The best neighborhoods where to stay in Naples

If you are thinking about a holiday in the shadow of Vesuvius but don't know how to find the best digs in town, this article is for you.

We've got the lowdown on the best neighbourhoods where to stay in Naples, plus insider tips on hotels, B&Bs, holiday homes and hostels.

Check out our complete guide (and our focus on the hottest hotels in 2024), get all the perks from The Naples Pass, and start packing those bags!

Naples is a varied, diverse metropolis with many areas offering comfortable solutions for visitors depending on their preferences and budget. But what are the best neighbourhoods where to stay in Naples? 

We have divided our suggestions according to your travel needs and moods. Whether you are touring with your sweetheart, family or group of friends, you'll find tips to choose the perfect accommodation. 

The historic centre is ideal for those who want to dive into the core of the Neapolitan atmosphere and have the main monuments and highlights just a stone's throw away. 

The elegant areas of Chiaia and Vomero are perfect for a romantic couple's break.

The alternatives are as many as the holiday ideas that can come to mind. Here is what you need to know.

Chiaia and Mergellina are undoubtedly among Naples' best neighbourhoods where to stay. These elegant and refined districts between the seafront and the Vomero Hill are crammed with luxury shops, boutiques, art galleries, beautiful period buildings and even an attractive gastronomic offer. The area is rather quiet, with tasteful, quality accommodations.

The lively and picturesque centro storico is among the best neighbourhoods where to stay in Naples on a budget. The Decumani district, with the streets of San Gregorio Armeno, Spaccanapoli, Piazza del Gesù or Via dei Tribunali, is popular with locals and tourists and you can choose from long-tradition hotels, cosy b&bs and cheap room rentals.

Looking for a hotel in Naples city centre? Il Convento, a 3-star inn located in a 17th-century building, may be right for you.

We at Visit Italy are in love with this city. We may be partial, but it's one of our top picks for a romantic holiday. So here are some tips on where to stay in Naples with your loved one.

Let’s start from the highest place: Vomero is one of the city's most exclusive areas and one of the best neighbourhoods where to stay for couples.

Featuring heart-stopping panoramic views, the enchanting Certosa di San Martino and Castel Sant'Elmo, and the wonderful Villa Floridiana, it boasts luxury hotels as well as budget-friendly solutions. It’s an all-inclusive destination, with breathtaking panoramas, historic attractions, art, and shopping opportunities.

Another famous catwalk of hand-in-hand strolls, the seafront from Santa Lucia to Mergellina is a classic of made-in-Naples romance. It's the perfect place to say 'I love you' before one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world. With Vesuvius, the Gulf and Castel dell'Ovo appearing at your fingertips surrounded by the shimmering sea, romance is practically in the air!

The luxury address is the Grand Hotel Vesuvio; the smart one is the B&B Lungomare.

If you are travelling with children, consider the area around Piazza del Plebiscito: it's close to the sea, in a flat location full of cafés, bars and restaurants where to stop for gelato, pizza or a hot sfogliatella fresh from the oven.

There are many green spaces, playgrounds, museums and attractions for the little ones. Castles, palaces, statues, colours and unforgettable flavours will be an amusing discovery for your children. It's one of the best neighbourhoods where to stay in Naples with the family and is also well served by public transport. 

San Ferdinando and Chiaia are among the city's most beautiful and scenic areas overlooking the splendid waterfront. Castel dell'Ovo, the imposing Maschio Angioino, the refined Galleria Borbonica, the prestigious San Carlo theatre, and the picturesque Borgo Marinari are nearby sights that provide ample opportunities to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Looking for a cheap and fun alternative where to sleep in Naples with the family? Check out the Hostel of the Sun, a centrally located facility with family rooms.

You can enjoy Napoli's 'movida' in several urban venues. Some of the most famous are Chiaia, the historic centre, and the Vomero hill. Here, it's easy to bump into bars, restaurants, pubs and discos for all tastes and ages. Bustling and full of life, these are among the best neighbourhoods where to stay in Naples with a group of friends. 

Central spots like Piazza del Gesù, Piazza San Domenico Maggiore and Piazza Bellini are famous for their affordable places to have an aperitif or a drink. 

Among the neighbourhoods where to stay with a group of friends if you travel by train, consider the section near the Piazza Garibaldi railway station. Just be careful when choosing your accommodation and ask the host for advice on the places to avoid, especially if you plan to enjoy Naples's nightlife.

That said, with a bit of caution and common sense, this area is undoubtedly convenient for those staying a few days and looking to get around by public transport or on foot, with plans to explore attractions beyond Naples, too.

If you're with your car but still want accommodation downtown, you'll find a well-kept and fun environment (as well as private parking nearby) at the B&B PizzaSleep in Piazzetta Sant'Alfonso and Sant'Antonio a Tarsia.

Have you chosen the neighborhood where to stay? Good! Now, all you have to do is figure out how to get to Naples from the airport. There are several options.

Alibus is a convenient and cheap choice. Departures are very frequent, and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. The shuttle connects the Capodichino airport with the central station and the port, Molo Beverello. The ticket costs 5 euros and can be bought on board or at authorised outlets. 

Taxis can be an undoubtedly comfy but also more expensive option. Fares are fixed depending on the final destination and include all passengers on board: take note of the tariffs to avoid unpleasant surprises once at your destination. 

Alternatively, consider arranging a private transfer or renting a car. Just outside the airport area is the entrance to Napoli's Tangenziale. Follow the signs, and you should reach the city centre in approximately 15 minutes.

Don't forget your Naples Pass to live the best experience when in the city. 

Once you've identified the best neighbourhoods where to stay in Naples, it's time to dive into the city and explore its highlights. Visit Italy (and even more Visit Naples) gives you plenty of ideas on how to get the most out of this enchanting place. Here's a brief overview of the top 5 attractions not to miss in Naples:

5. Food. From street grub to pastries, there is nothing you can miss. Bite into anything that comes your way: it's probably edible. 

4. Piazza del Plebiscito, the largest square in Naples, featuring the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola, the Royal Palace and the Vittorio Emanuele III National Library. 

3. The National Archaeological Museum, one of the world's most important custodians of artefacts from antiquity.

2. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a precious treasure chest of culture, art and folklore.  

1. Santa Chiara, the marvellous monumental complex renowned for its exquisite majolica tiles, and its basilica, monastery and archaeological area.