Where to Stay in Naples Italy (Best Places & Areas)

7 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Naples

Naples is the capital of the Campania region and the third-largest city in Italy. The heart of Naples is filled with excitement and buzz but is surrounded by calmer neighborhoods. Although Naples is large, the city is still easy to navigate on foot or by utilizing public transportation.

Centro Storico

👉 Best Area For Central Location & Budget Travelers | ✨ Best Centro Storico Hotels: DUOMO 152 NAPOLI • Sotto le Stelle ai Decumani • Gea Suite

Centro Storico is conveniently located in the center of Naples, making it the best place to stay for first-time visitors. Attractions like the Duomo di Napoli, the San Lorenzo Maggiore, and the Sansevero Chapel Museum are all located in Centro Storico. 

Head to Spaccanapoli shopping street or Via Gregorio Armeno for eccentric shops and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Centro Storico is also great for budget-friendly food choices, like L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, the oldest pizzeria in the city.

The Naples Central Station is close to Centro Storico. This makes it easy to catch a train to other destinations in Italy, including day trips to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. 

There are many gorgeous, affordable hotels around Centro Storico. Sotto le Stelle ai Decumani and DUOMO 152 NAPOLI are both conveniently located and just a short walk from all the fun attractions. Rooms start at around 100€ per night. 

Pros of Staying in Centro Storico Neighborhood:

• Central location 
• Affordable
• Top attractions within walking distance
• Near other cool neighborhoods 
• Delicious Neapolitan restaurants 

Cons of Staying in Centro Storico Neighborhood:

• Very crowded 
• Parking is difficult to find 

Chiaia

👉 Best Area For Families & Shopping | ✨ Best Chiaia Hotels: Famigi • B&B Amedeo • Prestige Rooms Chiaia • l Salotto della Regina • BeBaSu

Chiaia is an upscale, coastal neighborhood with a serene atmosphere, west of Naples’ historic center. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with quaint eateries and charming boutique shops like Moodia and Pinko Boutique Napoli Mille. 

Despite Chiaia’s luxurious air, there is a good mix of accommodations from budget to luxury hotels. It’s a good place to stay in Naples for families. Chiaia hotels like BeBaSu can accommodate a family of four in its spacious rooms. Plus, the area is very safe. 

The main downside to staying in the Chiaia district is that there aren’t many attractions within walking distance. It takes around 15 minutes to reach the city center from Chiaia on public transportation or by car.  

Pros of Staying in Chiaia Neighborhood:

• Less chaotic atmosphere
• Safe
• Budget and luxury hotels available 
• Near the seafront

Cons of Staying in Chiaia Neighborhood:

• Expensive in the high season
• Few attractions nearby
• Less authentic vibe 

Quartieri Spagnoli

👉 Best Area For Authentic Vibes & Traditional Restaurants | ✨ Best Quartieri Spagnoli Hotels: Relais Della Porta • Napoli Centro Suite e Spa • Grand Hotel Oriente

Quartieri Spagnoli, also known as the Spanish Quarter, is conveniently located between Chiaia and Centro Storico. It’s about a 25-minute walk to either bordering neighborhood and many of Naples’ main attractions. 

The Spanish Quarter is the place to dive into real Neapolitan culture since it is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Naples. You can still see remnants of Naples’ rich history in the architecture and traditional restaurants, like Osteria della Mattonella.

With that being said, Quartieri Spagnoli can be too intense for some travelers. It has tightly packed streets, can be difficult to navigate, and you need to be mindful of zooming scooters. 

Despite being a hectic area of Naples, Quartieri Spagnoli is home to many relaxing hotels, such as Relais Della Porta, which is my top overall hotel pick. This hotel has beautiful rooms, a top-notch breakfast, thousands of great reviews, and it’s close to many top sites.

I also recommend a stay at Napoli Centro Suite e Spa. The hotel features modern rooms, room service, and a wellness center complete with a steam room, jacuzzi, sauna, and other experiences. 

Pros of Staying in Quartieri Spagnoli  Neighborhood:

• Very central location
• Tourist attractions nearby
• Lots of affordable, delicious restaurants
• Range of budget accommodations available

Cons of Staying in Quartieri Spagnoli Neighborhood:

• Extremely busy
• Must be mindful of scooter drivers at all times
• Can feel a little congested and overwhelming

Vomero

👉 Best Area For Peaceful Atmosphere & Views | ✨ Best Vomero Hotels: La Chambre • B&B Floridiana • Napoliseason Rooms and Breakfast

The Vomero neighborhood towers above Naples, providing great views over the city and the Bay of Naples. Vomero is calmer than more centrally located neighborhoods since it’s a more residential area on the outskirts of the city. 

The flip side of the peaceful atmosphere is that there are fewer restaurants and bars within walking distance of Vomero. Many of Vomero’s hotels make up for the lack of restaurants and bars by providing everything you need on-site. For example, La Chambre provides breakfast in bed, a happy hour, and an in-house coffee bar for guests. 

Still, there are lots of metro and bus stops scattered around Vomero, making it easy to reach Naples’ historic center. As far as Vomero attractions go, I recommend checking out the 800-year-old historic building of Castel Sant’Elmo. Here, you’ll get a sweeping perspective of the city and a taste of Naples’ history. 

Pros of Staying in Vomero Neighborhood:

• Gorgeous views over Naples and the Gulf of Naples
• Calmer atmosphere 
• Near historic attractions like Castel Sant’Elmo
• Plenty of public transportation is available

Cons of Staying in Vomero Neighborhood:

• More residential with fewer restaurants
• Very hilly streets that can be difficult to walk around

Montecalvario

👉 Best Area For Museums | ✨ Best Montecalvario Hotels: The Bellini House • Annunziata Bed and Breakfast • B&B Epoche

Montecalvario is where to stay in Naples if you love museums. Here, you’ll find some of the coolest museums in the city, including the Naples National Archaeological Museum and Museo Hermann Nitsch. 

Montecalvario is also located right next to Centro Storico, Quartieri Spagnoli, and all of these neighborhoods’ popular attractions. Public transportation is readily available throughout Montecalvario and there is even a funicular here that can take you to Vomero. 

There are fewer hotels around Montecalvario, but the ones that do exist are reasonably priced and charming. For example, Annunziata Bed and Breakfast is a stunning hotel with epic views and a delicious breakfast buffet every morning. 

Pros of Staying in Montecalvario Neighborhood:

• Very close to the train station
• Near Centro Storico and Quartieri Spagnoli 
• Close to many Naples attractions and museums 
• Affordable

Cons of Staying in Montecalvario Neighborhood:

• Fewer restaurants around
• Limited hotels to choose from 

Santa Lucia

👉 Best Area For Seaside Views & Island Trips | ✨ Best Santa Lucia Hotels: Casa Vittoria Napoli • Spira Mirabilis Napoli • Eurostars Hotel Excelsior • Grand Hotel Santa Lucia

Santa Lucia is a seaside neighborhood located right on the Bay of Naples. It’s the best place to stay in Naples for island getaways because it’s just a short walk from the local ferry port. These boats can take you to picturesque islands like Ischia and Procida in under an hour. 

Santa Lucia is also close to some of Naples’ best tourist attractions like Teatro di San Carlo and the Royal Palace of Naples in Piazza del Plebiscito. Santa Lucia also has top-notch seafood since it’s right near the water. I recommend trying La Cantina dei Lazzari. 

Hotels in this Naples neighborhood are plentiful and lavish, but they are pricey. Santa Lucia hotels are ideal for a “treat yourself” kind of vacation. 

Take the Grand Hotel Santa Lucia for instance. The 4-star Grand Hotel Santa Lucia is right on the waterfront and offers stylish rooms with sea views and full luxury treatment.  

Pros of Staying in Santa Lucia Neighborhood:

• Right near the water 
• Easy access to island day trips like Procida and Ischia
• Near top Naples landmarks and attractions 
• Great seafood
• Relaxing

Cons of Staying in Santa Lucia Neighborhood:

• Pricey 
• Touristy in the high season 

Posillipo

👉 Best Area For Luxury Travelers | ✨ Best Posillipo Hotels: PrimoPianoPosillipo • BW Signature Collection Hotel Paradiso • B&B Dipintodiblu’

Posillipo is about a 30-minute drive from the city center of Naples. Posillipo’s distance can be inconvenient, but the benefit is that this area is much more spacious and scenic. And, there are fewer tourists running around. 

Posillipo is a seafront neighborhood with beautiful coastal walkways. There are good places to swim if you visit Italy during the summer. There are also fine dining gems like Palazzo Petrucci Ristorante and homey eateries like Tufò. 

Some of the best hotels in Naples are located in Posillipo, such as PrimoPianoPosillipo. This inviting hotel provides a delicious breakfast, incredible views of Mount Vesuvius, and even an airport shuttle to save you the hassle of finding a taxi. 

Pros of Staying in Posillipo Neighborhood:

• Gorgeous surroundings 
• Close to the seafront and swimming spots
• Upscale restaurants
• Removed from the chaos of central Naples

Cons of Staying in Posillipo Neighborhood:

• Expensive 
• Far from the city center and major attractions
• Limited nightlife 

Tips for Staying in Naples

Use Public Transport to Get Around Naples Cheaply and Quickly

One of the easiest ways to get around Naples is by hopping on the metro or bus. And I promise navigating a foreign public transportation system isn’t as overwhelming as it sounds. Naples’ public transportation is clean and easy to understand. Plus, stations like the ocean-like Toledo station are very artistic.

Neighborhoods on the Outskirts of Naples Have a Calmer Atmosphere

Naples is a chaotic city and it can be overwhelming for some visitors. However, things are much calmer on the outskirts of the city in neighborhoods like Vomero, Posillipo, and Chiaia. Be sure to prioritize these areas if peace and tranquility are important factors when deciding where to stay in Naples.

Watch Your Belongings on the Busy Streets of Central Naples

Naples is a little busier and rougher than some of Italy’s other cities, especially around the city center. Petty crime can be an issue. You need to be vigilant and very aware of your surroundings to avoid getting pick-pocketed in this part of Naples.

Stay in Centro Storico or Santa Lucia for the Best Access to Day Trips

Naples is ideally located near some of the coolest day trips in Italy. A quick, cheap ride on the train can take you to the archaeological ruins of Pompeii and the stunning scenery of the Amalfi coast. Stay in Centro Storico to be close to these types of excursions. 

Alternatively, the coastal neighborhood of Santa Lucia is the best place to stay in Naples to be near the ferry. From here, you can reach islands like Procida and Ischia.

Visitors With Mobility Issues Should Not Stay In Vomero

The elevated neighborhood of Vomero in Naples is scenic and peaceful. However, it’s not the best choice for people who have trouble walking. The streets are steep and it can be a struggle to get around if you have mobility issues. 

👉 Read Next: The best activities & attractions in Naples

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Naples for first-timers?

The best area to stay in Naples for first-time visitors is Centro Storico. This neighborhood is in the heart of Naples and is home to many tourist attractions. It’s also bordered by districts like Montecalvario, Santa Lucia, and the Spanish Quarter.   

What are safe areas to stay in Naples?

Chiaia, Posillipo, and Vomero are the safest areas to stay in Naples. These residential areas are outside of the busy city center and provide a calmer atmosphere. However, most Naples neighborhoods can be safe as long as you stay aware of your surroundings. 

Which is the best area to stay in Naples, Italy?

Centro Storico is the best area to stay in Naples for first-time visitors and budget travelers. Neighborhoods like Chiaia and Vomero are better for families because these areas are less busy and more residential. 

Is it best to stay in Naples or Amalfi Coast?

It’s better to stay in Naples if you’re a budget traveler or want a city-like atmosphere. It’s better to stay on the Amalfi Coast if you want to be near iconic beaches, scenic landscapes, and want a peaceful atmosphere.

Where should I avoid staying in Naples?

You should avoid staying in the Naples neighborhoods of Scampia, Secondigliano, and Centro Direzionale. These areas of the city tend to have higher crime rates, especially at night.

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Thanks for reading! Determining where to stay in Naples can be tricky since it’s one of Italy’s more hectic destinations. Some areas are intense while others are more tranquil. I hope this guide helped you narrow things down. Keep planning with my guide to the best Naples tours.