There are a total of 30 districts in the city, but on the map of Naples, tourists are primarily interested in the Old Town. It is here that Roman ruins, ancient cathedrals and castles, as well as the Vergiliano and Floridiana parks, are preserved.
These and other attractions are located in the neighborhoods of Avvocata, Mercato, Chiaia, Montecalvario, San Carlo all'Arena, Stella, Pendino, San Ferdinando, Vicarìa, San Lorenzo, and Vomero.
The tourist map of Naples can be roughly divided into four areas: the Old Town (around Via dei Tribunali), the Spanish Quarter (the most crime-prone, yet incredibly picturesque and cozy district of central Naples), the Vomero Hill (home to Castel Sant’Elmo — accessible by funicular), and Chiaia (a coastal district). Hotels are evenly distributed across these neighborhoods — prices are approximately the same.
To answer the question of where a tourist should stay in Naples, two options can be suggested. The first is the Old Town with its abundance of historical buildings. The second is the coastal districts, such as Mergellina, or the hills of Vomero and Capodimonte.
Another district in central Naples is Centro Direzionale, the city’s modern administrative center, entirely built up with skyscrapers based on Japanese designs. However, it’s not considered one of the best areas to stay in Naples — the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere is completely lacking here.
The most dangerous area in central Naples is considered to be via Trinità degli Spagnoli, or the Spanish Quarter. However, you should stay alert throughout the city — thieves on scooters can snatch a bag from an inattentive tourist at any moment.
