Which are the best neighborhoods to stay in Naples?

Naples is a vibrant city, full of contrasts, with a cultural life you can feel on every corner. Living here means adjusting to a fast paced rhythm, but it also means enjoying areas with their own distinct character. Exploring the best neighborhoods to stay in Naples can make your experience more comfortable, more authentic, and far more rewarding.

In this article, we break down the best neighborhoods in Naples based on your lifestyle. You will discover the areas favored by digital nomads, the most recommended zones for students, and, finally, the most well rounded option if you are looking for a neighborhood that offers everything. This way, you will have a clear guide to choosing where to begin your new chapter in the city.

The 5 best neighborhoods to live in Naples

If you’re thinking of moving, here are the 5 best neighborhoods to live in Naples, with options to suit different lifestyles and needs.

1. Vomero

Vomero is one of the most recommended areas to live in Naples, as it blends a calm residential atmosphere with excellent urban infrastructure. Because it sits on a hill, the air often feels cleaner than in the historic center, with less noise and pollution, which contributes to a higher quality of life.

When it comes to getting around, it is one of the best connected areas in the city. The Line 1 metro and three funiculars make it easy to reach the city center in just a few minutes, avoiding the chaotic traffic. This makes it especially convenient for students, remote workers, or anyone who needs to commute frequently.

The neighborhood also stands out for its access to essential services. Hospitals, private clinics, schools, and nearby universities are all close at hand, along with supermarkets and local shops that make daily life easy without relying on a car. The sense of safety here is generally higher than in many other parts of Naples.

When it comes to leisure and social life, Vomero offers a wide range of cafés, restaurants, and shops, along with green spaces and viewpoints such as Castel Sant’Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino, which are popular spots for walking and meeting up. All of this is supported by reliable digital connectivity and good internet coverage, an essential factor for digital nomads.

2. Chiaia

Chiaia is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Naples, thanks to its blend of exclusivity, seaside atmosphere, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Here is what makes it stand out:

• Prime location: Facing the sea, with the lungomare as the perfect place to stroll, play sports, or relax with views of Vesuvius.
• Access to quality services: Private hospitals, well regarded clinics, and prestigious schools, along with easy access to universities.
• Practical mobility: Metro connections in Mergellina and a funicular up to Posillipo make it easy to get around the city without relying on a car.
• Everything nearby: From supermarkets and local shops to luxury boutiques, restaurants, and cafés with reliable internet where you can work comfortably.
• Safety and social cohesion: Streets that are well kept, with good lighting and a sense of urban order, something that is not always easy to find in Naples.
• Culture and leisure: Theaters, galleries, restaurants, and bars ensure that you always have something to do, both day and night.

Although the cost of living in Chiaia is among the highest in Naples, many see it as an investment in peace of mind, comfort, and quality of life. It is an ideal neighborhood for those looking for a safe area with a cosmopolitan vibe and the bonus of being just steps from the sea.

3. Posillipo

Posillipo is Naples’ quintessential residential neighborhood. It is famous for its stunning views of Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf, but also for the high quality of life it offers to those seeking a calmer and safer environment. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, it is ideal for anyone who values peace and quiet without giving up access to good services.

What makes Posillipo such an attractive place:

• Natural environment: It features parks and green spaces such as Parco Virgiliano, perfect for walking, exercising, or simply relaxing. The air here is cleaner and fresher than in the city center.
• Spacious and bright homes: The area is mostly made up of spacious houses and apartments with terraces and sea views, making it ideal for families or anyone planning a long stay.
• Safety and tranquility: It is one of the quietest areas in the city, with a lower population density, less noise, and minimal light pollution.
• Access to services: Private clinics, nearby hospitals, and a good selection of supermarkets and local shops, though less densely packed than in areas like Chiaia.
• Transportation to the rest of the city: Even though it’s slightly off the main areas, the Mergellina funicular and a number of bus routes make it easy to reach the city center. Transportation may not be instant, but getting around is still manageable.
• Digital connectivity: Good internet coverage, allowing digital nomads to work from home without any problems.
• Cultural offerings nearby: Even though the neighborhood is more residential, you are just a few minutes away from galleries, theaters, and upscale restaurants in Chiaia and the city center.

The cost of living in Posillipo is high, both for rent and services, but it matches what the neighborhood offers. Peace, safety, spacious homes, and a unique natural setting within a major city make it the best choice for those looking to combine a high quality of life with the experience of living in a prime seaside location.

4. Centro Storico

The Centro Storico is the vibrant heart of Naples, full of life and history. Living here puts you right among iconic landmarks, lively streets, and endless cultural experiences. It’s busy and energetic, but also authentic, making it the perfect spot to truly immerse yourself in the spirit of the city.

Factors that favor living in this area:

• Educational and cultural offerings: The neighborhood is home to universities, libraries, and academies, as well as museums, churches, and monuments that are part of everyday life. It’s perfect for students and anyone drawn to a rich cultural scene.
• Mobility and accessibility: The area has excellent connections with the metro, including Line 1 at Dante and Università stations, as well as buses and its proximity to the central train station. Most services and leisure spots are within walking distance.
• Intense urban life: Cafés, pizzerias, and bars on every corner, along with street markets and traditional shops, make it easy to access everything you need without relying on a car.
• Acceptable digital connectivity: Even though the neighborhood is historic, most accommodations have reliable internet, more than enough for remote work.
• Culture and leisure: Theaters, festivals, outdoor concerts, and community events mean there is always something new to discover.
• Variety in rental prices: There are more affordable options than in neighborhoods like Chiaia or Posillipo, though the quality of housing can vary widely.

That said, the Centro Storico is also noisy and densely populated, which means more traffic, sound pollution, and fewer green spaces. Still, its central location makes it ideal for those who value community life and being close to the city’s main attractions.

5. Rione Sanità

Rione Sanità is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in Naples. Rich in history and culture, it is undergoing a revitalization that has turned it into a hub for artists, community projects, and visitors looking to experience the city’s most local side. It is also one of the most affordable areas to live in, making it appealing to students, young professionals, and anyone eager to fully immerse themselves in Neapolitan life.

Factors that favor living in this area:

• More affordable cost of living: Rent and service costs are lower than in neighborhoods like Chiaia or Posillipo, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle on a smaller budget.
• Cultural and historical richness: Here you’ll find the Catacombs of San Gennaro, Baroque churches, and community-run cultural spaces, all of which make everyday life feel truly unique.
• Social cohesion:The local community is very close-knit and actively involved in social projects, creating a sense of belonging and solidarity that is rare in other neighborhoods
• Transportation to the city center: Although there is no direct metro, the area has buses and is close to the historic center, making it easy to get around on foot or by public transport.
• Creative environment: It’s an area experiencing an artistic revival, with murals, artist studios, and cafés that draw in both local and international young crowds.
• Digital connectivity: Reliable enough for daily life and remote work, though the digital infrastructure isn’t as modern as in more upscale neighborhoods.

The best neighborhoods to live as a digital nomad in Naples

Beyond the most well-known neighborhoods, Naples has plenty of hidden gems with great potential for digital nomads. These are the areas we consider ideal based on experience, and here’s why.

1. Petraio (between Vomero and Chiaia)

Petraio is one of those spots rarely mentioned in guides, yet it surprises even locals. This staircase path links the upper part of Vomero with the elegance of Chiaia, and along the way you’ll find quiet streets, charming façades, and stunning views of the Gulf.

For a digital nomad, it has special value:

• Two lifestyles in one: Vomero’s residential calm and Chiaia’s cosmopolitan atmosphere combine in one place.
• Easy mobility: You can ride the funicular in a few minutes or treat yourself to the panoramic walk, which is almost a ritual.
• Inspiring spaces: Many apartments have balconies or terraces, making working from home a much more enjoyable experience.

Beyond its location, Petraio stands out for the qualities that make a stay in Naples truly enjoyable: a sense of safety, a genuine local vibe, and a calmer pace than the busy historic center. You won’t be surrounded by constant traffic or tourist crowds, but instead can enjoy a setting that lets you live like a local while staying well connected to the rest of the city.

2. Chiaiano

Chiaiano is the kind of neighborhood you’d pick if you want to live in Naples without the constant noise of the city center. Located on the northern outskirts, it has a much greener, more relaxed atmosphere. The air feels cleaner, the streets are less crowded, and life moves at a slower pace.

• Nature within reach: Just a short walk away is the Parco delle Colline di Napoli, one of the city’s major green spaces. It’s perfect for a run, an evening stroll after work, or simply taking a break from the screen.
• Lower prices: Rent here is much more affordable than in neighborhoods like Chiaia or Posillipo, making it a great choice if you want to save money without giving up a good quality of life.
• Quiet and safe environment: Being less crowded, the area has lighter traffic, lower noise levels, and a calm atmosphere that is especially appreciated when working from home.

Chiaiano isn’t a typical tourist spot, nor is it filled with large communities of digital nomads, and that’s exactly part of its charm. It’s ideal if you value peace, green spaces, and reasonable prices, while still being just a few minutes by metro from the heart of Naples for socializing or working in a coworking space.

3. Arenaccia

Arenaccia doesn’t show up in tourist guides, which might be part of its appeal. Everything here feels more authentic and less geared toward visitors. Located in the northeast of Naples, it’s a very local area with friendlier prices and a calmer vibe compared to the trendier neighborhoods.

• More affordable rentals: If you’re looking for a practical place without the pressure of high tourist demand, you’ll find options here that fit a more modest budget.
• Strategic connection: Being close to the central station is a huge advantage if you travel often within Italy or beyond. Just minutes from regional and national trains, it’s a big plus for any digital nomad.
• Cafés for working: While it’s not a neighborhood full of coworking spaces, you can still find local bars and cafés where you can set up with your laptop. It’s not the typical trendy spot, but its authentic vibe has its own charm.
• Local and safe environment: Since it’s not a touristy area, there’s a stronger sense of community. It’s a place where you live alongside lifelong Neapolitans and can more easily become part of everyday local life.

Arenaccia is perfect if you’re looking for practicality, lower costs, and easy access around the city, without the hustle of the center or the exclusivity of the pricier neighborhoods.

4. Materdei (close to the center but quieter)

Materdei offers the balance many digital nomads look for in a city like Naples: close to everything, yet away from the constant noise of the historic center. It’s a residential neighborhood with narrow streets and a local vibe, where you can experience the city authentically while working in peace.

• Purposeful coworking: Here you’ll find Dialogue Place, a workspace designed for social and cultural projects. Beyond offering a reliable spot to work and connect online, it’s also perfect for networking and meeting interesting people.
• Fast connection: Metro Line 1 runs through Materdei, taking you to Dante or Toledo in just a few minutes. This makes it easy to get to the city center for meetings or social plans without any hassle.
• More reasonable prices: Rent here is more affordable than in neighborhoods like Chiaia, making it a great option if you’re looking for a good balance between cost and quality of life.
• Appreciated peace of mind: Even though it’s just steps from the heart of Naples, the area has a calmer atmosphere, with less noise and a stronger neighborhood feel. It’s ideal if you want to unwind after a day working.

In short, Materdei is perfect for digital nomads looking for balance, offering an authentic neighborhood with good connections, affordable prices, and the added benefit of an active coworking space nearby.

Stay connected in Naples as a digital nomad

Choosing the right neighborhood is important, but what really makes life easier for a digital nomad in Naples is staying well connected. Reliable internet is not just for working from home or a coworking space; it is essential for getting around, using maps, and keeping in touch with your team.

Relying only on the WiFi at a café or your accommodation can be risky. That’s why the most practical solution is an eSIM for Italy from Holafly. It activates in minutes, requires no physical SIM card, and gives you unlimited data from the moment you arrive.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

The best neighborhoods to live in as a student in Naples

If you’re coming to Naples to study, these neighborhoods offer the best mix of proximity to campuses, a youthful atmosphere, and affordable prices for international students.

1. Arenella

If you plan to study Medicine or another health-related field, this area is very convenient since it is right next to the university hospitals and the Federico II campus. Life here revolves around students, with shared apartments, reasonable rents, and everything you need within reach. Plus, with Metro Line 1, you can reach the city center in just a few minutes, so you won’t miss out on Naples’ cultural life.

2. Colli Aminei

If you prefer a quieter environment to focus, Colli Aminei is a great choice. Surrounded by greenery thanks to the vast Bosco di Capodimonte park, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after class. With its own metro station, easy access to the city center, and more affordable rents than in touristier neighborhoods, you can balance studying, relaxation, and nature without being too far from everything.

3. San Giovanni a Teduccio

This neighborhood is gaining attention because it hosts the Federico II University tech campus, including the Apple Developer Academy. If you’re studying something tech-related, this is the place to be, with classes, events, and a vibrant community right on your doorstep. It may not be the liveliest area for nightlife, but it’s perfect if your priority is staying close to campus and being part of an active academic environment.

What is the best neighborhood to live in Naples?

If you’re planning to move to Naples and still feel unsure among so many options, there’s one neighborhood that stands out above the rest: Vomero. Whether you’re coming as a student, a digital nomad, or just to spend some time in the city, this hillside area offers a combination that’s hard to beat.

• Safe, residential environment: Tidy streets, a sense of calm, and neighborhood life that helps you settle in quickly.
• Good connections: Thanks to Metro Line 1 and the three funiculars, you can reach the city center in just a few minutes without relying on a car.
• Green spaces and air quality: Its elevated position means fresher air, along with green spaces and viewpoints such as Castel Sant’Elmo that are perfect for unwinding.
• Services for everyone: You’ll find cafés with reliable internet for working, nearby schools and universities, hospitals, and a solid mix of shops that cover everyday needs without having to travel far.

In short, Vomero is the neighborhood that best balances everything you look for when living in Naples, offering comfort, safety, an authentic local feel, and fast connections around the city.

Frequently asked questions about the best neighborhoods to stay in Naples

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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