Naples is not a city like Rome. It is much more authentic and raw, but we absolutely loved our various stays in this city. To really enjoy the city, you first have to ask yourself where to stay in Naples Italy first time.
This southern Italian gem is known for its ancient ruins, bustling markets and world-famous cuisine, and attracts travellers from all over the world. In the background, you can see the silhouette of Vesuvius and within a short drive you can visit some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches and cities.
Authentic pizzas cost just a few euros and in the small streets you can easily enjoy an ice-cold drink while watching the world go by. Of all the places we visited in Italy, Naples is definitely in the top three.
However, the neighbourhoods are different and there are certain areas that are best avoided as a tourist. However, the recommended neighbourhoods in this article are safe and offer experiences that no other neighbourhood in the whole of Italy can offer.
In brief: For most tourists, the historic center is the most practical area of all of Naples. This is where you’ll find most of the major sights, and a walk through this old part of the city will give you a good idea of what Naples is all about.
But as always, there are other options that often feel less touristy.
If you want to stay close to the coast, you can choose between Posillipo, Chiaia, and Mergenilla.
These three areas are already ranked from exclusive (luxury) to accessible (affordable).
All three are a great starting point to combine the highlights of Naples with a visit to the islands and secluded beaches.
Vomero is also a great option for those looking for an authentic experience. This neighborhood is located on a hill with beautiful views over the city and is surrounded by fantastic local restaurants and shops. Thanks to the good public transportation links, it’s easy to reach other parts of the city!
You can easily navigate to each neighborhood by tapping the link. Or go straight to the overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in Naples Italy.
The historic center is probably the most convenient area to stay in Naples. In most cities in Italy, the historic center offers the most sights and Naples is no exception. Wander through the narrow, winding streets where you will find many old churches and lively squares.
Scappanapoli, the Naples Cathedral and the Archaeological Museum are within walking distance. There are many local restaurants in the area serving typical Neapolitan dishes including pasta vongole, meatballs and of course Neapolitan pizza.
In the southern part of the historic center you will find a metro station that connects you to the central station and other nightlife areas. But the historic center offers historical masterpieces like no other area. In fact, this part of Naples has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you prioritize sightseeing and want to stay in the tourist epicenter of the city, book a hotel here. If you are looking for a more nightlife-oriented or budget-friendly area, there are alternatives.
And since the historic center has its own metro station, which is not so common compared to other historically rich cities, you always have the option to stay in another area and take the metro to the touristy, historic center. Ride to the center whenever you want.
On our last trip we stayed between the historic center and Via Toledo, the main shopping street. It is the perfect combination of sightseeing, shopping and going out and we highly recommend you do the same.
If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, Chiaia is the place to go. The area is located on the coast and offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
In the evening, many head to Chiaia for a fun night out, as the area is also known for its great nightlife. As the area caters to those with a larger budget, you’ll find plenty of upscale restaurants here, and shopaholics looking for something to match the latest fashions won’t be disappointed either.
Although Chiaia is a tourist destination in its own right, its central location offers easy access to other parts of Naples. It’s close to the historic center, the port, and the Mergellina area, with convenient links to ferries and other public transportation.
And while Chiaia is known for its modern elegance, it also has a rich historical background. The neighborhood’s architecture reflects a mix of styles from different eras.
But keep in mind that Chiaia isn’t for everyone. If you are traveling on a tighter budget, look for another area. But if your budget allows it, Chiaia is one of the best options you can have!
How to get around in Naples? Naples is a city that you can explore on foot. Most of the time you explore the city on foot. However, some parts of Naples are steep. Combined with the summer heat, it is much nicer to cover the longer distances by metro. In the steep neighborhoods, it is not an unnecessary luxury to take a taxi every now and then.
The historic center is not steep, by the way.
If you travel by train, it is good to know that there is a good connection between the usual tourist areas and Naples Central Station. So make use of this.
If you want to go to the airport, a taxi is the most convenient means of transport. There is no metro connection between the airport and the city. In July 2024, the journey from the city center to the airport costs 25 euros and it is also possible to pay by debit card.
Posillipo is a neighborhood that is located a bit further away from the city center. It is often considered one of the most prestigious and beautiful neighborhoods in Naples. Here you will find many beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples, Vesuvius and the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.
Compared to the previously recommended and luxurious neighborhoods, Posillipo offers a cultivated and quiet environment, making it an excellent neighborhood for families and couples who want to escape the busy heart of Naples and the nightlife of Chiaia. It is also the perfect neighborhood for those who want to explore hidden beaches along the coast. Naples itself does not have a nice beach, but if you travel by car you can easily find small, hidden beaches and private coves.
And once you want to go to the touristic areas, you can simply take the metro that will take you to the heart of the city.
What is not to like about Posillipo? First of all, it is considered an expensive area. Finding affordable accommodation here is virtually impossible. Secondly, it is not a neighbourhood where you can just wander around and explore one historical monument after another.
The city centre is much better suited for that. But if you are looking for a luxurious and quiet experience and want to discover beautiful cities and beaches, then Posillipo is the area you are looking for.
Vomero is one of the most vibrant and distinctive neighbourhoods in the city. Murals, flags and images of Maradona and the Naples football team can be seen all over Naples, but nowhere else in the city are the streets so decorated with their legends as here. Vomero’s elevated position offers some of the most breathtaking views in Naples.
From various viewpoints such as Castel Sant’Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the entire city, the Bay of Naples and the imposing Vesuvius. As you would expect from a lively neighbourhood like Vomero, there is an abundance of local, authentic restaurants.
In the evening, you can enjoy an ice-cold beer or an Aperol Spritz in one of the many (street) bars. Thanks to an efficient public transport network, Vomero is well connected to the rest of Naples.
The area is served by three funiculars (Centrale, Chiaia and Montesanto) and a metro line, making the city centre and other parts of Naples easily accessible. This accessibility makes Vomero a convenient base for exploring the city. However, be aware that the area itself can be quite steep.
While not all major attractions are within walking distance, Vomero offers a certain level of authenticity that in some ways makes it a better option than the historic center. Especially if you want to experience the real Naples, you should consider staying here.
Mergellina is the last area we recommend and it is also located on the coast of Naples. It is an affordable alternative to the luxurious Posillipo. If you are planning to visit places like Capri and Ischia, it can be quite convenient to stay in this area.
You have good access to the metro line that takes you directly to the historic center and the central station, making it easy to travel around the city to the important parts. The area itself is quite quiet, although many boats and yachts dock in the beautiful harbor of Mergellina.
Especially if you are traveling with children, this area is a great option, as you get much more for your money and the area is quieter compared to the busy areas around the city center.
The only thing worth mentioning is that you always have to travel a bit to reach the main attractions, but as I said, it is easy to get around from Mergellina.
Historic Center: This is by far the most convenient area for sightseeing. Unless you want to stay somewhere luxurious or quiet on the beach, you will want to stay as close to this area as possible.
Chiaia: This is one of the more luxurious areas on the beach with a great nightlife. If you are looking for something luxurious and entertaining in the evening, Chiaia will not disappoint!
Posillipo: If you are looking for pure luxury, this is the place to stay. It is the most prestigious part of Naples with incredible views and is pleasantly quiet in the evenings.
Vomero: Located on a hill near the historic center, Vomero offers an authentic experience full of great local food and nightlife. You have good access to public transportation so you don’t have to climb all those stairs if you don’t want to.
Mergellina: Mergellina is an affordable neighborhood with good access to the port, which takes you to the islands, as well as the metro, which takes you to the tourist center and the central station. It’s a great option if you’re traveling with kids and want value-for-money accommodations.
*Tapping on the neighborhood will take you directly to the relevant section of the article for more detailed information.
