Known for its opera, architecture, and distinct Sicilian-culture, Palermo is one of the COOLEST backpacking destinations in Italy (and Europe as a whole!). But as amazing as Italy is – it’s not cheap. Palermo included.
Which makes sense, set near the coast on the sensational island of Sicily, Palermo is the islands cultural, economical and touristic capital. Being the second-largest historic centre in all of Europe, Palermo Cathedral houses royal tombs as well as stunning stained glass windows. The renowned Teatro Massimo puts on phenomenal opera performances to this day while the Palazzo dei Normanni has been sitting there since the 9th Century.
So to help you, I’ve made this list of the best hostels and budget accomodation in Palermo, Italy!
The goal of this list is simple – to help you save time searching and save money in Palermo.
I do this by listing the five best hostels in Palermo for different types of travellers, so you can quickly and easily find a hostel that fits your travel-style. Then I’ve got another delightful selection of more accomodation in case you’re still on the fence.
Let’s dive right into the best hostels in Palermo.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Palermo
- Best Overall Hostel in Palermo – Ostello Bello Palermo
- Best Hostel in Palermo for Solo Travelers – A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Palermo – Double H
- Best Party Hostel in Palermo – Hostelo SrLs
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Palermo – Exclusive Dependance
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
The 5 Best Hostels in Palermo
Damn, there’s a good bunch of hostels (and places to stay in general) in Palermo! I’ve picked my top five for specific stays then got a whole lot more to choose from down below, but these five are top-shelf.
1. Ostello Bello Palermo – Best Overall Hostel in Palermo
- Dorm (mixed): From $59/night
- Private Room: From $116/night
- Address: 30 Via Alessandro Volta, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Ostello Bello Palermo is stunning and in a great location, a brand-new build with beautiful big common rooms and modern decor. This is my number one hostel in all of Palermo because it’s stunning, huge, and has everything you need. There’s an on-site bar, where you can mingle, and there are seemingly countless corners to hide in if you need a peaceful moment.
Palermo hostels vary greatly in terms of what they offer, but Ostello Bello not only offers but delivers a “Fantastic International Guest Atmosphere”. The Ostello Bello chain are hot hostels for travellers, by travellers who love to travel and thrive off of exploring this wonderful world. Ostello Bello Palermo is the newest link in this lengthening, expanding chain and is a pleasant experience near the historic centre of the old town.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On-site Bar
- Shared Kitchen
- Co-working space
The dorm rooms range from four beds to 11 or you can book a private room for yourself if you’re a solo traveller. The private rooms can sleep up to 11 with just about every number in between so whatever your party looks like, you’re welcome here. Each room has an ensuite so keep your toilet needs in mind when booking your room!
There’s something for everyone and for good value at OB Palermo. With air conditioning, bed linen, free wifi and luggage storage, you know you’re going to be well looked after, these guys know what’s up. So get in there! Make some new friends, and enjoy Palermo.
2. A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel – Best Hostel in Palermo for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $34/night
- Private Room: From $68/night
- Address: Via Dante 57, 90141 Palermo, Italy
Modern, vibrant and oh-so welcoming, A Casa di Amici is the best hostel for solo travellers in Palermo. More than just a hostel, A Casa di Amici is a fully experiential hostel. Perhaps you want to join in with a family-run cooking class, or a drum workshop.
If you are even remotely musical you will fall in love with A Casa di Amici. Most hostels around the world have a guitar collecting dust in the corner, these guys have tuned guitars, drums, a piano…even a sax! No better way to find new hostel friends than to join in with the jam!
A Casa di Amici is the coolest hostel in Palermo; next level in every way, and even the location lends itself to music. Teatro Politeama Palermo is just a five minute walk away and Teatro Massimo is another five minutes after that!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free wifi
- Laundry Facilities
- Lush communal areas
The hostel has easy access to the Falcone Borsellino airport, the bus running to town stops just 350m down the road from Casa di Amici. With free daily luggage storage, I highly recommend basing yourself here at least on an interim night, but I bet you’ll be hooked… So maybe start here at A Casa di Amici.
There are dorm rooms and private rooms to choose from, so whether you want some space or want to be in the mix, you’ve got options. Each room has air conditioning and the private rooms have private bathrooms while the dorms share a bathroom. All rooms have free wifi, but, cheesy as it is…
You’ll find more connection here if you stay off your phone, the hosts and the guests I’ve encountered are well worth talking to!
3. Double H – Best Cheap Hostel in Palermo
- Dorm (mixed): From $22/night
- Private Room: From $75/night
- Address: Via del Bosco, 35, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy
You want a cheap hostel? I got you a cheap hostel! I have no idea what the double H stands for, maybe Double Happy? Regardless, if you’re looking for a cheap hostel, I’m sure you’re familiar with budget travel and I hope you know what to expect.
This hostel is a really sweet cheap stay, with Palermo becoming more and more fashionable, Palermo hostels are becoming less friendly to broke backpackers. Double H breaks the mould (but might be mouldy) with its free brekkie to start your day and friendly staff when they’re around. Double H is a unique place to stay and definitely the cheapest you’ll find in the historic centre.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Breakfast
- Free wi fi
- Tables set up for working
If you need to get some work done, you can sit in the air conditioning of your room at one of the tables set up especially. The eight-bed dorm has a private balcony where you can sip your morning coffee and watch Palermo wake up. Or, you can stay in a private room or smaller dorm if you like a quieter night during your stay in Sicily.
Enjoy the old town of Palermo, one of the largest historic districts in Europe. Spend your days walking around the cobbled streets getting that sweet Sicilian sun tan, or you can hire a bicycle. Enjoy the restaurants and bars around the place, or you might be lucky enough to get a chef’s special at Double H.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Hostelo SrLs – Best Party Hostel in Palermo
- Dorm (mixed): From $45/night
- Private Room: From $225/night
- Address: Via Ruggiero Settimo, 55, 90139 Palermo PA, Italy
This hostel is for my party people, check out that bar, Hostelo knows what’s going on! In a great location in the city centre, between the Teatro Massimo and the Teatro Politeama Palermo, Hostelo is in the heart of the vibe. BUT, it’s not technically a party hostel, but it is in an epic location to meet people and to go out and bop around town.
If that’s what you’re here for, you’ll love the two-hour happy hour every evening in the in-house bar where you can drink with your friends. Whether you’re travelling with friends or making new ones, Hostelo is the place to be, in a great location, with great value, everyone’s happy. Solo travellers are welcome here too, with communal areas to mingle and meet new people on this sexy Italian island.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free wi fi
- Onsite Cafe
- Great Location
As far as rooms go, there are four-bed private rooms, great if you’re coming through with your crew (or for travelling families). The dorms have six, eight or ten beds in them with the option of a male-only dorm (YTB!). A couple of them have ensuites, a couple of them share bathrooms, and all of them have showers.
Enjoy the free breakfast here, especially if you’re recovering from a big night. It can be a great place to meet people, get amongst the vibe and pull you out of a hangover. Hostelo prides itself on taking care of its guests, so take advantage of the laundry facilities, luggage storage and anything else you need.
5. Exclusive Dependance – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Palermo
- Dorm (mixed): From $36/night
- Address: Via Lungarini, 72, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Exclusive Dependance is another bizarre name, but this place is epic to post up, especially if you’re staying for a week of work. Operated by Yuri and Pia, you’ll be looked after like one of their own and welcome to stay for as long as you like. I loved setting up on the little balcony outside my room and working away in the Sicilian sunshine.
The free wifi is strong and the bed linen is fresh, at least it was in my private room at Exclusive Dependance. I had a pleasant experience during my time here, I thought it was good value, for the warm hospitality I received and the great location. Just a short walk down to the marina, through the Giardino Garibaldi, I enjoyed evenings watching the people and the sunset.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free wifi
- Cafe’s nearby
- Hot Showers
Roaming around the streets of Palermo is a great distraction, but being tucked away at Exclusive Dependance, it’s easy to get in the zone. Being a digital nomad sure changes the way you travel. I loved my time here and would recommend it to other digital nomads on the road.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Palermo Hostels
Here are a few more epic hostels in Palermo and some budget accommodation options if you want to splash out.
6. Balarm Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $27/night
- Private Room: From $67/night
- Address: Via Roma 41, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Each room at Balarm Hostel has a private balcony, so you’ll always know what’s going on in the streets, perfect for waiting for that Tinder match! Lovers aside, Balarm Hostel is a great place to hang out, a simple and sweet budget accommodation option with a fun vibe. Book a bunk bed in a dorm or a room to yourself if you want the privacy, Balarm has it all.
7. Sunshine Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $26/night
- Address: Via Lincoln 97, 90123 Palermo, Italy
Palermo is a wonderful city to party in! With a party style all of its own get ready to dance in the street with the locals (local grannies too!) while in Palermo. With that in mind, the best party hostel in Palermo was Sunshine Hostel.
With a great hostel bar and an on-point hostel vibe, Sunshine is a top hostel in Palermo for travellers down for a good time. The hostel bar is a great place to find your party people before moving out into town. An intimate hostel, Sunshine Hostel will fast become your home away from home.
8. Love & Liberty
- Dorm (mixed): From $26/night
- Address: 59 Via Montesanto, 90133 Palermo, Italy
This hostel is good for a good time, with staff that pour up an evening aperitif to get guests mixing. It’s a great place to stay if you’re a backpacker who enjoys a few drinks and wants to make new friends! Especially if you’re not too fussy about where you sleep. It is in an epic location, 600 metres from Fontana Pretoria, 1.2 km from Palermo Cathedral and 300 metres from Via Maqueda.
If you’re interested in visiting the theatres, 1.7 km from Teatro Politeama Palermo, it’s easily walkable if you ask me!
9. Casa Amari alla Zisa Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $30/night
- Address: 18 Via Re Manfredi, 90134 Palermo, Italy
Casa Amaria Zisa Hostel is a sweet, small hostel run by a kind woman close to the old town. While there isn’t a free breakfast here, you can ask for one to be provided or use the kitchen to cater for yourself. There is a small mixed dorm and a couple of female-only dorms which are also on the small side.
I’d recommend staying here if you want a homely insight into Sicilian life.
10. Hostal Via Zara
- Dorm (mixed): From $38/night
- Private Room: From $81/night
- Address: 5 Via Zara, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Hostal Zara is on the outskirts of the historic district, close to the Fontana Pretoria, a stunning fountain with romantic nude sculptures, definitely a must-see. Depending on who you’re travelling with, you can choose a dorm room or a private room with a double bed or twin bed set up. The rooms all have access to the shared kitchen which is great to save cash!
11. Hotel Vecchio Borgo
- Private Room: From $101/night
- Address: Via Quintino Sella 1/7, 90139 Palermo, Italy
At the higher end of the budget hotel scale in Palermo is Hote Vecchio Borgo. This highly recommended hotel in Palermo deserves all the praise it gets, the rooms are super stylish and hella spacious! Many of the rooms at Hotel Vecchio Borgo offer spectacular views over Palermo’s stunning cityscape.
The complimentary breakfast at Hotel Vecchio Borgo is simply outstanding, as is, in fact, every item on the cafe’s menu. Feel free to be totally lazy and get room service throughout your stay, make the most of every minute!
12. Palazzo Planeta
- Private Room: From $145/night
- Address: Via Principe di Belmonte 68, 90139 Palermo, Italy
Why constrain yourself to a hotel or hostel room when you could have a whole apartment?! Palazzo Planeta is a chic apartment rental in the heart of Palermo. Ideal for digital nomads who like to feel settled or for couples who wanna play house in Palermo, Palazzo Planeta is a beautiful space.
Guests have access to their own fully equipped kitchen, lounge area and of course a spacious bedroom too. There are a couple of apartments to choose from but if you want the most magical experience be sure to book the terraced apartment. Sunrise over Palermo is amazing!
13. L’ Hôtellerie B&B
- Private Room: From $157/night
- Address: Foro Italico Umberto I 13, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Wow wow wow! L’ Hôtellerie B&B is something else! The outdoor swimming pool is reason enough to book a stay at the incredible L’ Hôtellerie B&B.
The complimentary breakfast is nothing shy of outstanding and there is nothing quite like dining al fresco in Italy! Each room, or suite, at L’ Hôtellerie B&B comes with an impressive view; either of the mountains, the ocean or Palermo city itself. The rooms are super stylish and the comfort is unrivalled, if you fancy a splurge, L’Hôtellerie B&B is the place in Palermo for you!
14. Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini
- Private Room: From $145/night
- Address: Piazzetta Lucrezia Brunaccini, 10, 90139 Palermo PA, Italy
Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini is a classy, charming and super stylish splurge-worthy hotel in Palermo. Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini sits just 700m away from Palermo Cathedral, putting you right at the heart of the action. Featuring ornate furniture, low wooden beams and a heartfelt welcome, Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini is a wonderful hotel in Palermo for travellers looking to treat themselves.
The hotel’s own restaurant, Ristorante Da Carlo a Palazzo Brunaccini, has an incredible menu and serves up quintessentially Italian dishes that will fill you up… And leave you wanting more!
15. Jardin De France
- Private Room: From $53/night
- Address: Vicolo del Sant’ Uffizio 6, 90133 Palermo, Italy
The best budget hotel in Palermo is Jardin De France. Quaint, charming and super affordable Jardin De France is a great find! The rooms all have ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi access and flat-screen TV.
You won’t be spending too much time watching TV though because many of the rooms at Jardin De France offer incredible views out over Palermo’s cityscape. The rooms are all soundproofed so a good night’s sleep is guaranteed! The rooftop terrace is super cute and a great spot to catch up on your travel journal or just chill with a coffee and a book.
16. Sunrise Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $21/night
- Private Room: From $50/night
- Address: Via Roma 118, 90133 Palermo, Italy
All the rooms at Sunrise Hostel have a private balcony which is romantic for your stay in Sicily. Just 500 metres from Fontana Pretoria, Sunrise Hostel & Roms provides air conditioning in each of their rooms as well as linen. There’s a kitchen to use, free wi fi and a shared lounge to hang out in.
Grab a drink at the onsite bar and make friends. Sunrise Hostel is close to Palermo Central Train Station, as well as the gorgeous Palermo Cathedral
17. Hotel Moderno
- Private Room: From $74/night
- Address: Via Roma 276, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Hotel Moderno is a great budget hotel in Palermo with all the services and style of a high-end establishment. You will find Hotel Moderno a 10-minute walk from Palermo Station and the city’s phenomenal Cathedral. No need to lift a finger while staying at Hotel Moderno.
Not only is room service available but the staff can help arrange bicycle and car hire, tours and entrance tickets. All rooms have private ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning. The beds are super comfortable and the rooms are as spacious as can be.
18. Aquarooms
- Private Room: From $150/night
- Address: Via Ruggiero Mastrangelo 8, 90133 Palermo, Italy
The best mid-budget hotel in Palermo is Aquarooms. You’ll legit feel like royalty staying here. Guests have free access to the hotel’s hot tub and jacuzzi which is a total luxury.
Minimalist, modern, and super stylish there is an undeniable serenity to Aquarooms that provides a welcome contrast to the frenetic nature of Palermo city centre. The complimentary breakfast is not to be missed and Aquarooms know how to brew a proper cup of coffee. No doubt about it!
19. Porta di Castro
- Private Room: From $177/night
- Address: Via Porta di Castro 223, 90134 Palermo, Italy
Porta di Castro is a highly recommended hotel in Palermo and offers one of the best breakfasts in the city. This boutique hotel is every Insta-travellers dream! Ever so photogenic and stylish beyond belief Porta di Castro is a total treat.
Porta di Castro is super popular and gets booked out well in advance. Ideal for couples who want to experience a taste of luxury without the crazy price tag. Or, digital nomads on the lookout for picture-perfect accommodation, Porta di Castro is pretty darn perfect.
20. Al Vucciria Hostel
As the best hostel in Palmero Al Vucciria had some of the most comfortable beds in all of the city. The dorms are spacious and bright and guests have access to a guest kitchen to whip up all kinds of Italian culinary delights. This is one of those family-run cheap hostels so you will, of course, be afforded quintessentially Italian hospitality and fast become one of the family too.
If you want to stay at a classic Palermo backpackers hostel Al Vucciria Hostel is the place for you.
21. CappucciniFlats
The best of the cheap hostels in Palermo was CappucciniFlats. I know that travelling in Italy can be pricey but CappucciniFlats was the best budget hostel in Palermo and a saving grace for broke backpackers. Located right in the heart of the city, staying at CappucciniFlats saves you money in more ways than one.
No need to fork out on taxis while staying here for the hostel is just a 5-minute walk from a metro station that connects you to all of Palermo conveniently… And cheaply! The guest kitchen is there for you to use if you wish. Another way to keep the average price of accommodation down is to cook for yourself.
22. On The Way Hostel
On The Way Hostel was the best hostel for digital nomads in Palermo for sure! Offering everything the digital nomad could need, free WiFi, plenty of working space, a guest kitchen and laundry facilities, On The Way ticks all the boxes. Although the hostel itself is a great place to work, there are dozens of charming coffee shops within a 5-minute walk of On The Way.
You can change your office daily if you wish! On The Way was a cracking youth hostel in Palermo that has both dorms and private rooms at a higher than average price. Long-term travellers need to escape the dorms every once in a while right?! Treat yourself in Palermo and tour around Sicily!
23. Vespa Bed & Breakfast
The best hostel for couples in Palermo is Vespa Bed & Breakfast, because of the higher than average price. Although branded as a B&B, Vespa’s has both private rooms and shared dorms. Vespa B&B is a highly recommended hostel in Palermo that gives travelling couples the best of both worlds.
A really sociable vibe with the option of a private room, if you’re feeling all loved in Italy (and who doesn’t!). Palermo is a hustling, bustling city, there is always something going on. The Vespa B&B staff are locals themselves and are always keen to share with their guests all their hints, tips and travel hacks!
24. Welcome Sciliy
Welcome Scility is a humble youth hostel in Palermo ideal for travellers who like to stay in low-key places. If you are just looking for a place to sleep, shower and recharge your tech with a higher than average price, Welcome Sciliy is it. No curfew means that you can stay out as late as you like, partying in the street with the locals, and rock home whenever you like.
You will find Welcome Sciliy right in the heart of Palermo and just a few minutes walk from the city’s transport links. There are private rooms and dorms at Welcome Sciliy making it ideal for solo travellers, couples and well… Pretty much anyone!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Palermo
Anything can happen at any time, everyone needs good hostel travel insurance. Make sure you’ve got yours!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ about Hostels in Palermo
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Palermo.
What to Pack for your Palermo Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Palermo?
The average price of hostels in Palermo can range from $22 – $23+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in Palermo for couples?
Stay at Ostello Bello if you’re looking for something that’s still got that hostel-social buzz to it.
What is the best hostel in Palermo near the Falcone Borsellino airport?
While there aren’t any hostels in Palermo near the Falcone Borsellino airport, some offer airport shuttles or will help you arrange transport. There’s also an airport-to-town bus route. A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel is just down the road from the bus stop in town and is an epic place to stay.
Final Thoughts on Palermo’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Palermo has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! There are so many epic things to see, make sure you visit at least one of the theatres for a show. Whether the Teatro Massimo or the Teatro Politeama Palermo is more your speed, I’ll leave it up to you to decide.
The Palermo Cathedral is another stunning historical monument that shouldn’t be missed on your trip. Of the Palermo hostels I’ve listed, A Casa di Amici is the closest to the Palermo Cathedral and a beautiful place to base yourself. I one million per cent recommend you stay here during your Palermo stint.
If you’ve got a bit more cash to splash, staying at the Ostello Bello Palermo is worth every penny. Make the most of the beautiful big common rooms and modern decor and the on-site bar where you can mix and mingle.
Wherever you stay, I’m sure you’ll love this historic seaside town and enjoy your time in sunny Sicily. Eat Gelato, sip limoncello and dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea, clothed or not, I’ll leave that up to you.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments! I’d love to chat.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Italy for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Palermo before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Italy to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
