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.
It’s the city we ended our trip by train through Italy back in 2025, and we had such a blast.
However, the neighbourhoods are different, and there are certain areas that are best avoided as a tourist.
The recommended neighbourhoods in this article are safe, though, and offer experiences that no other neighbourhood in the whole of Italy can offer.
Let’s dive in!
The best areas to stay in Naples Italy for the first time are the Historic Center, Posillipo, Chiaia, Mergenilla and Vomero.
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 summary of the best neighborhoods to stay in Naples Italy.
The historic center (Centro Storico) is easily one of the most convenient areas to stay in Naples.
Like in many Italian cities, this is where you’ll find the highest concentration of sights, and Naples is no exception.
Expect a maze of narrow, winding streets, lined with centuries-old churches, bustling squares, and that raw, energetic atmosphere the city is known for.
Many of Naples’ highlights are within walking distance.
You’ve got Spaccanapoli cutting straight through the old town, the impressive Naples Cathedral, and the world-class National Archaeological Museum of Naples all nearby.
In between sightseeing, you’ll find countless local restaurants serving classic Neapolitan dishes (think pasta vongole, meatballs, and of course, the city’s iconic pizza).
Towards the southern edge of the historic center, you’ll find metro connections that link you to the main train station and other parts of the city, including more nightlife-oriented neighborhoods.
Still, the Centro Storico itself is all about culture and history. It’s no surprise that this entire area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If your priority is sightseeing and being right in the heart of it all, this is the place to stay.
That said, if you’re after a more nightlife-focused or budget-friendly experience, there are better options elsewhere in the city.
One thing that makes Naples stand out is that even its historic center is relatively well connected by metro… something you don’t always see in cities this old.
That gives you flexibility: you can stay in a different neighborhood and still reach the historic core quickly whenever you want.
On our last trip, we stayed between the historic center and Via Toledo, the city’s main shopping street.
It turned out to be the perfect balance between sightseeing, shopping, and going out, and it’s something we’d highly recommend.
If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, Chiaia is the place to be.
Set along the coast, this elegant neighborhood offers beautiful views over the Gulf of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius rising in the background.
Chiaia really comes to life in the evening.
Many locals and visitors head here for a night out, as the area is known for its lively yet refined nightlife.
You’ll find plenty of upscale restaurants, stylish bars, and high-end boutiques… especially around streets like Via dei Mille.
If you enjoy a bit of shopping or dining in a more polished setting, this area won’t disappoint.
Despite its more exclusive feel, Chiaia is still very well located.
It sits within easy reach of the Centro Storico, the port, and the Mergellina waterfront, with good access to ferries and public transport.
That makes it a convenient base for exploring both Naples and the surrounding areas.
What we liked about Chiaia is that it balances modern elegance with a sense of history.
The architecture reflects a mix of different periods, giving the neighborhood a bit more depth than you might expect at first glance.
That said, Chiaia isn’t the best fit for every traveler.
Prices here are noticeably higher than in most other parts of Naples.
If you’re on a tighter budget, you’ll get more value elsewhere.
But if your budget allows it, Chiaia is easily one of the most comfortable and stylish areas you can choose.
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 located a bit further from the city center, but it’s often considered one of the most prestigious and beautiful areas in Naples.
Perched on a hillside, it offers some of the best views in the region: over the Gulf of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius and the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida visible in the distance.
Compared to areas like Chiaia, Posillipo feels much quieter and more residential.
It has a calm, refined atmosphere that makes it especially appealing for families and couples who want to escape the busy heart of Naples and its nightlife.
It’s also a great base if you’re interested in exploring the coastline, where you’ll find small, hidden beaches and private coves tucked away between the cliffs.
Naples itself isn’t really known for its beaches, but staying here gives you a better shot at finding those more secluded spots… especially if you’re traveling by car.
When you do want to head into the city, public transport connects you back to the more touristy areas, including the historic center.
It’s not quite as immediate as staying centrally, but still manageable with a bit of planning.
Of course, Posillipo isn’t without its downsides.
It’s an expensive neighborhood, and finding budget-friendly accommodation here is difficult.
It’s also not the kind of place where you step outside and find yourself surrounded by major sights.
For that, areas like the Centro Storico are a much better fit.
But if you’re looking for a quieter, more luxurious experience… with incredible views and easy access to some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the region, Posillipo is hard to beat.
Vomero is one of the most vibrant and distinctive neighborhoods in Naples… and a place where the city’s identity really comes to life.
You’ll see references to Diego Maradona all over Naples, but nowhere are they as visible as here.
Murals, flags, and tributes to Napoli’s football culture are part of the streetscape, giving the area a strong local character.
Set high above the city, Vomero offers some of the best views in Naples.
From landmarks like Castel Sant’Elmo and Certosa di San Martino, you get sweeping panoramas over the historic center, the Bay of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius.
It’s the kind of view that reminds you just how dramatic this city’s setting really is.
Vomero also stands out for its food scene.
You’ll find plenty of authentic, local restaurants here: less geared toward tourists and more toward Neapolitans themselves.
In the evening, the neighborhood has a relaxed but lively atmosphere, with locals gathering at bars and terraces for a beer or an Aperol Spritz.
Getting around is easier than you might expect.
Vomero is well connected thanks to three funicular lines: Funicolare Centrale, Funicolare di Chiaia, and Funicolare di Montesanto… as well as a metro line.
These links make it quick and straightforward to reach the city center and other neighborhoods, despite the elevation.
That elevated position does come with one small downside: the area is quite steep, and getting around on foot can take some effort.
Also, while Vomero has plenty to offer, most of Naples’ major sights aren’t right on your doorstep.
Still, that’s part of its appeal.
Vomero feels more local, more lived-in, and in many ways more authentic than the Centro Storico.
If you want to experience everyday life in Naples while still having easy access to the highlights, this is a fantastic area to base yourself.
Mergellina is the last area we recommend, and it’s a great coastal alternative if you want to stay just outside the busy city center.
Often seen as a more affordable option compared to nearby Posillipo, Mergellina offers a nice balance between comfort, location, and price.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is its proximity to the harbor.
If you’re planning day trips to islands like Capri or Ischia, this area is especially convenient, with ferries departing nearby.
The waterfront itself is lively but not overwhelming, with boats and yachts lining the marina and a pleasant promenade to walk along.
Getting around is straightforward.
Mergellina has good access to public transport, including metro and train connections that take you directly to the Centro Storico and the central station.
That makes it easy to explore the main attractions without staying right in the middle of the chaos.
What stands out most is the atmosphere.
Compared to the historic center, Mergellina feels calmer and more residential.
It’s a great choice if you’re traveling with family or simply prefer a quieter base, while still having everything within reach.
You also tend to get more value for your money here, with better hotels for the same budget.
The main trade-off is that you’re not within walking distance of Naples’ top sights.
You’ll need to rely on public transport or taxis to get around.
But given how well connected the area is, that’s a fairly small compromise for the extra space, peace, and convenience you get in return.
| Name of the area | Ideal for |
|---|---|
| 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 with great local cuisine and nightlife. It’s well-connected by 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 connections to the port, which takes you to the islands, and to the metro, which connects you to the tourist center and the main train station. It’s a great option if you’re traveling with children and looking for accommodation that offers excellent value for money. |
