Palermo is a brightly coloured town brimming with history and intricate culture. Travellers who journey to t this part of Italy often fall under the charming spell of this city, and succumb to the allures of its food as well.

The city of Palermo is the most populated city in Sicily and is located on the North side of the Island of Sicily, across the sea from Naples. The city is rich in history, culture, music, art and (most importantly) FOOD!

Travellers flock to this magnificent city to soak in the Mediterranean warmth and its mouth-watering cuisine. Not to mention its monumental Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic churches, palaces and buildings.

Whether you want to enjoy the natural scenery, shop til’ you drop, or explore the history of the region – you’ll be spoiled for choice with things to do in this city.

However, it’s important to decide where to stay in Palermo to make the most of your visit. The best area to stay in will completely depend on you, your budget and what you want to see and do in Palermo.

Without me as your trusty guide, this could be a tricky task. But never fear! You’ve come to the right place. I’m going to teach you everything you need to know about the areas in Palermo.

By the end of this guide, YOU will be the expert and more than ready to decide which area is best for you.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get scrollin’!

Where to Stay in Palermo

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Palermo.

Hotel del Centro | Best Hotel in Palermo

Hotel del Centro

This hotel in Palermo is perfectly placed in the city center, a short walk from all the most amazing architecture, bars, and restaurants. It’s a modern hotel with all the amenities you’ll need for a short or long stay.

There are 22 charmingly decorated rooms that are surprisingly homey and comfortable. Basically, it’s perfect no matter whether you’re deciding where to stay in Palermo for families or on your own.

Bed and Breakfast Alla Vucciria | Best Hostel in Palermo

Bed and Breakfast Alla Vucciria

Need to spend some quality time with fellow backpackers? Get your fix by staying at one of the best hostels in Palermo! This accommodation option is located less than 1 kilometer from all the most interesting and popular attractions in the city. Each room has a private bathroom and the owner offers a delicious breakfast of warm croissants, fruit and bread each morning.

If you’re looking for accommodation that’s like a home away from home then you’ll find it because the owner works hard to create this atmosphere.

La Casa Perfetta nel Posto Perfetto | Best Airbnb in Palermo

La Casa Perfetta nel Posto Perfetto

If you’re deciding where to stay in Palermo for one night or for longer, then this apartment is the answer. It’s suitable for 2 guests and you’ll get the whole apartment to yourself, including the private bathroom.

It’s five minutes’ walk from all of Palermo’s best attractions, so you really can’t beat it for optimum convenience!

Palermo Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Palermo

FIRST TIME IN PALERMO
shutterstock - palermo - la kalsa
FIRST TIME IN PALERMO

La Kalsa

La Kalsa is one of the four districts that makes up Palermo’s old town and the most extensive. It’s located near the port and its intoxicating mix of cultures and influences makes it incredibly picturesque and one of the coolest places to stay in Palermo.

ON A BUDGET
palermo - mondello
ON A BUDGET

Mondello

If you’re deciding where to stay in Palermo on a budget or just want to be on the beach, then Modello is the best place to stay. This area is on the beach and offers relaxation and calm away from the frenzied tourist parts of the city.

NIGHTLIFE
shutterstock - palermo - Borgo Vecchio
NIGHTLIFE

Borgo Vecchio

If you want to find the best places in Palermo to stay outside of the city center, then Borgo Vecchio is a good choice. It’s located between the port area and the high-end neighborhoods.

COOLEST PLACE TO STAY
palermo - Monte di Pieta
COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

Monte di Pietà

Monte di Pietà is the very center of Palermo’s Old Town and one of the coolest places to stay in Palermo. This is where all the history of the city seems to congregate in a stunning display of monuments and buildings that will take you right back to medieval times and beyond.

FOR FAMILIES
palermo - Politeama Liberta
FOR FAMILIES

Politeama Libertà

Politeama Libertà is the newest part of Palermo’s city center and a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay with kids. You won’t find many pickpockets in this area as it’s the safest part of the city, which can be a big draw when you’re visiting with your family.

Palermo has 25 neighborhoods, each with their own vibe and atmosphere. Some of them should be avoided, mostly because of high crime rate, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid this city.

Palermo has several neighborhoods that are safe and well set up for tourists. They’re also filled with fascinating people and history as well as incredible places to eat.

La Kalsa is one of the districts that makes up Palermo’s Old Town and offers the perfect combination of easy access to all the sites and an intriguing mix of cultures. Everything will be on your doorstep when you stay in this area.

That’s why it’s a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Palermo for your first time.

The second neighborhood you should consider is Mondello. It’s further out from the city and is the ideal area if you want to relax, enjoy the beach, and only occasionally brave the city center crowds.

The next neighborhood, Borgo Vecchio, offers the best of both worlds. It’s close enough to the center to be convenient to everything while offering a vastly different feel and more vibrant night life.

If you’re looking for the best neighborhood in Palermo to stay in for convenience, then check out Monte di Pietà. This is quite literally the center of the city, so you’ll be surrounded by all the best and most interesting historical buildings and sites.

And finally, if you have a little more money, try Politeama Libertà. This area is a little more expensive and is filled with elegant and spacious restaurants and shopping malls.

It definitely isn’t the place to go if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Palermo on a budget, but if you’re looking for higher quality accommodation options, this is where you’ll find them.

5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Palermo

If you’re ready to start booking your Palermo accommodation, then here are Palermo’s best neighborhoods. Read them carefully and choose which one fits your travel needs best!

#1 La Kalsa – Where to Stay in Palermo First Time

La Kalsa is one of the four districts that makes up Palermo’s old town and the most extensive. It’s located near the port and its intoxicating mix of cultures and influences makes it incredibly picturesque and one of the coolest places to stay in Palermo.

If you’re interested in history, churches, medieval buildings, amazing food, and antique shops, this is the place to stay.

shutterstock - palermo - la kalsa

La Kalsa not only has all the history you could want, it’s also one of the safest and most lively parts of the city as well. 20 years ago, it was a little shady.

But recent renovations have filled it with the best bars, restaurants and clubs in the city. There are also extensive pedestrian areas so you can spend days exploring on foot.

Hotel Ambasciatori Palermo | Best Hotel in La Kalsa

Hotel Ambasciatori Palermo

This hotel in Palermo offers comfort, convenience, and a good price. If has free Wi-Fi and refined, elegant rooms that contain everything you’ll need for a short or long stay.

It’s located close to the railway station for easy access everywhere and is within walking distance of several shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Bed and Breakfast D’Angelo | Best Hostel in La Kalsa

Bed and Breakfast DAngelo

This hostel in Palermo is close to everything. Located right in the center of La Kalsa, it’s surrounded by historic buildings and attractions.

Breakfast is included with each booking and the rooms range from Private rooms to 4 beds to suit every traveler and travel group. Everything is bright and clean, making it the perfect base for your visit to Palermo.

Small Nice Art House | Best Airbnb in La Kalsa

Small Nice Art House

This is a cool choice for your stay in Palermo if you like things that are a little off-center. It’s right in the center of Kalsa, looking at the Santa Teresa Alla Kalsa Church and can hold up to 5 people.

This townhouse has 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, and a sun terrace where you can enjoy your breakfast. And it’s charmingly decorated with a huge array of art pieces that brighten up every square of space.

Things to See and Do in La Kalsa:

  1. Try one of the many taverns for a drink of prosecco and some incredible Sicilian dishes.
  2. Check out some of the local churches such as Magione or Spasimo with their Arabic influences and impressive architectural features.
  3. Marvel at the thousand-year-old Arab Gate where the Norman knights are said to have fought their way into the city many years ago.
  4. Spend a day weaving yourself down tiny streets to find antique shops and unexpected boutiques.
  5. Grab your friends and hit some bars for a fun and lively night on the town.
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#2 Mondello – Where to Stay in Palermo on a Budget

If you’re deciding where to stay in Palermo on a budget or just want to be on the beach, then Modello is the best place to stay. This area is on the beach and offers relaxation and calm away from the frenzied tourist parts of the city.

It’s also a little cheaper than staying in the center because it can be a little inconvenient. You will need to hire a car or get very used to public transport in Palermo if you want to stay in this area and still explore the city’s center.

palermo - mondello

Mondello offers a completely different experience than the city center. The beach is simply stunning, with turquoise waters and fine sand as well as buildings that are refined and architecturally significant.

This is the best neighborhood to stay in Palermo if you want a relaxing, quiet visit.

Al Baglio Palermo | Best Hotel in Mondello

Al Baglio Palermo

Mondello is the best area in Palermo to stay in for beach activities, so make sure you stay close to the ocean at this hotel. It offers a fitness center, airport shuttle, and a safe.

The rooms are bright and clean and include a mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities.

Casetta Toto | Best Airbnb in Mondello

Casetta Toto

If you’re staying in Mondello, then you want to be near the beach, and this house offers amazing access. It’s a two-room cottage with a large private bathroom located only 100 meters from the beach.

Up to 4 guests can stay in this cottage comfortably and have a relaxing, peaceful time in Mondello, the best area in Palermo to stay in if you love the beach lifestyle.

B&B L’Officina di Apollo | Best Bed&Breakfast in Mondello

B and B LOfficina di Apollo

Not a hotel but a bed and breakfast, this cute place offers more than you could wish for during your stay in Palermo! Nestled right in the heart of Mondello, you can enjoy a super quiet neighborhood, which guarantees a good nights sleep! It’s only 900m until you can reach the sea, and if you want you explore Palermo a bit further, there’s a bus stop right around the corner, which connects you to all important parts of the city. The rooms are spacious, bright and comfy and have only received the best reviews from previous guests.

Things to See and Do in Mondello:

  1. Slap on some suntan lotion and just be a beach bum for a day or two.
  2. Rent a car and head into the city center to explore before returning to your peaceful oasis.
  3. If you’re visiting in summer, head out at night to enjoy Mondello’s famous beachside nightlife.
  4. Grab some authentic Sicilian food while you watch the sun go down over the sea.
  5. Spend your days swimming, windsurfing, or enjoying other watersports.

#3 Borgo Vecchio – Best Area to Stay in Palermo for Nightlife

If you want to find the best places in Palermo to stay outside of the city center, then Borgo Vecchio is a good choice. It’s located between the port area and the high-end neighborhoods.

This area is the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Palermo for nightlife as it’s filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants to suit every type of traveler.

shutterstock - palermo - Borgo Vecchio

Borgo Vecchio is also close enough to the center so you can explore its streets. In fact, this area is more like an extension of the center rather than a separate area.

Hotel Vecchio Borgo | Best Hotel in Borgo Vecchio

Hotel Vecchio Borgo

Borgo Vecchio is the best neighborhood to stay in Palermo if you have a little extra money to spend. And there’s no better place to spend it than at this hotel.

The hotel has recently been refurbished and offers spacious rooms, a bar, a sun terrace, and easy access to all of Palermo’s best attractions.

Castelnuovo B&B Palermo | Best Hostel in Borgo Vecchio

Castelnuovo B and B Palermo

This elegant hostel in Palermo is located close to the neighborhood of Borgo Vecchio while still offering convenient access to the city center. The building is built in the historic Art Noveau style and the rooms are cosy and comfortable.

All of these features makes this B&B one of the best places in Palermo to stay all types of travelers.

Casa Costanza | Best Airbnb in Borgo Vecchio

Casa Costanza

If you want your own apartment in Borgo Vecchio, then try this one. It’s a great choice whether you’re deciding where to stay in Palermo for one night or for a longer stay.

It can hold up to 3 people and offers fun furnishings and all the amenities necessary for your stay. It’s also right in the center of Borgo Vecchio and convenient for everywhere.

Things to See and Do in Borgo Vecchio:

  1. Check out the latest hot restaurants and eat at as many as possible.
  2. Grab your friends and go bar hopping for a night.
  3. Check out the ornate 9th century Norman Palace.
  4. Spend some time shopping as the locals do at the Ballaro Market.
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#4 Monte di Pietà – Coolest Place to Stay in Palermo

Monte di Pietà is the very center of Palermo’s Old Town and one of the coolest places to stay in Palermo. This is where all the history of the city seems to congregate in a stunning display of monuments and buildings that will take you right back to medieval times and beyond.

palermo - Monte di Pieta

But the charm of this area goes beyond its architecture. It’s close to all the best attractions in Palermo, so you won’t have to travel far to see, eat, or do something amazing.

And it’s one of the safest areas in the city, so it’s a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Palermo with kids.

Hotel Mediterraneo Palermo | Best Hotel in Monte di Pietà

Hotel Mediterraneo Palermo

This hotel is a good base for your trip and it’s in the best area in Palermo to stay in for convenience and a vibrant nightlife. It’s minutes from restaurants and bars and offers elegant rooms that contain all the essentials for a short or long stay.

ACasaMia | Best Hostel in Monte di Pietà

ACasaMia

If you want a hostel that’s right in one of Palermo’s best neighborhoods, you can’t get much closer than this. Located in a historic building, you can rent mini apartments that include a bedroom, kitchenette, and private bathroom.

The building is located in one of the many historic alleyways that weave through this part of the city and are filled with traditional Sicilian restaurants for you to try!

View of the Capo Market | Best Airbnb in Monte di Pietà

View of the Capo Market

If you’re going to stay in Monte di Pieta, the best neighborhood in Palermo to stay in to be close to the action, then you need an apartment with a local, historic flavor. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in this flat.

It’s very central and offers perfect privacy for up to 4 people with a private bathroom and very cool views into the Capo Market.

Things to See and Do in Monte di Pietà:

  1. Spend a day admiring architectural marvels like the Palermo Cathedral and the Brancifote Palazzo.
  2. See a show and experience the perfect acoustics at the beautiful Massimo Theater.
  3. Check out the famous Il Capo market, where the locals go for all the best and freshest produce in town.
  4. Learn about Sicily’s religious past at the Diocesiano Museum.
  5. Do some people watching and learn how the locals live!

#5 Politeama Libertà – Best Neighborhood in Palermo for Families

Politeama Libertà is the newest part of Palermo’s city center and a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay with kids. You won’t find many pickpockets in this area as it’s the safest part of the city, which can be a big draw when you’re visiting with your family.

This area is also within walking distance of all of Old Town’s attractions, so you won’t have to worry about using public transport when you want to see the sites.

palermo - Politeama Liberta

But Politeama Libertà has more to offer than convenience and safety. It’s also one of the poshest areas of the city, with high-end houses, bars, shops and restaurants.

This makes it a great area to stay in if you want an active nightlife while you’re in the city. You’ll find a lot of bars and restaurants that offer quality nights out in a safe and more local atmosphere.

Liberty Suites | Best Hotel in Politeama Libertà

Liberty Suites

This is one of the coolest places to stay in Palermo. It offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms so close to the center of the city that you won’t need to worry about public transport.

This Bed and Breakfast has a concierge, bicycles for hire, swimming pool, and an airport shuttle on request.

A Casa de Amici Boutique Hotel | Best Hostel in Politeama Libertà

A Casa de Amici Boutique Hotel

This hostel in Palermo is an unusual but charming accommodation choice. It’s a contemporary art museum showcasing paintings, musical instruments and sculptures belonging to the Vitale family.

It also offers dormitories and private rooms and is within a short walk from the airport bus stop for easy access in and out of the city.

Mini Loft | Best Airbnb in Politeama Libertà

Mini Loft

It can be difficult to find budget places to stay in this area, but this apartment fits the bill perfectly. It’s located right in the center of this part of the city and can hold up to 3 guests.

The flat is located on the 3rd floor in an aristocratic palace and there’s an elevator so you don’t have to face all those stairs. The apartment also includes a private bathroom, living area, tv, and kitchen.

Things to See and Do in Politeama Libertà:

  1. Get dressed in your nicest clothes and head out for an elegant night on the town.
  2. Head into city center to explore the historic buildings and attractions.
  3. Research the best restaurants in the area and try as many as you can during your stay.
  4. Spend a day wandering the streets and popping into every interesting boutique and shop that you come across.
  5. Catch a show at the Politeama Garibaldi Theater.
  6. Get some peace and quiet at the beautiful and peaceful English Garden.
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FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Palermo

Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Palermo and where to stay.

What To Pack For Palermo

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

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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Palermo

When you’re looking for the best areas to stay in Palermo, you need to be a little cautious. Some parts of the city are a little rundown and should be avoided.

However, this isn’t a real safety concern, as it’s unlikely that you’ll visit these parts of Palermo while you’re in the city. And you can guarantee that by booking your stay using our Palermo neighborhood guide.

It’ll help you find the best areas, the best prices, and make your stay as easy as possible.

Looking for more info on travelling to Palermo and Italy?

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!