The Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli): what to see, the murals and what it's like to stay there
Behind Via Toledo, a grid of uphill alleys built in the 16th century for the Spanish troops: the Quartieri Spagnoli are Naples at its most genuine, with washing hung out to dry, bassi, murals and trattorias. Today they are also one of the areas travellers love most.
At a glance
- Who it's for
- Those who want to experience authentic Naples while staying a stone's throw from Via Toledo and the Plebiscito
- Pros
- Very central location, cheap trattorias, unique atmosphere
- Cons
- Narrow, uphill alleys, scooters, noise; buildings often without a lift
- Metro
- Line 1 Toledo and Municipio; Centrale and Montesanto funiculars up to the Vomero
What to see
- The Maradona mural and the little square dedicated to him, which has become a pilgrimage site for football fans from all over the world.
- The alleys, with their votive shrines, the bassi (street-level homes) and washing strung from one balcony to the next.
- Via Toledo, the shopping street, with the Toledo metro station, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.
- The Pedamentina, the stairway that climbs up to San Martino and the Vomero, a little further north.
Where to eat
Trattorias serving home cooking, friggitorie (fried-food shops) and pizzerias: it is one of the areas where you eat best for little money. Napolibnb has a dedicated guide on where to eat in the Quartieri Spagnoli.
What it's like to stay there
You are five minutes from Via Toledo, the Galleria Umberto and the Plebiscito, and ten from the Historic Centre. In exchange: climbs, scooters in the alleys and noisy life until late. In recent years the neighbourhood has changed a lot and is now hugely popular with tourists too.
Tip: ask your host how steep the climb is from the metro stop and whether there are stairs: with suitcases it makes a difference.
Nearby
- Castel Sant'Elmoby funicular or up the Pedamentina
- Seafront and Castel dell'Ovo15 minutes on foot
- Historic Centre10 minutes on foot
Frequently asked questions
Is the Spanish Quarter safe?
Today it is a very busy area, tourists included. Take the precautions you would in any big city, especially in the evening in the less well-lit alleys.
Where is the Maradona mural?
In the Spanish Quarter, in the little square dedicated to him, a few minutes' walk from Toledo metro station.
Where to stay in the Spanish Quarter
36 places to stay in the Spanish Quarter on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
