You are looking for the best place to stay in Palermo, Sicily, and you are absolutely right. Choosing the right accommodation is crucial to avoid any bad surprises and make the most of your trip. So, how do you do it?
Several criteria need to be taken into account. Your desires and expectations, your budget, and the season of your visit. Are you going to Palermo in Sicily as a couple, with family, alone or with friends? Are you looking for a place to stay in Palermo for a 2 or 3-day weekend or a longer duration?
Here is our guide to help you choose your accommodation in Palermo. It includes a map and description of the best neighborhoods in Palermo, areas to avoid, and our selection of the best hotels and apartments. Let’s get started!
Our favorites in Palermo, Sicily, Italy
- For the beach with a sea view: Unìco Boutique Hotel d’Arte
- For couples: Palazzo Natoli
- For families: Grand Wagner
- Luxury hotel: Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes
- For a 3-day weekend: Porta di Castro
- With a view of the Teatro Massimo: Massimo Plaza Hotel
- With a view of the Teatro Garibaldi: Hotel Politeama
Which neighborhood to stay in Palermo?
Palermo is the most important city in Sicily. The city has been home to the rulers of Sicily for nearly 900 years!
The Centro Storico, or historical center, of Palermo is the part that concentrates the most churches and historical monuments. The historical center is divided into four neighborhoods: Albergheria, Monte di Pieta, Castellammare, and Tribunali.
Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele separate these four neighborhoods. At the intersection of these streets is the Quattro Canti. It’s an octagonal square emblematic of Palermo. The real name of the square is Piazza Villena.
The Centro Storico is the most touristy and oldest part of Palermo. There are plenty of small alleys, beautiful buildings, and many churches.
Beyond the Centro Storico, to the north, is the more modern neighborhood of Politeama Liberta. This area has less charm than the historical center. However, it is in this neighborhood that the accommodations are the most comfortable and modern.
Finally, all the way to the north of Palermo, about 30 minutes by car, is the Mondello neighborhood. This is the seaside district, with a beautiful white sand beach.
Whichever neighborhood you choose to stay in, it is essential to know the advantages and drawbacks of each area of Palermo. We will discuss this next. There are notably specific neighborhoods in Palermo that are best to be avoided.
Elsewhere on the island, do not miss our guide to the best towns to stay in Sicily.
How to choose the best neighborhood to stay in Palermo, Sicily?
Centro storico
The historical center of Palermo corresponds to the area of Palermo developed in the 18th century. It has 4 neighborhoods: Albergheria, Castellamare, Tribunali, and Monte di Pieta. 2 streets separate them: Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda. The intersection of these two streets represents the intersection of these four neighborhoods. It is the Quattro Canti.
You can find the city gates on either side of the street Via Vittorio Emanuele. They are beautiful buildings to see: Porta Nuova and Porta Felice.
Common points to the neighborhoods of the Centro Storico. Before looking at each area in detail of the Centro Storico of Palermo, they all share:
- Car traffic and parking impossible: it is tough to drive in this area, and almost impossible to park. In addition, a special and paid access card is required to drive in this area (ZTL: Limited Traffic Zone). If you are on a road trip to Sicily, you might prefer to stay in the Politeama Liberta neighborhood of Palermo.
- Narrow streets: All the streets in the historical center are narrow. Most are also very poorly lit at night, which can seem dangerous. Palermo is not a dangerous city, but it’s not always pleasant to venture alone into a dark alley. Therefore, accommodation in the historical center of Palermo on a clean and wide street is preferable. You can use Google Street View for that.
Albergheria / Royal Palace
The Albergheria district is sometimes also called the Royal Palace because the Royal Palace is located there. It is south of the Quattro Canti. It is an old district dating from the 18th century. Thus, there is a labyrinth of small streets with a lot of charm.
Why choose the Albergheria district in Palermo?
Churches. There are stunning churches in the Albergheria district, for example, the Church of the Gesù. It is possible to climb up to the dome of the Church of the Holy Savior. You can have a breathtaking view of the whole city.
Market. The Ballaro Market is one of the oldest markets in the city. It is mainly a food market, but you can also find some souvenirs. One can also sit down to eat a plate or an Arrancine, the Sicilian specialty made with stuffed and fried rice balls. The market is mainly lively during the day. In the evening, prefer the Vucciria market in the Castellammare district.
Royal Palace. The Palace of the Normans, or Royal Palace, has been the residence of the rulers of Sicily since the 9th century. A part of it can be visited, including the magnificent Palatine Chapel.
Accommodations. There are many accommodations in this district, like hotels and apartments. Since it is an old neighborhood, the buildings are often ancient and poorly insulated. Therefore, when you book in this district of Palermo, be careful, especially if you prefer to stay in a quiet environment. Moreover, parking is almost impossible, so it is not convenient if you go on a road trip to Sicily. In this district of Palermo, it is preferable to avoid staying near the Ballaro market and choose accommodations near the Via Vittorio Emanuele and the Via Maqueda.
Train station. Palermo’s train station is at the end of the Via Roma. It is pretty close and accessible on foot. It is convenient because you will arrive at Palermo station if you come from the airport by public transport. It is also practical to visit Sicily by train, whether going east, for example, to Cefalù, or south, for instance, to Agrigento.
Pros and Cons of Albergheria
Pros.
- Close to all places to visit
- Close to the train station
Cons.
- Old buildings, poorly insulated and noisy
- Impossible to park by car
The best hotels in Albergheria
- For couples: Palazzo Natoli. An excellent hotel on Via Vittorio Emanuele, so very well located. The staff goes out of their way to ensure an exceptional romantic stay.
- For families: Porta di Castro. A hotel very close to the Palace of the Normans, with triple rooms. Ideal for staying as a family with children in Palermo.
Monte di Pietà / Seralcadio
The Monte di Pietà district is located west of the Quattro Canti. It is the Cathedral district.
Why choose the Monte di Pietà district in Palermo?
Market. The Il Capo Market is the symbolic market of the district. It is a historic and picturesque market. You can find everything there, and you can also eat on-site.
Cathedral. The Cathedral is a must-see monument in Palermo. The exterior is magnificent. The interior looks pretty sober compared to other churches in Palermo. The view from the roof is also magnificent. However, it is often crowded. Also, you might prefer the view from the Church of the Holy Savior.
Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele. The city’s main theater is on Via Maqueda in the Monte di Pietà district. It is an emblem of the city, a magnificent building to see. For cinephiles, it is on these steps that Don Corleone’s daughter is assassinated in The Godfather.
Accommodations. There are few hotels in this district, mostly apartments. It is an old neighborhood, so the buildings are often poorly insulated. It is also difficult to park in this district. In this district of Palermo, it is preferable to avoid staying near the Il Capo market and to instead choose accommodations near the Via Vittorio Emanuele and the Via Maqueda.
Pros and Cons of Monte di Pietà
Pros.
- Close to all the places to visit
Cons.
- Few hotels
- Difficult to park
The best hotels in Monte di Pietà
- For couples: Casa Nostra. A beautiful hotel, well decorated, in the heart of the district.
- Central: Eurostars Centrale Palace. The hotel is a few meters from the Quattro Canti, so close to everything.
Castellammare / La Loggia
The Castellammare neighborhood, also known as La Loggia, is located north of Quattro Canti. It is crossed by the busy main street Via Roma. To the east, it is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the marina La Cala.
Why choose the Castellammare district in Palermo?
Market. The Vucciria market is a bustling place, especially in the evening. There are fresh products, but you can also eat Sicilian street food. There’s also music to contribute to the festive atmosphere. A great place to spend an evening in Palermo. During the day, head to the Ballaro market in the Albergheria district instead.
Churches. There are still many churches in this neighborhood. However, they are not the most breathtaking on the inside, so it’s up to you to decide if these visits are right for you. Famous ones include the Church of Saint Ignatius at Olivella and the Church of Saint Dominic.
Accommodations. There are quite a few hotels in this neighborhood. Mostly, there are old buildings where street noise can be easily heard. It is also quite challenging to find parking as the streets are narrow. It’s best to avoid staying too close to the market in this district of Palermo as it’s very lively in the evening, and very noisy.
Pros and Cons of Castellammare
The pluses.
- Typical Sicilian neighborhood
The minuses.
- Very few hotels, old accommodations
The Best Hotels in Castellammare
- For couples: Hotel Posta. The hotel’s highlight is its roof terrace, or rooftop, with a view of the surrounding mountains.
Tribunali / La Kalsa
The Tribunali district, also called La Kalsa, is located east of Quattro Canti. The sea borders it to the west. The name Tribunali derives from the old Tribunal of the Inquisition that was located there.
Why choose the Tribunali district in Palermo?
Churches. There are still many churches in the Tribunali district. Three of the most beautiful are close to Piazza Pretoria: the Church della Martorana, Saint Cataldo Church, and Saint Catherine’s Church.
Walk by the water. The Foro Italico is the only place in the center of Palermo where you can take a stroll by the sea. However, it’s better to avoid it at night as it is not well-lit, and one may feel unsafe.
Historical places to see. Among the must-sees in the Tribunali district, you’ll find Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri (former Tribunal of the Inquisition), the Modern Art Gallery, and the Majolica Museum.
Train station. The Palermo train station is right next to the Tribunali district. If you plan on visiting Sicily by train, staying in the Tribunali district is ideal. From Palermo, you can go directly to Cefalu or Agrigento.
Nightlife. The area of the Tribunali district near Via Roma and Via Vittorio Emanuele is ideal for going out in the evening. Additionally, the Vucciria market is very close with its very lively atmosphere. A few names of popular bars are Goccio and Botteghe Colletti.
Accommodations. As with the rest of the Centro Storico, the buildings are old, which adds to the neighborhood’s charm. However, they are also poorly insulated and often let in street noise. So, be careful when choosing this district to stay in Palermo. Parking is also problematic.
Pros and Cons of Tribunali
The pluses.
- Close to the train station for visiting Sicily
The minuses.
- Difficult to park
The Best Hotels of Tribunali
- For couples: Bastione Spasimo.
- Ideal location: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa.
Politeama – Freedom
The Politeama Liberta neighborhood is located north of the Historical Center, after the Castellammare and Monte di Pieta districts. This area is newer and has fewer historic monuments. However, it has appeal.
Why choose the Politeama – Liberta neighborhood in Palermo?
Shopping. The Politeama – Liberta district is downtown Palermo. It is where most clothing shops, such as Zara or H&M, are found. Most brands are located between the Historical Center and Garibaldi Theater along Via Ruggiero Settimo. Luxury boutiques like Prada, Louis Vuitton, or Gucci are a little further along on Via della Liberta.
Nightlife. There are several bars and restaurants in this district with a lively atmosphere. It’s perfect for enjoying the nightlife. The atmosphere is more refined and distinguished than in the historical center. It is perfectly suitable for couples going out on a date or families taking an evening stroll.
Activities. The Politeama Liberta district does not have many historic monuments worth visiting. However, remember that it is very close to the historical center. From the heart of the Politeama Liberta neighborhood to Quattro Canti, it is only a 15-minute walk down a mostly pedestrian street. So it’s easy to get there without getting lost.
Accommodations. There are many hotels and accommodations for staying in the Politeama Liberta area of Palermo. It is a more modern district, and the buildings are more comfortable than in the historic center. However, they may have less charm.
Security. The Politeama Liberta district is not a tangle of small alleys. The streets are wider and more frequented than in the historical center. You will not be alone in the street, contributing to the feeling of safety. Generally speaking, this neighborhood is not dangerous.
Pros and Cons of Politeama – Liberta
The upsides.
- Close to the historical center
- Not dangerous
The downsides.
- You have to walk to see historic monuments
The best hotels in Politeama – Liberta
- Luxury hotel: Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes.
- View of the Theater: Hotel Politeama. The suites with a terrace have a view of the theater, the square, and the mountains behind Palermo.
Mondello
Mondello is a district of Palermo located far north. It takes about 30 minutes by car to get to Quattro Canti. It is, therefore, a district quite far from the rest of the city. It is interesting because it is the best district of Palermo for enjoying the beach. The airport is close, at 25 minutes by car, so it is the ideal neighborhood to stay in during a 3-day weekend in Palermo.
Why choose the Mondello district in Palermo?
The most beautiful beach. The beach of Mondello is the most beautiful in Palermo. It is a long stretch of fine white sand. The water is turquoise and clear. With Monte Pellegrino in the background, the landscape is magnificent. The atmosphere during the day is family-friendly, so perfect for those coming to Palermo with family. As it is the most beautiful beach in Palermo, it also gets crowded quickly. A large part of the beach is privatized, accessible only if you rent a deckchair and an umbrella.
Different atmosphere. The Mondello district has nothing in common with the neighborhoods of the historical center or Politeama Liberta. There are mostly private villas with gardens in this district. So it’s a very green and less dense neighborhood.
Nightlife in the summer. In the summer, part of Palermo’s nightlife moves to Mondello, where people spend the evening in the bars by the water. It’s a fantastic atmosphere.
Dining on the beach. Of course, there are restaurants by the beach with a beautiful sea view. Among the best restaurants in the Mondello district of Palermo are Bar Scimone, Alba Beach, and Touring Café Beach.
Pros and Cons of Mondello
The upsides.
- The beach
- The evening atmosphere in summer
The downsides.
- Avoid in winter
- Far from the historical center
The best hotels in Mondello
- For a romantic stay: Unìco Boutique Hotel d’Arte. The best hotel in Mondello, with a magnificent view of the sea.
Where to stay in Palermo?
Where to stay in Palermo for a 3-day weekend?
For a 2 or 3-day weekend, the ideal is to stay in the Albergheria district of Palermo.
Thus, you will be at the foot of all the city’s historical monuments, such as the Cathedral, the Norman Palace, or Piazza Pretoria. No need for a car or public transport, everything is close by.
To go from the airport to the city center, take the train to the Palazzo Reale – Orleans station, then walk the remaining journey. It’s convenient, especially if you only have a small luggage. By taxi, it is also doable but not always quicker because traffic in the historical center is very limited.
Where to stay in Palermo for a romantic getaway?
For a romantic getaway, you can stay in the historical center of Palermo or just next to it in the Politeama Liberta district.
In the historical center, accommodations are often old and poorly insulated. On the other hand, it’s the charm of old Palermo. For accommodations with modern comfort, it is recommended to move a little away and go to the Politeama Liberta district.
- In the historical center: Palazzo Natoli
- In the Politeama Liberta district: Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes
Where to stay in Palermo with family?
The most suitable district for families with children is the Politeama Liberta district. It’s a quieter and more secure area than the Centro Storico. There are fewer small alleys where children can get lost. Furthermore, the lodgings are often of better quality. The Grand Wagner in this district is a perfectly suitable hotel for families with children in Palermo.
In summer, the Mondello district is also an option. The beach is perfect for families. You can visit the city center to discover another face of Palermo.
Where to stay in Palermo for a first trip and sightseeing?
The Politeama Liberta district is the best area to stay in Palermo for a first trip and to visit the city. This district is not in the historical center. It is a relatively modern area with comfortable hotels. It’s perfect for gradually discovering the city. The historical center is very close and walkable, making the visits easy.
For shopping: Politeama Liberta
Most shops are found in the Politeama Liberta district. There are clothing brands like H&M, Zara, or Desigual and luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, or Gucci. If you want to do some shopping during your stay in Palermo, staying in the Politeama Liberta district is ideal.
For nightlife: Centro Storico, Politeama Liberta, and Mondello
The best districts of Palermo for nightlife are those of the Centro Storico, Politeama Liberta district, and Mondello. Each district has its own vibe.
First, the Mondello district is excellent on summer evenings. There are people on the beach and in the bars and restaurants. So it’s ideal for having a drink, for eating, and for walking in the evening along the sea while eating ice cream.
In the Centro Storico district, the area around the Vucciria market, Via Vittorio Emanuele, and the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is always festive. This part of the Centro Storico is perfect for partying, enjoying nightlife, and dancing in the street. It may be inappropriate for a romantic evening as a couple or with family. Moreover, there can be pickpockets near the market area. It is precisely where the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa is located.
Finally, the Politeama Liberta district is ideal for a more relaxed nightlife. The atmosphere is less oriented towards partying but more towards enjoying a pleasant evening on a terrace. It’s perfectly suitable for romantic evenings or families. For example, the Hotel Politeama is ideally located.
For the beach: Mondello
The Mondello district is the best for staying in Palermo and enjoying the beach. This is especially true when it’s hot because the area has a different face in winter. The beach is beautiful, with fine white sand. You can rent deck chairs and umbrellas on-site. It’s even recommended because the public part of the beach gets crowded quickly. It’s also advised to come early to reserve an umbrella as it’s often packed in the afternoon.
The best hotel in Mondello is the Unìco Boutique Hotel d’Arte. It’s an ideal hotel for a romantic stay in Palermo. We particularly love the rooms with a sea view.
For visiting Sicily
Visiting Sicily by car during a road trip or without a car by taking the train or bus is easy.
During a road trip in Sicily, finding a place to park the car is the hardest part. The Centro Storico is not accessible, so it’s better to opt for the Politeama Liberta district.
It is better to stay close to Palermo’s train station to visit Sicily by train or bus. For example, in the Albergheria district or the Tribunali area of the Centro Storico. Buses and trains depart from Palermo’s central station. From Palermo, you can go directly to Agrigento or Cefalu by train.
Neighborhoods to Avoid in Palermo
Safety in Palermo is similar to what you can feel in Paris or Milan. You need to keep a certain level of vigilance and not leave your bag open. In addition, there are specific neighborhoods where you should avoid staying in Palermo.
The seaside near the Tribunali district, the Foro Italico, may seem like a good idea to enjoy both the sea and the city center. In the evening, it is poorly lit. It’s better to stay away and avoid this area when staying in Palermo.
Borgo Vecchio is a small neighborhood squeezed between Politeama Liberta and the port of Palermo. It is a neighborhood where the buildings seem abandoned. The streets are dirty, and one can encounter people one prefers not to meet. Borgo Vecchio is a neighborhood to avoid in Palermo.
Mondello is almost deserted in winter. There is no one around, and it feels lonely and isolated. It is a very seasonal neighborhood of Palermo and best to be avoided in winter.
In Albergheria, Monte di Pieta, and Castellammarre neighborhoods, you should avoid staying too close to the markets, namely Ballaro, Il Capo, and Vucciria, respectively. These are lively places worth visiting during the day for Ballaro and Il Capo and at night for Vucciria. However, they are also noisy and crowded. At night, there can also be pickpockets at Vucciria. Therefore, it is better not to stay directly near the markets in these districts.
Tips for Choosing a Good Accommodation in Palermo
Airport. If you are looking for where to stay in Palermo for 2 or 3 days, check the hotel’s location and the airport transfer. If you are going to take public transport from the airport to the city center, you will save time if the hotel is well located. If you take the train, you will arrive at Palermo Central Station. The Tribunali and Albergheria districts are the closest to the station.
Public transport. The neighborhoods of Centro Storico, Albergheria, Monte di Pieta, Tribunali, and Castellammare, as well as the Politeama Liberta district, are close enough to walk around, less than 15 minutes from each other. Getting to and from Mondello is more complicated because it’s farther away. The most convenient way is to take a taxi.
Best Accommodations to Stay in Palermo
| 📍 First trip | Politeama Liberta |
| 💎 Luxury hotel | Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes |
| 🏩 Romantic | Palazzo Natoli |
| 👍 Family | Grand Wagner |
FAQ for a Trip to Palermo
The most beautiful neighborhood in Palermo is Mondello, with its beautiful fine white sandy beach and the view of Mount Pellegrino. In the historic center, the Castellammare district is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Palermo.
The 3 most beautiful markets are the three historical markets of Centro Storico: Il Capo in the Monte di Pieta district, Vucciria in the Castellammare district, and Balloro in the Albergheria district. The Il Capo and Balloro markets are best visited during the day, while Vucciria is especially festive at night.
Please leave us a comment if this article has helped you choose your accommodation or neighborhood to stay in Palermo. It makes us happy and motivates us to build the best travel blog in Italy and elsewhere!
Leave a Comment