Naples is one of Italy’s most vibrant and underrated cities—rich in history, culture, and unbeatable food.
But with its mix of ancient neighborhoods, scenic coastal areas, and lively local districts, deciding where to stay can be a challenge, especially if it’s your first visit.
If you’re planning a trip to southern Italy, one of the first questions you’ll ask is where to stay in Naples? In this guide you will know all about it.
And once you’ve chosen your base, don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Naples to help you plan the rest of your itinerary—from iconic sites to hidden gems
Naples Historic Center (Centro Storico)
Why Choose Centro Storico
I’ll never forget my first night staying in Naples’ historic center.
It was intimidating at first — I won’t lie! But by morning, I’d fallen completely in love with this chaotic, authentic neighborhood.
The Centro Storico is Naples at its most raw and real.
This UNESCO World Heritage site spans several smaller districts including Spaccanapoli (literally “Naples splitter”) — a perfectly straight street that cuts through the ancient grid system dating back to Greek times!
I’ve stayed here during three different trips to Naples, and it remains my top recommendation for first-time visitors who want the full-sensory Neapolitan experience.
Accommodation Options in the Historic Center
For budget travelers, check out Hostel of the Sun or NapHub, both offering clean rooms and the chance to meet other travelers.
My personal favorite mid-range option is Hotel Piazza Bellini, housed in a 16th-century palace with a peaceful courtyard that feels miles away from the busy streets outside.
If you’re splurging, Grand Hotel Oriente offers more refined accommodations while still keeping you close to all the action.
What to See and Do
The best part about staying in Centro Storico? Everything is within walking distance!
You can stumble upon incredible treasures just by wandering around — underground Roman ruins, tiny artisan workshops, and what I consider the world’s best pizza at places like Da Michele and Sorbillo.
I once spent an entire afternoon just exploring different churches, each one more spectacular than the last, with incredible artwork that would be headline attractions in any other city.
Popular hotels and price
Smart Hotel Napoli – from $81
Dimora Duomo – from $105
Palazzo Salgar – from $94
Nap Luxury Guest House – from $102
Grand Hotel Oriente – from $265
Chiaia – Naples’ Elegant Waterfront District
Discovering Chiaia’s Charm
During my second trip to Naples, I decided to switch things up and move to Chiaia for a completely different experience.
I was in for a treat! Stepping into Chiaia felt like entering another city entirely — wide streets, elegant buildings, designer shops, and that gorgeous waterfront promenade that makes for the perfect sunset stroll.
Chiaia is basically Naples’ posh neighborhood, where you’ll find the city’s upper crust shopping, dining, and living their best lives.
The first thing that struck me was how much cleaner and calmer it felt compared to the historic center.
No offense to Centro Storico (which I adore), but sometimes you just need a break from the intensity!
Luxury and Mid-Range Accommodations
I stayed at the Exe Majestic, which wasn’t the fanciest option in the area but offered incredible value with spacious rooms and a location just steps from the Villa Comunale gardens.
If you’re looking to treat yourself, the Grand Hotel Vesuvio is THE place — old-world luxury with stunning Bay of Naples views that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy.
I splurged on drinks at their rooftop bar even though I wasn’t staying there, and watching the sunset over the sea with Vesuvius in the distance was worth every euro.
Shopping and Dining Experiences
Shopping in Chiaia is dangerously good.
Via Chiaia and Via dei Mille are lined with everything from Italian designer boutiques to unique local shops.
I’d planned to “just browse” and somehow ended up with two new pairs of handmade Italian leather shoes.
The restaurant scene here is more refined than in other parts of Naples.
Don’t miss Palazzo Petrucci if you’re celebrating something special — their contemporary take on traditional Neapolitan cuisine earned them a Michelin star.
For something more casual but equally delicious, I loved the seafood at Al Faretto, where tables spill out onto a charming square.
Perfect For
Chiaia is perfect for couples looking for romance, fashion enthusiasts, or anyone who wants a more relaxed Neapolitan experience without sacrificing authenticity.
The only downside? It’s definitely pricier than other neighborhoods, both for accommodations and dining.
Popular hotels and price
Grand Hotel Parker’s – from $375
Hilton De Bonart – from $371
Palazzo Cappuccini Art Relais – from $180
Belledonne Suite & Gallery – from $160
Relais sul Mare – from $148
Vomero – Panoramic Views and Residential Calm
Why Vomero Surprised Me
When a local friend suggested I stay in Vomero during my third visit to Naples, I was skeptical.
“But it’s so far from everything!” I protested. She just smiled knowingly and said, “Trust me.”
After spending four days in this hillside neighborhood, I had to admit she was absolutely right — Vomero quickly became my favorite place to stay in Naples!
Perched high above the city, Vomero offers breathtaking panoramic views that literally stopped me in my tracks the first time I emerged from the funicular station.
The Bay of Naples stretched out before me, with Vesuvius looming in the distance and the entire historic center laid out like a living map.
I found myself taking the same photos at different times of day because the changing light was just too beautiful to resist.
Where to Stay in Vomero
I stayed at a lovely B&B called Casa Mira Napoli, run by a wonderful woman named Simona who made me feel like family from the moment I arrived.
The room was spacious and modern, with a small balcony overlooking a quiet residential street.
For mid-range options, Hotel Cimarosa offers great value, while the more upscale Relais Villa Buonanno provides a truly special experience if you’re willing to spend more.
Must-See Attractions in Vomero
Two attractions not to miss in Vomero are Castel Sant’Elmo, a medieval fortress with 360-degree views, and the adjacent Certosa di San Martino, a former monastery turned museum with incredible architecture and art collections.
I spent an entire morning exploring these and considered it time well spent!
The Local Experience
The main shopping area around Via Scarlatti and Via Luca Giordano is filled with well-dressed Neapolitans going about their daily business.
Restaurants here cater to locals rather than tourists, meaning authentic food without inflated prices!
I became a regular at Pizzeria Oliva, where their classic Margherita pizza rivaled anything I’d had downtown.
The only real drawback is that you’ll need to take public transportation to reach other parts of the city — but with the spectacular views waiting when you return “home,” I hardly considered that a problem!
Popular hotels and price
Hotel Cimarosa – from $118
Villa Albina – from $74
Albergo Oasi – from $51
Casa Mira Napoli (B&B) – from $90
Smart Hotel Napoli – from $73
Santa Lucia and Mergellina – Seaside Charm
Morning Walks by the Bay
I’ve always believed that there’s something magical about staying near water, and my time in Naples’ seaside neighborhoods of Santa Lucia and Mergellina definitely confirmed that feeling!
These adjacent waterfront districts offer a gentler introduction to Naples than the intense historic center, while still providing an authentic slice of city life.
My first morning in Santa Lucia remains one of my favorite Naples memories.
I woke up early (thanks, jet lag!) and decided to take a walk along the waterfront just as the sun was rising.
Fishermen were bringing in their morning catch, locals were setting up for their day, and the light hitting Mount Vesuvius across the bay was absolutely golden.
I grabbed a coffee from a tiny bar where the barista already seemed to know everyone’s order, and for that perfect moment, I felt like I belonged.
Where to Stay Along the Waterfront
Accommodation options along this stretch of coastline tend toward the mid-range and luxury end.
I splurged on the Grand Hotel Santa Lucia for two nights, mainly for those incredible sea views from my balcony. The rooms were classic Italian elegance — perhaps a touch dated, but impeccably maintained.
For something more affordable but still with great views, Hotel Rex is a good compromise. If you’re traveling with family or staying longer, there are also some lovely apartment rentals in this area offering more space and kitchenettes.
Seafood and Seaside Dining
The food scene in Santa Lucia and Mergellina is heavily focused on seafood, as you might expect.
I had one of the best seafood risottos of my life at Transatlantico, right on the waterfront.
Just be aware that restaurants with prime sea views often charge accordingly! For more reasonable prices with equally delicious food, head a couple of blocks inland.
Island Access and Promenade Life
The real highlight of staying in these neighborhoods is the easy access to the water.
The Lungomare (seafront promenade) stretches for over 2 miles and makes for a perfect morning jog or evening passeggiata (stroll).
From Mergellina harbor, you can catch ferries to the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida for day trips.
Santa Lucia and Mergellina are ideal for romantic getaways, sea lovers, or anyone who wants a slightly gentler Naples experience.
Popular hotels and price
Grand Hotel Santa Lucia – from $221
Hotel Rex – from $148
Hotel Mergellina – from $120
Hotel Paradiso – from $135
B&B Mergellina – from $95
Naples Central Station Area – Convenient Hub for Explorers
Practicality Over Charm
I’m going to be totally honest here — when I first stayed near Naples Central Station (Napoli Centrale/Garibaldi), it was purely for practical reasons.
What I discovered, though, was that while this neighborhood isn’t the most charming in Naples, it offers incredible convenience that can make it the perfect base for certain types of travelers.
Not only for trains to Rome, Florence, and beyond, but also the Circumvesuviana local trains that take you directly to Pompeii and Herculaneum.
For someone planning several day trips or with an early departure, that’s hard to beat!
Improved Accommodation Options
Accommodation options around the station have improved tremendously in recent years.
My top pick is definitely the UNAHOTELS Napoli, which has surprisingly elegant rooms and a gorgeous rooftop restaurant with views of Vesuvius.
For budget travelers, B&B Hotel Napoli offers clean, modern rooms without frills but with everything you need.
There are also numerous small hotels and guesthouses catering to travelers in transit..
Dining Near the Station
Food options near the station tend toward the quick and convenient rather than gastronomic experiences.
That said, I discovered a few gems like Trattoria Da Nennella, about a 10-minute walk from the station, where the boisterous atmosphere and generous portions of homestyle cooking made for a memorable evening.
There are also plenty of quick pizza spots and cafes for grabbing something on the go.
Ideal for Day-Trippers
This area is perfect for railway travelers, budget-conscious visitors, and especially those planning multiple day trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast.
The money you save on accommodation can go toward amazing experiences, and the time you save on commuting is priceless.
Just set your expectations accordingly — you’re choosing convenience over charm, and that’s a perfectly valid travel strategy in my book!
Popular hotels and price
UNAHOTELS Napoli – from $107
B&B Hotel Napoli – from $81
Hotel Garibaldi – from $95
Hotel Ideal – from $70
Hotel Colombo – from $65
Where to Stay in Naples Without Overspending
When I first started planning my trip to Naples years ago, I was honestly worried that my modest budget would keep me from truly experiencing this amazing city.
I couldn’t have been more wrong! Naples remains one of the most affordable major cities in Western Europe, and I’ve discovered that staying on a budget here doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or location.
Hostel Scene and Social Stays
Hostels in Naples have really upped their game in recent years.
Giovanni’s Home, located in the historic center, became my home away from home during one visit. For around €25-30 per night for a dorm bed in 2025, I got a clean place to sleep, free breakfast, and the invaluable advice of Giovanni himself, who treats guests like family. For solo travelers, the social atmosphere at Hostel of the Sun makes it easy to find exploring buddies for day trips to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast.
Guesthouses and B&Bs my home away from home during one visit. For around €25-30 per night for a dorm bed in 2025, I got a clean place to sleep, free breakfast, and the invaluable advice of Giovanni himself, who treats guests like family. For solo travelers, the social atmosphere at Hostel of the Sun makes it easy to find exploring buddies for day trips to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast.
For Longer Stay
For families or longer stays, apartment rentals can offer significant savings, especially when you factor in the ability to prepare some of your own meals. During a 10-day stay, I rented a simple one-bedroom apartment near Piazza Dante through a local agency rather than the big international sites. I paid about €65 per night, had twice the space of a hotel room, and saved at least €20 daily by preparing my own breakfast and the occasional dinner using amazing ingredients from nearby markets.
Money Saving Tips
One money-saving tip I’ve learned over multiple visits: prices in Naples fluctuate dramatically by season. My November stay cost literally half what similar accommodations would have in August. If you have flexibility, visiting during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) gives you decent weather without peak prices. And always, always book directly with smaller properties when possible — they often offer discounts for direct bookings since they save on commission fees.
