Where to Stay in Palermo

Where to Stay in Palermo and How to Choose Your Accommodation

In this article, I’ll try to give you some general tips on where to stay in Palermo and what criteria to consider when choosing the best location for your accommodation, whether it’s a B&B, hotel, or apartment. The options are plenty, and you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding something that fits your preferences and travel plans. However, I can help you narrow down the choices and offer useful insights to avoid situations that might not meet your expectations.

For a better analysis, I’ll take into account not just proximity to major attractions, but also factors such as: services and public transport, neighborhood quality and potential noise disturbances, distinctive features, and safety.

I’ll do my best to give you honest and unbiased advice, although my first and main suggestion is to consider my family-run apartment, Casa Cassarelli. That said, my house might not be available for your travel dates, and I want to help you have the best experience possible in Palermo! So, allow me to guide you through the options. Let’s get started…

Staying in the Historic Center

I’ve mentioned this in my other articles: the Historic Center is the heart of Palermo and will likely be the first option you’ll consider. It’s a compact, mostly pedestrian-friendly area, where all the key attractions are located. It’s the perfect choice for immersing yourself in Palermo’s history, visiting its iconic monuments, squares, and gathering places, as well as enjoying the nightlife at the city’s trendiest pubs.

As I’ve detailed in my article on the Urban Layout, Palermo’s Historic Center consists of four main districts: Kalsa,  Castellammare (or Loggia), Albergheria  (or Palazzo Reale), and Capo (or Monte di Pietà). This area is distinct from the rest of the city, once enclosed by high perimeter walls, and internally divided by its two main streets: Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda. Additionally, there’s Via Roma, a more modern street that offers better services and transport options, making it an important hub.

The center almost feels like a town within a town, full of life, culture, and history. It’s also well-connected for trips further afield, such as Mondello, Monte Pellegrino, Monreale, or Cefalù. So first, we’ll focus on analyzing this area, but I’ll also give you advice on exploring options beyond…

But where exactly in the Historic Center is the best place to stay?

How to Choose an Accommodation in the Center

Focusing on the center, let’s explore which areas are best for choosing accommodation. But first, it’s worth noting that everything in the center is pretty close. Moving from one district to another only takes a few minutes on foot. Wherever you stay, it won’t take more than 15 minutes to reach even the furthest landmarks or districts—likely even less than 5!

So, proximity to key points of interest isn’t an issue. Let’s assess other factors like neighborhood tranquility, disturbances, safety, and so on…

Let’s dive in…

Kalsa

Kalsa is the oldest historical district, and it’s definitely worth visiting for its stunning palaces, museums, squares, and charming alleys. However, if I were to choose accommodation here, I’d carefully consider its location. There are two factors to keep in mind:

1. The innermost part of this beautiful neighborhood unfortunately still suffers from some neglect, and the atmosphere can change drastically;

2. The areas closer to the main streets can be very busy, both day and night, due to the presence of pubs and nightlife spots (Like Piazza Sant’Anna).

For these reasons, I wouldn’t pick an accommodation deep inside Kalsa as my first choice, though you can find some great options closer to the sea (on the outer part) or near Piazza Marina, Via Roma, or Via Vittorio Emanuele.

Albergheria (or Palazzo Reale)

Albergheria, known for the Ballarò Market and Royal Palace, is a must-visit during your stay. That said, I would recommend being cautious when it comes to choosing accommodations here, though you might find lower prices in this area. Maybe it’s not the safest option… dont’ get me wrong, some of my friends have homes here. Also, during the day, the market is a magical place where you can fully experience Palermo’s traditions and folklore.

However, at night, it’s better to be cautious… and occasionally there are reports of unsavory encounters. If you choose this area, I would suggest staying closer to the perimeter rather than the inner parts of the district.

Capo (or Monte di Pietà)

Capo is another district known for its historical market. This area is just as interesting as the others, nestled between the Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, and Via Maqueda. Similar considerations apply here, though—there are quieter alleys and more run-down areas, but you can find good options near Via Maqueda or close to Teatro Massimo.

Castellammare (or Loggia)

Castellammare is directly in front of Kalsa, and in my opinion, it’s the first district to consider when looking for accommodation. And I don’t say this just because it’s where I’ve chosen to locate my apartment, Casa Cassarelli. It’s a neighborhood that strikes a perfect balance in terms of safety, connectivity, charm, and vibrancy, while also offering quieter and more reserved areas.

Castellammare extends from Teatro Massimo to the sea, bordered by Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda, also passing by Via Roma.

This district is also home to the famous Vucciria Market, which turns into a hub for pubs and music at night. However, the market is very confined and bordered by Via Roma and Via Vittorio Emanuele.

Just outside this market, you’ll find what I believe are the best and quietest options, whether towards Teatro Massimo or the sea.

As for me, proximity to the sea is a key factor. That’s why I chose the area near Cala small port for my apartment—more reserved, close to the open spaces of the seaside, like Foro Italico park, Piazza Marina, and just steps from Via Roma and Via Vittorio Emanuele. But, of course, the choice is yours!

Staying Outside the Center

While the Historic Center should be your first choice, I want to offer a more complete view. Reasons for staying outside the center might include price (perhaps) or a different travel plan, though this is less typical.

Just outside the four historic districts, you’ll find the area surrounding Teatro Politeama and Via Libertà. Though further from the main attractions, it could still be worth considering, as it’s more modern and less touristy.

However, going too far beyond this risks putting you far away from the action, and daily commuting could be inconvenient. Palermo is large, with many residential areas of less interest to tourists.

Mondello and the surrounding area could also be an option for those looking to focus on a seaside vacation, with plenty of beautiful options here. However, this would mean missing out on fully experiencing the heart of Palermo’s historic center.

Conclusion: Where’s the Best Place to Stay in Palermo?

By now, you should have a clearer idea of how to choose your accommodation. To sum up, my personal recommendation is to first consider the Castellammare (Loggia) district. The area I prefer is near the small Cala port, ideal for its tranquility and proximity to points of interest and services. The area around Teatro Massimo and Via Roma is also great. I would avoid the Vucciria Market area, as it tends to be more chaotic.

If you’re considering other districts, you can still find beautiful places, but I’d recommend avoiding the more inner areas, as they might be a bit more kind of run-down, or simply too noisy and busy.
Of course, these are general suggestions, so I encourage you to explore and find what best suits your needs!

If you’re considering my apartment, Casa Cassarelli, I sincerely believe it’s one of the best options available in the city, especially near the sea in the Castellammare district! You can find it on various platforms, or even better, see this page to contact me directly to book without intermediaries. That way, I can also offer you the best price possible!