Known for its opera, architecture, and distinct Sicilian-culture, Palermo is one of the coolest backpacking destinations in Italy (and Europe as a whole!).

But as amazing as Italy is – it’s not cheap. Palermo included.

So to help you, we’ve made this list of the 15 best hostels in Palermo, Italy!

The goal of this list is simple – to help you save time searching and save money in Palermo.

We do this by listing the highest rated hostels in Palermo, and then organizing them into different categories, so you can quickly and easily find a hostel that fits your travel-style.

Let’s dive right into the best hostels in Palermo.

Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Palermo

Best Hostels in Palermo
Our ultimate guide to the best hostels in Palermo will help you save money in this Sicilian capital

The 15 Best Hostels in Palermo

Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Palermo – A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel

A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel best hostels in Palermo
  • $$
  • Free Breakfast
  • Bar & Cafe
  • Self Catering Facilities

Modern, vibrant and oh so welcoming, A Casa di Amici is the best hostel for solo travellers in Palermo. More than just a hostel, A Casa di Amici is a fully experiential hostel. Perhaps you want to join in with a family run cooking class, or a drum workshop. If you are even remotely musical you will fall in love with A Casa di Amici. Most hostels around the world have a guitar collecting dust in the corner, these guys have tuned guitars, drums, a piano…even a sax! No better way to find new hostel friends than to join in with the jam! A Casa di Amici is the coolest hostel in Palermo; next level in every way!

Best Party Hostel in Palermo – Sunshine Hostel

Sunshine Hostel best hostels in Palermo
  • $$
  • Free Breakfast
  • Bar & Cafe
  • Late Check-Out

Palermo is a wonderful city to party in! With a party style all of its own get ready to dance in the street with the locals (local grannies too!) while in Palermo. With that in mind, the best party hostel in Palermo is Sunshine Hostel. With a great hostel bar and an on-point hostel vibe, Sunshine is a top hostel in Palermo for travellers down for a good time. The hostel bar is a great place to find your party people before moving out into town. An intimate hostel, Sunshine Hostel will fast become your home away from home. Attracting a super cool crowd throughout the year there is always fun to be had at Sunshine!

Overall Best Hostel in Palermo – Al Vucciria Hostel

Al Vucciria Hostel best hostels in Palermo
  • $$
  • Free Breakfast
  • Cafe
  • Laundry Facilities

The overall best hostel in Palmero in 2021 is Al Vucciria Hostel.  A new kid on the block and totally smashing it, Al Vucciria is set to become even more popular this year. As the best hostel in Palmero Al Vucciria has some of the most comfortable beds in all of the city. The dorms are spacious and bright and guests have access to a guest kitchen to whip up all kinds of Italian culinary delights. This is a family run hostel so you will, of course, be afforded quintessentially Italian hospitality and fast become one of the family too. If you want to stay at a classic Palermo backpackers hostel Al Vucciria Hostel is the place for you.

Al Vucciria Hostel is one of our favourites in Palermo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Best Cheap Hostel in Palermo – CappucciniFlats

CappucciniFlats best hostels in Palermo
  • $
  • Self Catering Facilities
  • Security Lockers
  • Tours & Travel Desk

The best cheap hostel in Palermo is CappucciniFlats. We all know that travelling in Italy can be pricey but CappucciniFlats is the best budget hostel in Palermo and a saving grace for broke backpackers. Located right in the heart of the city, staying at CappucciniFlats saves you money in more ways than one. No need to fork out on taxis while staying here for the hostel is just a 5-minute walk from a metro station that connects you to all of Palermo conveniently..and cheaply! The guest kitchen is there for you to use if you wish. Another way to keep the costs down is to cook for yourself.

CappucciniFlats is one of our favourites in Palermo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???
Aether Backpack

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

View on Osprey View on REI

Best Hostel for Couples in Palermo – Vespa Bed & Breakfast

Vespa Bed & Breakfast best hostels in Palermo
  • $$$
  • Free Breakfast
  • Cafe
  • Tours & Travel Desk

The best hostel for couples in Palermo is Vespa Bed & Breakfast. Although branded as a B&B, Vespa’s has both private rooms and shared dorms. Vespa B&B is a highly recommended hostel in Palermo that gives travelling couples the best of both worlds; a really sociable vibe with the option of a private room, if you’re feeling all loved in Italy (and who doesn’t!). Palermo is a hustling, bustling city, there is always something going on! The Vespa B&B staff are locals themselves and are always keen to share with their guests all their hints, tips and travel hacks!

Vespa Bed & Breakfast is one of our favourites in Palermo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Palermo – On The Way Hostel

On The Way Hostel best hostels in Palermo
  • $$
  • Free Breakfast
  • Self Catering Facilities
  • Laundry Facilities

On The Way Hostel is the best hostel for digital nomads in Palermo for sure! Offering everything the 2021 digital nomad could need, free WiFi, plenty of working space, a guest kitchen and laundry facilities, On The Way ticks all the boxes. Although the hostel itself is a great place to work in there are dozens of charming coffee shops within a 5-minute walk of On The Way so you can change your office daily if you wish! On The Way is a cracking youth hostel in Palermo that has both dorms and private rooms. Long-term travellers need to escape the dorms every once in a while right?! Treat yourself in Palermo!

On The Way Hostel is one of our favourites in Palermo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.
Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

More Best Hostels in Palermo

Welcome Sciliy

Welcome Sciliy best hostels in Palermo
  • $$$
  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • No Curfew

Welcome Scility is a humble youth hostel in Palermo ideal for travellers who like to stay in low key places. If you are just looking for a place to sleep, shower and juice up your tech Welcome Sciliy is spot on. No curfew means that you can stay out as late as you like, partying in the street with the locals, and rock home whenever you like. You will find Welcome Sciliy right in the heart of Palermo and just a few minutes walk from the city’s transport links. There are private rooms and dorms at Welcome Sciliy making it ideal for solo travellers, couples and well…pretty much anyone!

Welcome Sciliy is one of our favourites in Palermo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Some Affordable Hotels in Palermo

Palermo only has seven hostels to choose from, and they’re great! Seven still not enough choice?! No worries! There are lots more places to stay in Palermo, including some very affordable hotels. You have the option of budget, mid-budget, and total splurge!

Hotel Vecchio Borgo

Hotel Vecchio Borgo best hostels in Palermo
  • $
  • Free Breakfast
  • Air Conditioning
  • Room Service

At the higher end of the budget hotel scale in Palermo is Hote Vecchio Borgo. This highly recommended hotel in Palermo deserves all the praise it gets. The rooms are super stylish and hella spacious! Many of the rooms at Hotel Vecchio Borgo offer spectacular views over Palermo’s stunning cityscape. The complimentary breakfast at Hotel Vecchio Borgo is simply outstanding, as is, in fact, every item on the cafe’s menu. Free free to be totally lazy and get room service throughout your stay! Make the most of every minute!

Hotel Moderno

Hotel Moderno best hostels in Palermo
  • $
  • Bathtub
  • Air Conditioning
  • Bicycle Hire

Hotel Moderno is a great budget hotel in Palermo with all the services and style of a high-end establishment. You will find Hotel Moderno a 10-minute walk from Palermo Station and the city’s phenomenal Cathedral. No need to lift a finger while staying at Hotel Moderno. Not only is room service available but the staff can help arrange bicycle and car hire, tours and entrance tickets. Why do the hard graft when they are here to help?! All rooms have private ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning. The beds are super comfortable and the rooms are as spacious as can be.

Best Mid-Budget Hotel in Palermo – Aquarooms

Aquarooms best hostels in Palermo
  • $$
  • Free Breakfast
  • Hot Tub
  • Maid Service

The best mid-budget hotel in Palermo is Aquarooms. You’ll legit feel like royalty staying here. Guests have free access to the hotel’s hot tub and jacuzzi which is a total luxury. Minimalist, modern, and super stylish there is an undeniable serenity to Aquarooms that provides a welcome contrast to the frenetic nature of Palermo city centre. The complimentary breakfast is not to be missed and Aquarooms know how to brew a proper cup of coffee. No doubt about it!

Porta di Castro

Porta di Castro best hostels in Palermo
  • $$
  • Free Breakfast
  • Free Toiletries
  • Parking Onsite

Porta di Castro is a highly recommended hotel in Palermo and offers one of the best breakfasts in the city. This boutique hotel is every Insta-travellers dream! Ever so photogenic and stylish beyond belief Porta di Castro is a total treat. Porta di Castro is super popular and gets booked out well in advance. Ideal for couples who want to experience a taste of luxury without the crazy price tag, or digital nomads on the lookout for picture perfect accommodation, Porta di Castro is pretty darn perfect.

Palazzo Planeta

Palazzo Planeta best hostels in Palermo
  • $$
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Air Conditioning

Why constrain yourself to a hotel or hostel room when you could have a whole apartment?! Palazzo Planeta is a chic apartment rental in the heart of Palermo. Ideal for digital nomads who like to feel settled or for couples who wanna play house in Palermo, Palazzo Planeta is a beautiful space. Guests have access to their own fully equipped kitchen, lounge area and of course a spacious bedroom too. There are a couple of apartments to choose from but if you want the most magical experience be sure to book the terraced apartment. Sunrise over Palermo is amazing!

Best Splurge Hotel in Palermo – L’ Hôtellerie B&B

L' Hôtellerie B&B best hostels in Palermo
  • $$$
  • Swimming Pool
  • Free Breakfast
  • Balcony

Wow wow wow! L’ Hôtellerie B&B is something else! The outdoor swimming pool is reason enough to book a stay at the incredible L’ Hôtellerie B&B. The complimentary breakfast is nothing shy of outstanding and there is nothing quite like dining al fresco in Italy! Each room, or suite, at L’ Hôtellerie B&B comes with an impressive view; either of the mountains, the ocean or Palermo city itself. The rooms are super stylish and the level of comfort is unrivalled. If you fancy a splurge, L’ Hôtellerie B&B is the place in Palermo for you!

Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini

Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini best hostels in Palermo
  • $$$
  • Free Breakfast
  • Soundproofing
  • Room Service

Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini is a classy, charming and super stylish splurge-worthy hotel in Palermo. Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini sits just 700m away from Palermo Cathedral, putting your right at the heart of the action. Featuring ornate furniture, low wooden beams and a heartfelt welcome, Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini is a wonderful hotel in Palermo for travellers looking to treat themselves. The hotel’s own restaurant, Ristorante Da Carlo a Palazzo Brunaccini, has an incredible menu and serves up quintessentially Italian dishes that will fill you up but still have you hankering for more!

Best Budget Hotel in Palermo – Jardin De France

Jardin De France best hostels in Palermo
  • $
  • Free Breakfast
  • Balcony
  • Soundproofing

The best budget hotel in Palermo is Jardin De France. Quaint, charming and super affordable Jardin De France is a great find! The rooms all have ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi access and flat-screen TV. You won’t be spending too much time watching TV though because many of the rooms at Jardin De France offer incredible views out over Palermo’s cityscape. The rooms are all soundproofed so a good night’s sleep is guaranteed! The rooftop terrace is super cute and a great spot to catch up on your travel journal or just chill with a coffee and a book.

Jardin De France is one of our favourites in Palermo but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

What to Pack for your Palermo Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!

Why you should travel to Palermo

There it is! The 15 best hostels in Palermo, Italy.

We know our hostel guides makes booking a breeze. So which one are you going to book? The best hostel for couples? Or maybe the best hostel for solo travelers?

If you still can’t pick, then you have to book our best hostel in Palermo for 2021 – Al Vucciria Hostel. 

Al Vucciria Hostel best hostels in Palermo

FAQ about Hostels in Palermo

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Palermo.

Travel Safety Tips for Palermo

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

More Epic Hostels in Italy and Europe

Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Palermo.

Planning an epic trip all across Italy or even Europe itself?

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:

Over to you

By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Palermo has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!

If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!


And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!