Where to Stay in Naples, Italy (Safest Areas + Hotels)

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.

Still, there are some dodgy neighbourhoods where you should pay extra attention to your belongings, such as Quartieri Spagnoli and the area around the Central Railway Station. Also, I’d advise against booking a hotel in these two areas, especially if you’re travelling alone or at night.

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!

During my trip to Naples, I booked accommodation in the eastern part of 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 2 day trips (Pompeii and Royal Palace of Caserta), I needed to be close to the train station.

Centro Storico is the best place to stay in Naples if you’re visiting the city for the first time, for sightseeing or for one night. And it’s a perfectly safe area!

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.

The hotel occupies a 16th-century historic building on Via Toledo, one of the most famous shopping streets in Naples. 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

Where to stay in Naples, Italy (best safe areas for tourists)

• Decumani (Centro Storico) – for sightseeing
• Via Duomo – for one night and transport links
• Molo Carlo Pisacane (Port of Naples) – for one night or if you’re travelling by ferry
• Borgo Orefici – if you’re travelling by car

What is the best area to stay in Naples for first-time visitors?
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 have in mind that many of the hotels here are located in old historic buildings (sometimes even occupying only a few floors). Also, their entrances are not easy to find, especially if you’re arriving late at night.

Why stay in Decumani

• This is Naples’ most central location, ideal for sightseeing or a short stay (1 or 2 nights).
• Some of the city’s most popular attractions are here, including Capella Sanservo, Via San Gregorio Armeno, Via dei Tribunali and Duomo di San Gennaro.
• 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.
• 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 that will take you straight to the airport.

Il Tesoro Smart Suite & SPA offers modern rooms with a very central location, next to Naples’ Cathedral, close to everything. The small wellness centre with a hot tub is a perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Why book – central location next to Duomo, spacious modern rooms, great breakfast

Located on the main shopping street in the heart of the city, this hotel is one of the best places to stay in Naples for couples. Relais Della Porta is set in a historic palace and some of the rooms boast beautifully painted ceilings and original floor tiles.
Why book – situated on Via Toledo in a safe area close to everything, spacious modern rooms, exceptional breakfast

Grand Hotel Oriente features a strategic location for exploring Naples, only 2min walking 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, restaurant on-site, panoramic views across Mount Vesuvius

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, extremely comfortable with excellent amenities.
Why book – central location, right next to Via San Gregorio Armeno, modern and spacious rooms

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

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, quiet location, ideal for sightseeing, modern boutique suites

The best area to stay in Naples for one night is Via Duomo (if you’re arriving by train) or Molo Carlo Pisacane – the port of Naples (if you’re arriving by ferry). Both locations are convenient if you’re arriving by flight, as the airport shuttle Alibus stops at the train station and at the port.

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 5min to 20min walk) and to the Central Railway station (a 10min walk). It’s the perfect location if you’re staying for a short time.

In addition, you’ll find plenty of excellent restaurants in the area such as Tandem Ragù, Pizzeria Imperatore 1906 and Insolito La Pizzeria Gourmet.

Why stay near Via Duomo

• A central safe area, at walking distance to all attractions and restaurants.
• The Central Railway Station is just a short walk away (perfect for day trips or to take the Alibus shuttle to the airport).
• The metro station Duomo is conveniently located within reach (metro line L1 takes you all the way from Napoli Centrale through the port and to the Spanish quarter).

Located right next to the city’s cathedral, this modern hotel is the perfect place for a short stay. Spacious rooms with great amenities. And if you have some spare time left, you can always unwind at the Spa.
Why book – within walking distance to everything, near the Duomo metro station, 24-hour front desk

Located just a block away from Via Duomo, this hotel features spacious boutique rooms. Very good breakfast buffet with quality products.
Why book – close to everything, near the Duomo metro station, 24-hour front desk

Molo Carlo Pisacane is one of the busiest and biggest ports in the Mediterranean. It’s the best location to stay in Naples if you’re arriving by ferry or a cruise ship. Also, it’s a 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 the Port of Naples

• The best place to base yourself if you are arriving or leaving the city by the sea.
• Within walking distance to the Spanish quarter and Centro Storico.
• Castel Nuovo and Palazzo Reale are the most popular attractions in the area.
• More upscale hotels with amazing sea views.
• Easy access to the ferries to Capri, Procida, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast (perfect for sea day trips).
• Easy access to the airport – just take the airport shuttle Alibus from Immacolatella/Porta di Massa or Molo Angioino/Beverello (Stazione Marittima).

This hotel features an outstanding location, close to Piazza del Plebiscito, the beach, via Toledo (major shopping street) and the port. The modern spacious rooms boast artisan furniture and excellent amenities.
Why book – walking distance to everything, rooms overlooking the Gulf of Naples, exceptional breakfast

Located on the seafront next to the iconic Castel dell’Ovo, this hotel offers spectacular panoramic views of the Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. Elegantly designed with finishing touches such as Murano crystal lamps and Carrara marbles. The continental buffet breakfast includes homemade pastries and fresh local products.
Why book – great location near the harbour, spacious boutique rooms, rooftop restaurant

If you’re travelling by car, I will discourage you from 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 Via Nuova Marina, a major city road.

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

• Central area, within walking distance to everything, including three metro stations (Duomo, Università and Municipio).
• Plenty of parking lots and garages.
• Easy access via Via Nuova Marina.

Hotel Nunù features a central safe location, right on Corso Umberto I, near two metro stations. Perfect for visiting the old part of Naples, and just a short walk from the port and the Spanish quarter.
Why book – next to Centro Storico, spacious rooms, amazing breakfast, private parking nearby

Relais Castel Nuovo is ideally situated next to the port (easy access to the ferry to Capri and Sorrento) and a 10min walk from Centro Storico. The modern cosy apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette.
Why book – near the port, ocean views, private parking nearby