This quick guide will give you an idea of Naple's layout and where most hostels are located.

City Layout

Naples lies on the gorgeous northern edge of the Bay of Naples, though, if arriving via train, it may not seem so at first glance. The eastern Piazza Garibaldi area is home to the Stazione Centrale (central train station), as well as a lot of seedy accommodations, people, and situations (Editor's suggestion: don't hang around here). Instead, head southwest for the beauty.

Southwest from Piazza Garibaldi on Corso Umberto I, north of the university, you'll find the Naples' city center. This historic area is bound by Corso Umberto I on the south, Piazza Cavour on the north, Via Duomo on the east, and Via Toledo on the west. Spacca Napoli, a street that takes several names along the way (Via San Biagio dei Librai to Via Benedetto Croce to Via Domenico Capitelli), runs through the center of central Naples east to west.

Head west, past the intersecting Via Toledo, and you'll hit Quartiere degli Spagnoli, the not-too-safe home of a well-known organized crime family. Instead it is advisable to head south on Via Toledo to Piazza Plebescito, where you find the royal palace and theater and, low and behold, the Bay of Naples. 

Hostel Overview

Embrace the pizza and avoid the pickpockets in this, Italy's most chaotic city. The best cheap beds can be found near Piazza Garibaldi and the official HI option has spectacular views of Vesuvius and Capri from its terrace. A couple of deservedly more expensive hostels can be found in the historic district, including a 16th-century palazzo and a spirited place with young owners across the street from Bella Capri. Expect to pay between €15-20 a night.