Chiaia: what to see, where to stroll and what it's like to stay there
Between the seafront and the hill, Chiaia is the elegant side of Naples: Art Nouveau palazzi, shops, art galleries and, in the evening, the bars of the "baretti" packed with young people. It is the right area if you want the sea on your doorstep and a calmer Naples.
At a glance
- Who it's for
- Couples and families who want the seafront, shopping and lively evenings
- Pros
- The sea and the Villa Comunale on your doorstep, wider streets, lots of restaurants and bars
- Cons
- Further from the Historic Centre (20–25 minutes on foot); prices higher on average
- Metro and funiculars
- Line 2 Piazza Amedeo and Mergellina; Chiaia funicular up to the Vomero
What to see and do
- The Riviera di Chiaia and the Villa Comunale, the large public park by the sea, home to the Stazione Zoologica (the historic marine research station).
- The seafront (lungomare), pedestrianised along Via Caracciolo, all the way to Castel dell'Ovo.
- Via Chiaia and Via dei Mille, the shopping streets, and Piazza dei Martiri.
- The "baretti", the bars between Vico Belledonne and Via Bisignano, the heart of the Neapolitan evening.
- Palazzo delle Arti di Napoli (PAN) and the art galleries in the area.
What it's like to stay there
Chiaia is quiet by day and lively in the evening, with the sea a few minutes away. From the neighbourhood you can walk to the centre in 20–25 minutes, via Via Chiaia and Piazza del Plebiscito, or take the metro. It is also handy for the hydrofoils from Mergellina and for the funicular up to the Vomero.
Tip: the Chiaia funicular leaves from Parco Margherita and in a few minutes takes you up to the Vomero and Castel Sant'Elmo: a precious shortcut.
Nearby
- Seafront and Castel dell'Ovoa few minutes away
- New Year's Eve in Naplesfireworks on the seafront
- Vomeroby funicular
Frequently asked questions
Is Chiaia a good place to stay in Naples?
Yes, if you want the sea, restaurants and an area that is quieter during the day. The historic centre is 20–25 minutes on foot or a few minutes by metro.
Where to stay in Chiaia
48 places to stay in Chiaia on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
