Top 5 Safest Areas to Stay in Naples, Italy for a Wonderful Trip
Last summer, on our three month slow travel trip to Europe, we stayed in Naples, Italy for two weeks. My husband, two-year old, and I explored the popular historic sites, museums, and castles, as well as surrounding neighborhoods to experience a more authentic atmosphere and to immerse in the culture a bit more.
If you’re looking for beautiful, safe, and appealing places to stay, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re planning a long vacation or a short trip, I came up with a list of the safest areas to stay in Naples, Italy to help you in the planning process.
5 Safest Areas to Stay in Naples, Italy
First lets answer the question everyone wants to know. Is Naples safe? YES! It gets a bad rap from historically having organized crime but now, you just need to look out for pick pocketing and petty theft just like any major city around the world. If you are traveling from the U.S., Naples is probably safer than your nearest major city.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
Just like any situation when traveling, use common sense, keep your valuables hidden, and be aware of your surroundings. Doing this, I never felt unsafe, even when I did small outings by myself or just me and my toddler.
The only times I got nervous about safety was anytime we were crossing the street. People there drive fast. Other than that, we felt very safe!
Chiaia: Best for “Off the Beaten Path”
This is the area we stayed in. We liked it because it was just far enough away from the popular places that it felt less crowded but still close enough that it was easy to get to the historic sites and museums when we wanted to.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
Chiaia is about a 30 min drive South West from the main train station just North of the water. This area is pretty quiet with a lot of families and commuters.
We had beautiful views of the city and water. We also felt we were really experiencing Italy and not just touristy areas. We were right across the street from a market and walking distance to the metro and the beach.
Mid Range Option – Appartamenti Mergellina
Luxury Option – De Bonart Naples, Curio Collection By Hilton
Vomero: Best for Families
Just north of Chiaia is Vomero. It was beautiful and somehow calming while still having city vibes. You also have beautiful city and water views plus a large park to roam around in.
For some reason it felt like public transportation was easier to get to and from this area than in Chiaia. If you are traveling with kids, this may be the best place to stay.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
Mid Range Option – Residenza Scarlatti Napoli
Luxury Option – Napoliseanson Rooms & Breakfast
Centro Storico: Best for Short Visits
This might be the best option if you are going for a short trip and need to be in on the action. This places you right in the center of all the popular sites and museums but is also the most crowded.
Centro Storico is a Unesco World Heritage Site for it’s rich history and authenticity. This said, it is touristy and closest to the train station and airport where theft and pick-pocketing is most likely to happen.
Photo Credit: Roc Bauman
Mid Range Option – Dimora delle Arti
Luxury Option – Unicum Suite Napoli Centro Storico
Quartieri Spagnoli: Best for Tourists
Close enough to the historic center without being right in the middle of it, Quartieri Spagnoli is still pretty crowded due to the narrow streets and less motor traffic. Also, a common place for pick-pocketing.
This historic neighborhood give picturesque streets and alleyways that seem to showcase a typical life in Naples. There are also lots of murals, churches, and taverns to see.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
Mid Range Option – 1811 Residenza Storica
Luxury Option – Royal Boutique Napoli
Santa Lucia: Best for Island Hopping
Right by the water, this area is best if you plan on doing more boat trips to nearby Islands since you are very close to the port. The beach walk is beautiful and lined with fancy restaurants. This area also puts you at walking distance to Castle dell’Ovo and very close to Castle Nuovo.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
Mid Range Option – Di Palma Suite
Luxury Option – Hotel Royal Continental
FAQs
Where to Avoid Staying in Naples, Italy?
Just for the sake on convenience, I wouldn’t stay too far West or North. You’ll be much farther from the airport, train station, and major sites. Also, if you plan on doing any tours, chances are you’ll need to meet in Centro Storico.
What is the Prettiest Part of Naples?
The city itself has beautiful architecture, interesting topography, and lovely sea views. In Vomero, it was easy to see all of that at once!
Where to Stay in Naples, Italy for One Night?
If you are only staying one night, I recommend Centro Storico or Quartieri Spagnoli. It will be easiest to walk to most sites and make the most of the short time you’ll have.
Recap: Safest Areas to Stay in Naples, Italy
Naples, Italy is generally a safe city, just busy and crowded. If you are new to using booking.com, read tips on how to find the best place for you here. Any area you stay in Naples will be safe, as long as you use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings.
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