3 Best Hostels in Palermo – Best Place for Experiencing Authentic Sicilian Culture

Palermo is one of Italy’s best-kept secret. For years it has been one of the most underrated places on the globe. However, it’s fast becoming a hotspot destination in Italy and it’s for all the good reasons.

It’s one of the best places to visit if you want to soak up the authentic Sicilian culture as well as the cuisine. It’s littered with a lot of history and there are a lot of cool hostels from where you can explore the ancient streets.

Discover the most awesome hostels in Sicily in our comprehensive guide. 

Your Shortcut:

1. A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel - best for Female Solo Traveller
2. Via Zara - best for Couples
3. Double H, Palermo - best for Backpackers

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

If you’re wondering where to stay on your next visit, here is a list of some of the best hostels in Palermo. Don’t miss our full best hostels in Italy guide too.

But first, check out these tips!

Tips for backpacking in Palermo

• Public transport is far from perfect. This means it would be wise to book accommodation that’s centrally located to avoid the hassle while getting from one point to another.
• Renting a car can save you a lot of time and allow you to visit attractions at a leisurely pace but in Palermo driving around can be hectic.
• When renting a car, NEVER leave your belongings in the car. This is a rule applicable to all of Italy, and even Spain. We have seen break-ins in person; you wouldn’t believe how fast they are…

This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…

• are tired of crappy hostels!
• want a social Hostel to actually meet people
• are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience

What we cover in this article?

• Introduction
• 3 best hostels in detail
  • #1 A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel
  • #2 Via Zara
  • #3 Double H, Palermo
• cheapest hostels in Palermo
• best hostels in Palermo for solo traveler
• discounts and promo codes
• How to book?
• All hostel and sights on a map
• FAQ
• Flights

You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.

Quick Introduction to Palermo

Average price for a bed: Hostels in Palermo cost 18€ – 22€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 33€ up to 116€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.

Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.

Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

Additional tips for backpacking in Palermo:

• There is no Uber in Sicily and although cabs are pretty reliable, they do overcharge especially if they can easily tell you’re a tourist.
• A lot of attractions in Palermo don’t offer English explanations. So, get your hands on some audio guides before visiting landmarks, and attractions.
• Learn a few Italian phrases. Not everyone in the city is bilingual. Plus it’s the easiest way to win the hearts of the locals.
• If you want to enjoy great dining and nightlife, start your night a little bit late. The best restaurants open around 8 pm.
• For a night out, simply head to Centro Storico after 8 pm. Near the Vuccaria Market area, you’ll find many bars and restaurants. And plenty of people standing and sipping drinks. It is a bit of a chaotic area, but definitely fun. Once you are there, we are sure you’ll find a way to the party.
• One of the easiest ways to get around is by using buses. But be sure to purchase tickets in advance – you can buy them at the “Tabacchi shops”. Some buses do sell tickets on board. However, they’re overpriced.
• Just like in any other destination, you should dress modestly when vising religious sites.
• One of the reasons why most people fall in love with Sicily is its laid-back atmosphere. When exploring the city, embrace this pace, and don’t expect everything to be on time. Don’t feel discouraged just go with the flow.
• To experience the best cuisine for a real bargain, take advantage of the delicious street food. You’ll find the most authentic dishes on the streets, not in a fancy hotel. Make sure you try Arancini (crispy deep-fried rice balls) and Canolli dessert (elongated fried dough filled with sweetened ricotta cheese – or pistachio, chocolate…).
• Tipping is great but not always anticipated. So if you’re on a tight budget, you can tip less and walk away guilt-free.

New to Hostels? Read our full hostel starter guide here. We especially recommend reading:

• how to book hostels (and websites to use)
• 23 items for the hostel packing list
• Are hostels safe? 13 safety tips for hostels

The 3 Best Hostels in Palermo are …

Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Palermo.

1. A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel – best for Female Solo Traveller
2. Via Zara – best for Couples
3. Double H, Palermo – best for Backpackers

We put all accommodations on the map, incl. our own tips for restaurants, things to see, and more.

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🦸 Solo Traveler:	Via Zara
🙎‍♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler:	A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel
🎒 For Backpackers:	Double H, Palermo
👩‍❤️‍👨Couple Hostel:	Via Zara
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel:	A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel
👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads:	A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel
👫 For Socializing:	Double H, Palermo

1. A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel

If you’ve been on the road for a while and you’re craving to meet other backpackers, this is the best place to be. A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel is a homely, artsy hostel that’s renowned for its extremely friendly staff, thoughtful amenities, and affordable prices.

Located close to some of the most famed attractions in Palermo such as Teatro Massimo and Teatro Politeama Garibaldi, A Casa di Amici is hands down the best hostel in the city, especially for solo travelers. Thanks to its small and intimate space, it’s very easy to socialize with everyone.

Simply put, A Casa di Amici has all the attributes of a wonderful hostel: helpful staff, clean bathrooms, comfortable beds, a fully functional kitchen, and a nice open-air space for people to enjoy the fresh air. The atmosphere at this hostel is super open and inviting so you’ll instantly feel at home from the moment you walk in.

Guests have access to multiple communal areas including a fabulous covered terrace where you can hang out with other travelers and share a beer, as well as a night little communal space where you can share stories before bedtime. Most areas are adorned with musical instruments everywhere you turn and they came in handy during music nights where everyone is welcome to showcase their prowess in playing the instruments, dancing, and singing.

Book A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

There is a variety of rooms to choose from – you can stay in a private room or a dorm. A Casa Amici offers male, female and mixed dormitories, a junior suite, double, and even a quadruple room with a shared bathroom. The dorms are furnished with bunk beds (linens and sheets are available) and all rooms are air-conditioned which is a great relief from the Sicilian heat.

Wifi is available throughout the property so you’ll remain connected throughout your stay. The hostel also boasts a well-equipped kitchen but you can also opt to share communal meals prepared by the staff at a very affordable price.

If you’re planning to explore the city, the hostel does plan excursions and tours upon request.

Location: A Casa di Amici is just a few minutes walk to the bus stop and it’s pretty easy to reach by bus from Palermo International Airport. The only issue is that the hostel is perched a bit north of the old town which means you’ll have a longer walk to the center of Palermo, but it’s still manageable.

The best choice in Palermo for

• Female Solo Traveller

Book A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

2. Via Zara

Have fun during your stay in the oldest part of Palermo, La Kalsa District where Via Zara is located. In this hostel you’ll be welcomed by the owners so you can expect to enjoy typical Sicilian hospitality – they go that extra mile to make you feel at home. It’s one of those hostels that feel as though you’re visiting an old friend!

Via Zara is particularly loved for its location, at the heart of the charming La Kalsa District which is dotted with a lot of historic monuments and old architecture. This means you’ll have a lot of attractions on your itinerary to explore, most of which are within a walking distance. Upon your return, you can relax in the small communal area or prepare yourself a meal in their well-equipped kitchen.

Most of the rooms have terraces and offer amazing views of the city so you can easily sit, outside take in the breathtaking views and watch as the world goes by. The property features warm vibrant colors giving the rooms an upbeat ambiance. Despite being on a lively street, the beds are very comfortable so a good night’s sleep is guaranteed. Via Zara is not a very big hostel so even at its full capacity it doesn’t feel crowded.

They offer a free continental breakfast every day which means you don’t have to worry about preparing any meals first thing in the morning. The cleanness in Via Zara is top-notch. If you’re looking to enjoy some privacy self-catered rooms will be a perfect match.

The only downside of this hostel is the fact that there’s no front desk so you need to contact the property to make arrangements for your check inn. This can be a little bit of a hassle for some people. Also, there’s no parking, so if you’re driving here or you’ve rented a car to explore the city, that’s something to keep in mind.

Location: Via Zara is easily accessible and you’ll be able to get around seamlessly. The train station is just 0.6 miles and the airport is 19 miles away.

A great choice for

• Couples

Book Via Zara here

Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com

3. Double H, Palermo

Double H, Palermo Palermo is a great hostel that’s appealing even to the most discerning backpackers.

In addition to a perfect location in one of the most alluring cities in the world, Palermo, this hostel is full of good vibes and a warm atmosphere. The staff is very helpful and always available to solve any pressing issues. Since the owners are backpackers themselves they put extra effort into making you feel at home while also creating a relaxed ambiance for everyone to interact freely.

They’re conversation starters so even an introvert will easily find themselves interacting.

Double H hostel has a fully functional kitchen with thoughtful appliances including an espresso machine, so whether you want to prepare a quick meal or just a cup of coffee, you’ll have everything you need. However, if you’re a gastronome, you might want to pay extra just for the food. The meals in this hostel are prepared professionally by a chef. This is great if all you want is to explore the city and go back home to get a well-prepared meal.

Book Double H, Palermo here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

What makes this hostel a winner is probably the fact that the bunk beds have curtains for privacy.

If a roommate is on their phone, you’ll not be affected by the light if you’re ready to sleep. The beds are very comfortable and there are lambs by the beds plus a USB charger which is very convenient. Aside from the beautiful seating area, the hostel offers access to a courtyard where everyone congregates for chats, laughs, and fresh air.

The staff does organize activities so there are no dull moments in this hostel unless you’re just looking to kick back and lie lazily on your bed all day. Plus, they rent out bikes, so you can bike your way through the city! This is not only a fun and unique way to explore but it’s also a sustainable form of travel.

Location: Double H is in a great location close to everything Palermo has to offer and just a stone’s throw away from the train station.

This is one of the best hostels in Palermo for

• Backpackers

Book Double H, Palermo here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

 

Best Hostels in Palermo for Solo Travelers?

What is seriously the best hostel in Palermo for solo-travelers?

The best hostel in Palermo for solo-travelers is A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel. This hostel is the perfect place if you are travelling alone and want to meet lots of new people. There are lots of music instruments to pick up and jam together. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful if you have any question.

Book A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

More Hostels worth a mention

At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention soon here, if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.

What about the cheapest hostels in Palermo?

Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Palermo.

1. Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Palermo
2. add your dates
3. Order the listings by price

Simple as that.

Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.

Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.

Any Discounts?

You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. There are even special discount codes that we only share in our newsletter.

It is completely free to join!

How to book?

The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.

We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.

Read: step-by-step guide on how to book with Hostelworld

We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Palermo best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/ bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app

Download the Hostelworld App here

Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!

All Top Hostels put on a map + sights

Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Palermo hostels on a map.

Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.

In Palermo we absolutely enjoyed:

• Cattedrale di Palermo
• Massimo Theater
• Quattro Canti
• Norman Palace
• Catacombe dei Cappuccini
• Praetorian Fountain
• Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio
• Cattedrale di Monreale
• Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel

FAQs

Here we share with you the most asked question:

Flights to Palermo?

Falcone–Borsellino International Airport (PMO) is the main airport serving Palermo, and it is 35 km outside of the city near Punta Raisi. It’s one of Italy’s busiest airports, handling over four million passengers each year.

We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.

More handmade Guides for you

Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Palermo.

We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:

• Best Hostels in Italy
• Best Hostels in Naples
• Best Hostels in Amalfi Coast
• Best Hostels in Cinque Terre
• Best Hostels in Florence
• best hostels in Tuscany
• Best Hostels in Milan and party hostels in Milan
• Best Hostels in Venice
• Best Hostels in Bologna
• Best Hostels in Rome
• Best Hostels in Turin
• best hostels in Pisa
• best hostels in Genoa
• best hostels in Catania

Over to you

Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!

Your question will help us to improve this Palermo guide.

Last note: Our commitment

This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.

Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks