Palermo, Italy
As a visitor, you might be wondering which are the best areas in Palermo to explore and safe places to stay in. So here is a list of them with some hotel recommendations following after:
La Kalsa – it is known as one of the trendiest places to stay in Palermo, La Kalsa is a neighborhood within the historic center. From La Kalsa, exploring more of Palermo is a breeze thanks to the accessible public transportation options.
Monte di Pietà– the area next to Teatro Massimo theatre and Palermo Cathedral, right in the heart of the Old Town. Monte di Pietà is a beautiful historic neighborhood with medieval buildings and monuments, trendy cafes and bars, and a lively atmosphere.
Castellammare Loggia (or Vucciria), behind Palermo’s port, bordering Kalsa and Monte di Pieta, is a vibrant neighborhood in Palermo known for the Vucciria market, traditional trattorias and its lively atmosphere, including active nightlife scene. Castellammare is a central location and a great spot to stay close to Palermo’s main historic sights while experiencing the city’s dynamic character.
Albergheria– it is the oldest part of Palermo where the famous Ballaro market is located, and also close to famous historical sights such as Palazzo dei Normanni, the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, and the Church of Gesù. While it attracts many tourists for its lively atmosphere and delicious street food, the market area is also known for petty crime and occasional unrest. However, this neighborhood is very central and has great accommodation options. I stayed somewhere at the northern edge of this area and parts of it did give me dodgy vibes. However, the closer to the historic sights you are the more decent it becomes.
Politeama Libertà– set in the newer part of Palermo’s city center, it is a family-friendly area. Known as one of the safest neighborhoods in Palermo, it has a low pickpocketing rate and plenty of kid-friendly activities.
Ruggero Settimo– a safe place and fashionable area in Palermo (aka Chiaia in Naples), has more option of luxury accommodation and good transport connection to the historic center.
Mondello is a great option if you are looking to stay close to the beach. It also has some great affordable accommodations in Palermo.
Some of Palermo’s neighborhoods, mostly outside the historic center are considered sketchy. As a traveler, you are unlikely to visit them, but it is good to be aware and perhaps not pick them as your place to stay in Palermo.
The Brancaccio neighborhood in Palermo is known for its challenging reputation, mainly because it has been a stronghold for organized crime groups like the Cosa Nostra. Situated about 5 kilometers from the historic center, Brancaccio has a history marked by violence and criminal activity, making it a less recommended area for visitors.
Borgo Vecchio– it is kind of Palermo off the beaten track. It used to be known as market area, but now transformed into a trendy neighborhood for nightlife. It is located between upscale neighborhoods and the port area but is somewhat rugged and filtered. It might not be great to roam around alone at night, and not recommended for staying in if traveling solo.
The ZEN (Zona Espansione Nord) neighborhood, situated to the north of Palermo’s city center and near the Mondello district, is considered one of the city’s most dangerous areas. Known for its socio-economic difficulties, ZEN struggles with high levels of poverty and unemployment, which contribute to elevated crime rates. The neighborhood is particularly infamous for incidents of vandalism and drug-related crimes.
Villagrazia Falsomiele, although generally quieter than Palermo’s more central neighborhoods, occasionally faces issues with illegal dumping and environmental neglect, affecting local living conditions and safety. The area also sees occasional criminal activity, such as petty theft and burglary.
Central train station area– this is perhaps true for all bigger cities, that central stations attract certain types of crowds and in general are not the best areas to hang around.