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Such wonderful places to live in Italy!! You have explained the blog in a really short and sweet manner!! I also really like the way you explained to us the places to visit in Palermo, Italy.
Reply Palermo is a charming and affordable travel destination. Often overlooked in favour of Rome or Florence, this Sicilian city has plenty of history and culture to explore, nightlife to experience, and delicious food to sample. But Palermo can be difficult to navigate and some areas are best avoided altogether. That’s why we’ve put together this insider’s guide for where to stay in Palermo so you can confidently find an awesome neighbourhood that suits your interests, style and budget. Our expert travel writers have put together a list of neighbourhoods in Palermo that cater to travellers of all ages. Whether you are a family of four or a solo traveler looking to party, after reading this guide, you will know exactly where to stay in Palermo. Get excited, some of the neighbourhoods in this where to stay in Palermo guide just might surprise you…
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At A Glance: Where To Stay In PALERMO
PS If you’re travelling around Italy, check out our fantastic guides to where to stay and things to do in Rome, plus the best hotels and the coolest museums. When in Rome! Plus, if you’re heading around Europe, our team of travel experts have compiled the ultimate guide to the 131 best things to do in Europe!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Palermo.
WHERE TO STAY IN PALERMO | |||
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BEST Air BnBBEST Air BnBAlberto’s BnB |
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Book on Air BnB → | |
BEST Budget HotelBEST Budget HotelJardin De France |
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BEST Mid-RangeBEST Mid-RangeColors B&B |
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BEST Luxury HotelBEST Luxury HotelQuintocanto Hotel & Spa |
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Book on Booking.com → |
What could be better than staying in this sunny and homey BnB located right smack in the center of the old town? Putting you right by all the best bars and restaurants in Palermo, this apartment makes for the perfect place to base yourself out of! With its french doors and boutique-style, you will know you are home!
Jardin de France is the best budget hotel in Palermo as it offers great value for money and a real home from home. The warm colour scheme, soft furnishings and exposed wooden beams create a sense of homeliness from the moment you walk through the door. Jardin de France is in Kalsa.
Colors B&B is the best mid-range hotel in Palermo and can be found in the Castellammare neighbourhood. Offering authentic, genuine Italian hospitality and complete comfort, Colors B&B is a great choice for all kinds of travellers. All rooms have a private ensuite bathroom. Free WiFi is available.
No doubt about it, the best luxury hotel in Palermo is Quintocanto Hotel & Spa. Boasting a Turkish steam bath and spa complex, Quintocanto offers total relaxation. The rooms are modern, spacious and some even offer views of Palermo’s cityscape. Honeymoon suites are available that offer next-level luxury and comfort.
Palermo is widely regarded to be one of the more affordable Italian cities to explore. When it comes to accommodation budget travellers can afford to spend much longer in Palermo than in, say, Rome or Venice. This is just as well because Palermo has a whole heap of cultural and historical landmarks to visit.
The main areas of interest in Palermo centre around Vecchio Central, the Old Town. Although in some guidebooks this area is seemingly the whole of Palermo, in actual fact Vecchio Central is the nucleus of the city with a number of equally interesting neighbourhoods adjoining at the edges.
From budget-friendly neighbourhoods to nightlife districts, to the secretly cool spots yet to be discovered by the masses, Palermo has a neighbourhood for every kind of traveller.
Hotel Jules Insider Tip
This is a highly pedestrianised city. It is very easy to walk from one neighbourhood to the next. Traffic in Palermo can get pretty backed up at times, especially in the high summer season. Walking is a great way to slow down and embrace the authentic Italian vibes that ooze from every side street and al fresco cafe.
If you don’t fancy the walk, no worries. Palermo is a well-connected city and it is super cheap to get from one neighbourhood to the next on public transport.
It gives you the local experience too! There are blue, orange and white city AMAT buses that connect you to the whole city. Tickers are around $2 and last for 90-minutes at a time.
PS Are you heading to Venice? Is so, our team of travel experts have compiled these handy guides to save you research time and money! Coolest things to do in Venice, Neighborhood guide to Venice, Best Hotels in Venice, Best Museums in Venice.
Now let’s take a look, in greater detail, at the best neighbourhoods to stay in Palermo. Each is a little different to the last so be sure to check out which is right for you!
Centring around the City Courthouse in Palazzo Pretorio Vecchio Central is the overflowing with cultural gems to explore. Once a thriving residential hub as Palermo has grown locals have moved further afield leaving this neighbourhood to be perfectly preserved and adored by all who visit.
For culture vultures and anyone interested in Sicilian history, Vecchio Central is the best place to stay in Palermo. From the artistic splendour of Fontana Pretoria to the architectural wonder that is Cattedrale di Palermo, everywhere you look there is something new to learn and something gorgeous to photograph.
The Palazzo Riso Art Museum is one of the highlights of the neighbourhood. Home to an impressive curation of modern Italian artwork it is an inspiring stop off, to say the least.
It almost goes without saying that in this, the heart of Palermo, you will find some of the most incredible Italian food in the city. From seafood linguine to classic pizzas you can gorge yourself guilt free. It’s a cultural must when in Italy!
Artsy yet homey, this unqiue stay with its exposed brick and one of a kind style will have you never wanting to leave Palermo! Located in one of the more upscale neighborhoods of town, you are guranteed a good nights sleep with all the action of the city just a short walk awaty!
Interested in Palermo? Read up on the history of Palermo!
Simple, homely and affordable, the best budget hotel in Vecchio Central is Hotel Alessandra. Offering basic but comfortable rooms, each with an en-suite, Hotel Alessandra provides everything you could need. The staff are really sweet and very helpful. WiFi access is complimentary and unlimited. The in-house cafe serves light snacks.
Palazzo Brunaccini Residence is the best mid-range hotel in Vecchio Central, right in the heart of the city. Each room has a bathtub, some in a cute heart shape. The neutral tones and light wood furniture offer a sense of high class without the luxury price tag.
Quintocanto Hotel & Spa is the best luxury hotel in Vecchio Central, in fact, all of Palermo. This modern, boutique hotel provides great service and excellent attention to detail. There are just 21-rooms so the hotel is quiet but has just the right amount of atmosphere. Breakfast is included.
As we have established, Palermo is one of the more affordable cities to explore in Italy. The best place to stay in Palermo on a budget is Kalsa. Very much in the heart of the city, Kalsa offers olde-world charms for a fraction of the cost. Accommodation here is a steal!
With wonderful views of the Meditteranean Sea and architectural gems in abundance, Kalsa is a great place to stay in Palermo regardless of your budget. Neighbourhood hotspots include Sanat Maria dello Spasimo Church, Giardino Garibaldi and Palazzo Chiaramonte.
Wandering through the winding alleyways of Kalsa is a real treat. Around every corner is another historical building more photogenic than the last.
Palazzo Chiaramonte was built in 1307 and is now a university building. Inside you will find the impressive Hall of the Barons & the Philippine Prisons. Directly opposite Palazzo Chiaramonte, you will find the tranquil Giardino Garibaldi.
Step foot into the park and follow the paved path to Ficus Macrophylla. Unquestionably the most beautiful natural landmark in Palermo.
You stylish and boutique BnB will have you staying just a few minutes away from Palermo’s beautiful Piazza Marina. When you are not out exploring the city, there is no better place to relax than from this artsy apartment with its sunny terrace and lounge perfect for bringing another adventurious day in Palermo to a close!
With low, exposed beams, comfortable beds and wonderful hospitality, Jardin de France is the best budget hotel in Kalsa. With affordable rates throughout the year, even in high season, Jardin de France is an ideal choice. Guests have a choice of a double room or studio apartment. Bicycles are free to rent.
Addauru Bed and Breakfast has only four rooms but is certainly the best mid-range hotel in Kalsa. Each of the four rooms has a private bathroom, wardrobe and access to free WiFi. There are single, double and even quadruple rooms available. Breakfast is included in the room rate.
Boasting 4-stars, a porter service and a hot tub, Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa is the best luxury hotel in Kalsa. The staff are incredibly welcoming and will go out of their way to ensure guests have a memorable stay. There is an in-house restaurant serving wonderful authentic Italian dishes.
Even with your high school Italian, you could hazard a guess that Castellammare means ‘castle by the sea’ and indeed it does. Castellammare is characterised by the impressive coastal fortress that was once the beacon of the neighbourhood.
Located adjacent to Kalsa, Castellammare is too very much in the heart of Palermo. To its tip, Castellammare borders with Vecchio Central. The most vibrant part of Castellammare is the Vuccuria Market. Here you will find local flitting around buying their fresh groceries and tourists taking a casual saunter admiring the local produce. There is a great vibe to Castellammare, day or night.
Castellammare is the best place to stay in Palermo for nightlife and Vuccuria Market is a great place to grab a drink in the late afternoon. Il Bar in Piazza S. Domenico is the next place to head to for some casual cocktails as the sun starts to set.
Roxanne nightclub is a great place to head after dark. Especially if you want to sip on wine, meet fun-loving locals and perhaps have a little dance.
Heading on to Florence? Why not let us do the research for you and check out our favourite hotels in Florence, our top rated things to do in Florence, where to stay in the gorgeous city and our list of the most ultimate day trips from Florence.
After staying at this BnB no other apartment will ever quite compare with the style and design of this chic loft! Centrally located, minutes away from the historic walking streets of Palermo, you will have all the best sights and restaurants nearby! With its open space and unique design, this BnB is a break from the plain old apartments you are used to.
Set in a great location, Alla Loggia del Gattapardo is the best budget hotel in Castellammare. There are just 10-rooms at Alla Loggia del Gattapardo creating a lovely relaxed atmosphere. All rooms have air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom. The staff are local and really lovely.
Colors B&B is a popular choice and the best mid-range hotel in Castellammare for a number of reasons. The rooms are as bright and cheery as its name would suggest and offer high levels of comfort. Palermo Centrale Railway Station is within walking distance as well as Vuccuria Market.
B&B Delle Vittorie is a little gem. As the best luxury hotel in Castellammare, B&B Delle Vittorie offers everything you could need. There are just five spacious rooms, all of which have a seating area, a work desk and an ensuite bathroom. A wholesome breakfast is served each morning.
Refined and upmarket, Albergheria is the coolest place to stay in Palermo. With a smattering of historical wonders, wide open piazzas and a wealth of bars and restaurants to explore, Albergheria is where the cool Italians come to hang.
Tucked around every corner you will find a cosy wine bar serving up some chilled whites and moreish reds produced across Italy. Filled with locals and curious tourists, the tiny bars of Albergheria deserve a day of exploration all of their own.
Being so close to Vecchio Central means that Albergheria is ideal for travellers who don’t want stick to the ‘boring tourist trail’ but still want to tick off the highlights.
The highlight of a stay in Albergheria is surely a visit to the Norman Palace. Tucked away in the farthest reaching corner of the neighbourhood the Norman Palace is an often overlooked landmark. Built in the 9th-Century is it as majestic today as it was when it was first built.
Sometimes it is not enough to simply stay in the old district of Palermo, you will be wanting to be calling home an actual piece of local history! This BnB has preserved art dating back all the way to the 1600s! This means that you will be sleeping under murals stretching back centuries! Both modern and historic, this is the kind of stay that will have your holiday unlike any other!
Simple but homely, Casa Orioles Apartment is the best budget hotel in Albergheria. There is a kitchenette area where guests can prepare basic meals and there is an in-house restaurant too. The staff can help you arrange tours and travel arrangements from the front desk.
With a homestay feel but hotel service, Apartment Dietro la Cattedrale is the best mid-budget hotel in Albergheria. With a cosy atmosphere and warm tones, guests feel at home the moment they walk through the door. A wake-up call can be arranged on request.
Baglio San Giovanni is a wonderful holiday aparthotel in the heart of Albergheria. Easily the best luxury hotel in Albergheria Baglio San Giovanni offers a great amount of space and all the amenities you could wish for. Despite being a whole house the cost is very affordable.
Set away from the main historical hub of Vechhio Central, the best place to stay in Palermo for families in Mondello. Offering beautiful landscapes and complete relaxation Mondello has something for everyone to enjoy. The beautiful beach of Mondello sits nested between Mount Gallo and Mount Pellegrino.
The highlight for families in Mondello is Toy Park Beach. Set just off the main sandy beach, Toy Park Beach is a family-orientated theme park that features splash pools and water slides.
There are inflatables, traditional fairground rides and an affordable cafe too. This is a local favourite for children, especially in the summer.
If you want to get into the great outdoors Capa Gallo Reserve is the best place to explore. With incredible views over the sea from the rugged cliff tops and with plenty of space to run and play, this is the kind of place where the best holiday memories are made.
Getting back into historical Palermo is easy. Hiring a car is rather affordable and the best option if travelling with kids. Alternatively, catch the bus into Vecchio Central, it takes an hour by public transport.
After getting your fill of the old city, let’s have you staying right on the beach! From this BnB, you will have the soft golden sands of Mondello waiting just a few steps away from your door! Complete with a sunny patio and homey bedroom, this stay will have you never wanting to check out!
The best budget hotel in Mondello is B&B Great Sicily. With a huge outdoor pool and offering views of the mountains, B&B Great Sicily offers great value for money. The rooms are nothing special but are comfortable and have all the amenities you could wish for.
As the best mid-range hotel in Mondello, Villa Nettuno is a little bit of luxury. The main bedroom sits on a mezzanine floor that overlooks the rest of the villa. Extra beds are available on request. The villa has an outdoor hot tub and sun deck. Babysitting services are available.
Bright, colourful and modern, Bed and Breakfast II Girasole is the best luxury hotel in Mondello. Guests are welcome to dine at the in-house restaurant and relax at the in-house bar. All rooms have a private ensuite bathroom and come with air conditioning. The breakfast is a great start to the day.
Packed with charm and history, Palermo is one of the most underrated cities in Italy. It’s ancient landmarks, quaint streets, and delectable cuisine are just a few of the reasons it deserves your time and travel dollars.
To recap; Castellammare is our top pick for where to stay in Palermo to be at the centre of the action. Vibrant and lively, this neighbourhood has a great atmosphere and vibe both day and night.
Our recommendation for the best hotel is Colors B&B. Offering authentic Italian charm and hospitality, this quaint bed and breakfast is perfect for all types of travellers.
Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below. Grazie!
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Emma Johnson lives to travel! Born in Washington D.C., Emma is a hotel connoisseur and a staff writer at Hotel Jules. An army brat, Emma got the travel bug early and has never been able to stop. Now, she has proudly visited 70+ countries and plans to visit every country in the world! Passionate about her ukelele (obviously) and her family, Emma eventually wants to retire in Thailand and write a book about all of her travel experiences.
Such wonderful places to live in Italy!! You have explained the blog in a really short and sweet manner!! I also really like the way you explained to us the places to visit in Palermo, Italy.
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