La Kalsa
0.7 miles from downtown
La Kalsa was first built as a walled citadel. The walls fell in when the Normans invaded, but the intimate, maze-like feeling of this district remains. Today, folks flock here for food, clubs, and of course, its parks. Nature lovers seek respite from the Sicilian sun in Villa Garibaldi park, where you can stroll beneath evergreens and Moreton Bay fig trees.
Places to stay from $14 a night
Castellammare Vucciria
0.4 miles from downtown
Castellammare’s named after a mighty castle that once dominated the bay. Though it no longer stands, the park around its ruins is a summertime paradise that’s prime for evening concerts. Head to La Cala, the U-shaped marina, for chickpea fritters at one of the waterside cafés. A tip: once night falls, steer clear of Castellammare’s insalubrious backstreets.
Places to stay from $24 a night
Albergaria
0.6 miles from downtown
If Palermo is anything, it’s eclectic. No area contrasts regal splendour with urban grit more than motley Albergaria. Graffiti-daubed walls sit alongside gleaming, newly restored Baroque palazzos. It’s here that you can walk through 29 centuries of history and find Palazzo dei Normanni, the royal residence and government palace.
Places to stay from $5 a night
Borgo Vecchio
In downtown
Borgo Vecchio is a bustling, ancient port that hasn’t quite polished its rough edges. Boats drop anchor, and travellers laze about on the docks as they wait to set sail on an adventure at sea. Join the languid locals on terraces as they sip “granita”, a classic Sicilian crushed-ice drink with mulberries or pistachio. Cheers!
Places to stay from $19 a night
Ruggero Settimo
0.2 miles from downtown
Dining in Palermo is a sensual experience. Pasta heaped with large sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins can and should consumed on Ruggero Settimo. The city’s poshest area is awash in tastebud-tantalising restaurants. Pair your meal with an afternoon of chic designer shopping on Via Libertà, and you’ve lived like a local!
Places to stay from $23 a night
Founded in 734 BCE, Palermo has experienced its fair share of conquest. Sicily's capital passed through the hands of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans before officially becoming part of Italy in 1860. That sense of diversity still exists in this melting pot of a city, whose wide-ranging architecture and cuisine are direct descendants of its past.
Many first-time visitors to Palermo are surprised by its beauty. The city boasts multiple UNESCO-listed churches, including Palermo Cathedral. The stunning 12th-century landmark blends Byzantine, Gothic, baroque and neoclassical architecture. Palazzo Reale, a Norman palace nearby, features a must-see chapel with Byzantine-era golden mosaics and an Islamic-style ceiling.
Great Italian cities are famous for their food, and Palermo is no exception. The seafood here is as fresh as it gets, thanks to Palermo's coastal location facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. Street markets like Mercato del Capo are great places to sample regional produce. Other local specialities include 'sfincione' and 'arancini', ideally paired with a glass of Sicilian wine.
For a dose of Palermo's culture scene, opera and ballet lovers book seats well in advance to see performances at Teatro Massimo. If it's art you seek, stop by the Galleria d'Arte Moderna or Antonio Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum.
Among Palermo's biggest draws is its warm Mediterranean climate. On weekends, locals don swimsuits and head to Mondello Beach. For more adventure, head north to Mount Pellegrino – a popular spot for hiking, picnicking and enjoying views of the city, mountains and sea.
Tonight
From $36 per night
This weekend
From $74 per night
Next weekend
From $55 per night
Most popular time to visit | October-December |
Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
Local currency | € 1 = $1.07 |
Language | Italian |
Average weekend price | $92 per night |
Average weekday price | $89 per night |
Average stay | 2 nights |
Teatro Massimo
0.1 miles from downtown
Quattro Canti
0.4 miles from downtown
Palermo is a very interesting city.
February 7, 2023
Palermo is a very interesting city. It has a lot of unique historical places. In my opinion, it has the most beautiful churches in the world. Local food is great, local people are very warm and friendly. I've visited it in winter. In summer it has even more attractions for tourists. Definitely worth to visit.
The city itself is quite beautiful, but somehow people seem...
January 18, 2023
The city itself is quite beautiful, but somehow people seem angry, and the traffic is just crazy, don't take the car in Palermo. We much more preferred small, calm cities around, like Cefalù. However, our friend who spent there few months, loved Palermo, so maybe it just needs more time.
Is very interesting in historical, architectural and...
January 15, 2023
Is very interesting in historical, architectural and religious issues. The food is great also the street food but people is not kind and is not clean. They throw garbage on the streets into the parks and flowers!!!
This hotel is in the perfect location.
January 14, 2023
This hotel is in the perfect location. Minutes from the station and some amazing restaurants and bars. The host was very helpful. Yes it’s in the middle of a city so expect ‘night time things’ going on around you. I felt safe and kept myself to myself. This is the reality of staying in a city. If you wish to experience real city life with comfort, this is the perfect place to stay. What goes on around this hotel is life. Fabulous place to stay, highly recommend 👍🏽
The old city had the Italian charm, faded architectural...
December 22, 2022
The old city had the Italian charm, faded architectural glory but with great food, bars and restaurants. Outside of the old city, heavy, noisy traffic and more signs of rubbish and graffiti. Guide books spoke of beaches strewn with rubbish, but to be honest the only one we visited by the beach bar near the harbour entrance and the park was perfect....probably kept clean by the beach bar team. Found it by accident after the Saturday Parkrun..... Good hike up the hill overlooking the city. Felt safe all of the time, but we didn’t leave the old city after dark, and kept away from the darkest alleys. Central station convenient, and train to airport efficient and cheap.
Palermo is a fantastic short break city.
December 9, 2022
Palermo is a fantastic short break city. Easy to walk and even easier to eat your way around the city. The city centre is beautiful, Teatro Massimo (Theatre District) is great for walking and eating. Surprisingly cheap to eat and visit. A refreshing change form some other European cities. Lots to see and do and if Historical Buildings are of interest, it's hard to beat. The food markets are worth the walk and the sights and locals are worth the effort. Eat somthing while you're there. You won't be disappointed. We took a short bus journey to Spiaggia Mondello (Mondello Beach). The bus was easy and cheap, the beach was magnificent and again surprisingly cheap for coffee, gelato, and lunch. The best shot break we've had in a while. Prego!
La Kalsa, Palermo
From $32 per night
Castellammare Vucciria, Palermo
From $272 per night
Palermo, Italy
From $160 per night
La Kalsa, Palermo
From $67 per night
Monte di Pietà, Palermo
From $85 per night
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