Where to stay in Palermo
The Kalsa by the palaces, the Albergheria next to the market, the Politeama by the bus to the sea.
- Dorm bed
- €18–22 (dorm bed)
- Kalsa
- Piazza Marina
- Albergheria
- Ballarò market along Via Ballarò
The centre of Palermo splits into four old districts that meet at the Quattro Canti, and each gives a different street under the window. The Kalsa is the district of palaces, the Albergheria starts with a market, Castellammare stays open late, and the Politeama is where the bus for Mondello starts. A dorm bed costs €18–22 (dorm bed).
The Kalsa — around Piazza Marina
The Kalsa lies between Via Maqueda and the Foro Italico. Its name comes from Arabic, al-Khalisa, and the district was badly hit by Allied bombing in 1943 and stayed abandoned for decades. Renewal began in the mid-1990s, after the 1992 assassinations of the judges Falcone and Borsellino, and today it holds Palazzo Abatellis, the church of Santa Maria dello Spasimo and Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri. It suits someone who wants to step out of the room straight among palaces and museums.
The Albergheria — next to Ballarò
The Albergheria is the district of the biggest market, which runs along Via Ballarò to Corso Tukory and Casa Professa. The street under the window is therefore a market street. It suits someone who wants breakfast at a stall.
Castellammare — around Vucciria
Castellammare is the district of the old Vucciria market, between the church of San Domenico and Via Roma. In the market's streets the places stay open late into the evening. It suits someone who comes for dinner and drinks.
The Politeama — by the bus to the sea
The 806 bus for Mondello leaves from around Piazza Politeama, so the district is practical when a beach goes into the plan.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
Which Palermo district is best for a first night?
The Kalsa if you come for churches and palaces, Castellammare if you come for dinner. The Albergheria is for those for whom the market is the first reason to come.
How much is a hostel bed in Palermo?
A dorm bed: €18–22 (dorm bed).
Is the Politeama a good base if the plan includes the sea?
Yes, the 806 bus to Mondello starts from Piazza Politeama, so you do not cross the city to reach the beach.
Ready for Palermo?
Where to next
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How well does Palermo suit you?
→Six questions: a score for this place and others like it.
Front row for the next trip
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