When I first visited Naples (or Napoli as it’s called in Italian) on a trip around Italy (to the Amalfi Coast and Rome), I couldn’t quite figure out the city.

It took some time to understand the true character of Naples, but once it clicked, Naples turned out to be an exciting destination – it’s just crucial to book a place to stay in the right part of the city.

For a first visit, I would compare Centro Storico for sightseeing on foot, Chiaia for restaurants and a more polished base, Porto for ferries, and Garibaldi for rail day trips. Choose around your arrival point and planned excursions, then check the hotel’s exact street, soundproofing and lift access.

Below, I compare these four bases and hotel options at different price levels. I also explain which locations I would think twice about for a short sightseeing trip.

Where to stay in Naples? Let’s get started with the guide.

Best Areas to Stay in Naples

If you’re in a hurry or need a quick overview, here are the best areas to stay in Naples:

• Centro Storico – the best area for tourists to stay
• Chiaia – restaurants, shopping and elegant hotels
• Porto – a modern area along the waterfront
• Near Garibaldi Station – affordable hotels & convenient for day trips

Click on the area above to see the best hotels.

The guide to the best areas to stay in Naples continues below, where I also mention my favorite places to stay in the various areas.

1. Centro Storico – The Best Area for Tourists to Stay

Centro Storico (The Historic Center) is undoubtedly the best place to stay for tourists visiting Naples who want to experience the city’s charming streets and be close to the most famous sights.

This area is rich in history, culture, and architecture. It’s an ideal place to stay for tourists for several reasons:

The Richness of History and Culture

Centro Storico is the heart of Naples and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is filled with historical monuments, churches, and buildings dating back to various eras.

Staying here allows you to be surrounded by history, from the famous Duomo di Napoli to the mysterious underground ruins.

Easy Access to Attractions

When you stay in Centro Storico, you are within walking distance of many of Naples’ most famous sites.

The renowned Via San Gregorio Armeno, known for its handmade nativity figures, is here, along with the archaeological museum, Piazza Bellini, and many other significant cultural sites.

See the best hotels in Centro Storico here.

Culinary Experiences

Naples is world-famous for its food, and Centro Storico is a culinary paradise.

The area has various restaurants, cafes, and street kitchens where you can taste everything from authentic Neapolitan pizza to local delicacies and sweet treats.

I know it’s a cliché, but I was blown away by the first pizza I had in Naples.

It’s incredible how much better a classic Neapolitan pizza tastes here compared to what you can find elsewhere.

Naples also works as a food-focused visit from Rome, though staying overnight gives you more time for the neighbourhoods and evening restaurants.

Vibrant Atmosphere

Centro Storico is known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. The streets are filled with music, art, and people, creating an energetic and festive mood.

This is the perfect place to experience the authentic, lively Naples, but in a way that still feels safe with other tourists strolling around the streets.

Shopping and Markets

The area is also home to several markets and shops where you can buy everything from local crafts to modern Italian fashion. This offers a unique shopping experience that combines tradition and modernity.

For most tourists, you can confidently book your hotel in Naples here in Centro Storico.

Places to stay in Centro Storico

There are plenty of hotels here in the center of Naples, but many have yet to be modernized for many years.

Below, I share some of my favorite hotels that are modern and consistently get good reviews, so you can trust that they are in decent condition.

If you want to stay in the heart of Naples with a touch of luxury, then Costantinopoli 104 is an ideal choice.

And then there is even a swimming pool, which is very difficult to find here in the city’s center.

This elegant hotel, housed in a historic neoclassical building, has an enchanting atmosphere with its multicolored stained glass windows and tastefully decorated rooms.

You’ll appreciate its serene outdoor pool – as mentioned earlier, a bit of a rarity in the busy city center.

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and state-of-the-art amenities during your stay.

Its location is perfect for exploring the city’s cultural treasures, and reviews particularly praise the friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere.

For a unique experience in Naples, Costantinopoli 104 is an excellent choice.

See more photos and book here.

Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel is also an excellent choice.

The hotel’s location is perfect – right in the heart of old Naples, within walking distance of the city’s most important attractions​​.

Guests praise the hotel’s wonderful staff, excellent location, and the soothing tranquility found in the hotel’s courtyard and rooftop terrace.

The rooms are clean and spacious, and the breakfast is highly praised for its quality.

However, note that the hotel can be a bit difficult to find, but its hidden charm and quiet atmosphere make it a true gem in Naples.

See more photos and book here.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly hotel in Centro Storico, Il Tesoro Smart Suite & Spa is a good choice.

Set in a charming historic building, this hotel offers neat and updated rooms at a reasonable price.

Guests have praised the hotel for its clean rooms, helpful staff, and central location.

However, you must be prepared for a basic breakfast and several stairs, as the hotel does not have a lift.​​​​

Il Tesoro Smart Suite & Spa offers a good balance between price, location, and comfort.

See more photos and book here.

2. Chiaia – restaurants, shopping and elegant hotels

Chiaia is a useful area to compare if you want restaurants, shopping and elegant hotels, with the seafront within reach. It covers several different streets, so check your hotel’s position rather than assuming every address is quiet.

Let’s look at why Chiaia is a great place to stay in Naples.

A practical alternative to the busiest sightseeing streets

Chiaia station on metro Line 6 adds a useful connection near Via Chiaia. Depending on the hotel, Piazza Amedeo on Line 2 or another nearby stop may be more convenient. Check the route and current operating hours on ANM’s website before choosing a hotel around a particular connection.

A good amount of fine hotels

The area is home to many of Naples’ finest hotels.

Chiaia has a wide selection of hotels – everything from modern mid-range to luxury hotels, so you can easily find a place to stay that suits different budgets and preferences.

See the best hotels in Chiaia here.

Elegant and stylish environment

Chiaia is known for its elegant architecture and stylish shops. Wandering through the area’s streets is a pleasure, with beautiful buildings and a sophisticated atmosphere.

Proximity to the waterfront and parks

Chiaia is on the waterfront and close to the picturesque Lungomare harbor promenade, perfect for leisurely strolls.

You are also close to the green oasis Villa Comunale and Mappatella beach, which may not have the most beautiful white sand, but you still have the opportunity to take a dip.

Restaurants and cafes

The area offers a wide selection of places to eat, from fine restaurants to cozy cafes, where you can try all kinds of local dishes from Naples and the Campania region.

Peaceful and quiet

Compared to busier parts of Naples, such as the historic center or the Spanish Quarter, Chiaia offers a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those looking for a relaxing holiday.

Despite these advantages, it should be noted that Chiaia can be more expensive than other areas of Naples, both in terms of accommodation and café visits.

I would compare Chiaia for a stay built around dining, shopping and walks towards the seafront, while checking the total room price against Centro Storico.

Places to stay in Chiaia

Let me share some of my favorite hotels in Chiaia, an area known for its really nice accommodations.

We start with one of the best, which often can be booked at a reasonable price if you plan well ahead of your trip.

Palazzo Alabardieri is a great place to stay for those seeking luxurious lodging at an affordable price.

This hotel is located on a quiet side street yet close to lively restaurants, luxury shops, and cafes, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.

The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated, and clean, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Previous guests praise the hotel’s excellent service and staff, contributing to a memorable experience.

See more photos and book here.

Grand Hotel Santa Lucia is an alternative on the Santa Lucia waterfront, rather than in the heart of Chiaia. It suits a stay focused on the Lungomare and views towards Castel dell’Ovo.

Choose the room category carefully: Classic rooms face the courtyard or street, while Deluxe Sea View categories give you the advertised sea outlook. A waterfront address alone does not guarantee a sea-view bedroom.

The hotel offers a romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples, with spacious and comfortable rooms.

You’ll enjoy the friendly and efficient service of the hotel staff and a delicious breakfast.

See more photos and book here.

And now, let’s look at a decidedly budget-friendly hotel in Naples.

Pinto Storey Hotel is a unique hotel that, while a bit further from the city center, is conveniently located just around the corner from a metro station.

This charming hotel is in a beautiful Liberty-style building from the 19th century and offers a warm and familial atmosphere with classic decor and modern amenities.

For those looking to experience a proper local Naples area, save on accommodation, and still have easy access to the city center by metro (or about a 30-minute walk), the Pinto Storey Hotel is an excellent place to stay in Naples.

See more photos and book here.

3. Porto – A Modern Area Along the Waterfront

The Porto area in Naples, around the city’s waterfront, offers a unique blend of harbor charm, cultural attractions, and easy access to the city center and surrounding areas.

So why stay in Porto?

The Charm of the Waterfront

The Porto area provides fantastic views of Naples’ harbor and is an excellent place to experience the city’s maritime history and culture.

The promenade along the waterfront is perfect for relaxing strolls with views of boats and the blue sea.

Close to the City Center, Yet Different

This area is also very close to several of Naples’ most famous attractions and the historic center.

So, even though you are staying “down by the harbor,” you can quickly walk up to the center.

Still, there’s a different vibe here, and the streets may not be as crowded as those in the very center.

You can also find some outstanding hotels with sea views, which is always a delight

See the best hotels in Porto here.

Easy Transport to the Islands and the Amalfi Coast

From here, you can, for example, take the ferry from Naples to Sorrento.

If ferries are central to your trip, check the departure terminal before choosing a hotel: Molo Beverello and Porta di Massa are different boarding points, and routes vary by operator and season. The Alibus airport service connects the airport with Piazza Garibaldi and the port, which can make this a practical arrival base.

This makes it easy to plan day trips and explore the area’s scenic beauty.

Modern Facilities

The Porto area has a more modern feel compared to the historic center.

You will find modern hotels, shopping options, and perhaps a more “international” experience.

Perhaps Less Traditionally Neapolitan

The Porto area might feel less traditionally Neapolitan than areas like the historic center or Chiaia.

Whether that’s good or bad depends on whether you like the narrow streets in the center or prefer the slightly broader boulevards here in the Porto area by the harbor.

It’s a great place to stay in Naples for those who want a slightly different take on Naples, combined with the opportunity to easily explore Naples and its surroundings.

Places to stay in Porto

In my research for this guide, I was quite surprised at how affordable the hotels in Porto are compared to the prices in Centro Storico and Chiaia.

You get significantly more value for your money by booking a hotel here in the Porto area of Naples, so let me introduce you to some of the best places.

Palazzo Salgar is a luxury hotel with a welcoming atmosphere and good service.

And the price is excellent too – cheaper than a similar hotel in the previously mentioned areas.

The rooms are comfortable and clean, and the hotel offers a range of amenities, including a fitness center and complimentary breakfast.

Previous guests particularly mention in their reviews the high quality of food and drinks at reasonable prices.

See more photos and book here.

Hotel Suite Ares (by Best Western) is an ideal place to stay if you’re looking for a nice hotel with Italian charm and a reasonable price.

Its central location makes getting to the train station and historic sites like Spaccanapoli easy.

This hotel is a good base for exploring Naples, especially if you plan to use public transport or walk to the city’s many attractions.

Guests praise it for its clean rooms and helpful staff.

See more photos and book here.

And now for a decidedly budget-friendly hotel in Naples’ Porto area.

Fly Boutique Hotel is an excellent place for budget-conscious travelers who do not want to compromise on quality.

This hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms at a very reasonable price.

The hotel is known for its excellent customer service, and the staff is commended for being helpful and friendly.

Additionally, the hotel offers an excellent continental breakfast, making it a practical and comfortable base for your stay in Naples.

See more photos and book here.

4. Near Garibaldi Station – Affordable Hotels & Easy for Day Trips

And now, I’ll offer my own, perhaps slightly unconventional, suggestion for an excellent area to stay in Naples – primarily for those looking for an affordable hotel.

• The station is called both Napoli Centrale and Garibaldi.

I stayed near Garibaldi on my first trip to Naples, and it worked out really well.

Staying around Garibaldi Station in Naples can be a practical and economical choice, especially if you plan to use public transportation extensively during your stay.

To be fair, I recommend this area for those who, like myself, want to save on accommodation costs in Naples.

Convenient Transport Connections

Garibaldi Station is Naples’ main railway station, making it a central hub for local and regional trains.

This is ideal if you plan on taking day trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, or even Rome.

And I particularly recommend visiting Sorrento, which, in my opinion, may be a more exciting city than Amalfi and Positano. 

You can take a regional train from Naples to Sorrento in just over an hour.

Affordable Hotels

The area around Garibaldi Station generally offers more budget-friendly hotels compared to more expensive areas like Chiaia or the historic center.

See the best hotels near Garibaldi here.

Close to the Center

Although Garibaldi Station is outside the historic center, it is still relatively close and can be reached on foot or via a short metro or bus ride. 

This provides easy access to Naples’ many attractions.

For example, we just walked from our hotel into the center – it was indeed hot there in June, but it was also quite fun to experience some less touristy streets.

Not the Best Area to stay for Families with Children

I always try to be honest in my travel guides and write about the negative things, too, so this should also be mentioned. 

Due to its nature as a transport hub, the area around Garibaldi Station can be noisy and densely populated, especially during the daytime.

Like any other major city, the central railway station also attracts some shadier activities, so it might not be the best place to stay if you travel to Naples with children.

Places to stay near Garibaldi

Around Garibaldi Station, you’ll find both ultra-modern luxury hotels and cheaper, more basic accommodations.

Let me present some of the places I like best – always with good reviews and in various price ranges.

UNAHOTELS Napoli is a great place to stay near Garibaldi Station in Naples, especially if you appreciate modern and spacious rooms in a 4-star hotel.

The hotel offers a range of comfortable facilities, including a well-equipped room and an excellent breakfast buffet.

Its convenient location close to the old town makes it easy to experience the city’s charm and history.

See more photos and book here.

On my first trip to Naples, I stayed at Ibis Styles Napoli Garibaldi, which is a cozy little hotel on a quiet side street.

As Ibis hotels typically are, it was a fairly standard 3-star hotel without any issues.

By that, I mean you get what you pay for: an affordable place to stay at a quite modern hotel.

Check-in went smoothly, and overall, the hotel staff was really friendly, like when we asked for directions to a small kiosk to buy water and snacks.

The breakfast is classic Italian – they just don’t really focus much on breakfast around here

I recommend the hotel to you if you’re traveling to Naples and want to stay at a decent, affordable hotel.

See more photos and book here.

And let’s also look at a really affordable hotel in Naples, which still gets quite good reviews.

B&B Hotel Napoli is perfect for those looking for an affordable yet decent hotel near Garibaldi Station.

The rooms are clean, spacious, and comfortable, and the hotel has a rather artistic atmosphere with impressive wall paintings and a relaxing rooftop terrace.

Although some guests have mentioned minor issues with room maintenance and decor, as well as noise levels, former guests often highlight the hotel’s value for money and overall comfort.

See more photos and book here.

Where to think twice before booking in Naples

For a short stay, I would judge the following areas by access, street noise and the type of trip you want. A whole district’s reputation is less useful than the exact address, recent guest feedback and your route home in the evening.

These are the locations where I would look especially carefully at the hotel’s surroundings and transport before committing.

Scampia

Scampia is in northern Naples, away from the main concentration of sights covered in this guide. For a first sightseeing visit, that usually makes the more central bases above a simpler choice.

If you have a specific reason to stay in northern Naples, compare the door-to-door journey to your destination and the final connection back to the hotel.

Moreover, Scampia lacks the tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants found in more popular parts of Naples.

It’s also relatively far from the city’s central tourist attractions, making it less convenient for sightseeing and exploring Naples.

So, there’s no reason to consider Scampia when going to Naples, even though the area has improved in recent years.

Quartieri Spagnoli (The Spanish Quarter)

In my research for my trip to Naples and now for this guide, I see that many international travel bloggers mention Quartieri Spagnoli (The Spanish Quarter) as an authentic area of Naples where you can get under the city’s skin.

And that’s true enough, but I also got quite a few dirty looks from the locals – it didn’t seem like tourists were particularly welcome in the Spanish Quarter.

While the area has its own appeal with local bars and an authentic Neapolitan feel, tourists may have better places to stay.

Its narrow and often busy streets, combined with a high noise level, make it less attractive as a base for a classic weekend trip to Naples.

I still think it’s worth visiting Quartieri Spagnoli to experience its unique streets and enjoy a drink at one of the local bars. 

The area is right next to the city’s main shopping street (Via Toledo), so it’s easy to just “pop in.”

Rione Sanità

Rione Sanità is a historic neighborhood in Naples known for its complex history.

Rione Sanità is worth considering on its actual location and accommodation, rather than ruling it out on reputation alone. Check the walk to your intended sights, the nearest useful transport and recent feedback about the street and evening noise.

So choose one of the four other suitable areas in Naples I mention in this guide, and I’m sure you’ll have a significantly better trip to Southern Italy.

Centro Storico is my first comparison for historic sights, while Chiaia suits restaurants, shopping and elegant accommodation.

The area around Garibaldi Station is practical for budget travelers and those who want easy train connections. 

Down by the waterfront, the Porto area is perfect for those who want to stay in hotels with sea views and easy ferry access.

Feel free to comment below if you have any questions about where to stay in Naples, the hotels I mentioned, or your trip to Italy.

FAQ:

The post Where to Stay in Naples? 4 Best Areas & Places to Stay (+ Avoid!) 🇮🇹 appeared first on Destination Well Known.

I will share the best transport options from Naples to Sorrento in this guide.

If you’ve read my extensive guide to the best towns and areas to stay on the Amalfi Coast, you know there are many options for finding a place to stay.

I loved Sorrento, which is admittedly not part of the Amalfi Coast itself but is often mentioned in the same vein and, to that extent, is worth a visit.

On this trip, we flew to Fiumicino in Rome, took the train to Naples, stayed a single night in Naples and then went to Sorrento.

So, let’s look at how to get from Naples to Sorrento.

1. Train from Naples to Sorrento

From Napoli Centrale (which is the city’s main railway station and also called Napoli Garibaldi), there is a regional train with terminus Sorrento.

By the way, if you’re looking for a cheap place to stay near the station, check out ibis Styles Napoli Garibaldi. I stayed there on my trip to Naples, and it was excellent value for money and extremely close to the train station.

Check out my massive guide on where to stay in Naples.

Here is the railway station on a map:

In other words, it is extremely easy to get from Naples to Sorrento by train.

You can take a regional train that takes 1 hour and 13 minutes with 29 stops on the trip along the coast of Naples.

The train operated by the Circumvesuviana also stops at Pompeii, so here is a good opportunity to experience one of Italy’s most famous landmarks on the trip from Naples to Sorrento.

You can find tickets to Pompeii here.

Schedule and tickets

We took the train from Naples to Sorrento in the summer of 2022, and everything worked flawlessly. Trains run approximately every 20-30 minutes.

See a timetable for the train here.

You cannot buy train tickets online for the regional train, but must go past the ticket kiosk located before the barrier down to the platform. In other words, you cannot “get” to stand on the train without a ticket.

The train tickets cost only 4.90 Euro per person.

There were many people on the train, so we were lucky to get a seat.

I would therefore not recommend the train if you are travelling with elderly people during the summer months.

You arrive at Sorrento Station, located very centrally in the beautiful holiday town, so if you stay centrally in the town, you can probably stroll to your hotel in a short time.

Also, check out my guide on the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast.

2. Taxi to Sorrento

Of course, you can also get from Naples to Sorrento by taxi or private driver.

I recommend agreeing to a fixed price with a taxi driver for you driving from Naples – or even better, book the transport online with a verified driver at Get Your Guide.

How much is a taxi from Naples to Sorrento?

There are many options, but you should expect about 135 euros for 4 people from Naples to Sorrento.

3. Ferry to Sorrento

It is also possible to get from Naples to Sorrento by ferry, where several companies sail the trip daily.

As I said, we took the train, but I understand that Alilauro is an excellent company.

Timetable and tickets for the ferry

They sail from Naples to Sorrento in high season at the following times:

• At 09:00
• At 11:00
• At 13:00
• At 15:05
• At 17:15
• At 19:30

And return from Sorrento to Naples:

• At 08:10
• At 10:00
• At 12:00
• At 14:00
• At 16:25
• At 18:45

So if you want to take a day trip from Naples to Sorrento by ferry, it can easily be done.

• The journey by ferry from Naples to Sorrento takes 45 minutes.
• The price is 14 euros for adults and 9.80 for children from 2-12 years.
• You can see current timetables and buy tickets at this link.

The ferry departs from Napoli Beverello:

There are also ferries from Naples to many destinations in southern Italy, so you can actually get to all sorts of destinations such as Sardinia, Ischia, Sicily and even Corsica in France.

From Naples Airport to Sorrento

If you land at Naples Airport and go directly to Sorrento, there are many options for transport. Let’s take a closer look at them below.

Cheap shared transfer with minibus

The easiest way would be to take a shared shuttle directly from the airport to Sorrento.

Get Your Guide has an option that costs 50 euros per person and where you ride in a shared minibus with others who are also going to Sorrento (or Amalfi and Ravello, which the company also drives to).

See more and book the transport here.

Private driver or taxi

You can, of course, also book your own private car from the airport to Sorrento.

Here the price is very similar to that from the centre of Naples, so you have to expect about 135 euros, but there you also get a private driver waiting for you in the arrivals hall.

See the options for booking here.

Shuttle bus to the centre of Naples & the train onward

If you want to take public transport from the airport to Sorrento, you must take a shuttle bus from the airport to the main railway station in Naples (Centrale/Garibaldi).

The bus is called Alibus and only takes 15-20 minutes from the airport to Garibaldi, so it’s also quite an easy option.

The bus runs every 20-30 minutes and costs 5 euros – tickets can be bought on entry. The bus from the airport to the centre runs from 06:00 to 23:20.

You can then take the Circumvesuviana train from Garibaldi, which is described at the top of the guide here.

I hope you could use this guide and are now ready to travel to beautiful Sorrento with peace of mind.

If you haven’t booked your accommodation in Sorrento yet, check out my guide on the best places to stay in Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast.

Have a great trip

The post How to get from Naples to Sorrento by Train, Taxi, Ferry or Bus 🍋 🇮🇹 appeared first on Destination Well Known.