Where you stay in Naples, Italy can have a huge impact on your travel experience. We've already established that Napoli is not the safest of cities, but choosing a good neighborhood can take some of the stress away.

In compiling this list, I've looked into the different tourist attractions, metro lines, and of course, safety concerns with the city. So, here are the top 5 best areas for first-time visitors to stay in, as well as some specific hotel and guesthouse recommendations for each area.

Summary Of The Best Area To Stay In Naples

• Naples Historic Center: Best for first-time visitors as you get to experience Naples in its true essence. It's also home to multiple sightseeing attractions.

• Piazza del Plebiscito + City Center: Safe and high-traffic area that's perfect for solo female travelers and families. Walking distance from top attractions.

• Chiaia: Affluent and sophisticated neighborhood with high-end shopping, cosmopolitan nightlife, and ocean views.

• Central Station: Situates you in the center of all intra- and inter-city transportation.

• Naples Waterfront: Relaxed vacation vibes and luxury stays for slow travelers spending more time in the city.

Naples Historic Center (Centro Storico)

Best For: first-time visitors that don't mind a little grime

This is where I stayed for my 2-day trip in Naples and I couldn't recommend it enough.

Historic Old Town (Centro Storico) is a UNESCO world heritage site that dates back to 470 B.C.E. This neighborhood marries the old with the new and is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions like Spaccanapoli and the Duomo di Napoli.

It's also one of the busiest neighborhoods in the city and you can expect to come shoulder-to-shoulder with a fellow traveler when squeezing through the narrow, vendor-packed alleys. Grab a spritz and a fried pizza off the street and relish in an authentic Neapolitan atmosphere like none other.

Heads up that the streets are quite narrow and apartments are right next to each other, so you can expect to hear your neighbors shouting at one another even deep into the night. I'm from New York though so city sounds are pretty comforting, and if you're like me, you'll have a great time.

My Top Hotel Picks For Centro Storico:

Piazza del Plebiscito + City Center

Best For: solo travelers and families looking for more space

On to the modern city center!

The area around Piazza del Plebiscito and Via Toledo is my second pick for best neighborhoods to stay in. It's a fairly populated area that's ideal for solo (female) travelers that want a little more quiet or families looking for some space.

It's less crowded than the Historic Center, but still within walking distance to major attractions like the Royal Palace of Naples or Galleria Umberto I.

This neighborhood also features several metro stations and bus stations so it's easy for you to get around to any of the other sights that you might want to see.

My Top Hotel Picks For City Center:

BOOKING TIP:

For more sustainable accommodations, sort the hotels by the "travel sustainable" filter. This ensures that the stay you're looking at is doing all they can to move the industry in the right direction.

Chiaia

Best For: couples, girl trips, and romantics

If you want to experience upscale, modern, Neapolitan culture, Chiaia is for you. This waterfront promenade is home to some of Naples' best restaurants and prestigious art galleries (I'm talking about the Museo Pignatelli).

Accommodations in Chiaia tend to be on the pricier side but it's well worth it. With romantic waterfront views and clean, walkable, charming streets, this neighborhood gives you an off-the-beaten-path peek at local living.

My Top Hotel Picks For Chiaia:

Central Station

Best For: budget backpackers on the move

When I'm traveling, I tend to prioritize accommodations close to train stations. It's so much less stressful when you know that you're not going to be stranded after arriving at your destination.

Central Station is the central hub for all trains going in and out of the city. Most buses also stop here so if you plan on using Naples as a base for day trips and are going to be on the move, then you might want to consider staying around Central Station.

This neighborhood can feel a little dangerous at night but if you're concerned about safety, pick a hotel to the west of the station (closer to the Historic Center) and you should be fine.

My Top Hotel Picks For Central Station:

Naples Waterfront:

Best For: slow travelers that want to experience the city without feeling like they live in the city

Explore the Italian coast without traveling too far south. The Naples Waterfront (Lungomare di Napoli or Lungomare Santa Lucia) offers relaxing holiday vibes that are drastically different from the edgy and grungy feel of the rest of the city.

The thing about staying in this neighborhood is that you can still access all the typical tourist attractions, but also have the option for peace and quiet on the water. Lungomare is ideal for digital nomads trying to vacation while they work or people who enjoy a slower pace of travel.

This is also the best place to stay in if you're visiting Naples in the summer. Grab your sustainable swimwear and head to Villa Comunale and Mappatella Beach for a quick dip in the gulf.

My Top Hotel Picks Naples Waterfront:

Naples is one of the most underrated cities in the country and I'm glad that you've decided to visit it for a few days. This guide gives a general overview for where to stay, but as always, you should custom tailor it to your own itinerary.

For more on Italy and slow travel, check out How To Spend Three Weeks In Italy, Best Places To Visit In Italy For First Timers and How To Pack A Two Week Travel Capsule Wardrobe.

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