Where to stay in Naples: The best areas and 16 hotels

Naples is one of Italy's most vibrant cities, and your choice of area significantly impacts your experience. Staying within the narrow streets of the historic centre with the city's hustle and bustle around you is very different from staying in Chiaia with its bay views and quieter evenings.

In this guide, you'll find a detailed look at four neighbourhoods that cater to different needs, from budget-friendly accommodation with easy access everywhere to more premium options near the sea. You'll also find actual hotels and accommodation with approximate prices.

Naples isn't a difficult city to navigate, as long as you know what to expect. The metro is decent, your feet will take you everywhere in the centre, and traffic in the city centre can be chaotic if you're driving, so it's best to avoid it.

What to see and do in Naples

Naples was built amphitheatrically around its bay, with Mount Vesuvius dominating the east, about 15 km from the city centre. It was founded by Greek colonists in the 6th century BC with the name Neapolis, meaning 'new city', and has since passed through Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Spanish, and Bourbon hands, which is clearly visible in its architecture. The historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995 and is considered one of the largest preserved historic centres in Europe.

The street plan in the centre still follows the ancient Greco-Roman design, with three parallel decumani streets crossing the city from east to west. Spaccanapoli, the main street, is full of churches, palazzi, and small shops, while Via San Gregorio Armeno is famous for its nativity figurines made there all year round. A few minutes' walk from there is the Duomo (Cathedral) with the Chapel of San Gennaro, the city's patron saint.

Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino, was built in the 13th century and is located next to the port, while Castel dell'Ovo, the city's oldest castle, stands on a small island in Chiaia with views of the bay and Sorrento opposite. Slightly higher up, on Vomero hill, Castel Sant'Elmo and Certosa di San Martino offer the best panoramic views of the city, accessible by funicular from the centre in less than 10 minutes.

The Museo Archeologico Nazionale houses one of the most important collections of antiquities in the world, with findings from Pompeii and Herculaneum, two archaeological sites located 25 km and 20 km respectively from the centre and easily accessible by the Circumvesuviana train. If you want a day trip, Pompeii requires at least 3-4 hours to see properly.

Neapolitan cuisine is one of the city's greatest assets. This is where the pizza margherita was born, and you'll find pizzerias that have been baking since the 19th century, such as L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele near the station. Also try sfogliatelle, babà, and espresso coffee standing at the counter, as the locals do. The fish market at Porta Nolana is a vivid picture of the city's daily life.

Chiaia is the most elegant neighbourhood, with the Villa Comunale, a large seaside garden, and the shops of Via Chiaia and Via dei Mille. Vomero, built higher up, is a quieter residential area with good restaurants and ample views. Mergellina, to the west, is known for its seafood restaurants and its marina, from where boats depart for Capri, about 45 minutes by hydrofoil.

Getting around the city is easy on foot in the centre, while for longer distances there's the metro, which is fast and quite clean, especially Line 1 with its art stations. Travelling from Naples, you can easily reach the Amalfi Coast in about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car or bus to Sorrento, and from there by boat to the coastal villages.

The Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters), built in the 16th century to house Spanish soldiers, are a dense network of narrow streets full of washing hanging from balcony to balcony and small grocery shops on every corner. They are located between Via Toledo and Vomero and are worth exploring in the afternoon, when the neighbourhood is livelier but remains safe for a stroll. Via Toledo, one of Europe's busiest shopping streets, leads to the San Carlo Theatre, the oldest active opera house in the world, in operation since 1737.

Naples also has a strong coffee tradition, with the custom of caffè sospeso, a coffee you pay extra for so that someone who can't afford it can drink it for free, a tradition of solidarity that the city keeps alive to this day.

How to get from the airport to the city centre

Napoli Capodichino Airport is just 6-7 km from the city centre, which is rare for a European metropolis. The most convenient option is the Alibus service, which connects the airport to Piazza Garibaldi and Napoli Centrale station, as well as Molo Beverello where ferries depart for the islands. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic and a ticket costs around 5€.

Alternatively, there is a tram, but the Alibus remains the most practical solution for visitors with luggage. Taxis from the airport have fixed fares to the centre, approximately 16-27€ depending on the destination zone, which is officially regulated and displayed on a sign in the taxi, so you don't need to worry about scams.

If you're arriving by high-speed train from Rome or Milan, you'll alight at Napoli Centrale station, located in Piazza Garibaldi, right on the edge of the historic centre, with access to the metro, tram, and buses. The journey from Rome takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes on the fast Frecciarossa or Italo trains.

If you're coming by ferry from Sicily or the islands in the bay, you'll arrive at Molo Beverello, at the boundary of the historic centre and Chiaia, from where you can walk to the centre in a few minutes or take a taxi.

The best areas to stay in Naples

Historic Centre (Spaccanapoli)

The historic centre is the most authentic base to stay, with narrow, lively streets, churches, and small shops. You'll be a stone's throw from the Duomo, Via San Gregorio Armeno, and the city's best pizzerias.

It's an area with intense activity and noise until late at night, which some find exhilarating and others tiring, so if you want peace and quiet, choose accommodation on an inner street.

Pros:

• Everything within walking distance
• Authentic Neapolitan atmosphere
• Plenty of affordable food options

Cons:

• Noise until late
• Narrow streets, difficult for wheeled luggage
• Some areas are dirtier

Recommended accommodation:

1. Hotel Europeo Napoli
A classic hotel on Via Mezzocannone, next to the University and the city centre's attractions.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

2. Hotel Il Convento
An old monastery converted into a hotel, with stone walls and quiet rooms near Piazza Plebiscito.

• Average cost: approximately 140€ per night

3. Culture Hotel Centro Storico
A modern design hotel in an 18th-century building, with comfortable rooms and a good breakfast.

• Average cost: approximately 130€ per night

4. NP Spaccanapoli
A small boutique accommodation within the alleys of Spaccanapoli, ideal for couples.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

5. NAP Hostel Spaccanapoli
A popular choice for budget travellers, with shared and private spaces.

• Average cost: approximately 35€ per night in a dormitory

Chiaia

Chiaia is Naples' most cosmopolitan neighbourhood, with wide streets, boutiques, and the seaside garden of Villa Comunale. It's quieter than the historic centre and is located next to Castel dell'Ovo.

If you want to combine comfort, good restaurants, and easy access to the sea, Chiaia is one of the best choices, with a slight increase in price compared to the centre.

Pros:

• Quiet and safe
• Close to the sea and Castel dell'Ovo
• Good restaurants and cafés

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive area
• 10-15 minutes' walk from the historic centre

Recommended accommodation:

6. Chiaia Suites
Comfortable suites in a neoclassical building near Piazza del Plebiscito, with friendly staff.

• Average cost: approximately 150€ per night

7. B&B Chiaia 32
A family-run B&B in the heart of Via Chiaia, next to shops and cafés.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

8. Chiaja Hotel de Charme
A boutique hotel with retro aesthetics, ideal for a romantic getaway.

• Average cost: approximately 135€ per night

9. Skyhouse Chiaia
Modern rooms with balconies, in a central location in Chiaia.

• Average cost: approximately 110€ per night

Vomero

Vomero is a residential area on the hill, accessible by funicular from the centre in a few minutes. It offers peace, good shops, and some of the best views of the city and the bay.

It's an ideal choice if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the centre but still have direct access to it, living more like a local.

Pros:

• Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere
• Fantastic bay views
• Better prices than Chiaia

Cons:

• Requires funicular or bus to the centre
• Less nightlife

Recommended accommodation:

10. Vomero High Hotel
Simple and clean hotel with good views, near the cable car.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

11. Vomero House
Comfortable apartments on Via Luca Giordano, on Vomero's main shopping street.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

12. Dimora Vomero
A welcoming B&B with city views, near the University.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

13. Vomero Inn
A small apartment in a quiet square, ideal for longer stays.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

Mergellina

Mergellina is a coastal neighbourhood to the west of Chiaia, known for its marina, seafood restaurants, and its quiet, more relaxed atmosphere. From here, ferries also depart for Capri and Ischia.

It's a good base if you want evening strolls by the sea and are planning an excursion to the islands, without losing easy access to the city centre via metro.

Pros:

• Next to the sea
• Easy access to ferries for the islands
• Lovely seafood restaurants

Cons:

• Further from the historic centre
• Fewer attractions in the neighbourhood itself

Recommended accommodation:

14. MergellinaResort
A hotel with bay views, near the marina and Mergellina metro station.

• Average cost: approximately 120€ per night

15. Base Napoli Mergellina
Modern accommodation next to the beach, with direct sea access.

• Average cost: approximately 105€ per night

16. Hotel Toledo
A hotel on the border of Toledo and Chiaia, next to Toledo metro station, with a roof terrace and views.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

How much does accommodation cost in Naples?

Naples remains cheaper than Rome or Florence. A budget B&B or hostel in the historic centre costs about 45-70€ per night, a three-star hotel ranges from 80-120€, while boutique or four-star accommodations in Chiaia or Mergellina start from 130€ and go up considerably in high season, especially in July and August.

The city tax in Naples ranges from approximately 1.5€ to 5€ per person per night, depending on the accommodation category, and is usually paid in cash upon arrival or stated separately in the booking.

Food in Naples is among the most affordable in Italy. A pizza at a good pizzeria costs 5-9€, a full meal at a trattoria with a starter, main course, and wine ranges from 20-30€ per person, while an espresso at the counter costs about 1.20€. Metro or bus travel costs 1.20€ per ticket or about 4.50€ for a day pass.

Generally, a comfortable daily budget with mid-range accommodation, food, and transport ranges from 70-100€ per person, which is considerably lower than other major Italian cities.

When to visit Naples

The best time to visit is spring, from April to June, and autumn, September and October, when temperatures are pleasant, around 18-24 degrees Celsius, and the city isn't overrun with tourists.

In summer, especially July and August, the heat can exceed 33 degrees Celsius and humidity makes it less bearable, while accommodation prices rise significantly due to tourism from the neighbouring islands and the Amalfi Coast. Many locals leave in August, so some small shops close.

Winter is mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 8 degrees Celsius, and offers lower accommodation prices, although it can rain quite a bit in November and December. The Christmas period is special in Naples due to the tradition of presepi, the handmade nativity scenes sold on Via San Gregorio Armeno.

If you're interested in Easter, Naples has intense religious events on Holy Saturday and Sunday, while in September, the grand feast of San Gennaro is celebrated with a procession at the Duomo.

Practical tips for your stay

• Book early for Easter and summer. Good options in the centre and Chiaia sell out quickly in July and August, so book at least 2 months in advance.
• Avoid driving in the city. Traffic in the centre is chaotic and parking is difficult, so get around on foot, by metro, or by taxi.
• Guard your belongings in crowded areas. Around Piazza Garibaldi and the station, there are incidents of petty theft, so be careful with bags and phones.
• Try pizza at a pizzeria without tourist queues. Besides the famous names, the neighbourhoods have excellent local pizzerias with lower prices and a better experience.
• Get a metro day pass if you're making many trips. If you plan to visit Pompeii or Herculaneum by train, a day pass will be cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best area for a first visit to Naples?

The historic centre is the most practical choice because you have most of the attractions and restaurants within walking distance.

Is Naples safe for tourists?

Yes, with the usual precautions. Watch your personal belongings in crowded areas, especially around the station.

How many days are needed for Naples?

Two to three days are enough for the city itself, but if you also want to visit Pompeii or Capri, add another one to two days.

Do you need a car in Naples?

Not within the city. You only need one if you want to explore the Amalfi Coast at your own pace.

Where should I stay if I want a nearby beach?

Mergellina and Chiaia give you direct access to the sea and ferries to the islands.

How much does a trip to Pompeii from Naples cost?

The Circumvesuviana train costs about 3€ each way, while the entrance ticket to the archaeological site costs around 18€.

The conclusion

Naples rewards those who approach it without prejudice. The choice of neighbourhood mainly depends on whether you prefer the intensity of the historic centre or the tranquillity of Chiaia and Vomero.

Whichever area you choose, the city is small enough to explore on foot, so you won't miss anything significant. Also set aside time for a trip to Pompeii or Capri, they will be unforgettable.

See also our guides on where to stay in New York and where to stay in Palma de Mallorca.