Where to Stay in Naples, Italy: Our Hotel Tips

General Tips for Staying Overnight in Naples

Visit Naples in Spring, Fall, or Winter

This applies to Naples just as much as it does to many cities in Italy. July and August are the hottest months of the year.

Because there’s very little greenery in many Italian cities — especially Naples — temperatures in the urban canyons of the center can hit around 104°F. Not exactly ideal for sightseeing.

Naples is a much better destination in fall and spring. Even in winter, it’s still warmer than northern Europe, and you’ll often pay half the price for hotels.

Naples Beach Hotels Don't Make Much Sense

Naples is located on the sea, but the coastline is completely built up. The beaches of Naples are all outside the city.

For sightseeing, that doesn’t make much sense, since you’d have a long way to go to reach the attractions.

If you want to combine sightseeing in Naples with a beach vacation, you’re better off tacking on a few extra days and heading to the island of Ischia.

It’s only an hour away by ferry and has some truly stunning beaches.

Neighborhoods You Should Avoid in Naples

There are two neighborhoods in Naples that you should definitely avoid as a tourist: Scampia and Secondigliano.

Both are near the airport and are known for high crime rates and the activities of the Camorra, the Neapolitan Mafia. We also have some tips on safety in Naples for you here.

At the same time, both neighborhoods are also far from the highlights, so even without the crime factor, there would be no reason to stay there.

Where to Stay in Naples? The Best Neighborhoods

We recommend three neighborhoods where you should book your Naples accommodation.

Below, we’ll describe each neighborhood in detail and share our hotel recommendations.

For the Ultimate Naples Experience: the Historic Center

The old town is lively, chaotic, and full of things to see — exactly how you probably picture Naples. Hotels tend to be smaller, but on the flip side, you’ll find the greatest variety here.

For Day Trips: Corso Umberto I

The Corso Umberto I runs from the main train station to the port, passing by the old town. From here, you can walk to the station in no time, where trains and tour buses depart for Mount Vesuvius or Pompeii. The old town is also just a few minutes away.

Away from the Hustle and Bustle: Vomero

The Vomero neighborhood sits on the hill of the same name above the city center. It’s much quieter here, and Naples accommodations in this area are the most affordable. You can reach the highlights in 20 minutes by funicular or metro.

The Best Neighborhoods for Staying Overnight in Naples on a Map

To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked the best neighborhoods for where to stay in Naples, Italy on the map.

Now we’ll describe each neighborhood in more detail and share our hotel recommendations:

Staying in the Center of Naples

A hotel in the old town is ideal if you want to reach everything on foot and really soak up Neapolitan life.

The historic center is where everything happens: winding alleyways, scooters zipping past, all kinds of quirky sights, and the best pizzerias in the city. Naples’ old town is simply life at its most electric.

This is also where you’ll find most of Naples’ attractions, such as the entrance to Naples Underground, the Cappella Sansevero, and the street of nativity scene makers.

Naples accommodations in the old town are usually smaller and more traditional than elsewhere in the city. You’ll find stucco ceilings, small balconies, and floors covered in colorful tiles.

The great thing about staying in the old town is that you can reach everything on foot and barely need the metro at all. From the airport, you also have various options for getting directly into the center.

Advantages of a Naples accommodation in the historic center:

• Many highlights are within walking distance
• You have a huge selection of restaurants
• You’re right in the heart of Naples’ vibrant life
• Hotels are usually more attractive

Disadvantages of a Naples accommodation in the historic center:

• It’s always crowded and chaotic
• Most of the area is pedestrian-only, so getting to the airport or train station takes longer
• Hotels are more expensive

Our Hotel Recommendations for the Historic Center of Naples

A really charming and genuinely affordable hotel is the Hotel Piazza Bellini. It’s located right on the piazza of the same name, which is popular with locals especially during aperitivo hour in the evening.

A bit pricier, but super stylish, is the Artemisia Domus. There are only a handful of design hotels in Naples’ old town, and this one is definitely among the most beautiful.

Staying Along Corso Umberto I

Corso Umberto I is ideal if you also want to visit Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, or the Amalfi Coast during your stay.

Corso Umberto I connects the main train station with the port of Naples, skirting the old town along the way.

So if you want to venture out of the city during your Naples trip, you’re only a few minutes away from the departure points. Most tour operators heading to Pompeii & Co. also start from the main train station.

The street is lined with shops, breakfast bars, and elegant historic palazzo buildings, with plenty of bed & breakfasts. There are also a few hotels.

Along the street there are also two stops on Metro Line 1: Duomo and Università. So you’re generally very well connected here.

Advantages of a Naples accommodation on Corso Umberto I:

• Beautiful historic palazzo buildings
• You’re immediately close to the train station, the port, or the old town
• There are two stops on Metro Line 1

Disadvantages of a Naples accommodation on Corso Umberto I:

• There are only a few hotels; most options are B&Bs
• The street has a lot of traffic

Our Hotel Recommendations Along Corso Umberto I

If you want to stay somewhere as affordable, as well-connected, and as beautiful as possible, book the B&B La Terrazza. The rooms are simple but lovely, and the rooftop terrace is seriously stunning. Rooftop terraces are actually quite rare at hotels in Naples!

If you have a bit more to spend, book the Amadomus. We love the cool designer interiors and the location right next to the Duomo metro station on Line 1. From here, you can get anywhere super quickly.

Staying in the Vomero Neighborhood

Vomero is ideal if you want to save money and prefer staying somewhere peaceful.

Vomero sits on a steep hill above the old town and is much quieter than the center. This is where Naples’ more well-off residents live.

The neighborhood also includes the beautiful Villa Floridiana park, the Castel Sant’Elmo fortress, and the daily Antignano market, with its bargain bins and regional treats.

You can get to the center by funicular or metro. From here, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the highlights.

Vomero has one more bonus point: the stunning views over the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. In Naples, you can only get that panorama from up here.

Advantages of a Naples accommodation in Vomero:

• You’re staying in one of Naples’ better neighborhoods
• Accommodations are significantly more affordable
• You have a great view of the city and the sea
• It’s quieter and not as chaotic as the center

Disadvantages of a Naples accommodation in Vomero:

• It takes about 20 minutes by public transit to get to the old town
• There’s not much going on in the evenings

Our Hotel Recommendations for the Vomero Neighborhood

In Vomero, we recommend the Hotel Villa San Martino. In our opinion, it has the most beautiful interiors of any place to stay in Vomero, rooms with views over Naples, a private parking lot, and genuinely great prices.