Where to Stay in La Spezia, Italy: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to La Spezia, Italy, and wondering where to stay? You’re in the right place.

La Spezia is one of those places that’s easy to fall for, and far more than just a busy port or gateway to Cinque Terre. You’ll find an inviting waterfront lined with yachts, authentic osterias serving some of the best seafood around, a historic center full of narrow streets and cafes, and hilltop fortresses with incredible views over the harbor.

Each area has its own feel, so where you stay can really shape your trip. If you’re not sure where to choose, keep this guide handy. We’ve broken down the best areas to stay, plus hotels we’d actually book ourselves. Ready to find your perfect base? Let’s get into it.

Where to Stay in La Spezia map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in La Spezia 

La Spezia is a compact city base rather than a destination that requires overthinking neighborhoods. Most visitors stay here for easy access to Cinque Terre, Portovenere, and the Gulf of Poets, and the city works well because it combines a walkable center, a major train station, and ferry connections all in one place.

While Centro Storico is usually the best fit for a first stay if you want atmosphere, restaurants, and sights on your doorstep, La Spezia Centrale is the more practical choice if your priority is early trains and easy day trips. The city is generally easy to explore on foot, with flat, pedestrian-friendly stretches between the station, old town, marina, and seafront, so getting around is pretty simple.

For day trips, the train is the easiest way to reach Cinque Terre, while the ferry is the slower but more scenic option for places like Cinque Terre and Portovenere. As for the port, La Spezia is well connected, but cruise passengers usually need a shuttle to reach the terminal, since this is still a working port. 

• Centro Storico (Historic Center) – Best for first-time visitors – If it’s your first time in La Spezia and you want everything right on your doorstep, this area is the right choice. Boutique Hotel Novecento is a unique and comfortable stay, set in a quiet courtyard just off the main shopping street, so you’re somewhere calm and central at the same time.

• La Spezia Centrale – Best for easy travel links – This is the city’s main station area, so day trips and connections to bigger cities are quick and easy. For this part of town, Hotel Firenze e Continentale stands out thanks to its range of dining options, private parking, and elegant touches inside a historic building. 

• Eastern La Spezia Seafront  – Best for a quieter waterfront stay – The scenic harbor, palm-lined promenades, yachts, and gardens give this area a calmer feel than the rest of the city. Allegroitalia La Spezia 5 Terre is a stylish mid-range stay, ideal for anyone who loves waking up to sea views and a good breakfast. 

Where to Stay in La Spezia

Centro Storico 

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Super walkable and easy to explore on foot
• Well connected for visiting Cinque Terre
• Authentic Italian feel with lively streets and cafes

Cons

• Can get noisy during high season
• Restaurants and bars can be a bit overpriced

If this is your first time in La Spezia, the Centro Storico is a great place to stay. It’s one of the busiest parts of town and was once the city’s historic center, though much of it changed after WWII rebuilding. 

Like many visitors, we used it as a base for exploring the Cinque Terre, but we also ended up spending plenty of time exploring the center itself. Our evenings usually involved Piazza Garibaldi, a late gelato stop, and getting lost in the old town streets (in a good way!). 

It was also nice to still spot some beautiful Art Nouveau palazzos, so the charm is definitely here; you just need to look for it. Two of our favorite spots were Via del Prione, the main shopping street, and Piazza Cavour, especially the covered market. Nearby, the 13th-century Castello San Giorgio is a short uphill walk from Via del Prione, and one of the best places in the city for views and a bit of history. 

Overall, we think it’s best for first-time visitors and anyone who wants the action on their doorstep. 

CDH Hotel La Spezia – $$$ 

CDH Hotel La Spezia is an ideal stay in Centro Storico, with direct city access thanks to a lift that takes you straight onto the pedestrian area, plus it’s also just a 2-minute walk from Castello San Giorgio.

The rooms are more spacious than many central stays and feel especially good for families, comfortably fitting up to four people. There’s also an espresso bar where you’ll probably spend your mornings trying to wake up with a properly strong coffee. Complimentary breakfast is always a nice bonus, but something you don’t see as often in hotels here is the daily happy hour (which can be pretty convenient sometimes). 

Rates typically start from around €80 to €380+ per night, depending on your travel dates and room type.

Boutique Hotel Novecento – $$ 

Boutique Hotel Novecento is tucked away in a quiet courtyard just off the main shopping street, so it feels far more peaceful than you’d expect for such a central spot.

Inside, there are only nine rooms, which makes the whole place feel a lot more personal. We really love the style here too, with antique furniture and Murano glass chandeliers giving it plenty of character. Because it’s family-run, there’s a warmth to it that you notice straight away.

One of the best parts is breakfast in the courtyard, which is a nice way to start the day. There’s also an honesty bar and cozy lounge where you can help yourself to drinks and snacks, and maybe play some board games. Rates typically start at around €140+ per night.

Another great stay here is La Taverna del Metallo Rooms, with pet-friendly rooms, a lovely restaurant, a bar, and even a nightclub if you fancy staying out late. It sits just off Via del Prione, with Museo Amedeo Lia just a short stroll away. 

Albergo delle Spezie is also a solid backup option, with an eco-friendly focus throughout, including furniture made from recycled materials. It’s situated right in the pedestrian area, around a 5-minute walk from the harbor. 

AlbergoTeatro – $ 

AlbergoTeatro is a fantastic budget stay with a youthful, hipster vibe and lots of fun touches, including upcycled furniture. It’s not uncommon to see beds crafted from wooden pallets or chairs made from skateboards, so it definitely has more personality than the average hotel here.

Rooms are cozy with vintage decor, but still come with modern extras like organic toiletries and Wi-Fi. There’s also a pleasant outdoor space, plus a games room where you can play billiards, darts, or board games, which gives you something fun to do on a rainy day.

Location-wise, it’s surrounded by shops and restaurants, and just a short walk from Castello San Giorgio and the Technical Naval Museum. There’s also a nearby bus stop with direct links to Lerici. Prices usually begin at around €100 per night.

Hotel Birillo is another affordable stay, with recently renovated rooms that are compact and simple but thoughtfully laid out, plus balconies in some rooms. It’s a practical, no-fuss option in the historic center, around a ten-minute walk from La Spezia Centrale Station. 

La Spezia Centrale  

BEST FOR EASY TRAVEL LINKS

Pros

• Strong local vibe with everyday city life around you
• Easy transport links to Cinque Terre and bigger cities like Pisa and Genoa
• Wide range of affordable accommodation
• Tons of cafes, bakeries, supermarkets, and local shops 

Cons

• Can feel crowded and busy, especially around the station
• Parking can be a real challenge
• Less scenic than the waterfront areas

If you imagine your first day in La Spezia, dropping your bags and being on your way to the Cinque Terre before breakfast, La Spezia Centrale is where you’ll want to base yourself. Staying near La Spezia Centrale also puts you right in everyday city life, and we love it for the affordable stays and how easy everything is to reach on foot. You’ll find plenty of hotels, cafes, bakeries, and casual places to eat here, so grabbing a quick espresso or cornetto is never a problem. 

One of our favorite spots is Piazza Saint Bon, the busy square outside the station, where there’s always something going on. Nearby, Corso Cavour and Via Fiume aren’t your typical sightseeing streets, but they’re exactly where you’ll want to go for a cafe stop, to pick up souvenirs, fresh fruit, or even a last-minute outfit. 

And don’t forget Via del Prione, one of the liveliest streets in the city, especially later in the day when it turns into a classic Italian passeggiata scene of arm-in-arm strolls, and a little see-and-be-seen vibe. 

Overall, if you want an easy base that’s perfect for day trips, La Spezia Centrale is a smart choice.

The Poet Hotel – $$$ 

The Poet Hotel is a modern 4-star stay inside a historic building, with a stylish industrial look and a relaxed, welcoming feel. Downstairs, the social space works as a breakfast spot in the morning, a lounge during the day, and a bar at night. It really is just a cool place to hang out.

Rooms here range from compact standards to spacious suites, all with colorful walls and artistic touches. Some rates include breakfast, but there are plenty of nearby cafes and bakeries if you’d rather eat out. It’s also pet-friendly and just a 10-minute walk from La Spezia Centrale Station, with on-site private garage parking, which is a big plus here.

Rates typically start from around €110 to €340+ per night, depending on room type and season.

Hotel Firenze e Continentale – $$ 

For something a little cheaper, but just as comfortable and stylish, Hotel Firenze e Continentale is a great pick. It’s set in a historic building, so you get a bit of old aristocratic charm with the modern comforts you actually want. 

What’s sure to win you over is the breakfast, served with panoramic views and packed with local, organic products, plus fresh honeycomb (you don’t see that every day). There’s also a private garage for a daily fee, which in this area is gold if you’re driving. Best of all, the staff can arrange activities, including scuba diving or mountain biking around the Gulf of Poets. 

As for location, you’re steps from La Spezia Centrale Station, which makes it one of the most convenient stays for budget-conscious travelers heading to the Cinque Terre. Expect prices from around €125 to €290+ per night, excellent value for a stay with this much character.

If Hotel Firenze e Continentale is sold out, The Railway 74 makes a solid backup and a peaceful base, with a garden retreat, historic touches, and bright, elegant rooms. Location-wise, it couldn’t be more convenient, right next to the station and just steps from Museo Amedeo Lia and Via del Prione. 

Hotel Mary – $ 

Hotel Mary makes it easy to enjoy your stay in La Spezia without spending a fortune. Since it sits directly across from La Spezia Centrale Station, it’s often seen as a transit hotel, but it’s much more than that.

It’s family-run, which gives the place a warmer and more intimate feel from the moment you arrive. You can also feel the love in the homemade breakfast packed with homemade cakes and pastries.

The rooms may not be brand new or luxurious, but they’re practical, comfortable, and have everything you need for both short and longer stays. Parking is another perk here, available for a fee of €18 per day. Rates typically start from around €70 to €130+ per night, which is excellent value for this area.

Related Read: Planning to explore beyond La Spezia? Check out our guide to renting a car in Italy for everything you need to know before hitting the road.

Eastern La Spezia Seafront  

BEST FOR A QUIETER WATERFRONT STAY

Pros

• Beautiful promenade for scenic walks and marina views
• Excellent land transport and ferry connections
• Lively nightlife with late dining spots
• A quieter base than the busiest central areas

Cons

• Parking along the waterfront is difficult and usually expensive
• Large cruise ships dock nearby, which can overwhelm cafes and tourist spots
• Can feel busier during peak summer days

Eastern La Spezia Seafront isn’t the official name for the area, but it’s the easiest way to describe the eastern side beyond the Centro Storico, including Kennedy, Canaletto, and Fossamastra. 

It’s hard to imagine now, but this area was once known for beach facilities and seaside holidays. These days, it’s more about marina life and shipping, but don’t let that put you off. The real charm here is in the harbor views, luxury yachts, sea breeze, and that open feeling you don’t really get in the historic center’s narrow streets.

What we personally love most is how relaxed everything feels. You’re still close to restaurants, ferries, buses, and the historic center, but without the noise and crowds out of your window. Passeggiata Morin, the palm-lined promenade, is one of our absolute favorite places for an evening walk here, especially when the ferries are around. You’ll see many locals out here, too, which for them is something more of a tradition. 

Porto Mirabello is perfect for yacht-spotting, while the Giardini Pubblici are lovely for a quick stop in the shade. As they say in Liguria, chi va piano va sano e va lontano (go slowly and you’ll enjoy it more). This area does exactly that. 

NH La Spezia – $$$ 

For the ultimate luxury escape, NH La Spezia is the perfect choice. It’s also right on the promenade, with transport at your doorstep (boat, train, and bus!), so you have no excuse not to explore.

It’s set in a mid-century building, but step inside, and it’s a completely different story. The rooms are clean and modern, and unlike many historic buildings in the area that overlook narrow streets, these come with some of the best views of the harbor and the city. The real standout, though, has to be the elegant rooftop bar, where it’s very easy to lose track of time over cocktails and panoramic sea views (great for romantic sunset aperitifs!).

Rates typically start from around €80 to €300+ per night, depending on the season and room.

If NH La Spezia is fully booked or you’d simply prefer a bit more space, Hotiday Apartments La Spezia is another great option with studios and two-bedroom apartments (fully equipped kitchens) perfect for family trips. The location is also hard to beat, just a short walk from Castello San Giorgio. 

Allegroitalia La Spezia 5 Terre – $$ 

For something a little more intimate but still every bit as high-end, Allegroitalia La Spezia 5 Terre is a great choice. Its hilltop position makes it a favorite with travelers who enjoy waking up to sweeping views of the Gulf of Poets (not a bad way to start the day). Outside, it’s a hexagonal building, while inside you’ll find circular corridors and spacious modern studio apartments with private terraces and kitchenettes (you may want to extend your stay).

We absolutely love the panoramic rooftop bar and terrace (the sunset views from here are on another level!). It’s also right in the heart of La Spezia Historic Center, making it the perfect base for exploring the landmarks, while still giving you easy access to transport. Expect prices to start around €70 per night for a single room and climb to €260+ for triple rooms with views.

Another one of our favorite mid-range stays is VittorioVeneto126 B&B, an ultra-modern and elegant guest house with just four freshly renovated rooms, so you can expect a more personal stay. Location-wise, it’s an easy walk from the Cattedrale di Cristo Re and Castello San Giorgio. 

Lia Art Hotel – $ 

If you’re looking to save and don’t mind skipping the luxury extras, Lia Art Hotel is one of the best budget-friendly stays in Eastern La Spezia Seafront. You can choose from 11 rooms in this “art gallery” hotel, each with its own unique pieces and personality. The style is simple yet modern, and with warm, welcoming staff, you’ll feel looked after from the moment you arrive.

There’s no on-site restaurant, but plenty of dining spots are just a short walk away. When it comes to location, it’s hard to beat, right in the center of La Spezia Historic Center, steps from La Spezia Centrale station and the Cinque Terre boat cruise port, making it ideal for seeing all the best bits of La Spezia and spontaneous day trips. 

Prices start from around €60 to €130+ per night, a real steal considering the fantastic location. 

Other bargain stays in the area include Le Stelle Della Spezia, with recently refurbished rooms that are modern and comfortable, plus an Italian breakfast served straight to your room. It’s situated in a central residential area, a quick walk from the Palazzo Comunale and the Cathedral of Christ the King, and steps from the Porta Rocca bus stop. 

Nautilus Hotel is great value for money and has everything you need for a cozy stay, with affordable breakfast, Smart TVs with Netflix, and simple but comfortable rooms. It’s close to the port in La Spezia’s business district, with a great pizza restaurant right across the street and a mini market just a block away. 

Related Read: Before you go, make sure you scroll through our detailed guide to the best things to do in La Spezia here—it’s packed with our favorite tours, can’t-miss experiences, and plenty of tips to help you make the most of your time!

Top Activities to do in La Spezia 

Now that you’ve figured out where to stay, it’s time to start planning your adventures in La Spezia! While wandering the Centro Storico and soaking up the local vibe is a big part of the experience, some of the best moments happen just beyond the city. From exploring Cinque Terre without the stress to getting out on the water or diving into the local food scene, here are a few tours we think are absolutely worth it.

• Explore Cinque Terre with a private guide – Visiting Cinque Terre on your own can feel overwhelming, but this private guided tour makes everything seamless as you move between Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza by train and boat. We especially loved the flexibility to linger at viewpoints and enjoy a relaxed lunch by the harbor in Vernazza without feeling rushed.

• Taste your way through La Spezia – This small-group food tour totally changed how we saw the city. Led by a friendly local guide, we hopped between hidden spots in the historic center, trying everything from focaccia and farinata to fresh pesto pasta and fried seafood by the harbor. Come hungry—it’s way more than just a few tastings!

• Kayak along the coast at sunset – For something a little more active, this sunset kayaking tour is such a unique way to see the coastline. Paddling into quiet coves and caves you can’t reach any other way was unforgettable, and the golden light at sunset made it even better. The aperitivo on the beach at the end was the perfect finish.

• Take a hands-on Italian cooking class – This cooking class in a local home was one of our favorite experiences. We made fresh pasta and tiramisu from scratch, starting with a relaxed aperitivo and ending with a shared meal and wine. It felt less like a class and more like cooking with friends.

• See the coastline by boat – Getting out on the water is a must here, and this boat tour is an easy way to do it. We cruised past seaside villages, rugged cliffs, and the nearby islands before stopping in Portovenere to explore. It’s a great option if you want a full coastal experience without a full-day commitment.

Related Read: Want help putting it all together? Check out our 3-day La Spezia itinerary guide here for a step-by-step plan, including where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of your time.

Thanks for reading!

La Spezia might be compact, but between the waterfront views, easy access to Cinque Terre, and laid-back local feel, it ends up offering a lot more than most people expect. Where you stay really does shape your experience here, whether that’s being right in the middle of the action in Centro Storico, close to the trains for easy day trips, or along the quieter seafront with those harbor views.

Before you book, take a look at our other Italy travel guides here. We’ve packed them with practical tips, favorite stays, and can’t-miss experiences to help you plan a smooth trip full of memorable moments. Or scroll down for more of our favorite blogs below to keep the inspiration going!

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