Palermo

Sicily's capital promises a bit more adventure than your average island city break. Its wonderfully disheveled buildings on slightly chaotic streets show the architectural marks of this island's many invaders. The residents have a reputation for being colourful characters, many of them rule bending! The Hotel Guru's picks of the best places to stay in Palermo are small B&Bs from where you can explore this fascinating city to the max. Palermo's unpredictability can be a great positive, and may allow you to see more than just your guide book's recommendations.

What Not To Miss

• The Cappella Palatina, a beautiful chapel full of wonderfully detailed mosaics.
• Palermo's giant fountain, the Fontana Pretoria, in the Piazza Pretoria.
• Palermo's palace, the Palazzo dei Normanni, used as a parliament building during the week, but open to visitors to marvel at its wonderful artworks on the weekend.
• The opera house: Teatro Massimo, one of the city's iconic landmarks made even more famous by its appearance in the final scene of The Godfather: Part III.
• The grandeur of Palermo's patterned cathedral, the lovingly ornate detail of the Oratorio del Rosario, the beautiful restoration of La Martorana, a 12th Century church, and the Gothic grace of Chiesa de San Francesco d'Assisi show the importance of religion to Palermo's history.

Such is Palermo's abundance of things to see and do that it's no surprise that the best places to stay in Palermo are in hot demand, especially during the peak season.

For a chic B&B

• For a stylish property in the heart of the town, B&B Delle Vittorie is a chic and contemporary B&B, in the heart of the old city. Elegant and understated interiors, are matched by excellent service and a friendly atmosphere. Perfectly located for explore all the city has to offer, from bars and restaurants to museums and cathedrals. An excellent breakfast is included.
• The Maxim B&B is a sweet, great value B&B in a central location in Palermo. The charming rooms and one suite have parquet floors, creamy tones, four poster beds and occasional modern art. Close to beaches and sights. Family friendly.

For luxury

• If you're looking for an upmarket stay, Principe di villafranca is a boutique hotel in the heart of Palermo, a short walk from the Politeama and Massimo theatres. Rooms have antique furnishings, marble floors and vaulted ceilings giving an authentic, luxurious feel. A cozy Sicilian restaurant at the hotel and many bars on nearby streets. Ideal for work or pleasure.

For value

• Located centrally and at great value, B&B Il Giardino di Ballaro is a charming, characterful, colourful boutique B&B in the heart of historical Palmero. Rooms with quirky art and furnishings, air conditioning and direct access to lovely outdoor courtyard. Traditional Sicilian breakfast available. Child friendly and great value.

For romance

• BB22 is an excellent boutique B&B with attractive bedrooms in Palermo. Rooms and one suite combine contemporary lighting, artwork, and jazzy wallpapers with parquet floors, gilt mirrors and stand alone bathtubs. A great city spot for a romantic holiday.

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd rather your own space, don't hesitate to visit our online partner Booking.com for a range of apartments throughout the town.

Travel Information

• Fly to Palermo Airport located 32km (20 miles) from the town with connections to many destinations throughout Europe
• Catch a ferry to Palermo with regular connections to local and abroad destinations.
• Palermo has train links to Rome and Naples which is quite the experience involving the train boarding a ferry
• If you'd prefer to rent a car to explore the area more, don't hesitate to visit our online partner Rentalcars for prices
• Best time to visit - May to April and September to October as these times offer visitors the most pleasant temperatures for exploring the town.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Palermo,
• Or contact, one of our friendly gurus for advice.
• Alternatively check our full list of recommendations in Sicily.