Naples is a dense, layered city where the historic centre, the waterfront and the hills above the bay each feel like separate places. For a visitor, the main decision is whether to base yourself among the monuments and markets of the old town, near the transport hubs, or up on the quieter hills with the views.
The city runs roughly from the port and the central railway station inwards to the UNESCO-listed historic centre, then out along the seafront towards Mergellina and Chiaia, with residential neighbourhoods climbing the hills behind. This guide covers which areas to use as a base, what each is like for different kinds of traveller, and how the accommodation tiers compare.
Best areas to stay in Naples
1. Historic centre (Spaccanapoli and the Decumani)
The old town is the most atmospheric base: narrow streets, churches, workshops and street life, with the main monuments within walking distance. It suits first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of things and are happy on foot, as well as budget and mid-range travellers, since many small guesthouses and bed and breakfasts sit inside the historic centre.
Accommodation here tends to be small and tucked away, sometimes behind courtyards or up staircases, so entrances can be tricky to find. It is convenient for the archaeological sights and the Decumano Maggiore, and several properties are within easy reach of Dante and Museo metro stations.
2. Piazza Garibaldi and the central railway station
The area around the station is the transport hub of the city and the densest concentration of budget accommodation, including hostels and inexpensive hotels. It suits travellers arriving or leaving by train, those watching costs, and anyone who wants the airport and high-speed rail links close at hand.
It is central but noisy, and you should take care when choosing a place here. Several properties sit directly in front of or a short walk from the station, which makes it practical for short stays and onward trips rather than for quiet evenings.
3. Chiaia and the seafront
Chiaia is the waterfront district, running along the bay with the Galleria Umberto I and the Riviera di Chiaia nearby. It suits visitors who prefer a more polished, spacious setting while still being within reach of the centre, and it is well served by the Chiaia-Monte di Dio metro stop.
This is where you find mid-range and upmarket places, including properties inside historic palazzi. It is a good compromise between the bustle of the old town and the calm of the hills, with the ferries and the seafront walk accessible.
4. Vomero
Vomero sits on the hillside above the city and is reached by metro and funicular. It suits travellers who want quieter streets, cooler air and views over the bay and the centre, and who do not mind riding up and down to reach the sights.
Accommodation here is generally mid-range, with some elegant hotels on the hillside. The trade-off is distance: you rely on the metro and funicular rather than walking straight out into the old town.
5. Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli)
The Spanish Quarter is a dense grid of narrow streets between the centre and the hill, known for its traditional ground-floor homes, the bassi. It suits travellers who want an authentic neighbourhood atmosphere and are comfortable with steep, busy lanes.
You find small guesthouses and apartments here rather than large hotels. It is central and walkable to both the old town and the waterfront, but the streets are narrow and lively, so expect noise and hills.
6. Mergellina
Mergellina lies along the seafront further west, near the ferries and the Riviera di Chiaia. It suits visitors who want a waterfront base with easy access to boats and a slightly slower pace than the centre.
Accommodation includes hotels set inside historic buildings, some almost hidden on upper floors of old palazzi. It connects to the centre by metro and by the coastal road, making it workable for both city sightseeing and trips along the bay.
7. Capodichino and the airport area
The area around the airport, north-east of the centre, is practical rather than scenic. It suits travellers with early flights or short layovers, and those who want to be close to the terminal.
There are hotels here, including converted older buildings, and a minibus connection to Piazza del Municipio. It is not a base for sightseeing on foot, but it works for a single night before or after a flight.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels with dorms and some private rooms, small guesthouses and basic hotels, concentrated around Piazza Garibaldi and the station, with reasonably priced options also found in more pleasant central areas if you look carefully.
- Mid-range: bed and breakfasts, three-star and four-star hotels, and small properties in the historic centre, Chiaia, Vomero and Mergellina, often in restored older buildings.
- Splurge: larger and more polished hotels, including four-star properties, in the seafront districts, the hills and the centre, some set inside historic palazzi or converted buildings.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the historic centre around Spaccanapoli and the Decumani. It puts the main monuments, churches and street life within walking distance and gives you the clearest sense of the city. It also keeps you close to metro stops such as Dante and Museo, so you can reach the rest of Naples without depending on a car.
Frequently asked questions
Is Naples more expensive than other Italian cities?
Accommodation in Naples is normally cheaper than in Rome or northern Italian cities for comparable quality, and a wide range of options is available across the price tiers.
Where do budget travellers usually stay?
Many budget options are around Piazza Garibaldi and the train station, though with care you can find reasonably priced places in more pleasant areas of the city.
Do I need a car to stay in Vomero or on the hills?
Not necessarily, since Vomero is served by metro and funicular, but some hillside properties, such as those high above the city, do require a car to get around.
Which areas are best connected to the ferries and the airport?
The area around Municipio and the port is close to the ferries, while the airport area has hotels within walking distance of the terminal and a minibus link to Piazza del Municipio.
Compare live prices for your dates using the booking tools on this page before you decide.