Best area to stay in Naples—Where We’d stay, skip, or visit again

Naples is huge. I know this is a bold statement. However, deciding where to stay in Naples is important for the best experience, especially for newbies.

Naples is a city of contrasts, with lively streets and a rich history around every corner. Because of this, we decided to compile a list of the best areas to stay in Naples. Choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in can make or break your trip. From the bustling historic centre to the vibrant Spanish Quarter and the up-and-coming Rione Sanità, each area offers something distinct.

As locals, we know every inch of Naples, from new touristy locations to established hotels with spectacular views.

Best places to stay in Naples at a glance

We keep suggesting to family and friends three places in Naples: Donna Luisa a Santa Chiara, B&B Monteleone and Vesevo Rooms. While they are totally different from each other, one thing is in common: all of them are in the centre of Naples.

Where to stay in Naples MAP

This map is designed to help you better understand the areas to stay in Naples. We ranked each neighbourhood below, and also provided a visual representation of the areas, including exact positions and some main sights.

Nine best areas to stay in Naples

Our favourite area to stay in Naples is, of course, the historic centre, because you have everything within walking distance. It is the centre of Naples, but it’s pricer compared to the Spanish Quarter or Rione Sanità. These are our 9 favourite neighbourhoods to stay in Naples:

• Historic Centre (Spaccanapoli)
• Spanish Quarter
• Piazza Dante
• Rione Sanità’
• Vomero
• Posillipo
• Chiaia
• Santa Lucia
• Fuorigrotta

The Historic Centre (Centro Storico)

The centro storico (historic centre), also known as Spaccanapoli, is one of the most touristy areas of Naples. Within this district, you’ll find the Duomo (Cathedral), the Veiled Christ, the Santa Chiara cloister and the nativity scene street.

The streets are narrow and buzzing, full of artisan shops, busy cafes, and the smell of fresh espresso. It’s ideal for those with just a few days who want full immersion. It’s usual to find budget-friendly accommodations, and you can also save on transportation.

We walked through the streets to explore every single church, pizzeria, and coffee shop. However, bear in mind that as it’s popular, it is crowded, often noisy, and you must act fast to avoid only pricey places to stay.

Vico Lazzi 17 | Right in Spaccanapoli

Donna Luisa a Santa Chiara

Rated 8.5 (score from 436 reviews)
BOOK HERE!

Piazza Dante Area

It might sound unusual, because many don’t even mention Piazza Dante. While located between the historic centre of Naples and the Spanish Quarter, it’s a lively part of Naples. Recently, many budget accommodations have been rising in renowned historic buildings. The area is quite active during the day and at night, and it’s conveniently accessible by Metro 1.

Piazza Dante accommodations are affordable compared to other parts of Naples, but stand out in terms of service. La dimora dei borboni is the one we keep suggesting, located in a side alley within the Pedamentina and Montesanto neighbourhoods.

Mare Luna B&B is another we love to suggest, as it’s close to the metro. This accommodation features an incredible rooftop terrace with an excellent view of the Certosa of San Martino, one of the most stunning viewpoints in Naples.

The Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli)

It’s not a secret that the vibrant Spanish Quarter is another favourite of ours. Staying here, we assure you, you’ll feel the pulse of Naples and folklore. Often associated with a no-go area of Naples, but tourism has changed the neighbourhood for good.

Traditionally, accommodation is in the bassi, and we invite you to read the story of it in our guide to the Spanish Quarter. These accommodations are affordable and conveniently located within walking distance to Piazza Plebiscito (Naples’ main square), the Royal Palace, and the harbour.

All around the neighbourhood, you’ll enjoy street art, tiny trattorias in the alleys, and it’s home of the huge Maradona shrine. We found prices for accommodation to be much cheaper than in other areas, and comparable to those in Rione Sanità, which is next on our list.

Via Toledo 106 | Metro 1 entrance at 300 metres

Toledo Stop

Rated 9.1 (score from 1,037 reviews)
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Rione Sanità – A District on the Rise

You might have never heard of the Sanità district. We have recently toured the city, exploring narrow alleys, talking to locals, and getting a bit more off the beaten path in Naples. Rione Sanità is a hidden treasure just a 15-minute walk from the Spanish Quarter.

Historically neglected, it has been reborn through community efforts and now offers stunning Baroque architecture (like above), fascinating underground catacombs for history enthusiasts, and unique street art. Staying here for a few nights, you’ll enjoy a quieter but equally authentic experience. Actually, recently we suggested staying here to a dear friend.

Vomero

Vomero is the upscale district of Naples, often referred to as the noblest part of the city. We walked through shops that were open until late, sipped a spritz at the bar with seats in the traffic-free area. Vomero is at the top of the hill, so you must rely on transportation to reach the main sights.

Actually, we went up to Castel Sant’Elmo at sunset, and the scenery was one of a kind. So overall Vomero is one of the best areas to stay in Naples for families and quiet travellers. There are hidden wineries, such as Archivio Storico, and Italian trattorias like this.

ADV – Stay at B&B Scarlatti 60

Fancy Neighbourhood | 2 min walking from Metro 1

Stay at B&B Scarlatti 60

Rated 9.1 (score from 264 reviews)
BOOK HERE!

Posillipo

We have recently rediscovered Posillipo on our guided Vespa tour of Naples. The hilltop remains renowned for its reputation as the best area to stay in Naples for locals. Away from the city centre or any major attraction, we suggest staying here only for the view.

There is very limited public transportation, and you must either rent a car or rely on a taxi to get around. This is one of the main reasons why tourists skip it on any itinerary. There are a few beaches you can stay at during the hot Italian summer, with beautiful views of the gulf and Vesuvius. Spiaggia delle monache is the most significant one.

If you are wondering where to stay in Posillipo, the best place is Casa Posillipo (with great reviews – 110, rating 9). The view from their balcony is worth every penny. Think about a great breakfast with a sea view and fresh Mediterranean air.

PrimoPianoPosillipo is a great alternative, although pricey. Posillipo is ideal for families without budget constraints or couples seeking a romantic escape to Naples.

Chiaia

We spent a lot of time wandering around the neighbourhoods of Naples on our recent trip. Chiaia stands out as one of the best options for travellers, including families, solo travellers, and couples. The position is central within the main attractions and the seaside. While Chiaia is not as upscale as Posillipo, prices remain high due to its premium location.

As a result, prices for accommodation are similar to the neighbouring district of Santa Lucia. If you are looking for a budget-friendly solution, we suggest staying at Mapi Room, which offers rooms starting at £60 per night, complete with an en-suite bathroom.

Alternatively, consider Residenza Reale, rated 8.4 with 200 reviews, offering a similar rate but with the entire apartment to yourself. Check also Relais Chiaia, featuring the most stylish rooms in a historic building with a Liberty Style design, and a restaurant right at your doorstep.

Staying in Chiaia, you’ll have easy access to the main shopping street of Naples, walk to the Royal Palace and get easily to the metro and promenade of Naples. Without hesitation, go to Caffe Gambrinus in Piazza Trieste and Trento for breakfast.

We recently had one of the best coffees in Naples. Also, consider Chiaia as one of the most active areas at night in Naples. There are small cocktail bars with outdoor areas around Via Bisignano, perfect for a night out in Naples.

Santa Lucia

Santa Lucia neighbourhood is one of the best in the centre of Naples, located right beside the promenade Via Partenope. Staying here, you’ll have a short walk to the Royal Palace, but also to the ferry Port and Castel dell’Ovo.

We love the area, and while here, you must try the local food at Zi Teresa. This is an iconic restaurant located near Castel dell’Ovo and the small fishermen’s borough, “Borgo dei Marinari”. For a great pizza, I suggest you “Antonio e Antonio”, right on the traffic-free promenade.

Other accommodations we suggest in Santa Lucia:

• Residenza Santa Lù B&B | $$ – 8.5/177 Reviews
• Appartamento Albatros | $$ – 7.8/61 Reviews (Full Appartment)

Fuorigrotta

We are locals in Fuorigrotta, and always move easily everywhere in Naples and outside, even the Amalfi Coast. Fuorigrotta is decentralised from the well-known areas, and is still, relatively, a hidden gem of Naples. You might have heard of that because it’s the neighbourhood where the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium is located.

Fuorigrotta is well-connected with the rest of the city, possibly the best connection. In fact, you have two lines of trains. One of these lines is the metro, and then it transforms (without change) into a regular train line heading toward Salerno.

In fact, staying in Fuorigrotta, you can optimise transportation, but also stay on a budget. It’s a residential area during the week, more chaotic at night. Within two stops from Campi Flegrei train station, you are in Mergellina, the promenade of Naples.

Fancy Neighbourhood | 2 min walking from Metro 1

BeB Napoli Flegrea

Rated 9.2 (score from 30 reviews)
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Practical Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Naples

• If you’re short on time and want to be right in the centre of the city, we suggest getting a place in the Historic Centre or Via Chiaia.
• For a deeply local experience, sampling street food and getting a good morning from the old grandma, choose the Spanish Quarter or Santa Lucia.
• Budget-friendly accommodations are available in Rione Sanità, the Spanish Quarter, and some are conveniently located near Piazza Dante.
• For a brilliant solution with easy public transport, consider visiting the outskirts of Naples: Portici, Pompeii, and San Giorgio.
• If you are travelling as a family, we suggest the Vomero District, or for a higher budget on the promenade.
• Public transportation, especially the metro and funicular, connects most touristy areas well.
• Markets are bustling, and alleys are narrow; keep a close eye on your belongings.
• Getting your accommodation within walking distance of the main sights. That’s why the historic centre is the best choice, but also pedestrian-only.

Where to stay outside of Naples

These are three places we suggest checking out if you don’t want to stay in the centre of Naples, but still rely on public transport to get around.

Portici: Hidden gem at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. From the harbour of Portici, you have a clear view of the Bay of Naples with all the islands and the Sorrentino Coast. Accommodation is budget-friendly, but please note that it is located on a very steep hill. It is centrally located within Naples and Sorrento, and is served by train. You can get to the main train station of Naples (where you can get the metro) in just 12 minutes.

Ercolano: The new Herculaneum, home to the Roman ruins, is a great location to stay near Naples. Located next to Portici, it offers transportation through the Vesuviana and access to the hike to the top of the Volcano Vesuvius.

Pompeii: Located on the same train line as Portici and Herculaneum (Ercolano Scavi), Pompeii is easily accessible. This city is well known for its Roman ruins, but it can be more than just a day trip from Naples. It will take approximately 40 minutes to travel from Pompeii to Naples’ Piazza Garibaldi.

It’s a relatively small city, offering everything you need and making it ideal for families. From Pompeii, you have easy access to Sorrento.

Where not to stay in Naples

If we had to give blunt advice on areas to avoid staying in Naples, we’d say think twice before booking around the Central Station (Piazza Garibaldi) and certain outer suburbs like Scampia, Poggioreale, or the very fringes of Secondigliano. While the train station is unbeatable for transport, the vibe isn’t friendly late at night—lots of noise, petty crime, and not much character.

We’ve walked these areas and, trust us, they’re not what you imagine when you think “authentic Naples.” The outskirts, especially north of the city, can feel disconnected from everything fun and have higher safety concerns. Instead, pick central districts with life at all hours, real food, and locals who actually know your host’s name. It’s Naples—embrace chaos, but dodge the dead zones if you want the best out of your trip.

For further recommendations from locals:

Is Naples safe for tourists? Best area and safety tips

Where to stay in Naples? Our final consideration!

As locals, we know that there are more locations to stay in Naples, besides the touristy ones. While each area has its own personality, these are the most important to consider: Historic Centre, Chiaia, Spanish Quarter, Vomero, and Posillipo for an upscale holiday in Naples. Consider Portici to explore Naples besides the centre.