Where to stay in Naples

Naples is one of the most interesting cities in Italy, a baroque capital with magnificent buildings and churches, and known around the world for its most precious invention: pizza!

It’s less touristy than Florence, and grittier than Rome. Everywhere you visit in Naples, something will surprise you, from the smell of delicious food or coffee to the giant murals depicting the beloved footballer Maradona.

When it comes to where to stay in Naples, it can be a little overwhelming at first. Naples is the third largest city in Italy, with lots of different neighbourhoods.

Some are safer than others, some are more convenient than others. Overall, though, there are plenty of beautiful neighbourhoods characterised by an extensive history and breathtaking art and architecture.

Some of the best accommodation in Naples also puts you in the heart of vibrant culture, and possibly with views of the sea and the volcano of Mount Vesuvius.

To help you decide where to stay in Naples, I’ve compiled this guide with the various neighbourhoods and the best hotels in Naples. Have a look on the map, and you’ll see where they’re all located.

Within each of these neighbourhoods, there’s a range of accommodation – although some are definitely more suited towards certain types of travellers.

To find out where the place to stay in Naples is for you, let’s have a look at each district in more detail.

Historic Centre

The beautiful Historic Centre is where you will find the main attractions of Naples. This area of the city was founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But there’s more: with an extension of over 1,700 hectares and a total of 448 historical monuments, Naples’ Historic Centre is among the largest and richest in Europe! Needless to say, if you love history, architecture, and art, the historic centre is the ideal place for you.

The Greco-Roman underground ruins (called Napoli Sotterranea), and the Cappella Sansevero with the breathtaking sculpture “Veiled Christ” are the absolute must of the area.

You will love exploring the Historic Center’s labyrinth of winding lanes leading to baroque churches, delicious pizzerias, and the iconic Spaccanapoli shopping area. The historic centre offers a combination of accommodations, ranging from chic boutique hotels to hostels, so it is ideal for any traveller.

• Hostel Mancini: Friendly staff and clean rooms make this a solid choice for a central hostel.
• Naples Pizza Hostel: Honestly, it’s not the nicest in Naples, but it’s well located and has really affordable rates for the dorm beds.

• Art Street Hotel: Clean and comfortable rooms mean a nice escape from the bustle out on the surrounding streets.
• Hotel Europeo Napoli: Some of the rooms can get a bit noisy but this is one of the most affordable options in the historic centre.

• Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel: The rooms in this old palazzo have had a lovely modern renovation and are extremely comfortable.
• UNAHOTELS Napoli: The property has been a hotel since the 1800s but the interior’s had a modern makeover and the rooftop bar is fabulous.

• Albergo Palazzo Decumani: A beautiful hotel with a modern feel, friendly staff, and a very central location.
• Decumani Hotel De Charme: The gorgeous lounge decorated with golden stuccoes and 18th-century mirrors is a highlight here.

Central station

The areas around the train station are usually not taken into consideration by most travellers. However, the neighbourhood of the central station is incredibly convenient. Besides having the main train station from where you can catch trains to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and even Rome, the central station is also where all the subway lines connect.

The neighbourhood has only a couple of special attractions. The most interesting spots are the 15th-century Porta Nolana, where you will find a lively market selling all sorts of fresh produce, and Piazza Garibaldi dotted with food options and bars.

The top perk of staying in the central station area is that it is less touristy than other districts, so you will find budget accommodation options here.

• Hotel Zara Napoli: Clean and comfortable rooms, the rate is great value, although the bathrooms are shared.
• Rooms Mastrangelo: No frills rooms, but the price is good, you get a private bathroom, and it’s very close to the station.

• Ramada by Wyndham: You know what to expect at this lovely but generic Ramada business hotel.
• Starhotels Terminus: It has the trimmings of a luxury hotel but the real appeal is the convenience, just steps from the train station.

• Palazzo Firenze: The al-fresco dining areas are a lovely touch to this hotel with large rooms in a historic building.
• Hotel San Pietro: On the edge of the historic centre, you get the combination of convenience and elegance..

Spanish Quarter

The Spanish Quarter is the most authentic area in Naples, with a charming atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

If you are looking for a local experience during your trip, the Spanish Quarter is where to stay in Naples. The bustling pedestrian walkways are lined with food stalls, traditional osterias, pizzerias, and bakeries that will bring any foodie joy.

This neighbourhood also boasts beautiful views, with tiny alleys with iron balconies where the locals hang their laundry and that you won’t but take photos of.

The Spanish Quarter will also delight those looking to admire gorgeous architecture thanks to many historic churches, most notably the Church of St. Anna di Palazzo. Another unmissable attraction of the area is the famous subway station Toledo, a proper artwork.

The Spanish Quarter is one of the best places to stay in Naples if you are looking for affordable apartments to experience real Neapolitan life – and there are lovely boutique hotels here too.

• Gelso Home: A cute one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the action at a very affordable price.
• Nunzia Sweet Home: With two bedrooms and a sofa bed, this apartment can sleep up to eight people.

• Toledo Lifestyle Suite: Everything is very trendy and modern at this elegant design hotel with a central location.
• Royal Boutique Napoli: The view from the terrace really adds to the sense of space at this palatial property.

• Grand Hotel Oriente: Fresh comfortable rooms and a gorgeous terrace bar make this a quiet escape from the action.
• San Francesco al Monte: On the edge of the Spanish Quarter, slightly up the hill, there are incredible views across the water.

Vomero

Vomero is an upper-class residential area on the hills overlooking the city centre. Boasting magnificent views over the city and the bay and must-see attractions, Vomero is where to stay in Naples to avoid the noise and large crowds.

If there is one spot in the neighbourhood to visit, it would be Castel Sant’Elmo, a star-shaped medieval fortress built in the 13th century from which you can admire breathtaking views.

But there’s a lot more going on in Vomero, from the historic market in the area of Rione Antignano to the shopping opportunities of Piazza Vanvitelli. This neighbourhood also offers great nightlife with many cool bars open all night.

To experience Neapolitan nightlife, head to Piazza Fuga and Via Aniello Falcone. While Vomero is an upscale area, you won’t have problems finding mid-range hotels here.

• Hotel Cimarosa: In a quiet part of town, the hotel feels safe and comfortable, with large clean rooms.
• Villa Albina: Comfortable beds and a modern makeover make this a wonderful place for a couple of nights.

• Wanda Bed&Breakfast: Immaculately presented rooms in a lively local neighbourhood.
• The Andy House B&B: A wonderful blend of hotel-style rooms, with the facilities you would expect in a house, like an ample kitchen.

• Villa Capri Apartment: The one-bedroom apartment is very comfortable, but the highlight is the outdoor pool.
• Casa Michelangelo: A three-bedroom apartment with high ceilings, there’s plenty of room here for a large group.

Chiaia

Chiaia is the best accommodation in Naples for a luxurious vacation. One of the safest areas in the city, Chiaia is located right in front of the Bay of Naples.

Among the main attractions of this neighbourhood is the lovely seafront promenade, Lungomare Caracciolo. From here you can marvel at the majestic Mount Vesuvius and the gorgeous Capri island in the distance.

The seaside promenade is dotted with seafood restaurants, pizzerias, and bars where you can spend a perfect evening. Among the many things you can see in Chiaia is the 18th-century royal garden of Villa Communale.

Immensely stylish, Chiaia is the place to be in Naples for some upscale shopping, as its streets are packed with Italian boutiques, antique shops, and high-end designer stores.

The hotels in the neighbourhood are hosted in historic buildings and feature impeccable views and spacious rooms, so they are quite expensive. But if you are in for a glamorous or romantic holiday, Chiaia is right up your alley.

• City Soul B&B: The quirky designs in the rooms give this bed and breakfast plenty of character!
• B&B Amedeo: The traditional apartment has been turned into a friendly little place to stay.

• Boutique Hotel Metro 900: No detail hasn’t ben overlooked in the elegant design of the rooms in this stunning property.
• Pinto-Storey Hotel: The history of this gorgeous art nouveau building has been embraced and incorporated into every aspect.

• Grand Hotel Parker’s: Even though there are many classic five-star aspects to the hotel, it also feels impressively contemporary.
• Palazzo Alabardieri: The old-school Italian elegance is matched by a friendly atmosphere and a great location.

Posillipo

This hillside neighbourhood is a bit further from the city centre but is among the best areas to stay in Naples for a quieter and more relaxing holiday.

Posillipo is located on the northern coast of the Gulf of Naples and is a residential area with a great deal of history. The Romans settled here as early as the 1st century CE, and one of its top attractions is the Pausilypon Archaeological Park, where you can see the remains of a villa, an amphitheatre, and baths.

Besides being a spectacular spot for history geeks, Posillipo boasts a classy atmosphere that will be adored by those looking for glamorous times. The area features many grand villas overlooking the sea, to-die-for restaurants, and elegant shops.

A great part of the neighbourhood opens out to the sea and has several beaches you can relax in. Posillipo is definitely pricey, so it won’t be ideal for anyone travelling on a budget.

• Casa Annamaria: The homely atmosphere is a great fit for the quieter residential area.
• Knight House: Recently renovated, it feels more like you’re by the seaside than in a busy city.

• La Stella dei Venti B&B: Spacious and sunny, this is a wonderful seaside escape.
• M’incanto B&B: The views are incredible and the hospitality makes the experience even more enjoyable.

• Casa Pausis: The large one-bedroom apartment is very chic and has amazing water views.
• La Casetta di Posillipo: With space for five people, the apartment is bright and family friendly.