Where To Stay In Naples: The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
Looking for a hotel in Naples? Are you in Naples on a budget or is money no object? When deciding where to stay in Naples you will want to look at the different areas and neighborhoods to decide which one best fits your needs and price range. If you are in town on business, you will most likely want to be near the city center, but if you are a history buff one of the older parts of Naples will be more for you.
No matter which neighborhood you do decide to stay in you can bet there will be amazing hotels in places like the Historic Centre, must-try restaurants overlooking the Gulf of Naples, and fantastic attractions in places like the Old Town area. You are about to explore one of the most iconic Italian cities so you want to make the most of it. Once you land at the airport, find a Naples luggage storage locker to leave your belongings. Then, decide where to stay in Naples, Italy. You've arrived!
Where to stay in Centro Storico
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Centro Storico or Old Town is an adorable neighborhood filled with cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and well-preserved artifacts. There are over 300 places of interest in Centro Storico for history lovers to discover and learn more about. This area is Europe’s biggest historical center and a very popular tourist destination.
Centro Storico is also called Decumani which the Greeks called the three streets that they formed during the 6th century when they laid claim to the area that is now Naples. Decumani was later renamed Spaccanapoli by the Romans and was the heart of their Roman city for a time. Today, Old Town is home to the Duomo, Naples Underground, Sansevero Chapel, and Via Gregorio Armeno.
Located right in the heart of Naples, Old Town is home to several hotels from luxury hotels to budget hotels and everything in between. There are also a variety of artisan shops, kitschy souvenir stalls, and delicious restaurants. The narrow streets are not ideal for vehicles but are perfect for those wanting to stroll along and take in all the magnificent old-world charm of this neighborhood.
Centro Storico is probably the best area to stay when in Naples since it is so close to most of the main attractions and easy to find. Whether you are staying a night, a weekend, or several weeks you will find plenty to keep you busy and wanting to discover more and more about the history of Naples.
Where to stay in Vomero
Hop aboard the funicular and let the trolley climb the hill to Vomero where you will have some of the most fantastic views of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the Bay of Naples. There are actually three different funiculars that can whisk you up the steep hill to deposit you in the upscale, historic neighborhood.
Best known for the very prominent fortress that stands firm on the hill, the Castel Sant’Elmo is a great place to visit when staying in Vomero. Certosa di San Martino, a former monastery that has been turned into a museum is only a short walk from Vomero and is a must-see. This neighborhood is a great place to stay when you want to be near all the action but not right in the thick of it all.
Explore the Villa Floridiana with its pale stone walls and well-manicured park. You can easily spend a few hours relaxing at this breathtaking and tranquil place. Relax with a cup of coffee in the Piazza Vanvitelli, located in the heart of Vomero with a network of streets lined with shops and restaurants leading off of the square.
Hotels in Vomero are usually pretty expensive as it is one of the most exclusive areas in Naples. But if you want to truly experience Naples, staying in Vomero will give you the ability to appreciate the area just as if you are a local. With bars, nightclubs, and even themed venues just a short distance away, Vomero really is the place to be.
Where to stay in Quartieri Spagnoli
The Spanish Quarters or Quartieri Spagnoli was given its name during the 1600s when the area was built up to house the Spanish troops. It is located next to the Centro Storico and is pretty much everything you ever imagined Naples, Italy to be and looks like the Naples you see in movies. The narrow streets are crowded with people, mopeds, laughter, music, and even dancing.
The crowds will draw you in but the festive atmosphere will make you want to stay. There are plenty of great hotels to choose from, many with modern amenities and free wi-fi. Aside from Old Town, the Spanish Quarters are said to be the most authentic Neapolitan neighborhood with the laundry hanging from windows high above and fluttering in the breeze.
The street food vendors and open-air markets cannot be missed. You can find juicy tomatoes, plump grapes, and tangy olives all for a song if you know how to haggle just right. You will want to get out on foot and thoroughly explore Quartieri Sagnoli. Toss your map in the trash and meander through the streets stopping to take in churches, shops, and cafes along the way.
Take some time to drop into the Toledo Metro Station to see the absolutely breathtaking immersive artwork that is on display. While it does not necessarily fit the old-world charm of the neighborhood, it is so fantastic that you just do not want to miss it.
Where to stay in Rione Sanità
This historic neighborhood is home to miles of Christian catacombs and the National Archaeological Museum. A Greek necropolis is also located here and is characterized by the elaborate tomb monuments that are still standing today. Rione Sanità is a typical Naples neighborhood filled with organized chaos, chattering Italians, gawking tourists, and loud traffic.
Filled with market stalls, street food vendors, and vibrant street art, Rione Sanità is a fabulous place to spend a weekend exploring all there is to see. Sign up with Eating Europe’s Naples Food Tour and follow your experienced guide through the neighborhood sampling amazing food and visiting trendy and edgy hotspots.
The neighborhood was originally developed by wealthy families seeking to escape the dirty city center but then became home to several mafia bosses and crime ran rampant. Today, the neighborhood is becoming revitalized into a great tourist attraction with luxury hotels and antique palazzi.
Where to stay in Chiaia
One of the most affluent neighborhoods in Naples, Chiaia is where local Neapolitans go when they need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Chiaia is a seaside neighborhood filled with upscale restaurants, boutiques, and luxury hotels. Visit the Villa Comunale di Napoli, a waterfront park, for a breath of fresh air and to stretch your legs.
The neighborhood is brimming with gelaterias, cafes, and seafood restaurants serving the freshest seafood dishes in all of Naples. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and check out the shops and boutiques, even Prada, Armani, and Louis Vuitton, along the way. You will feel like a new person as you fill your lungs with the refreshing sea air.
Be sure to drop in and browse the shelves at Il Cappellaio, an independent shop that has been open since 1870 and sells only hats. Rubinacci is another old independent shop offering custom men’s tailoring. The history of Chiaia can be seen around every corner and the relaxing atmosphere is infectious. You will find yourself relaxing and letting your cares go by the wayside.
This exclusive neighborhood is quite a distance from most of the major attractions of Naples, but it is still a very popular area for tourists looking for a slower pace and quieter streets. That is not to say Chiaia rolls up the sidewalk early every night, there are plenty of great entertainment options both day and night.
Where to stay in Posillipo
Another fantastic waterfront neighborhood in Naples, Posillipo is a wealthy neighborhood and possibly one of the best kept secrets. Located just north of Chiaia on the Bay of Naples, this residential district offers amazing views of Mount Vesuvius and the bay. While there are not many places to stay in Posillipo, if you are lucky enough to find a hotel expect to pay a pretty penny.
While checking out this area, be sure to wander through the Villa Donn’Anna, which has been turned into a wonderful archaeological park centered on the crumbling ruins of the villa. It can be rather inconvenient to stay in Posillipo because it is so far from Naples’ city center. It is about a 50-minute bus ride away. You can also ride the metro to and from the city for a little quicker trip.
The area is surrounded by historic Roman villas and is a quieter neighborhood because it is mainly residential. If you are planning on staying a few nights and are looking for a slower pace and quieter neighborhood, Posillipo is exactly what you need.
Where to stay in Santa Lucia
Located just to the south of Quartieri Spagnoli, Santa Lucia is a small seafront neighborhood named after the Santa Lucia a Mare Basilica. The basilica has been standing since the 9th century. Santa Lucia has been traditionally a fisherman’s district and is now one of the best places to get fresh seafood dishes at both upscale restaurants to family restaurants and street food vendors.
Pizzerias are dotted along the way where you can get classic Neapolitan pizza and stroll along in the salty breeze. Cross the bridge into Borgo Marinari, a small island filled with old houses and the ancient Castel dell’Ovo. Find a hotel with great amenities or stay in a seaside cottage when you plan accommodations in Santa Lucia.
Where to stay in San Ferdinando
Filled with several major attractions and landmarks, San Ferdinando is one of the best neighborhoods to secure lodging that is close to dining and shopping. You'll find several hotels to choose from, many with amazing views of the city, the Bay of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius.
San Ferdinando is close enough to all the action of the city center but far enough away to be out of the utter chaos. The Royal Palace is in the San Ferdinando neighborhood as is the historic Galleria Umberto I shopping mall where you can spend an entire day and still not visit all the shops and stores located here. Via Chiaia is also a part of this neighborhood and is one of the most upscale shopping districts in the city.
Where to stay in Capodimonte
This residential neighborhood in Naples has more room for you to stretch out and is less densely populated. The green spaces here are amazing and perfect for nature lovers. You are close enough to all the action of the city center but far enough away to truly enjoy all nature has to offer.
This is really not a touristy neighborhood but those who have been to Naples before and have explored all the different areas will know this is the place to go when you do not want to deal with large crowds. Capodimonte is home to the Capodimonte Museum and breathtaking park. The Real Bosco of Capodimonte is a huge public park that was once the hunting grounds of several Bourbon kings.
Since this is a residential area, there are not many hotels to pick from, but since it is not a big tourist spot you can usually secure lodging when you come to Naples and want to stay in Capodimonte. The hotels here do offer great amenities and are close enough to the action to be convenient.
Best places to stay in Naples
Naples, Italy is a Unesco World Heritage site with so much to offer all who visit. Whether your plan is to be near a train station like Napoli Centrale or your favorite city park, choose the accommodation that allows you to plan a fantastic itinerary!
For example, you may choose to stay close to the Piazza del Plebiscito near the Royal Palace so you are close to the action and within walking distance of the city center. Or if the Gulf of Naples is where you want to be, consider Vomero. Every neighborhood has its own charm and draw.
