Are you traveling to Southern Italy and looking for where to stay in Naples and which area to choose ? To help with your search, I’ve listed in this travel guide the best-located accommodations. To do this, I selected hotels, apartments, and guesthouses in the city’s best areas. Each has its own character and atmosphere, so it’s important to choose according to your expectations and preferences. And of course, as always, I’ll also share my budget-friendly addresses for travelers on a tight budget.
What is the best area to stay in Naples ? Which accommodation to choose to be close to the must-see sites ? I share all my tips in this guide (we regularly go to Naples as my wife is Neapolitan). And to make sure you don’t miss anything during your trip, I invite you to read my article what to do in Naples.
Where to stay in Naples: map of the areas
The map below shows the areas of Naples where I recommend staying. The sprawling city extends far beyond this perimeter, but the other areas have no tourist interest for travelers. Also note that the neighborhoods presented in this guide are not dangerous. I noticed that this is often a question asked on travel forums. Unfortunately, the city still carries its bad reputation linked to the Neapolitan mafia. But rest assured, things have changed quite a bit in recent years. The only risks are scams or pickpocketing, as in many European cities.
One last point before looking for where to stay in Naples : do not rent a car, as it will be useless for visiting the city. Moreover, it is difficult to find parking in the historic center and even harder to find accommodation with parking (unless you stay farther away). If you plan to continue your trip on the Amalfi Coast, rent a vehicle after exploring the city.
Historic Center : the best area to stay in Naples
This is the area you should visit first in Naples, where most tourist attractions are located and where you can best feel the soul of the city. The centro storico, as it is called in Italian, is the best place to stay in Naples if you’re looking for a typical atmosphere. The entire area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its 3,000 years of history. The narrow streets of the old town are dotted with numerous buildings, churches, restaurants, bars, and pizzerias.
This is the area I recommend and where we stay every time we come to Naples. Rest assured, the historic center is not necessarily noisy. You can find many quiet apartments even in this part of the city (most Airbnb accommodations overlook inner courtyards rather than the street itself). It is also one of the best areas to go out at night and where you’ll find the city’s best pizzerias.
- 69 € : House della Grotta, this studio is one of the cheapest addresses for staying in Naples in the historic center. Despite its 28 m², it can accommodate up to 4 people, which will especially appeal to families on a tight budget.
- 78 € : A fenestrella e San Gregoria Armeno, very well located in the heart of the historic center and near the main sights, this 30 m² apartment can accommodate up to 3 people. It has a small kitchenette and offers free breakfast.
- 83 € : Decumano Home, located on Via dei Tribunali (the most emblematic street in the center), this accommodation with a bedroom and a living room can host 2 to 4 people. Spacious, quiet, and equipped with a kitchen, it’s a great place to stay in Naples.
- 107 € : Miracolo al Duomo Smart Accomodations, this guesthouse near the Cappella Sansevero Museum offers beautifully decorated deluxe rooms with a balcony (overlooking the inner courtyard, so very quiet).
- 119 € : Napoli Squares Suites, large and beautiful modern rooms (with or without a balcony) in this bed and breakfast very well located in the historic center. The big plus is the rooftop available to guests with deck chairs and bean bags.
The Chiaia district
The Chiaia district will appeal to shopping lovers, especially those interested in luxury boutiques. It is one of the most upscale areas of Naples. It has many shops and restaurants but few monuments or sights. It is located west of the historic center, which can be reached in a 15-minute walk. Metro line 2 (Amadeo stop) serves the Chiaia district, making it easy to get around. It’s an area to consider if you’re looking for accommodation in a quieter and more upscale atmosphere than the historic center.
- 59 € : Maison Hermès in Chiaia, this guesthouse near a metro station offers large double rooms with private bathrooms at a very good value for staying in Naples in the Chiaia district. The kitchenette allows you to prepare meals when you don’t feel like going out.
- 87 € : Aurora Luxury Rooms, this accommodation located at the beginning of the Chiaia district is recent and fully renovated. It offers beautiful, well-decorated rooms, some with a terrace. Breakfast available for €5.
- 93 € : B&B La Movida, the large deluxe rooms in this well-located accommodation in Naples’ Chiaia district are close to many nightlife spots. Breakfast is included in the price.
- 95 € : B&B Residenza Via Dei Mille, set in a beautiful building 15 minutes on foot from Piazza del Plebiscito, this bed and breakfast offers large, well-equipped rooms. Breakfast is included in the price.
- 161 € : Blue Flat, this large 60 m² apartment with sea views is fully equipped for a long stay in Naples. It can accommodate up to 4 people, perfect for large families or couples traveling together.
The Spanish Quarters
The Spanish Quarters, remnants of the time when Naples was under Spanish rule, are a very popular area inhabited in particular by more modest families. It remains a lively neighborhood with a typical atmosphere (but I prefer the historic center). The Spanish Quarters long had a bad reputation because of various illegal activities, but today it is a fairly touristy and busy area.
If you choose accommodation around Via Toledo (Naples’ main shopping street), you will be close to everything and to public transport (funicular and metro). The historic center is a 10-minute walk from the Spanish Quarters.
- 57 € : Quartieri Spagnoli Home, this is the cheapest address for staying in Naples in the Spanish Quarters while still receiving very good traveler reviews. The one-bedroom apartment is equipped with a kitchen.
- 59 € : Melissa a Toledo, another cheap accommodation in Naples that will interest budget travelers. The 26 m² house has a balcony with city views. Very well located, the Toledo metro stop is right next to this accommodation.
- 80 € : B&B Ruffo Nel cuore di Napoli, this bed and breakfast receives glowing reviews from travelers, especially for the wonderful welcome from the host. It has a large bedroom and a kitchen, with breakfast included every morning.
- 86 € : Neapolitan Style Apartment, a beautiful 35 m² apartment fully equipped and nicely decorated in the heart of the Spanish Quarters. It also has a balcony with city views. Well located for exploring the neighborhood and the city.
- 101 € : La Dimora di Don Antonio a Toledo, this comfortable and well-located apartment will particularly appeal to large families or groups of friends as it can accommodate 2 to 4 people. Metro stop very close by.
The Vomero district
Certainly the most upscale area of Naples, the Vomero hill offers magnificent views over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. It is one of the must-see spots for tourists. The San Martino Charterhouse and Castel Sant’Elmo are among the main highlights.
The Vomero hill is connected to the historic center and the Spanish Quarters by a funicular. Metro line 1 also stops here (Vanvitelli). Here you are far from the graffiti-covered building facades of the historic center; instead, you’ll mainly find beautiful, well-maintained buildings and no trash lying outside. But this is clearly not where you will feel the city’s vibrant soul. Moreover, I find this district slightly out of the way compared to the main sights. It’s an area to consider if you’re looking for peace and quiet in an upscale, green neighborhood.
- 63 € : Gians B&B, in the center of Vomero hill, this guesthouse offers modern double rooms with balconies and city views. It is one of the cheapest accommodations for staying in Naples in this district. Breakfast is also included.
- 75 € : B&B Da Vito a San Martino, one of the best-rated accommodations in Vomero, especially at this price. The rooms offer a king-size bed and a very good breakfast included in the rate.
- 86 € : The Andy House B&B, this guesthouse offers beautiful modern rooms with breakfast included. The accommodation is located very close to a metro station. Parking available for €20 per day.
- 100 € : Le Petit Palais, this bed and breakfast located in Naples’ Vomero district is right next to the San Martino Charterhouse. It offers rooms with superb views and breakfast included. A very nice address for those seeking peace and quiet.
- 151 € : Hotel Cimarosa, one of the few hotels in the Vomero district (this one is a 3-star), which will appeal to travelers who prefer this type of accommodation with included services. Well located in the district and breakfast included.
La Sanità district
La Sanità is located just north of the historic center. It is a popular neighborhood full of small markets. But contrary to what I have read elsewhere, La Sanità is neither poor nor dangerous. If you want to meet locals, this is the ideal place since there are no tourists as in the historic center.
The La Sanità district is just a few minutes walk from the main sights and is well served by metro lines 1 and 2 at Piazza Cavour. The Naples Archaeological Museum (one of the most beautiful) is located here. It’s a good compromise for those looking for an authentic neighborhood away from tourists.
- 48 € : Napoli paradise, the cheapest accommodation in the La Sanità district, ideal for those who want to stay in Naples on a small budget. The 25 m² apartment with a kitchen also includes breakfast.
- 56 € : Casa Bella mbriana, a small modern 20 m² studio with a kitchenette that will delight tourists looking for cheap accommodation in Naples for a stay in an authentic neighborhood. Good value for money.
- 102 € : Museo19, beautiful modern rooms in this B&B very well located on Piazza Cavour, with the advantage of offering an unobstructed view of the square and its garden. Breakfast included and close to everything, a great address for staying in Naples.
- 130 € : Spanish Palace Rooms, Apartment & Terrace, the most iconic accommodation in Naples’ La Sanità district, as it is located in the famous Palazzo dello Spagnolo, known for its staircase (photo above). Lovely modern double rooms or an apartment with a terrace. Breakfast included.
Where to stay in Naples near the train station ?
As in all major cities, it is in the train station area that you will find the cheapest accommodations in Naples. The proximity of the central station can be convenient if you want to visit Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, or the Amalfi Coast during your stay. The station is close enough to the historic center to reach it on foot. Around the station, you’ll find several budget hotel chains.
- 45 € : Cinquestelle, the cheapest address in Naples and close to the station while still being very well rated (all the accommodations in this guide are, in fact). Very good value for money; below this price you’ll need to choose a hostel (or be less concerned about quality).
- 48 € : Mahalo B&b, this bed and breakfast with large rooms and modern bathrooms is located less than 700 meters from the central station. Book as early as possible to get the best rates.
- 50 € : Valentine’s house, another bed and breakfast with lovely rooms in the Naples station district, but the advantage of this one is that it includes breakfast in the rate, convenient for food lovers.
- 57 € : Naptown Rooms, this very well-rated guesthouse located 700 meters from the central station offers modern rooms with minimalist decor. Also offers single rooms for solo travelers.
The best hostels in Naples
Backpackers and other budget travelers will be delighted to know that there are hostels in the capital of Campania. Beds in shared dormitories (some reserved for women) are popular with travelers looking to stay in Naples on a very small budget.
- 19 € : Atlantic Ostello B&B, beds in separate dormitories for men and women. The hostel is close to the central station.
- 24 € : Hostel of the Sun, mixed dormitories of 4, 6, or 8 beds with breakfast included. Very well located in the city and close to the port (ideal for taking the ferry).
- 25 € : Naples Experience Hostel, in this hostel, dinner is included in addition to the bed. Located in the north of the city.
- 35 € : HOPESTEL Secret Garden Napoli, this superbly located hostel with its garden offers dormitories of 6 or 10 beds. Close to the center and the metro.
How to get from the airport to your accommodation in Naples ?
Capodichino Airport is located 4 km from the center of Naples (allow about 10 to 20 minutes by car depending on traffic and the time of day). To get to the center, you have two options :
Alibus airport shuttle: this is a special bus line that runs in a loop between the train station (where many cheap accommodations are located), the airport, and the historic center. It then continues to the port of Mossa and the port of Beverello (also in central Naples). Tickets cost €5 and can be purchased on this website or from ticket machines at the airport. The Alibus shuttle runs every 10 to 20 minutes.
Taxi: taxis in Naples use a meter and there is a surcharge for luggage. However, from the airport there is a fixed fare to reach the center. It is €21 for the central station or the historic center and €24 for Piazza Municipio. Make sure to ask for the fixed fare before getting in; otherwise, the taxi driver will use the meter.
This accommodation guide is now coming to an end, you should now know where to stay in Naples in Italy. If you have any questions or even a place to recommend, feel free to use the blog comments.
My other articles on accommodation in Italy