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Safe area of Palermo

Can anyone help with any areas to avoid when booking a place to stay in Palermo? I have been told that there are some places that are safer than others. Thanks for any help or suggestions of places to stay!

Posted by
14990 posts

The top upscale area is in the historical center between the Politeama theater (Piazza Re Ruggero Settimo) and Piazza Verdi. Basically along via Ruggero Settimo and via Roma. (look up these locations on Google maps). Anything is that area is good and very safe, also at night. Via Ruggero Settimo is the Palermo equivalent of 5th Ave in NYC or Michigan Ave. in Chicago, lots of fancy stores. Avoid the southern side of the historical center (particularly around the station). There are drug addicts and prostitutes in that area at night. The absolute worst areas (some of the most dangerous in Italy), such as Brancaccio or Zen, are not in the historical center, but a tourist has no reason to go there, since they are at the outer edges of town and there is nothing to see, therefore you don't have to worry about them.

Posted by
32167 posts

Kelly, I found that the area around Hotel Tonic seemed to be quite safe. That may be in one of the "safe" areas that Roberto mentioned, but I'm not overly familiar with all parts of Palermo. Sicily is wonderful! Happy travels!

Posted by
14990 posts

Hotel Tonic is exactly in the middle of the nice area I mentioned. Between Via Ruggero Settimo and via Roma just blocks from the Politeama theater. Go for it.

Posted by
9 posts

Thanks all for the info. If anyone has a "not to miss" place to stay please let me know! There are many to choose from!