Where to Stay in Naples Italy

Where to Stay in Naples for First Timers: Breakdown by Neighborhood

Naples is a vibrant, chaotic, and deeply fascinating city, where every neighborhood offers a totally different vibe. From historic alleyways filled with the aroma of pizza margherita to elegant seaside promenades and panoramic hilltop views, where you stay can completely shape your experience as a first-time visitor.

If it’s your first trip to Naples, it’s best to base yourself in one of the city’s central and well-connected neighborhoods — Centro Storico, Chiaia, Vomero, Lungomare & Santa Lucia, or Quartieri Spagnoli.

Each of these areas showcases a different side of Naples — from ancient ruins and lively piazzas to elegant shopping streets and seafront sunsets.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of these five neighborhoods, with hotel recommendations for every budget and things to do nearby, so you can choose the area that best fits your travel style.

A Complete Guide on Where to Stay in Naples for First-Time Visitors

Breakdown of Naples Neighborhoods
Naples is a sprawling city set between Mount Vesuvius and the Mediterranean Sea, filled with history, energy, and contrasts.

While the city can feel intense at times, most of the must-see attractions and best neighborhoods for first-time visitors are concentrated in or near the city center.

If you’re visiting for the first time, consider staying in one of these five main areas:

• Centro Storico🔗 (Old Town): Authentic, historic, and full of local life
• Chiaia🔗: Stylish, upscale, and perfect for seaside strolls
• Vomero🔗: Hilltop views, peaceful vibe, and great for families
• Lungomare & Santa Lucia🔗: Seafront luxury and scenic sunsets
• Quartieri Spagnoli🔗: Energetic, colorful, and full of character
  

Below, we’ll take a closer look at each neighborhood — what makes it special, where to stay, and what to do nearby.

Staying in Centro Storico

The Centro Storico (Historic Center) is the beating heart of Naples — chaotic, fascinating, and overflowing with history. It’s where you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches, and the unmistakable scent of pizza wafting from every corner.

If you want to dive straight into Naples’ raw and authentic atmosphere, this is the place to stay. Everything is walkable: Spaccanapoli, Naples Underground, San Gregorio Armeno, and the Cathedral of San Gennaro are all within minutes.

🏨 Top Hotel Recommendations in Centro Storico

• Luxury: DoME 266🔗
• Mid-Range: Di Virgilio Suite Luxury🔗
• Budget: A FENESTRELLA E SAN GREGORIO ARMENO🔗 or GG - Grow - Terrazza di Bellavista🔗
  

👉 I personally stayed in a small but affordable apartment called GG-Grow – La Terrazza Di Bellavista🔗, which had a lovely little terrace and was a great base for exploring the city.

✨Things to Do in Centro Storico

🚶 Stroll down Spaccanapoli, the iconic narrow street cutting through the old town.
🕳️ Visit Napoli Sotterranea, the underground tunnels beneath the city.
🍕 Grab pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, said to be the birthplace of the Margherita.
🎨 Explore San Gregorio Armeno, the street of nativity artisans.
⛪ Visit the Duomo di San Gennaro, home to Naples’ patron saint.

👉 Main Takeaway: Perfect for travelers who want to experience Naples’ authentic, local side — loud, lively, and historic. Not ideal if you’re seeking peace and quiet, but unbeatable for atmosphere.

Staying in Chiaia

Chiaia is Naples’ most elegant and stylish neighborhood. It sits along the waterfront, between Piazza dei Martiri and Mergellina, offering boutique shopping, refined restaurants, and beautiful sea views.

This area is ideal if you prefer a more relaxed and upscale stay, while still being close to major attractions. You can walk along the Lungomare Caracciolo, enjoy aperitivo with views of Castel dell’Ovo, or shop at luxury stores along Via dei Mille.

🏨 Top Hotel Recommendations in Chiaia

• Luxury: B&B Palazzo Satriano🔗
• Mid-Range: Villa Margherita🔗
• Budget: Il Salotto B&B🔗
  

✨ Things to Do in Chiaia

🚶 Walk along Via Caracciolo and enjoy views of Mount Vesuvius.
🌳 Visit Villa Comunale, a large seaside park perfect for a morning jog or picnic.
🏰 Explore Castel dell’Ovo and the nearby Borgo Marinari area for dinner.
🛍️ Shop along Via dei Mille and Via Calabritto, Naples’ designer streets.

👉 Main Takeaway: Perfect for travelers seeking a classy and scenic base with easy access to both culture and the sea. Great for couples or those who enjoy a slower pace.

Staying in Vomero

Set high above the city, Vomero offers a quieter, residential escape with breathtaking views over Naples Bay. It’s clean, safe, and ideal for families or travelers looking for a calmer environment.

Despite its hillside location, Vomero is well connected by funicular and metro, making it easy to reach the city center in minutes.

🏨 Top Hotel Recommendations in Vomero

• Luxury: Villa Capri Apartment and Room🔗 
• Mid-Range: Napoli Plebiscito Apartment🔗
• Budget: B&B A da’ ziett🔗
  

✨ Things to Do in Vomero

Visit Castel Sant’Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino for panoramic views.
Stroll through Via Scarlatti for cafés and shopping.
Take the funicular down to Toledo or Chiaia for easy exploring.
Enjoy aperitivo at Piazza Vanvitelli with a view over the city lights.

👉 Main Takeaway: Ideal for families and travelers who value peace, safety, and views. Not as central, but easily reachable and a lovely contrast to the busy streets below.

Staying in Lungomare & Santa Lucia

This area is postcard-perfect Naples — with luxury hotels lining the seafront, views of Vesuvius, and easy access to both the historic center and Chiaia.

If you dream of waking up to the sound of waves and sunset walks by the castle, Lungomare & Santa Lucia are unbeatable.

🏨 Top Hotel Recommendations in Lungomare & Santa Lucia

• Luxury: Gramsci Boutique Apartment🔗
• Mid-Range: B&B Sosta Flegrea🔗
• Budget: NAP Hostel Spaccanapoli🔗
  

✨ Things to Do in Lungomare & Santa Lucia

🏰 Visit Castel dell’Ovo for panoramic photos.
🍨 Enjoy gelato or aperitivo with a sea view.
🚶 Walk the Lungomare Caracciolo promenade.
🍝 Dine at a seafood restaurant in Borgo Marinari.

👉 Main Takeaway: Perfect for travelers who love scenic views, romantic walks, and proximity to the sea. One of Naples’ safest and most charming areas.

Staying in Quartieri Spagnoli

The Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters) are right in the heart of Naples’ chaos and charm. Once known as rough, today they’re vibrant, artistic, and full of local flavor.

This neighborhood is a maze of narrow streets covered in murals and laundry lines — a true glimpse of everyday Neapolitan life.

🏨 Top Hotel Recommendations in Quartieri Spagnoli

• Luxury: Palazzo Doria Napoli🔗
• Mid-Range: Citykey Napoli - Bed & Breakfast🔗
• Budget: Sibilla Guest House & Charme🔗
  

✨ Things to Do in Quartieri Spagnoli

🎨 Wander the alleys filled with street art and local cafés.
🛍️ Visit Via Toledo, Naples’ main shopping street.
🍕 Try authentic Neapolitan pizza or espresso in a local trattoria.
🏛️ Explore Piazza del Plebiscito and Galleria Umberto I nearby.

👉 Main Takeaway: Best for travelers seeking authenticity and vibrancy. It’s busy and gritty, but full of soul and perfectly located between Centro Storico and Chiaia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What area of Naples is best for tourists to stay?
For first-time visitors, the best areas are Centro Storico, Chiaia, and Lungomare & Santa Lucia, as they’re central, safe, and close to main attractions.

Where not to stay in Naples?
Avoid staying too far from the city center, especially in areas like Scampia or Secondigliano, which are not ideal for tourists. Also, some parts of the central station area (Piazza Garibaldi) can feel chaotic at night.

How many days do I need in Naples?
Ideally, 3 to 4 days to explore the city itself and enjoy a day trip to Pompeii, Capri, or the Amalfi Coast.

Must-dos for first-timers in Naples?

• Visit Naples Underground
• Eat authentic pizza 
• See Castel dell’Ovo and Piazza del Plebiscito
• Explore Spaccanapoli

 Other Things to Know Before Your First Trip to Naples

Public Transportation
Naples has a decent metro system and funiculars that connect hilltop areas like Vomero to the city center. For short distances, walking or taxis (use official ones) are easiest.

Safety
Naples is generally safe in tourist areas, but keep an eye on your belongings — petty theft can happen, especially in crowded spots like Via Toledo or public transport.

Food Culture
Meals start late, and pizza is king! Don’t leave without trying sfogliatella, espresso, and fried pizza.

Day Trips
Naples makes an excellent base for exploring Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento, and Capri.

Whichever neighborhood you choose, make sure your accommodation is near a metro or funicular stop, and give yourself time to simply wander — that’s when Naples reveals its true magic.

Planning a perfect day trip doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and considering your preferences, you can create an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, choose your destination, and get ready for an adventure!