A mini guide to the best neighborhoods and hotels where to stay in Naples for a family holiday, a romantic getaway or a weekend with friends.
If you are thinking about a holiday in the shadow of Vesuvius but don't know how to find your way around and where to stay, this article is for you.
We want to help you choose the best neighbourhoods and hotels where to stay in Naples with some tips to find the perfect location. Here are our suggestions for welcoming districts, hotels, b&bs, holiday homes and hostels.
Where to stay in Naples
Naples is large, varied, diverse metropolis with many areas offering comfortable accommodations 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 historical centre is ideal for those who want to dive into the core of the Neapolitan atmosphere and have the main monuments and most famous attractions 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.
The best neighbourhoods where to stay in Naples
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 accommodation.
The lively and picturesque centro storico is among the best places 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.
The best neighbourhoods where to stay in Naples for couples
We at Visit Italy are in love with this city. We may be partial, but it's one of our favourite destinations 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 cheaper 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 Naples seafront from Santa Lucia to Mergellina is a classic of made-in-Naples romance. It's the perfect place to make the most of a privileged vantage point on 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, romanticism is guaranteed!
The luxury address is the Grand Hotel Vesuvio; the smart one is the B&B Lungomare.
The best neighbourhoods where to stay in Naples with the family
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, overlooking the splendid waterfront, are among the city's most beautiful and scenic areas. Castel dell'Ovo, the imposing Maschio Angioino, the refined Galleria Borbonica, the prestigious San Carlo theatre, and the picturesque Borgo Marinari are nearby sights where you and your family can make lasting memories.
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.
The best neighbourhoods where to stay in Naples with a group of friends
You can enjoy Napoli's nightlife and 'movida' in several areas. Some of the most famous are Chiaia, the historic centre, and the Vomero hill, where you can 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.
Piazza del Gesù, Piazza San Domenico Maggiore or Piazza Bellini are famous for their affordable places to have an aperitif or a drink.
Among the neighbourhoods where to sleep with a group of friends if you travel by train, also consider the section near the Piazza Garibaldi railway station. You must 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 good dose of caution, this area is convenient for those who are only staying a few days and want to get around by public transport or on foot and also plan to visit attractions outside Naples.
If you're with your car but still looking for accommodation downtown, at the B&B PizzaSleep in Piazzetta Sant'Alfonso and Sant'Antonio a Tarsia, you'll find a well-kept and fun environment (as well as private parking nearby).
How to get to Naples from the airport
Have you chosen 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.
Taking Alibus is a convenient and cheap choice. Departures are very frequent, and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. The shuttle connects Capodichino airport with the central station and the port of Naples. 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, you can hire a private transfer or 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 about 15 minutes.
Don't forget your Naples Pass to live the best experience when in the city.
5 must-see things in Naples
Once you've identified the best neighbourhoods where to stay in Naples and chosen the hotel, too, focus on the city and its highlights. On Visit Italy (and even more on Visit Naples), we give you plenty of ideas on how to get the most out of this enchanting city. In the meantime, here's a quick recap of the 5 things 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, with the Basilica of 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 is a marvellous monumental complex renowned for its beautiful majolica tiles that embellish the cloister within, and its basilica, monastery and archaeological area.