Naples
Beach walks, street food and local bars without touching your credit card limit.
This is Naples for people who would rather spend money on a cold beer than a valet ticket. Three days mix Gulf-side walks, free art, nature trails and cheap plates across the city. Pack a reusable water bottle and comfortable shoes and you will be fine.
Day 1: Gulf beaches and cheap plates
Start with bare feet on the sand at Delnor-Wiggins, pick up a sandwich at Buzz's Lighthouse, then spend the afternoon with the Baker Museum's collection before ramen and a long night at Rocco's Tacos.
- 10:30 AM
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
A wide Gulf beach behind the dunes for a small per-car fee; walk north to the pass to watch boats and dolphins.
Map - 12:30 PM
Buzz's Lighthouse Restaurant
Old-Florida waterfront spot near Vanderbilt Beach for seafood and a cold beer; no reservations.
Map - 2:00 PM
The Baker Museum
Artis Naples' art museum, strongest on American modernism; paid entry, so ask about free community days.
Map - 7:30 PM
Namba Ramen & Sushi - Naples
Osaka-born chef's izakaya in Pelican Bay: ramen, aburi sushi and green tea crème brûlée; go early.
Map - 9:15 PM
Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar
Tequila bar for one margarita at happy hour prices if you get there early; it fills up late.
Map
Day 2: Swamp trails and local Italian
Bird Rookery Swamp rewards an early start with herons and cypress quiet, then Trattoria Abruzzo keeps lunch honest and cheap before an easy afternoon browsing Greentree and a hibachi dinner that feeds you well for the price.
- 10:30 AM
Bird Rookery Swamp
A flat 12-mile trail on an old logging tram through cypress swamp; watch for alligators and wading birds.
Map - 12:30 PM
Trattoria Abruzzo
Family trattoria on Vanderbilt Beach Road with pasta made by hand every day and long-simmered sauces.
Map - 2:30 PM
Fifth Avenue South
Old Naples' main street of galleries and cafés; free to stroll, and the beach is ten minutes' walk west.
Map - 7:30 PM
Hibachi of Japan
Cheap hibachi on the east side of town: steak and shrimp cooked on the grill in front of you.
Map
Day 3: Preserves, wine and one last round
Lunch at Cooper's Hawk, an afternoon on the beach at Clam Pass and a last dinner on the patio at The Hampton Social.
- 12:30 PM
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Naples
A big winery-restaurant chain; the lunch menu and a single tasting flight keep the bill reasonable.
Map - 2:30 PM
Clam Pass Park
Free boardwalk and tram through the mangroves to the beach; only the parking costs anything.
Map - 7:30 PM
The Hampton Social - Naples
Mercato's coastal-themed spot: lobster roll, shrimp tacos and a brick-oven pizza on the patio.
Map
Make Naples your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Cappella Sansevero: weeks ahead
- Napoli Sotterranea: a few days ahead
- Teatro di San Carlo: weeks ahead
- Pizza-making class: a few days ahead
- Stadio Diego Armando Maradona: weeks ahead
- Pompeii Archaeological Park: a few days ahead
Skip these
- Restaurants ringing Piazza Garibaldi and the port with photo menus and tourist menu boards.
- Da Michele's queue at 13:00 on a Saturday as your only pizza plan.
- The Blue Grotto as a must do plan, and driving the Amalfi Coast yourself from Naples in summer.
- Skip the line resellers charging multiples for Sansevero and Pompeii, buy official tickets.
The full Naples travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around