Neighborhoods in Brief

In this section, we give you a short description of each of Naples's central neighborhoods -- including its major monuments -- to give you some idea of what each is like and where you might want to stay.

Posillipo -- This residential neighborhood is graced by a number of dramatic villas perched on rocky cliffs over the sea, as well as a few restaurants offering great food and fantastic views.

Mergellina -- Situated well to the west of the historical center, this residential neighborhood is served by its own train and hydrofoil stations. It lies near Naples's pleasant marina: The small harbor is lined with restaurants and cafes, where Neapolitans come for dinner by the sea and a romantic promenade.

Chiaia -- Charming and elegant, this neighborhood is graced by the public park Villa Comunale. The hillside area has elegant villas and a couple of hotels and restaurants, which enjoy dramatic views over the bay. The shore area along Riviera di Chiaia is famous for its upscale shopping and restaurants, where Neapolitan nightlife congregates. The historical center and its monuments are a short ride away on public transportation, but it is also possible to walk.

Santa Lucia -- Once a village by the sea and retaining some of that character, this neighborhood is separated from the historical center by steep Monte Echia. It is probably Naples's most famous neighborhood, and a favorite with visitors for its unique charm and splendid views. Via Partenope -- the promenade created in the 19th century by filling in part of the harbor -- overlooks the bay and Castel dell'Ovo and is lined with elegant hotels and restaurants. Borgo Marinari under Castel dell'Ovo, is another popular nighttime spot. Behind the major hotels, you'll find a less-explored neighborhood with grocery shops and cafes frequented by locals.

Quartieri Spagnoli -- North of Piazza del Plebiscito -- the monumental heart of the city -- this neighborhood of closely knit narrow streets lies on the western side of Via Toledo (called "Via Roma" by Neapolitans). Prior to the 1990s, this area was considered quite dangerous, but the blocks around Via Toledo have experienced an urban renewal, with small hotels and quite a few nice restaurants sprouting up. This budget-friendly area is a perfect base for cost-conscious visitors as it is walking distance from most of Naples's major attractions. The streets farther out, however, still show the original grunginess and are not the best place for your romantic evening stroll.

Historical Center -- This is Naples's heart, extending from the Castel Nuovo and the Stazione Marittima by the sea to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale to the north, the Quartieri Spagnoli to the west, and Castel Capuano to the east. Many of the city's political and administrative offices as well as the University of Naples are here -- along with the cascade of small restaurants, bars, and clubs fostered by such institutions. You'll find all of Naples represented here, from the most elegant palaces to pockets of unbelievable grittiness. Many of Naples's major historical and religious attractions are located here, making it a perfect location for visitors. Most of the hotels here are small, and housed in historical buildings, but larger and more modern hotels line Via Medina and the parallel Via Agostino Depretis, at the southern edge of this area.

Piazza Garibaldi -- Across from Naples's main rail station, Stazione Centrale, this location is definitely less-than-glamorous (some of the area, behind the station and away from the main avenues, is positively grungy, with decaying buildings and cheap street vendors lining the narrow lanes). Yet, it has some distinct advantages: The top-notch hotels here charge a fraction of the price you would pay in Santa Lucia or Chiaia (usually way below their official rack rates), and you'll be very well connected through public transportation to all major tourist destinations both within the city and without (the Circumvesuviana rail station, with service to Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Sorrento, is only steps away). The historical center's eastern edge along Castel Capuano is within walking distance, past a somewhat unsavory belt around the train station (factor in a taxi ride after dark). You'll also be near a full range of convenience shopping, from groceries to clothing stores, and you'll find a number of good restaurants in the area.

Vomero -- This is the dwelling place of the Napoli bene (the city's middle and upper classes), where residents enjoy fresher air and some spectacular views. A quiet and residential neighborhood, Vomero is mostly composed of elegant 19th- and early-20th-century buildings, with a few local restaurants and good shopping. Three famous attractions are located up here: the Castel Sant'Elmo, Certosa SanMartino, and Villa Floridiana.

Capodimonte -- A middle-class and blue-collar residential neighborhood, this is a good choice in summer, when the air is cooler up in the hills. This is also a good base if you plan to spend a lot of your time in the giant Museo di Capodimonte and the wonderful public park that surrounds it. There are plenty of local grocery shops and bars to be had, but only a couple of hotels and restaurants.