Historic Centre of Naples: what to see and what it's like to stay there
The Historic Centre is Greco-Roman Naples that people still live in: three parallel streets, the decumani, crossed by alleys full of churches, workshops and pizzerias. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 and it is the area to choose if it's your first time.
At a glance
- Who it's for
- First-time visitors who want to see almost everything on foot
- Pros
- Monuments, museums and pizzerias on your doorstep; street life at all hours
- Cons
- Lively and sometimes noisy in the evening; narrow alleys, often no lift; limited traffic zone
- Metro
- Line 1 Dante, Museo, Università; Line 2 Cavour and Montesanto
- From the airport
- Alibus to Piazza Garibaldi, then metro or a 15–20 minute walk
How it's laid out
The old centre still follows the plan of the Greek city: three parallel decumani (main streets) running east to west, and the cardini (cross streets) that intersect them.
- The lower decumanus is Spaccanapoli (Via Benedetto Croce and Via San Biagio dei Librai).
- The main decumanus is Via dei Tribunali, the street of the historic pizzerias and of Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground).
- The upper decumanus runs along Via della Sapienza and Via Anticaglia, and is quieter.
In between are San Gregorio Armeno with its nativity scene workshops, Piazza Bellini with its open-air bars and, to the east, Forcella, the working-class neighbourhood of the folded "wallet" pizza (pizza a portafoglio).
What to see
- The Sansevero Chapel with the Veiled Christ.
- Spaccanapoli with the Gesù Nuovo, Santa Chiara and San Domenico Maggiore.
- Napoli Sotterranea, in Piazza San Gaetano.
- The Duomo (cathedral) with the Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro.
- Just outside, uphill, the National Archaeological Museum.
What it's like to stay there
It is the most convenient area for first-time visitors to Naples: you step out of the door and you are already in the heart of the city, you eat well on every corner and there is always life in the evening. In return you have to accept a bit of noise, narrow alleys and old buildings, often without a lift.
Tip: if noise bothers you, look for a place on a side alley or on an upper floor, and ask the host whether there is a lift and what the street is like in the evening. On Napolibnb you can ask the host directly before booking.
Getting around
On foot, first and foremost. The metro stops Dante, Museo and Università (Line 1) and Cavour (Line 2) are on the edges of the neighbourhood. The area is a limited traffic zone (ZTL): if you are arriving by car, find out about parking beforehand.
Sights in the neighbourhood
- Sansevero Chapelthe Veiled Christ
- Spaccanapoli and San Gregorio Armenothe lower decumanus
- Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea)Piazza San Gaetano
- Cathedral and Treasure of San GennaroVia Duomo
Frequently asked questions
Is it a good idea to stay in the Historic Centre of Naples?
Yes, especially on your first visit: almost everything is within walking distance. It is lively and sometimes noisy: ask the host what the street is like in the evening.
Is the Historic Centre of Naples safe?
It is a very busy area at all hours. As in any big city, keep an eye on bags and phones in crowded streets.
Where to stay in the Historic Centre
202 places to stay in the Historic Centre on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
