Where to Stay in Naples: Best Areas of the City

Centro Storico (Historic Center)

Centro Storico is the historic center of Naples.

This is where most tourists choose to base themselves. For that reason, I'd consider it the most touristic part of the city, with the exception of the area right around the port (but more on that later).

I'm not saying ‘touristic’ as a bad thing, it's just as a way to describe the neighborhood. You'll find numerous shops selling you souvenirs and gifts to take back home with you. More menus are in English and you'll commonly run across more foreigners than locals hanging out in the area. It's also where the most historic sites are, outside of visiting the ruins outside of the city center.

That said, the historic center is a cool place to hang out. It has a lot of ways to entertain you and charming streets, so long as you're into graffiti and motorcycles buzzing by.

While this isn't my personal favorite area to stay, I do always make a point to come and walk through the area. My favorite stop here is Taralleria Napoletana, a small place to get freshly baked taralli. That said, it is very centrally located and a good base for those that want to be able to easily explore the rest of the city on foot.

Nothing is too far away if you stay in Centro Storico on your trip to Naples.

Where to Stay in Centro Storico

If you prefer to be conveniently located and like having endless shops to pop into, consider booking a stay at:

• Budget Option: Terrazza Duomo: The real treat of this property is the covered terrace that offers views and a bit of respite from the craziness of Naples.
• Mid-Tier Option: La Casa Sul Nilo: If you're looking for more classic furniture and decorations, you'll feel as though you stepped back in time to the Renaissance here.
• Luxury Option: Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel: Enjoy a variety of room types to choose from, right in the historic center. You'll be in a prime location, walking distance to almost anything in Naples from here

‍

Chiaia

Chiaia is where you'll want to stay in Naples if you want to avoid the chaos.

This is the fanciest neighborhood in Naples, at least from what I've seen in my 2 weeks spent here. Chiaia is the exception from the rules of Naples. It's relatively quiet, the alleyways are quiet and clean, and the shops are geared more to locals than tourists.

If you're excited to experience the gritty side of Naples, don't stay here. But, if you like the idea of avoiding that, it's a great choice. It is close enough to the action that you'll be able to spend some time in other parts of the city without necessarily having to stay there.

Here, you'll find a number of great streets for shopping, eating, and drinking. In general, the area closer to the sea is more affordable and as you go up onto the hill you enter into the world of luxury shops.

There's also a big park and a public beach in this neighborhood. Don't expect anything too great - you'll need to go farther along the coast or out to Procida or Ischia for better swimming - but the views of the city and Mount Vesuvius are nice from this angle.

Where to Stay in Chiaia

To enjoy a different side of Naples, away from the grit and chaos of much of the city, here are some options of where to stay in Chiaia:

• Budget Option: Cavallerizza Home: While the rental itself isn't anything spectacular, the location certainly is. You're in the best part of Chiaia but still an easy walk towards Via Toledo from here.
• Mid-Tier Option: Vista Piazza dei Martiri: For a nicer sleeping space, this hotel is just a few blocks from the one previously mentioned and right near tree-lined Via Chiaia.
• Luxury Option: Agra Suites: Get the best of Naples by booking at this luxury hotel, in this luxury neighborhood. For those that want the "pretty" side of Naples, this is your spot.

‍

Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter)

The Spanish Quarter, or Quartieri Spagnoli, is likely the most well-known area of the city.

Whether you realize it or not, most pictures and videos you've seen of Naples are from this small, hillside neighborhood.

The Spanish Quarter stretches from Via Toledo to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, both areas listed next on this list. It's home to the most condensed alleyways, narrow streets, and has the most stereotypical architecture - with neighborhoods shouting at each other from one window to another and clothes lines practically covering up the slivers of sky you get between buildings.

It's home, most notably, home to the Maradona mural. Although an Argentine football (soccer) player, he played for the Naples team for 7 years, winning 2 titles along the way. His popularity never quite died down, which is obvious at the mural, aka shrine you'll see here. Even those that aren't fans, might enjoy the energy this area alludes.

Keep in mind that the Spanish Quarter is built on a sometimes steep hill. The higher you go, the better the views will be between the buildings and the more local it'll get. In the area right off Via Toledo, the neighborhood is built obviously for tourists but the more you wander, the more you'll find more residential pockets.

Where to Stay in the Quartieri Spagnoli

For those that want the stereotypical Naples experience, staying in the Spanish Quarter is a good choice. Just know that there aren't many traditional hotels here and most accommodations are apartment rentals.

• Budget Option: Leone House: For those that want to stay in the heart of the Spanish Quarter, you'll be hard pressed to beat this price.
• Mid-Tier Option: Montecalvario 34: You'll be centrally located in the Spanish Quarter and just a short walk from the Via Toledo metro stop at this studio apartment.
• Luxury Option: La Casa di Sara: This large apartment rental is ideal for those traveling with a big group of friends or family. It's a great location and has enough space to sleep 9.

‍

Around Via Toledo

Via Toledo is the best street in the city for street food. And really, if you're not in Naples to eat, why are you even here?

Although I'm sure we all know Naples is the birthplace of pizza, it's also home to a numerous other street foods you can't find anywhere else in the country.

Food in Italy tends to be lighter, with smaller portions, than you're used to when dining at an Italian restaurant in your home country. That is, until you come to Naples. Food here is often deep-fried and monstrously big.

If your mouth is watering just thinking about all the treats you have to try (more on those specific dishes below!), this is the area for you.

Just know that Via Toledo is far from a hidden gem. Everyone knows about this street and visits to eat and to shop. Note though that the shopping tends to be big names like Zara and Bershka, rather than small independent shops.

It's hectic and always full of people but really my top choice if I have limited time here. You can get every food that you're eager to try on this street or just a block away from it. For my food motivated friends, this is a good spot.

Via Toledo marks the start of the Spanish Quarter to the west and connects with Chiaia to the southwest and the historic center to the northeast. The Via Toledo metro station is also one of the biggest, allowing you to get pretty much anywhere in the city from there.

Where to Stay Around Via Toledo

You don't necessarily need to stay right on Via Toledo, unless you want to, but could choose somewhere just a short walk to the street. I recommend:

• Budget Option: Casa Tonia: Located on the northern end of Via Toledo, you'll need to walk south to hit the part that turns into the city's main shopping street but you'll get a great bang for your buck staying here.
• Mid-Tier Option: Toledo Relais Suites: This hotel is right on Via Toledo, so all the food will literally be steps away. Just know that Via Toledo is pedestrian traffic only so a taxi would only be able to get you to the corner, not right to the door.
• Luxury Option: Casa Biondi: This is another great option for those traveling in a group. This apartment has 3-bedrooms and is pet-friendly. You'll be just a block from Via Toledo.

‍

Around Corso Vittorio Emanuele

Stay on or around Corso Vittorio Emanuele for the best views of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius.

This street, or corso, winds above both the Spanish Quarter and Chiaia. From this high above the city, the sweeping city views are truly a 10/10. But, of course, to enjoy these views you have to work for them.

On our first trip to Naples we booked an apartment up here. I needed to work online and we had our cat and dog with us so we needed somewhere with a little bit more space than the typical apartment in the city center offers. While I saw nice looking views in the listing, I was really blown away seeing it in-person.

This street and area in general is really residential. You'll be away from the tourist hustle and bustle but also many of the "things to do" in the city. It's up to you to decide if this is a good or bad thing.

You can certainly walk up and down to the hustle and bustle but you can also take advantage of the number of inclined railway stations that will take you up and down the hill at regular intervals.

I'd recommend staying here if you're going to be here for an extended time and prefer more space, better views, and quiet evenings. For just a night or two though, I think it's too isolated from the rest of the city.

Where to Stay around Corso Vittorio Emanuele

To take in the views and pockets of quiet, consider booking your stay around Corso Vittoria Emanuele at:

• Budget Option: White House: Actually located in the northern bit of Spanish Quarter, you're just a block from the Vittorio Emanuele. Don't worry though, this high up in the neighborhood, you can still enjoy good views, they're just less panoramic and more between the buildings.
• Mid-Tier Option: San Francesco al Monte: This hotel is actually in a restored 16th-century monastery. As far as unique places to stay go, without sacrificing any view, this is a great choice.
• Luxury Option: Grand Hotel Parker's: This hotel is on the other end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele, just above Chiaia, the neighborhood next up on the list. If that neighborhood + views interest you, I'd highly recommend a stay here if it's in your budget.

‍

Where Not to Stay in Naples

While I do love Naples, not every area in the city is "recommended." Personally, I'd avoid the area right at the central train station (Napoli Centrale). This area is rundown and really grungy, and not in the cool way other parts of the city tend to be. You might need to go here to transfer from the train to the metro but other than transportation musts, I'd skip it.

Another area I'd avoid is right at the main port. Although it can be convenient if you're here to take a ferry, it likely won't leave the best taste in your mouth. It's crowded and full of confused tourists lugging their giant suitcase to or from their cruise. Businesses aren't worried about giving you a good experience but simply focus on those that are hungry, tired, and need a seat. You can do better, I promise!

Countless foreigners have talked about how much they dislike Naples but after questioning them a bit more, it was obvious they only spent time in one of these areas. Don't be like them and instead branch out a bit.

‍

A Few Naples Travel Tips

Truly the biggest tip I can give you for your trip to Naples is to drop the expectations and treat this city apart from everywhere in Italy.

Honestly, it reminds both Raf and me of cities in South America (where he's from) than other parts of Europe.

We both love that the city is uniquely it's own but most people are left disillusioned based on their expectations or from trying to hang out in the wrong area. Head to the areas listed above, go in with an open mind, and Naples will be a lot of fun.

How Many Nights to Stay

I'd suggest spending 2 nights here. Many people stay for just a night as a quick base to head to one of the islands or the Amalfi Coast. Honestly, I do think Naples is worth more of your time, even just to eat.

There are a lot of cool day trip options though that I'll outline below if you'd prefer to spend more time here.

For those that are seeking a more typical side of Italy, 2 nights will give you a good taste and a good comparison as you visit other parts of the country.

Foods to Try

I could go on and on about the food you need to try while in Naples. And actually I did in this guide to Neapolitan food, but very quickly, these are my absolute favorite choices:

• Pizza Margherita: Skip the toppings and go classic while in Naples
• Frittatina di Pasta: A fried ball of pasta that comes with a variety of fillings
• Montanara: A fried margherita pizza that's simple but so delightful
• Taralli: I already mentioned where to get these sweet or savory baked snacks
• Sfogliatella frolla: This is my favorite breakfast pastry in the city

Day Trips from the City

Naples is really well-positioned for day trips. A few of my top suggestions are:

• Procida: This stunning island is just a 40-minute ferry from Naples and a super picturesque place to pass the day.
• Ischia: Just past Procida is this larger island. If you have the time, I'd suggest spending more than just a day here though since the island is bigger.
• Caserta: This is a royal palace just 45 minutes from the city center. I suggest visiting both inside the palace and the surrounding gardens.
• Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius: Both can be reached directly from Naples on the Circumvesuviana trainline. You can visit both in a single day trip.

‍

Where Will You Stay in Naples?

Lucky for you, if you choose to stay anywhere in the city center of Naples, you'll be able to easily explore other areas. A big caveat to doing this easily and quickly is by walking between the areas or taking the metro. Taxis are great to cover big areas but from one neighborhood to the next, walking or public transportation, namely the metro, will be easier.

Get ready for a city that is unlike anywhere in Naples, where good food, loud conversations, and crumbling buildings all add to the charm.