Where to stay in Palermo: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexJohann Wolfgang von Goethe after visiting it commented: "Whoever has once seen the sky of Palermo will never forget it". This shows that it is really difficult to find a place so rich in attractions, varied and multicultural.
If you are going to discover the city, here is a guide on where to sleep in Palermo: the best neighbourhoods to stay, costs and useful info.
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Palermo
Palermo has the largest historical centre in Europe: it is therefore too easy to suggest it as the best neighbourhood. In fact, inside the centre, there are several districts or "mandments", as well as roads and strategic areas for any specific needs. Let's start with the assumption that Palermo is not an expensive city; moreover, like all big cities, it offers a wide range of solutions for everyone.
The best areas to save on accommodation are the university area, along Via Ernesto Basile, at the western edge of Montegrappa district, and the Albergheria quarter, where the Ballarò market is located. Between the quarter "Capo" and the Massimo Theater, in the mandment "Monte di Pietà", there is a nice area that can be good for families, as it is right in the centre, but it is also a crucial area for nightlife: so do not expect quiet nights! Here it is much better to prefer the southern areas, along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, or the eastern one, along Via Maqueda.
Another central area that is recommended for all is along Via Roma, one of the city's main streets: in this case, the recommended stretch is the medium-high, in correspondence with the district Castellammare or Loggia.
Adjacent to the Castellammare district is the Kalsa district. The neighbourhood is recovering, but it is still mainly popular. Therefore, excellent for young people, especially in the inner part of Piazza Rivoluzione and Piazza Magione, but also good for families in the northern edges (Piazza Marina, Cala and Corso Vittorio Emanuele) and east (Foro Italico).
The most elegant and family-friendly areas are those of Ruggero Settimo, Libertà and Notarbartolo. This area includes Teatro Politeama and Giardino Inglese and develops along these 3 arteries, which are the most elegant streets of the city, the "living room" of Palermo.
Another recommended area almost for everyone is that of Cuba-Calatafimi, especially in the lower part, close to Piazza Indipendenza and the Palazzo dei Normanni.
Finally, the area of Partanna-Mondello, where there is the beach of Palermo, is far from the centre but ideal for a summer vacation by the sea. Certainly expensive, but suitable for everyone and well connected to the centre (bus line 806).
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: University area (Montegrappa district along Ernesto Basile street), Albergheria, Kalsa (inner part towards Piazza Rivoluzione and Piazza Magione)
- Recommended areas for families with children: Monte di Pietà (prefer the areas along Corso Vittorio Emanuele or along Via Maqueda), Castellammare or Loggia, Kalsa north edge (Piazza Marina, Cala and Corso Vittorio Emanuele) and east edge (foro italico), Ruggero Settimo, Libertà and Notarbartolo, Cuba-Calatafimi (lower part), Partanna-Mondello, De Gasperi-Sciuti-Notarbartolo
- Recommended areas for young people: University area (Montegrappa district along Ernesto Basile street), Albergheria, Kalsa (inner part towards Piazza Rivoluzione and Piazza Magione), Capo-Teatro Massimo, Cuba-Calatafimi (lower part), Partanna-Mondello
- Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Palermo. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
Guide to the areas of Palermo
The capital of Palermo is divided into 8 large districts, each divided into many small districts (25 in total). However, for your stay take into account only the first and eighth districts: they correspond respectively to the historic centre and the surroundings areas, where all the best attractions are concentrated.
Not recommended areas: too peripheral areas (Zen, Brancaccio, Falsomiele, ...), around the central station (Oreto-Perez, Sant'Erasmo-Corso dei Mille), Borgo Vecchio, inner areas of Montegrappa district (around the Civic Hospital).
Montegrappa (University Area /via Ernesto Basile)
Let's start the discovery of the neighbourhoods of Palermo with Montegrappa, a neighbourhood in the south of the historic centre, which lies between the Cemetery of Santo Spirito and the University of Palermo. Here are also located the hospitals Civico and Policlinico.
The best area to stay in the neighbourhood is along Ernesto Basile Street, on the northwest edge. Here you will find plenty of houses for rent, pensions or hostels. Instead, the internal area should be avoided, as well as towards the border with the Oreto-Perez quarter.
Via Ernesto Basile is adjacent to the university, so full of convenient solutions and recommended especially for young people and those who want to stay on a budget. In addition, along the way, there are numerous bus stops that take you directly into the centre (from Basile-University Secretariat stop to Teatro Politeama Garibaldi in the historic centre direct bus line 108, 16 min).
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €37,00 for low-cost accommodation to €100,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| La Casetta del Viale 13 | Entire apartment with parking, one-bedroom, equipped kitchen and terrace. Ideal for small groups |
| Palermo Central Apartments | Fully furnished apartments with kitchen, private bathroom and TV. Airport shuttle available. Ideal for families and groups |
| Giu a Palermo | Entire apartment with fully equipped kitchen, WiFi connection and air conditioning. Pets allowed. Ideal for families and groups |
Albergheria (Ballarò)
Near the district of Montegrappa there is the district of Albergheria, another area recommended especially for young people and those looking for nightlife. The entire area is, in fact, developed around the Ballarò market, becoming chaotic during the day, and lively at night.
It is a popular area because it is very central and close to many attractions. Here are the Palazzo dei Normanni, the Cathedral (just outside the northern edge), but also Casa Professa and San Giovanni degli Eremiti. If you are travelling with your family, we recommend staying in the area near the attractions, and not in the most central part, as it is very chaotic and full of narrow streets and alleys that must be avoided late at night.
From here, you can also walk to all the historical centres (Royal Palace-Cathedral 7 min, Royal Palace-Theater Maximus 18 min). However, the area is served by several bus lines.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €43,00 for low-cost accommodation to €100,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Casa Vacanze Villa D'Orleans | One-bedroom apartment with a terrace overlooking the city. Free parking. Ideal for couples |
| Apartment Rua Formaggi | Apartment for maximum 5 persons, 80 sqm, equipped kitchen and city view. Ideal for families and groups |
| Residence Palazzo Brunaccini Palermo | 4-star hotel with elegant and refined furnishings. Family rooms and disabled guests available. Restaurant and room service. Ideal for families and couples |
Monte di Pietà (Teatro Massimo, Quattro Canti, Cattedrale)
Let's now get to know Monte di Pietà, one of Palermo's most central and popular neighbourhoods. Here, you will be practically in the center and within walking distance of the main attractions: the wonderful Cathedral, the Quattro Canti (on the border with the neighbouring district of Albergheria), the Teatro Massimo and the lively Mercato del Capo, which animates the neighbourhood during the day!
It is a neighbourhood suitable for everyone because it is central, yet very chaotic. Basically it is an area that never shuts, because during the day there are the Capo market and the main attractions, at night there is nightlife until late.
If you are travelling with your family, we recommend mainly the outer area around Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda, for young people the central area can also be fine.
Staying here, you will find it very easy to move around the city on foot and reach the main attractions nearby.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €37,00 for low-cost accommodation to €150,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| B&B Dimora CentroWell | B&B with parking, good breakfast and airport shuttle service. Ideal for families and couples |
| Casa Salinas Centro Storico | Entire apartment up to 4 people, with equipped kitchen and living room. Family rooms available and pets allowed. Ideal for families and groups |
| Quattro Canti | Hotel with spacious modern rooms and terrace overlooking the city. Private parking, breakfast and availability of family rooms. Ideal for couples, groups and families |
Castellammare o Loggia (via Roma, La Cala)
The district of Castellammare or Loggia is one of the most beautiful places of Palermo. In fact, it is very well located: on one hand it overlooks the most beautiful stretch of Via Roma, the long street that runs through the center; on the other hand, the sea, more precisely the "Cala", the old port; yet on the south-west side there is Corso Vittorio Emanuele, from Quattro Canti until the beautiful Piazza Marina; north side there is Via Cavour, which connects the Teatro Massimo to the port.
This is also a district suitable for everyone but quite lively: the area in front of the Teatro Massimo, between Via Spinuzza, Piazza Olivella and Via Orologio, is known as "Champagneria-Fuso Orario", and is the center of nightlife. It is overflowing with clubs, bars, restaurants, wine bars, cafes, street food, so if you are travelling with children, we recommend you to stay on Via Roma or in the part that overlooks the beautiful Piazza Marina.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €40,00 for low-cost accommodation to €174,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Real Fonderia b&b | B&B with rooms with private bathroom and TV, free parking and family rooms are available. Ideal for families and couples |
| Rentopolis Appartamento Piazza Marina Palermo | Apartment on Piazza Marina, maximum capacity 4 people, fully equipped kitchen and views of the city. Ideal for families and small groups |
| Desire charming house boat | An unusual accommodation, a boat moored directly in La Cala, with bedroom, bathroom, living room and fireplace. Ideal for couples |
| Hotel Palazzo Sitano | 4-star hotel with spa and a wellness center. Family rooms and rooms for guests with disabilities. Ideal for couples and families |
Politeama - Libertà (Via Ruggero Settimo, Via Dante)
The Politeama-Libertà district is the most elegant area of the city, the Salotto of Palermo. The pedestrian areas of Piazzetta Bagnasco and Via Principe di Belmonte, as well as Piazza Castelnuovo and the Politeama Theatre are located around here and you will find many stores, famous brands, ice cream parlors, restaurants and cafes.
Along Via Libertà is the liberty area of the historic center, with luxurious historical buildings, jewelers and stores with the most important brands. At the northern edge there is the English Garden, a beautiful public park with kiosks, streams, ponds and playgrounds.
This district also includes the whole area around the beautiful Via Ruggero Settimo and the rich streets "Mariano Stabile" and "Emerico Amari", connecting the centre with the port. It is recommended to everyone, but of course it is also the most expensive part of Palermo. It is a central and elegant district, where you can move on foot, rich in hotels, including the famous Grand Hotel et des Palmes.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €450,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| B&B Massimocentro | Elegant B&B with private parking and airport shuttle available. Ideal for couples and families |
| B&B Cubbaita | Ideal B&B for couples. Available solarium terrace and parking, reservation on payment |
| Kalamonjo Suite&Rooms | Ideal apartment for families and couples. Bicycle rental service available and great location |
| Grand Hotel et Des Palmes | The historic 5-star hotel with luxurious and elegant interiors. With restaurant, bar and room service. Ideal for families and couples |
De Gasperi-Sciuti-Notarbartolo
The De Gasperi-Sciuti-Notarbartolo area is located after the Politeama-Libertà district, continuing along Viale della Libertà. It is a safe and elegant area, between via De Gasperi to the north (towards the Stadio-Favorita area), via Libertà-Marchese di Villabianca to the west, via Notarbartolo to the south and via Sciuti to the east. The more you go up north, the more you are far from the center but the more the area is quiet, residential and elegant. In addition,it is the new area, with modern, elegant, well connected streets, new or renovated buildings, and very beautiful areas such as Via Giusti, Via D'Annunzio, Via Principe di Paternò, which overlook Via Libertà.
The neighbourhood is perfect for families, as it is safe and away from the nightlife. Although it is a bit more distant from the old historical center, it is well connected thanks to the many means of transport (from Libertà-Don Bosco stop to Teatro Massimo direct bus line 101, 15 min). In addition, on either side of the neighbourhood you can find the railway stations of Palermo Notarbartolo and Imperatore Federico, which are crucial connection hubs.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €40,00 for low-cost accommodation to €100,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Casa Sciuti | Apartments with city views, family rooms and free parking. Ideal for families and groups |
| Firriato di Villafranca | Elegant one-bedroom apartment with parking. Pets allowed. Ideal for families or couples |
| Penelope B&B Palermo | B&B with free parking and excellent breakfast. Airport shuttle available. Ideal for couples and families |
| Le case di Frelli | Luxurious apartments, modern and elegant. Equipped with kitchen and washing machine. Pets allowed. Ideal for families |
| Principe Lampedusa Boutique Hotel | Hotel in the historic Villa Lampedusa, suites are furnished with antique furniture, equipped with all modern comforts and private parking. Ideal for families and couples |
La Kalsa (Piazza Marina, Foro Italico, Spasimo)
The Kalsa district is adjacent to Castellammare/Loggia. It is a beautiful neighbourhood, it corresponds to the ancient Arab quarter, but it is very "popular" towards the inside. It includes a stretch of the Foro Italico, the wonderful city waterfront. Moreover, here you can visit the Museum of Majolica and the Sant'Anna Modern Art Gallery.
It 's a neighbourhood which is truly suitable for everyone, but making distinctions: families will find excellent facilities and hotels with all the comforts in the north (around Piazza Marina, Cala and Corso Vittorio Emanuele) and the east (the waterfront). The more central area, especially around Piazza Rivoluzione and Piazza Magione, is instead suitable for young people, thanks to the lively nightlife!
This district includes the stretch of Via Roma near the central station, which is better to avoid.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €45,00 for low-cost accommodation to €150,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| NH Palermo | Luxury 4-star hotel with pool and restaurant. Ideal for couples |
| B&B Addauru | B&B in a building dating back to the 18th-century, ideal for families and couples. Free parking available on the street |
| Casa Merlo Palermo | Private apartment with up to 4 people, equipped kitchen and washing machine. Ideal for families or groups |
| Hotel Porta Felice | 4-star hotel with spa, wellness centre and gym. Ideal for families and couples |
Cuba-Calatafimi (Piazza Indipendenza, Palazzo Reale)
Let's move inland, where the Cuba-Calatafimi neighbourhood is located. It marks the western edge of the historic center, however the lower part of Corso Calatafimi is very quiet, residential, comfortable and even cheap. In fact, here you will be within walking distance of important attractions such as the Cathedral, the Royal Palace and the famous Capuchin Catacombs. In addition, here you can visit the Palace of the Cuba, in Arab style and dating back to the XII century.
The district spreads up to the borders with Zisa, Altarello and Mezzomonreale, but the part that we recommend is that within the following boundaries: north edge via Pitrè-via Cappuccini (Catacombs), west Piazza Indipendenza-Palazzo Reale, south Corso Pisani and east via Pindemonte-via Cuba.
This is a convenient neighborhood for those who want to save on accommodation, but also for families. So we suggest you to consider mainly the eastern part, towards Piazza Indipendenza that marks the border with the historical center. Piazza Indipendenza is practically the main hub of city buses, so it is very convenient for getting around.
It is also very well connected to the highway in case you have a car. In the north, Corso Calatafimi crosses Viale Regione Siciliana, the ring road that becomes a highway (towards Messina-Catania on one side, towards Trapani-Mazara del Vallo on the other).
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €35,00 for low-cost accommodation to €100,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Ri Mo's Rent Room | B&B with terrace and free parking. Ideal for couples |
| Cappuccini Apartment Palermo | Apartment for 4 people, equipped kitchen and air conditioning. Ideal for families and small groups |
| Casa le Rose | Entire apartment with swimming pool and free parking. Ideal for families and groups |
| La Cubba | Guesthouse with rooms with TV, air conditioning and coffee machine. Shared kitchen and lounge. Ideal for families and groups |
Partanna-Mondello
Finally, here is the district of Mondello, north of the centre and located directly on the beach. This is an area suitable mainly for the summer, thanks to its beautiful beach, also for those seeking absolute peace and tranquility in other seasons. You can get around on foot or by bicycle. It's also a quite expensive area, but here you will really have all the services you need! To the north it borders with the Capo Gallo Reserve, to the west with Tommaso Natale-Via Lanza di Scalea and to the south via dell'Olimpo-Zen.
It 's a neighborhood really suitable for everyone: the watchword is sea and relax! Families and young people will find all the necessary services: clubs, restaurants, kiosks, beaches, playgrounds for children, parking, ... Here you can also find a starred restaurant, the Bye Bye Blues. The area is obviously far from the centre, but is well connected by bus line 806 (about 30 min).
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €45,00 for low-cost accommodation to €260,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Mondello Beach - Rooms By The Sea | Rooms with private bathroom and air conditioning. Parking and beach front. Ideal for families, couples and groups |
| Busalacchi B&B | B&B at 800 m from the beach, with large rooms and parking. Ideal for families and couples |
| Villa Le Lanterne Pool & Relax | Entire house with swimming pool and parking. Pets allowed, close to the beach. Ideal for families and groups |
| Unico Boutique Hotel d'Arte | 5-star hotel overlooking the sea, with swimming pool, parking and bar. Ideal for couples and families |
Places to stay near Palermo
Sleeping outside Palermo can be a good option, perfect for those who hate chaos and prefer to stay in quieter places. In this specific case, staying outside Palermo and moving, for example, towards the coast, the beaches or the hinterland of Palermo is a strategic idea. However, we must always keep in mind that public transport (bus and train) are not always punctual and functional, so if you choose to stay outside Palermo is essential to rent a car (from €40,00 per day in low season). Here are some options:
- Cinisi (35 km / 40 min): Cinisi is very close to Palermo Airport, so it can be strategic to visit not only the centre of Palermo, but also the surrounding areas, considerable for the overnight stay. A few steps you will have for example Isola delle Femmine or Mondello - Hotel and b&b from €60,00 per room
- Bagheria (17 km / 36 min): it is part of the metropolitan area of Palermo and it is worth staying here because it is also rich in palaces and historical villas; moreover there are daily connections both by train and by bus - Hotels and b&b from €55,00 per room
If you are in Palermo for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com