Just a stone’s throw from Pompei and the magnificent Amalfi Coast, Naples is a must-see in southern Italy. Whether for its architecture, cuisine or Mediterranean panorama, this Italian gem attracts many visitors every year. However, it’s spread out, and with its many neighborhoods, it can be difficult to know where to stay in Naples.
To make the most of it, we’re going to introduce you to its different areas, with their advantages and disadvantages, so that you can find the accommodation that suits you best. We’ll look at the different areas that make up Naples, detailing their location, points of interest, budget, and our accommodation recommendations.
Main information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in Naples, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. They should give you a better idea of the city and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Naples:
- $ This hotel, ideally located in the historic heart and very good value for money,
- $$ This establishment, ideally located between the three central areas of Naples,
- $$$ This high-standard accommodation offers a wide range of services.
Map of Naples neighborhoods to stay in
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Naples, you’ll find on the map below all the Naples accommodation recommendations we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the various neighborhoods we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Naples
Places to stay in Naples
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Naples.
Historical Center: stay in the heart of Naples
The historic center is a hub of history and life. Located right in the heart of the city, it offers a diverse mix of architecture, shopping and nightlife. Perfect for those who want to stay in the heart of the most interesting area. The district boasts an eclectic mix of architecture, narrow streets and monumental buildings. Italian for "Centro Storico", it lives up to its name. Bringing together the majority of museums and monuments in a single area, it's a must-see for most visitors.
Opening onto Mercato, San Ferdinando and the Spanish Quarters, the historic center is Naples' gateway. This makes it an ideal place to stay during your stay.
Here you'll find :
- the Spaccanapoli, the 2 km-long street that divides the city into north and south, and runs through this district
- piazza Bellini: to the south of Spaccanapoli, this lively square, with its many bars and restaurants, is the meeting place of Neapolitan youth.
- the Museum of National Archaeology: or "MADRE". This museum boasts one of the most important collections of objects from classical Greco-Roman antiquity.
Lively both during the day and in the evening, it's the ideal place for those looking for a dynamic mix of tourism and nightlife. Accommodation to stay in Naples' historic center is limited due to the size of the area, and is mainly hotels and aparthotels. On the whole, prices are higher than elsewhere, but if you plan ahead, you'll be able to find a place to stay within your budget.
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Located in the historic heart of Naples, this establishment offers a wide range of colorful rooms at very good value for money. Ideal for those wishing to stay in the center of Naples for less.
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Right in the heart of Naples, this accommodation offers a range of rooms and apartments where to stay, decorated by a local artist in waves. Perfect for both couples and groups.
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This 4-star hotel offers rooms and suites overlooking the street or garden. The hotel is of a high standard and offers a range of services, including access to a fitness room, restaurant and bar.
San Ferdinando (Santa Lucia): Stay in the vestiges of royalty
At odds with the rest of Naples, the San Ferdinando district, also known as Santa Lucia, boasts buildings and squares of disproportionate size. Contrasting with the narrow streets of the historic center, this area offers a change of scenery with its wide-open spaces, such as the immense Piazza del Plebiscito. It's an opportunity to stay in Naples in a grandiose setting.
Although once dynamic, it's now a place more conducive to calm and strolling to discover the various tourist and historical points of interest.
Situated in the heart of Naples between Chiaia, the Old Town, the Spanish Quarters and the sea, San Ferdinando is on the doorstep of numerous tourist attractions, including :
- piazza del Plebiscito: Lined with historic monuments, this large square is the ideal place to stroll and discover the architecture of the area.
- the Palazzo Reale : once the residence of Neapolitan sovereigns, it is now possible to visit the various neoclassical and neo-baroque rooms.
- teatro San Carlo: Long considered the capital of opera, Naples today boasts the oldest opera house still in operation. An integral part of Neapolitan culture, many performances still take place and are open to the general public.
San Ferdinando is a must-see area for anyone with a passion for architecture or history. As far as accommodation is concerned, this area offers a wide variety of where to stay at medium to high prices.
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Located between the sea and Piazza Plebiscito, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms in an attractive setting. Some have a small balcony with sea views.
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Located in the seaside resort a stone's throw from the monuments of San Ferdinando, this recently built 4-star hotel offers modern-design rooms with breakfast included. Ideal for taking the ferry to Capri or the Amalfi Coast.
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Ideally located between the three central areas of Naples, this small establishment has rooms and suites with balconies offering beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Chiaia: accommodation near the seaside
Considered one of Naples' most beautiful districts, Chiaia offers both architecture and nightlife to its visitors. This area reveals the chic side of the city, with its many boutiques and terraces, in contrast to the historic center. Ideal for those looking for a dynamic place to stay.
Via Felica Minucio, which follows the seafront, lets you enjoy the sea air. Those who prefer greenery to the blue of the Mediterranean can discover the Villa Communale. This park is an oasis in the middle of Naples' urban landscape, with palm trees, eucalyptus and various fountains and statues.
If you want to go out in the evening, Chiaia is also the place to party, with its many clubs and bars open until the end of the night.
Located south of the foot of the Vomero hill, Chiaia is a 20-minute walk from San Ferdinando and a 20-minute metro ride from the center. Because of its remoteness, the accommodation available to stay in Chiaia is limited. However, there are some interesting options if you are willing to accept more and longer journeys.
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Located next to the Villa Communale park, this accommodation offers convenient and affordable rooms and suites offering good value for money. A perfect choice of where to stay for those who want to enjoy Chiaia's nightlife on a budget.
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Just west of Chiaia, this accommodation offers a range of rooms and suites, including an extensive buffet breakfast. Perfect for those wishing to stay in Naples in a quiet setting close to the sea.
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Quietly located between the seafront and the Vomero hill, this 5-star hotel offers sumptuous rooms where to stay with a view of the gulf. With its exceptional service, top-quality bar and restaurant, this is probably the best luxury accommodation where to stay in Naples.
Quartiers Espagnols: An authentic place
Crossed by Spaccanapoli, the Spanish quarters offer a unique and authentic view of Naples. At the heart of the narrow alleyways, the buildings are covered with the emblematic lines of drying linen, and there are numerous small boutiques. The major axis of Via Toledo brings dynamism to the area. Staying here will allow you to immerse yourself in Neapolitan life.
Despite a bad reputation in the past, the Spanish quarters are gradually being rehabilitated and are now as safe as their surroundings. Within the area, you'll have the opportunity to discover Neapolitan folk life along its decorated streets. Many travelers enjoy discovering the various pieces of street art to be found in the alleyways. You can also visit the Palazzo Zevallos, one of the largest palaces in Naples.
The Spanish quarters are close to the heart of Naples, with San Ferdinando a 10-minute walk to the south, the historic center 15 minutes to the east and Vomero Hill 20 minutes to the west. The number of places to stay in this area is still quite low, however, as it is currently undergoing a complete overhaul.
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This small hotel on the outskirts of the Spanish Quarter offers affordable accommodation with a very good breakfast included. It's ideal for those on a budget who want to stay close to the center.
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Located next to the Santa Maria Francesca convent and a stone's throw from Via Toledo, this establishment blends modernity and tradition. With breakfast included, it offers good value for money.
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To the west of the area, in a restored monastery, this accommodation offers upmarket, traditionally decorated rooms. Situated on a hilltop, it offers panoramic views over the Bay of Naples. Ideal for those wishing to stay in an authentic setting where breakfast and swimming pool are included.
Vomero: staying in the hills above Naples
Get some height with the Vomero hill. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the rest of the city, with Vesuvius in the background. Occupied by the Neapolitan bourgeoisie, Vomero's architecture is both modern and picturesque. Ideal for those looking for a quieter residential area in Naples.
Nestled between the houses are a number of monuments, including the Charterhouse-Museum of Saint Martin, the Castello Sant'Elmo and the National Ceramics Museum in the grounds of Villa Floridiana.
The Vomero hill offers an impressive panorama of the streets and sea below. It allows you to observe landmarks such as Spaccanapoli or Vesuvius from a different angle.
Given its height, Vomero is off the beaten track from the rest of the city. The area is therefore quieter and more residential, with few places to stay. To make climbing the hill easier, there's a funicular to the adjacent areas of Chiaia, San Ferdinando and the Spanish quarters.
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To the west of the Vomero hill, Villa Albina offers a variety of room types with breakfast included. Some offer a view of the garden, perfect for travelers looking for a quiet place to stay
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Another good option, this modestly sized establishment, located between the Voméro funicular and metro stations, offers a good number of modernly decorated rooms. Ideal for those wishing to stay in a quiet location with easy access.
Mercato : Accommodation near the station
To the south of the historic center, between the train station and the port, Mercato is the perfect place for those who want to get moving. The area is currently undergoing a complete overhaul, with a host of bars and boutiques springing up all over the place. Staying here gives you easy access to Naples and the surrounding area.
Just a stone's throw from theUniversity, it's a popular area for young people. Close to the railway station and port, it's easy to get around both inside and outside the city. Pompeii, for example, is about an hour away by train.
Multicultural and lively, Mercato is excellent for its central location and openness to the surrounding area. What's more, it offers a wide range of affordable places to stay. Perfect for those who want to be close to the sights at low cost.
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This large B&B hotel just outside the Napoli Central railway station offers a host of affordable rooms where to stay, offering excellent value for money. It boasts a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city and Vesuvius.
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This 4-star hotel, located between the port and the railway station, offers modern rooms just a 5-minute walk from Piazza Mercato. It offers free access to a gym and solarium. Another advantage is that you can dine in the hotel restaurant.
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Situated south of the historic center between the train station and the port, this upscale hotel offers quality rooms with a fabulous breakfast included. All rooms have a small balcony with city views.
Summary
As you can see, Naples is quite extensive and offers a multitude of areas depending on budget, length of stay and desired experiences. To choose where to stay in Naples, you need to determine your priorities:
- For a stay focused on cultural visits, you’ll need to favor accommodations in the historic center and San Ferdinando areas. Both offer the opportunity to visit the main monuments and discover its history.
- Those who prefer a chic setting and panoramic views over the rest of the city and the sea should head for Chiaia and Vomero. Lodging in these out-of-the-way areas will let you discover Naples from a more local angle.
- Finally, for those on a smaller budget, staying in the Spanish Quarters and Mercato areas will allow you to discover the city in an affordable way.
Whether for 3, 5 or 7 days, Naples has something for every type of traveller! The Neapolitan metropolis and its surroundings are a destination that also allows you to discover the ancient site of Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast, and the nearby islands of Procida, Ischia and Capri.