A complete guide to where to stay in Naples, Italy (+ the best hotels and apartments in Centro Storico, for one night, before a cruise and with parking).
Located in southern Italy, near Mount Vesuvius, Naples is the third-largest city in Italy. It’s a city with its very own special charm, sometimes pretty, sometimes edgy, but a must-see! Naples is the birthplace of pizza, which makes it a perfect foodie destination. Also, it’s a great base to explore Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.
The city is known for its bad reputation, but in reality, there is nothing to worry about. Naples is as safe as any other major European city such as Rome or Paris. The city’s reputation is based mostly on high petty crime (as in any popular tourist destination) and the fact that there is plenty of rubbish on the streets.
Deciding where to stay in Naples could be challenging. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on the best and safest areas to stay in Naples, Italy (+ my personal recommendations for hotels and apartments). No matter if you’re visiting the city for sightseeing, one night, or looking for convenient accommodation with parking, I’ve got you covered!
Where I stayed in Naples
During my trip to Naples, I booked accommodation right in the historic city centre (Centro Storico). As I was visiting the city for sightseeing (and pizza of course), I wanted to be within walking distance of the main attractions and restaurants. Also, as I was planning two day trips by train (Pompeii and Royal Palace of Caserta), I needed to be close to the train station.
My favourite place to stay in Naples: Amadomus Luxury Suites
Why: central safe location, within walking distance of tourist attractions and the train station
What I like: spacious and stylish modern rooms, amazing breakfast
Centro Storico is the best place to stay in Naples if you’re visiting the city for the first time, for sightseeing or if you’re planning to explore the region by train. And it’s a perfectly safe area!
Most popular hotel in Naples
Looking for an excellent hotel with great amenities at walking distance to everywhere? Then take a look at Relais Della Porta – it’s the most popular hotel in the historic centre of Naples.
Relais Della Porta – Most popular hotel
Guest rating: 9.2 | 1,750+ reviews
The hotel occupies a 16th-century historic building on Via Toledo, one of the city’s most famous shopping streets. Perfectly safe location, you can walk everywhere, even at night. Modern, spacious and quiet rooms with high ceilings and comfortable beds.
Why book – on a shopping street, close to all attractions, delicious breakfast, spacious rooms
Tips for booking a hotel in Naples
Safety – although the city is entirely safe for tourists, there are still dodgy neighbourhoods (such as Quartieri Spagnoli and the area around the Central Railway Station) where you should pay extra attention to your belongings. It’s best not to book a hotel in these two areas, especially if you travel alone or at night.
Visiting the city for the first time? Then take a look at my itinerary for one day in Naples (it covers all must-see sites, including how to see Pompeii on a day trip and where to eat the best pizza).
Accommodation – Finding a good hotel in Naples can be challenging. B&Bs tend to be more popular here and often have better ratings than hotels. That’s why I’ve included some B&B options alongside hotels in this guide.
Also, in many cases, a hotel (or B&B) only occupies a few floors within a building and does not have its own separate entrance (and often the entrance is dodgy). In such cases the hotel’s entrance could be hard to find, so try to locate the exact location of the accommodation on Google Maps before the trip, especially if you’re arriving late in the evening.
Where to stay in Naples, Italy (best safe areas for tourists)
- Decumani (Centro Storico) – for sightseeing (Grand Hotel Oriente – best hotel)
- Via Duomo – for one night and transport links (Albergo Palazzo Decumani – best hotel)
- Porto di Napoli – before a cruise or travelling by ferry (La Ciliegina Lifestyle Hotel – best hotel)
- Borgo Orefici – if you’re travelling by car (Cortese – best hotel in Borgo Orefici)
Decumani – best area to stay in Naples for tourists
The best location to stay in Naples is the Decumani neighbourhood, also known as Centro Storico (the historic city centre). This is where you’ll find some of the city’s most famous historical sites, including Capella Sanservo, Via San Gregorio Armeno and Duomo di San Gennaro.
Centro Storico is a huge open-air museum, it’s one of the largest historical city centres in all of Europe. This labyrinth of tiny alleys and cobblestone lanes is home to numerous museums, pretty piazzas, small shops and beautiful baroque churches (such as Gesù Nuovo and San Gregorio Armeno).
You can explore the whole area on foot, so if you base yourself here, you’ll be able to walk everywhere. However, you should keep in mind that many of the hotels and B&Bs here are located in old historic buildings (sometimes even occupying only a few floors).
Planning a day trip to Pompeii? Don’t forget to buy a skip-the-line ticket in advance (with 15,000 visitors a day, lines are always huge).
Why stay in Decumani for sightseeing
- Decumani is the city’s most central location, ideal for sightseeing or a short stay (1 or 2 nights)
- some of the most popular attractions are here, including Capella Sanservo, Via San Gregorio Armeno, Via dei Tribunali and Duomo di San Gennaro
- Napoli Centrale (the main train station) is situated at the eastern end of Centro Storico. So depending on where you’re staying exactly, you’ll be just a 10-15min walk from the station (perfect for a day trip to Pompeii)
- from Piazza Garibaldi, you can take the Alibus shuttle which will take you straight to the airport
Decumani tops my list as the ideal place to stay in Naples. Not only is it conveniently located near attractions and dining spots, but it’s also one of the safest areas in the city.
For the best pizza in town, head to Pizzeria Imperatore 1906, Insolito La Pizzeria Gourmet or Pizzeria Laezza. And for the best Neapolitan pasta – to Tandem Ragù.
Hotels in Naples Centro Storico (Best for couples)
Grand Hotel Oriente – Best hotel
Guest rating: 8.6 | 1,210+ reviews
Grand Hotel Oriente features a strategic location to explore the city, only a 2-minute walk from Toledo metro station. Rooms are modern, quiet and spacious. Plenty of restaurants and shops in the immediate vicinity.
Why book – central location, near Toledo metro station, panoramic views across Mount Vesuvius
DUOMO 152 NAPOLI – Best B&B
Guest rating: 9.6 | 830+ reviews
Set in one of the oldest buildings in the city, right in Centro Storico, this B&B overlooks the cathedral directly. Rooms are modern with comfy beds and some of them boast amazing views of Naples Cathedral.
Why book – central location next to the cathedral, luggage storage, great views
Hotels in Centro Storico (Best for families)
Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel – Best hotel
Guest rating: 9.0 | 470+ reviews
Set in the 17th-century historic Palazzo Tufarelli, this hotel offers stylishly designed suites. Quiet location, but only a few steps away from the city’s main attractions, including Santa Chiara Cloister, San Gregorio Armeno, Piazza del Gesu and Cappella San Severo.
Why book – very central and quiet location, ideal for sightseeing, modern boutique suites
The Bellini House – Best B&B
Guest rating: 9.4 | 610+ reviews
Located near the vibrant Piazza Bellini, this B&B features a beautiful hidden garden. Excellent breakfast with homemade granola with dried fruits, fresh orange juice and pastries from a local bakery.
Why book – central location next to Piazza Bellini, garden views, excellent breakfast
Apartments in Naples Historic Centre
La Casa Sul Nilo – Most popular
Guest rating: 9.4 | 760+ reviews
La Casa Sul Nilo offers luxurious apartments in a superb central location, next to Via San Gregorio Armeno and Museo Cappella Sansevero. Short walk to historic sites, restaurants and public transport.
Why book – perfect location for sightseeing, air-conditioning, spacious apartments with antique furniture
Napoli Mariana Luxury – Best rated
Guest rating: 9.7 | 240+ reviews
Set in a 19th-century historic building (known as one of the Quattro Palazzi), Napoli Mariana offers luxury accommodation. Apartments are spacious with a modern well-equipped kitchen with everything you need for a short stay.
Why book – central location next to a Duomo metro station, air-conditioning, city views
Via Duomo – where to stay in Naples for one night
The best place to stay in Naples for one night is Via Duomo. Located in the heart of the city, this central area is not only within walking distance to everywhere but also very safe. It’s the perfect base to explore the city’s main attractions on foot.
Via Duomo, the street, where the city’s cathedral is located, divides the historic centre into two parts. From here you have easy access to all historic sites (between a 5min to 20min walk) and to the Central Railway station (a 10min walk). It’s a great location if you’re staying for a short time.
Also, some of my favourite restaurants are in the area – Tandem Ragù, Pizzeria Imperatore 1906 and Insolito La Pizzeria Gourmet.
Why stay near Via Duomo for one night
- Via Duomo is a central safe area, at walking distance of all attractions and many restaurants
- the Central Railway Station is just a short walk away (if you’re arriving by train or taking the Alibus shuttle to the airport)
- the Duomo metro station is conveniently located within reach (metro line L1 takes you all the way from Napoli Centrale through the port and to the Spanish Quarter)
Albergo Palazzo Decumani – Best hotel
Guest rating: 8.5 | 1,030+ reviews
Albergo Palazzo Decumani is a great boutique hotel set in an authentic early 20th-century palazzo in the heart of the historic centre. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with excellent amenities.
Why book – close to everything, near the Duomo metro station, 24-hour front desk
BB Casamatta – Best B&B
Guest rating: 9.3 | 660+ reviews
A beautifully designed B&B in a historic building with an inner courtyard and quiet street views. The location is perfect for one night, right on Via Duomo, close to Sansevero Chapel Museum.
Why book – great location right on Via Duomo, spacious and comfortable rooms
Porto di Napoli – best area to stay in Naples before cruise
Naples is one of the most popular cruise ports in Italy. The city is a gateway to explore the beautiful Mediterranean region and the Italian Coastline. In fact, the port of Naples, called Porto di Napoli, is one of the busiest and biggest ports in the Mediterranean.
Most of the cruise ships dock at Stazione Marittima, in particular in the port area of Molo Beverello. The latter, together with Calata Porta di Massa is also the starting point of the ferries and hydrofoils between Naples, Capri and Sorrento.
If you’re considering spending a few days in Naples before your cruise, stay near Porto di Napoli. Located right next to the Castel Nuovo, Porto di Napoli is just a short walk from the Spanish Quarter and Centro Storico. In addition, this area is well-connected with public transport to the airport (shuttle Alibus) and the Central train station (metro line L1 from Municipio station).
Porto di Napoli is a also great base if you’re planning to take the ferry and explore the beautiful islands of Capri and Ischia, or Sorrento and the Amalfi coast.
Why stay near Porto di Napoli before cruise
- Porto di Napoli is the best place to base yourself if you are arriving or leaving the city by ferry or on a cruise
- within walking distance of the Spanish Quarter, Centro Storico, Castel Nuovo and Palazzo Reale
- easy access to the ferries to Capri, Procida, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast (perfect for sea day trips)
- convenient access to the airport – just take the airport shuttle Alibus from Immacolatella/Porta di Massa or Molo Angioino/Beverello (Stazione Marittima)
La Ciliegina Lifestyle Hotel – Best hotel
Guest rating: 8.9 | 320+ reviews
A perfect base before a cruise, just a short walk from Porto di Napoli and next to Municipio metro station. Walking distance to many tourist attractions, including Piazza del Plebiscito, Galleria Umberto I and the Spanish Quarter. Rooms are furnished in a Mediterranean style with handmade furniture, produced by a local Neapolitan carpenter.
Why book – a 10min walk from Porto di Napoli, a rooftop terrace with a hot tub and views of Mount Vesuvius
MAIN – Best B&B
Guest rating: 9.0 | 1,100+ reviews
Great location opposite the Castel Nuovo, just a short stroll from Municipio metro station and Porto di Napoli. This boutique B&B offers stunning views of the nearby Castel Nuovo and a Spa experience with its hot tub.
Why book – a 10min walk from Porto di Napoli, jacuzzi tub, great views of Castel Nuovo
Borgo Orefici – best location to stay in Naples with car
If you’re travelling by car, I will advise against driving and parking in the historic centre. The whole Centro Storico (plus several other neighbourhoods) is a ZTL zone (limited traffic zone). You can find more info about ZTL zones in Naples here. Plus, traffic is very chaotic and the roads are tiny.
My recommendation is to stay in Borgo Orefici. Located south of Centro Storico, this small neighbourhood features plenty of car parking. Thus, parking won’t be a problem, even if your hotel doesn’t have one (and it’s hard to find a central hotel in Naples with a parking garage). Plus, access is easy via the major city road, Via Marina.
Other options are to park near the Central Railway station (Parcheggio Brin is a convenient parking lot), park at the airport (15min away by bus) or use the ANM lots in the suburbs (they are connected to the city centre by public transportation).
Why stay in Borgo Orefici with a car
- Borgo Orefici is a central area, within walking distance of Centro Storico, plenty of restaurants and three metro stations (Duomo, Università and Municipio)
- plenty of parking lots and garages
- easy access to the area via the major city road, Via Marina
Cortese – Most popular
Guest rating: 8.9 | 1,310+ reviews
Perfect quiet location, near the port and within walking distance to Centro Storico. The B&B boasts a rooftop terrace with amazing city views, where you can enjoy your breakfast.
Why book – great location next to the Università metro station, rooftop terrace, private parking nearby
Bellorizzonte – Best rated
Guest rating: 9.8 | 310+ reviews
Bellorizzonte features a central safe location, right next to Università metro station on Corso Umberto I. Perfect for visiting the old part of Naples, and just a short walk from the port and the Spanish Quarter.
Why book – prime location next to the Università metro station, secure parking garage nearby
Faqs about where to stay in Naples
Which area of Naples is best to stay?
Centro Storico is the best place to stay in Naples for first-time visitors. The area is safe at night and you will be within walking distance of all popular attractions and the best restaurants.
What is the safest area to stay in Naples?
The safest areas of Naples are Centro Storico (the historic city centre), Piazza del Plebiscito, Borgo Orefici and Molo Beverello (Naples’ port). In general, you’ll be safe everywhere in Naples, just avoid the Quartieri Spagnoli and the area around the Central Railway Station late at night.
Where should I not stay in Naples?
The most dangerous neighbourhoods in Naples are – Scampia, Forcella, San Giovanni a Teduccio, Barra, Rione Sanità, Quartieri Spagnoli, Centro Direzionale and Rione Traiano. However, as a tourist, there will be no reason for you to visit any of these neighbourhoods (except for Quartieri Spagnoli, which is perfectly safe during the day, you just have to pay more attention to your belongings).
Where to stay in Naples for 2 nights?
The best places to stay in Naples for 2 nights are Centro Storico (for sightseeing and restaurants) and Napoli Porto (for day trips to Capri, Ischia and Amalfi Coast). Both areas are within walking distance of each other and connected to the airport with a shuttle bus.
Where to stay – Naples or Pompeii?
Pompeii is a large archaeological site, while Naples is the biggest city in southern Italy. There is almost nothing else to see in Pompeii besides the excavations. Naples on the other hand boasts beautiful churches, museums, and great restaurants. So, stay in Naples and take a day trip to Pompeii (easily reachable by car or train).
Best hotels to stay in Naples, Italy
| 🔝 Most popular hotel | Relais Della Porta | 9.2 | 1,750+ reviews |
| 🏩 Best mid-range hotel | Albergo Palazzo Decumani | 8.5 | 1,030+ reviews |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel | La Ciliegina Lifestyle Hotel | 8.9 | 320+ reviews |
| 💖 Best hotel for couples | Grand Hotel Oriente | 8.6 | 1,210+ reviews |
| 👨👩👧👦 Best hotel for families | Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel | 9.0 | 470+ reviews |
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