If you’re contemplating where to stay in Naples, I completely understand.
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.
The city’s ambiance dramatically depends on the area you’re in. So, staying in an area that matches the vibe you’re looking for on your trip to Naples is extremely important.
Below, I discuss the best areas for tourists to stay in Naples and provide hotel recommendations across various price ranges. At the bottom of the guide, I’ll also mention 3 areas you do not want to stay in.
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 – a quiet, safe area with luxurious 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.
In fact, I’m currently planning a trip to Rome, where I’ll also take a day trip down to Naples to eat pizza 😀
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 – a quiet, safe area with luxurious hotels 😍
The Chiaia area is known for its elegance, exclusive atmosphere and being quieter (some would say safer), making it an ideal place to stay for tourists who value comfort, safety, and quality accommodation.
Let’s look at why Chiaia is a great place to stay in Naples.
A safe area in Naples
Chiaia is known as one of the safest areas in Naples, making it an attractive choice for those traveling alone or with family. The streets are well-maintained and well-lit, contributing to a sense of security, especially in the evening.
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.
But for those who want a combination of security, comfort, and quality, Chiaia is an excellent choice.
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 also a great choice, especially if you appreciate a stylish hotel.
Its location right by the Bay of Naples ensures breathtaking views of the sea and the historic Castel dell’Ovo.
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.
Porto is the starting point for ferries to the popular islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida and other destinations along the Amalfi Coast.
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 avoid in Naples? 3 Areas NOT to stay
We’ve all heard stories about Naples being a bit rough, and to be fair, compared to places like Milan, Sardinia, or even Rome, there’s just more crime in Naples.
So let me also tell you about the areas of Naples where you certainly don’t need to book your hotel.
Scampia
Scampia, located in the northern part of Naples, is known for its reputation for crime, including connections to drug trafficking and the infamous mafia.
Historically, Scampia has struggled with illegal activities, and although efforts have been made to improve the situation, the area’s reputation is still an important factor for visitors to consider.
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.
The area has been historically marked by connections to organized crime, creating a reputation for being less safe. Although progress has been made, caution is still advised.
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.
The historic center and Chiaia offer safety, cultural richness, and convenience, ideal for those seeking comfort and easy access to attractions.
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:
Which area is best to stay in Naples?
The historic center of Naples is generally the best area for average tourists. This area offers an ideal combination of safety, access to cultural sights, and convenience. You simply stay close to everything and can walk around the charming streets of Naples.
How many days should you spend in Naples?
Three days in Naples is a sensible time to experience the city’s highlights and get a feel for its unique culture and atmosphere. If you also plan to visit Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast, extending your stay to four days might be a good idea. This gives you extra time for a relaxed day trip without having to rush back to the city’s attractions.
Is it better to stay in Naples or Sorrento?
Naples and Sorrento offer very different experiences, and which city is best to stay in depends on your preferences.
Naples is a vibrant, historic city rich in culture, history, and gastronomy. It’s a fantastic place to experience authentic Italian city life with its bustling streets, famous pizzerias, and impressive historical sites. Naples is also convenient for day trips to Pompeii and Vesuvius.
Sorrento, on the other hand, is more relaxed and has a charming atmosphere. It’s known for its breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples, lovely beaches, and a charming historic city center. Sorrento is also a good base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and the islands of Capri and Ischia.
I prefer Sorrento as a holiday destination. It offers a more relaxed yet very Italian experience, beautiful landscapes, and good opportunities to explore the coast and nearby attractions. Sorrento is a great place to stay for those looking for a more peaceful and scenic base with easy access to the region’s many beauties.
Are there beaches in Naples?
Yes, Naples has beaches, but they are often not as famous or idyllic as those found along the Amalfi Coast or on nearby islands like Capri and Ischia. Most beaches in Naples are small and pebbly, primarily located along the Posillipo and Mergellina coastal areas.
The beaches in Naples are popular spots for locals, especially in summer.
However, they can be busy and often lack the picturesque qualities of more secluded beaches in the region. Many travelers take day trips to nearby coastal towns or islands for more classic sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
How do you get to Naples from Rome?
The train is the easiest and fastest option to get from Rome to Naples. The train connections between the two cities are excellent, with frequent departures from Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina stations.
High-speed trains, such as Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa and Italo, can take you from Rome to Naples in about 1 to 1.5 hours. It’s a convenient, comfortable, and efficient way to travel, and you arrive directly at Napoli Centrale, which is centrally located in Naples.
I recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during the high season or if you’re traveling at specific times.
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