Where to stay in Naples

Best for: historic buildings and city landmarks

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre of Naples, Centro Storico is a stomping ground for culture, art, old-school charm, and a chance to experience some of the city’s most important historical landmarks, including the Duomo of San Gennaro, a 4th century church home to the crypt of San Gennaro, the city’s official patron saint, or the Cloister of Santa Chiara, a 13th century religious complex decorated with yellow majolicas, lush gardens and spiritual chapels. Wander down Spaccanapoli, one of the longest streets that appears to divide the city in half and visit traditional shops and eateries, like Pizzeria Di Matteo for traditional Neapolitan-style pizza or Tandem for pasta alla Genovese. For a place to sleep, check-out Hotel Piazza Bellini. 

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Best for: Naples at its bustling best

Dating back to the 16th century during Naples’s Spanish rule, the Spanish Quarter, commonly referred to as i Quartieri Spagnoli, is located in the heart of Naples, bordering Via Toledo, one of Naples’s main bustling shopping and social hubs. Characterised by its grid-like layout, narrow streets, dangling laundry and non-stop commotion, this area is the perfect place to get a taste of authentic Neapolitan living amongst its locals. To do it properly round here, there’s got to be no set itinerary; just get lost in its cramped corners and find your favourite spots that way. But if you’re looking for a few must-stop shops, start with a visit to Murale Diego Armando Maradona on Via Emanuele de Deo (it made the neighborhood famous) and continue down this road for some Neapolitan street food at one of the many food spots along the main strip.

Best for: bougie living and sea views

One of the city’s most affluent areas, Chiaia is an intimate neighborhood bordering Naples’s seafront marina, known for its luxury shops, boutiques, open-air cafes, and late-night social scene. To catch some coastal views, stroll along Riviera di Chiaia and admire distant Capri and Mount Vesuvius on the horizon. For a lunch or dinner spot, try Mattozzi Restaurant & Pizzeria for a taste of Neapolitan classics, from thick-crusted Neapolitan pizza to spaghetti with clams or pasta with beans. For local and organic wine paired with tapas-style bites and a vibesy interior, go for Jus. 

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Best for: getting to know some baroque architecture

Dating back to ancient Roman times, Rione Sanità is the perfect blend of vibrant street life with historical and touristic stopping points. Explore the neighbourhood’s Catacombs of Saint Gennaro and carve out time to pop into Palazzo dello Spagnolo on the way, a seriously beautiful baroque-style building that’s appeared in films and more. For a bite to eat, no stay in Rione Sanità is complete without a visit to Michelin Star pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi; grab pizza with local beer in the outside courtyard (but be sure to make a reservation). Atelier Inès B&B Art Gallery is a green, tranquil escape from the neighborhood's every-day hustle and bustle. 

Best for: strolling the harbour and ticking off attractions

Just below Chiaia and the Spanish Quarters is Santa Lucia, historically a small fishing village that overlooks the bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. It’s minutes from iconic landmarks Piazza Plebiscito, medieval castle Castel dell’Ovo, and Borgo Marinari, a charming marina lined with seafood restaurants and bars. You’ll also find some of the city’s most lavish hotels here; Royal Continental Hotel and Grand Hotel Santa Lucia. After a day of exploring, get spaghetti vongole at Zi Teresa overlooking the sea.