Solo in Sicily: A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Palermo (Where to Stay, Eat, and Meet People)
Palermo is a city that makes an impression. The first time I went, I loved it so much I immediately booked another trip for a few months later. It’s loud, chaotic, and a little rough around the edges—but that’s exactly what makes it one of the most fascinating places in Italy. It’s also an excellent destination for solo travelers. Whether you’re here to eat your way through the street markets, dive into the city’s layered history, or just get lost in the backstreets, Palermo has plenty to offer.
And no, you’re not going to run into the mafia. Stop watching so much of The Godfather.
This guide is for solo travelers who want to experience Palermo without spending a fortune and without feeling awkward dining alone in a city full of loud Sicilian families. Where to stay, where to eat, and—most importantly—how to meet people when you’re traveling solo in this beautiful mess of a city.
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Where to Stay in Palermo as a Solo Traveler
When traveling solo, the place you stay can make or break your trip. You want somewhere central but safe, social but not a party hostel, and—ideally—affordable.
Best Hostels for Solo Travelers
If you want to meet people, stay in a hostel with a common area and organized events. Palermo has a few solid options:
- A Casa di Amici – Book here – My top choice. This place has a super friendly vibe, musical instruments lying around, and communal spaces that make it easy to meet fellow travelers. Plus, the owners are fantastic.
- Ostello Bello – Book here – A lively hostel with a garden, terrace, shared kitchen, and karaoke nights. Great for meeting people, with billiards, ping pong, and 24/7 multilingual staff. Centrally located near Fontana Pretoria and Palermo Cathedral.
Budget & Mid-Range Stays
If hostels aren’t your thing, but you still want affordability:
- Hotel Plaza Ungheria – Book here – A no-frills budget stay in a prime location near Teatro Massimo and Piazza Castelnuovo. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, and there’s even a hot tub if you’re feeling fancy. Airport shuttle available for an extra charge.
- Hotel Trinacria – Book here – A solid mid-range option in central Palermo with A/C rooms, a 24-hour reception, and a bar. Walkable to Fontana Pretoria, Palermo Cathedral, and Teatro Politeama.
- Albergo Cavour – Book here – Affordable 1-star hotel near Palermo Centrale station. Some rooms have balconies. Walkable to Via Maqueda and Fontana Pretoria.
Luxury Stay (Because Sometimes You Deserve It)
- Eurostars Centrale Palace Hotel – Book here – Stay in an 18th-century palace right in the heart of Palermo. Rooms are elegant, air-conditioned, and come with a pillow menu (because why not?). There’s also a rooftop restaurant and gym. Steps from Via Maqueda and Teatro Massimo.
💡 Pro Tip: Stay within a 15-minute walk of Teatro Massimo and you’ll be in a prime spot for exploring the city on foot.
How to Meet People in Palermo
Palermo isn’t exactly a “hostel party” destination, and it’s not as easy to meet people as in, say, Barcelona. But there are plenty of ways to connect with locals and fellow travelers. First and foremost I would say to stay at a hostel and connect with fellow guests and ask if they want to go walk around any of the markets (Mercato del Capo, Vucciria, Ballarò). If you’re not staying in a hostel, here are some other ways to meet people.
1. Join a Walking or Food Tour
Tours aren’t just about sightseeing—they’re an easy way to meet other travelers. My top picks:
- Palermo No Mafia Tour – Learn about Palermo’s anti-mafia movement and get a deeper understanding of the city’s history.
- Street Food and History Walking Tour – Perfect for solo travelers who love food (aka everyone). You’ll get to eat pane ca meusa, panelle, stigghiola, and other Sicilian specialties while learning about the city.
2. Go to a Pub Crawl
- Pub Crawl Palermo – This is the only organized pub crawl I’d recommend in Palermo. Good mix of locals and travelers, and it’s cheap.
3. Hang Out in Piazza Sant’Anna or Vucciria at Night
- Palermo’s nightlife happens outdoors. Grab a drink at Bottega Monteleone or Botanico Bar and just start chatting with people. The streets around Vucciria market turn into an open-air party at night. For safety, don’t go to Vucciria without a group.
4. Take a Cooking Class
If you want a more chill social experience, book a market tour + cooking class. You’ll meet locals, learn how to make Sicilian food, and—bonus—you won’t have to eat dinner alone that night.
Where to Eat (Even If You’re Eating Alone)
Eating alone in Italy can be intimidating, but in Palermo, it’s normal. Half the food scene here is street food, which means no awkward solo dining experience needed. Just grab your food, sit on a bench, and enjoy.
Best Street Food for Solo Travelers
If you’re alone, street food is your best friend. Here’s what to eat and where:
- Pane ca Meusa (Spleen Sandwich) – Porta Carbone or Nino u Ballerino
- Arancina (Rice Ball) – Bar Vabres (skip Ke Palle—overrated and overpriced)
- Sfincione (Sicilian Pizza/Bread) – Random street vendors (look for the ones covered in tomato sauce and breadcrumbs)
- Panelle & Crocchè (Chickpea Fritters & Potato Croquettes) – Market stalls in Ballarò or Capo
- Stigghiola (Grilled Intestines on a Stick) – Porta Carini vendors (if you’re adventurous)
Affordable Sit-Down Restaurants
If you want a proper meal but don’t want to drop €50, try these:
- Trattoria I Cascinari – Classic Sicilian dishes, no tourist traps.
- Vecchio Club Rosanero – Simple, traditional, and affordable.
- Bisso Bistrot – Great food, central location, and solo-traveler friendly.
- Le Angeliche (Capo Market) – A great local spot with fair prices.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to save money, avoid tourist restaurants near Quattro Canti. Look for places with “Addiopizzo” stickers, which means they don’t pay mafia protection money.
Solo Travel Safety in Palermo
Palermo is way safer than people think. The biggest risk to tourists is pickpocketing, not the mafia. Some things to keep in mind:
✔ Pickpockets are a thing – Especially in markets and on public transport. Keep your valuables in a secure spot.
✔ Stay aware at night – Vucciria and Ballarò are fun but can get sketchy late at night. Stick to well-lit areas.
✔ Avoid overly aggressive street vendors – Just walk away. They’re harmless but persistent.
✔ Taxis are fine, but Uber doesn’t work – Use It Taxi or ask your accommodation to call one for you.
💡 Pro Tip: Palermo has some of the lowest crime rates among major Italian cities. Statistically, you’re more likely to get pickpocketed in Milan or Rome than in Palermo.
Final Thoughts
Palermo is one of the best cities in Italy for solo travelers—as long as you embrace the chaos. Stay central, eat all the street food, join a food tour or pub crawl if you want to meet people, and don’t stress about the mafia.
Oh, and whatever you do, don’t buy one of those ugly “The Godfather” t-shirts from the market. You have better taste than that.