Where to stay in Palermo: best areas and neighborhoods

Johann 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.

In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Palermo

Foto di wheresleep.

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).

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Palermo. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

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), the low-budget area

Foto di http://www.unipa.it.

• Pros: Affordable accommodations, close to the university, lively student atmosphere
• Cons: Not the most touristic area, can be noisy at night
• Main attractions: University of Palermo, Orto Botanico, Parco d'Orleans
• Average prices: From €50,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

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 start from about €50,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Albergheria (Ballarò), best for authentic local experience

Foto di Effems.

• Pros: Historic market atmosphere, great street food, rich cultural heritage
• Cons: Can be chaotic, not the quietest area at night
• Main attractions: Ballarò Market, Palazzo Conte Federico, Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

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 start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Monte di Pietà (Teatro Massimo, Quattro Canti, Cattedrale), best for first-timers

• Pros: Central location, walkable to all major attractions, historic charm
• Cons: Higher prices, busy streets, tourist-heavy
• Main attractions: Teatro Massimo, Palermo Cathedral, Quattro Canti, Capo Market
• Average prices: From €90,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

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 start from about €90,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Castellammare o Loggia (via Roma, La Cala), Best for Nightlife & Food Lovers

Foto di Jorge Franganillo.

Pros: Vibrant nightlife, great restaurants and bars, near the waterfront
Cons: Noisy at night, pricier accommodations
Main attractions: Via Roma, La Cala harbor, Vucciria Market, Piazza San Domenico
Average prices: From €85,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

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 start from about €85,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Politeama - Libertà (Via Ruggero Settimo, Via Dante), Best for Shopping & Elegance

• Pros: Upscale area, great shopping streets, refined atmosphere
• Cons: Not as historic, accommodations can be expensive
• Main attractions: Teatro Politeama, Via Ruggero Settimo, Giardino Inglese
• Average prices: From €90,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

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 start from about €90,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended accommodation

De Gasperi-Sciuti-Notarbartolo, Best for a Local & Residential Experience

Foto di l0da_ralta.

• Pros: Safe and quiet, well-connected to the city center, modern vibe
• Cons: Not a touristy area, fewer major attractions
• Main attractions: Villa Malfitano Whitaker, Notarbartolo district, local cafes and boutiques
• Average prices: From €80,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

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 start from about €80,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended accommodation

La Kalsa (Piazza Marina, Foro Italico, Spasimo), Best for History & Seafront Views

Foto di trolvag.

• Pros: Rich historical sites, vibrant cultural scene, near the sea
• Cons: Some areas can feel rundown, less polished than other districts
• Main attractions: Piazza Marina, Palazzo Steri, Foro Italico, Church of Santa Maria dello Spasimo
• Average prices: From €65,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

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 €65,00 for low-cost accommodation to €150,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Cuba-Calatafimi (Piazza Indipendenza, Palazzo Reale), Best for History Lovers

Foto di Sebastian Fischer.

• Pros: Close to the Norman Palace, quiet residential streets, great for history buffs
• Cons: Slightly outside the city center, limited nightlife options
• Main attractions: Palazzo Reale, Cappella Palatina, Cuba Palace
• Average prices: From €70,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

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 start from about €70,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Partanna-Mondello, Best for Beach Lovers

Pros: Stunning beaches, relaxed atmosphere, great seafood restaurants
Cons: Far from the city center, seasonal crowds in summer
Main attractions: Mondello Beach, Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, Antico Stabilimento Balneare
Average prices: From €100,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

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 start from about €100,00- compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Places to stay near Palermo

Foto di wheresleep. 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 - Compare on booking
• 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 - Compare on booking

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

Palermo accommodation price map

Booking.com

Guide to the areas of Palermo

Foto di wheresleep. 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.

Cool Things to Do in Palermo

• Free Walking Tour: Discover the hidden gems of Palermo with a local guide. Explore Ballarò, Quattro Canti, and the Cathedral. More info here.
• Street Food Tour: Taste Palermo’s best street food, from panelle to arancine. Vucciria and Ballarò are must-visits! More info here.
• Boat trip: explore the beautiful sicilian sea with a day trip. More info here.
• Visit the Capuchin Catacombs: Explore one of the world’s most eerie underground crypts. More info here.
• Day Trip to Mondello: Escape the city for a beach day in Mondello, just 20 minutes away.
• Explore Palazzo Reale & Cappella Palatina: Admire the stunning mosaics inside this UNESCO-listed site. More info here.
• Climb to the top of Teatro Massimo: Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the rooftop of Italy’s largest opera house.
   

Travel Tips for Palermo

• Public Transport: The bus system is available but not always reliable. Walking or taxis (use apps like Free Now) are better for short distances.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
• Safety: Palermo is generally safe, but be cautious of pickpockets in crowded markets and tourist areas.
• Local Food: Try pasta con le sarde, pane ca meusa, and of course, a traditional cannolo siciliano.
• Siesta Hours: Many shops and restaurants close in the afternoon (from 1 PM to 4 PM), so plan accordingly.
• Markets: Ballarò is great for food and local vibes, while Vucciria is more about nightlife.
• Dress Code for Churches: Bring a shawl or scarf to cover shoulders when visiting religious sites.