Where to Stay in Syracuse?

Which neighborhood to choose when looking to stay in Syracuse? This is a question you need to answer before booking your hotel room. There are several options available: the historic center located on the island of Ortygia, the Borgata Santa Lucia, or the ancient neighborhood of Neapolis! These three areas are among the best places to stay in Syracuse, and this guide will provide you with all the answers

If you want to stay in one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily, Syracuse is an interesting base in the region. The city stretches in length from the island of Ortygia to the north of Borgata Santa Lucia towards Giovanni Paolo II Park, bounded by the Syracuse train station to the west and the Scoglio del Carabiniere located to the northeast. However, to enjoy a practical and serene vacation, you must stay in the most central area possible or near the ancient monuments of the Sicilian city!

When searching, target the historic center of Syracuse located at the southern end. This area has a lot of accommodations, although rates can be high. The environment is pleasant, and the views of the Mediterranean are exceptional! As a second choice, if you want to be near the old town, prefer the area around the Umberto I artery leading down to the bridge connecting to the island of Ortygia.

The area housing the Neapolis archaeological park also has several accommodation options! As for the Borgata Santa Lucia, it is a very large neighborhood where you will definitely find something. It is the most modern part of Syracuse! The southwestern part also houses the city's train station!

In the following sections, we will explore all these places in more detail! However, I can already tell you that booking as early as possible is essential to avoid disappointment during your vacation! Feel free to compare accommodation offers to find one that fits your criteria.

If you don't have the time to read this article and trust my judgment, then here are some addresses to consider for staying in Syracuse! All offer excellent value for money; it's up to you to choose:

My Top Picks for Staying in Syracuse

Don't have time to read the full article? Here are some of my favorite accommodations:

The B&B Via Cavour 32 allows you to stay in the heart of the historic center of Syracuse in comfortable rooms starting at $80 per night.

If you have a mid-range budget and want to stay close to the historic center, the Anime Bed & Breakfast is located just a few steps from the old town for only $62 per night, breakfast included.

The Hotel Mercure Siracusa allows you to stay near archaeological sites for $83 per night, with a pool, restaurant, and gym.

The historic center clearly covers the entire southern half of the city, primarily the Isola di Ortigia, which is full of charm and authenticity. It's a very convenient base as you can explore everything on foot, enjoy restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and historical monuments found around here!

Among the things to do, the Syracuse Cathedral features superb Baroque architecture, while the Temple of Apollo houses ancient ruins dating back to the 5th century. You can be captivated by the classic beauty of the Fontana di Diana and the Muelle, a seawall with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean. Don't miss the Palazzo Beneventano, Castello Maniace, and Piazza del Duomo!

The historic center also has several notable museums such as the Corrado Basile Papyrus Museum and the Archimedes and Leonardo da Vinci Museum, which exhibit interactive reproductions of scientific inventions! The Syracuse port is a must-see for its beauty and colorful fishing boats...

If you rented a car to go to Syracuse, you must park it at the entrance of the historic center, which prohibits car access. Although prices can be high, if you can afford it, choosing the historic center is one of the best options.

B&B Via Cavour 32 is a charming establishment offering elegant and modern rooms starting at $80 per night. Ideally located in the historic center, you will be close to all the monuments, 100 meters from Fontana di Diana and 300 meters from the Tempio di Apollo! The hosts will welcome you with a smile!

B&B Vicolo IV is just minutes away from the hyper-center and features an exceptional location by the seaside. Starting at $65 per night with breakfast, you will enjoy a pleasant room with a comfortable double bed. The establishment has a restaurant, bar, and shared lounge.

To stay close to the historic centers, you should look for accommodations on the other side of the bridge, particularly on either side of Corso Umberto I! This long avenue is full of restaurants, shops, and businesses for entertainment, as well as several accommodation options for mid-range budgets. It's a convenient base if you come to Syracuse by car! This area has various parking zones.

Staying in this area puts you close to interesting landmarks like the Archimedes statue, the shipyard, and Piazza Pantheon. The Syracuse train station provides access to Catania Airport in 1 hour, and many kiosks offer water activities available on-site. Of course, you will find everything you need for dining, grabbing a drink, and grocery shopping.

This area is perfect for travelers wanting to stay as close to the historic center of Syracuse while enjoying slightly more affordable rates and less restrictive access if you have a vehicle.

Nostos Rooms & Appartments offers a beautiful apartment located just a short walk from the historic center and shops! You will benefit from a prime location just 5 minutes from the island of Ortygia and 10 minutes from the train station. This practical accommodation is available from $98 per night.

Starting at $62 per night with breakfast included, the Anime Bed & Breakfast offers very nice rooms with a balcony. The establishment is near Arethusa Beach, Cala Rossa, and the Tempio di Apollo! The hosts will provide you with a warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere!

Heading further north, you will find the Neapolis archaeological park, one of the major tourist attractions in Syracuse! The site is located in a neighborhood of the same name and allows you to enjoy an ambiance framed by ancient history... While accommodation options are somewhat more limited, you can still find a few at quite reasonable prices.

This is undoubtedly an area that can suit travelers with a vehicle, although it is recommended to prioritize walking or using public transport in Syracuse. If you visit the Sicilian city during the summer, finding a place to park your vehicle can be challenging. To walk to downtown from Neapolis, expect about 35 to 40 minutes of walking, so just under 3 kilometers.

If you are still unsure what to do in Sicily, Syracuse will introduce you to many attractions such as the Neapolis archaeological site, the Greek theater of Syracuse, the necropolis, and the Ear of Dionysius, a cave with remarkable acoustics! Additionally, you can see the Technopark of the Archimedes Museum, the Grotta del Ninfeo, and the Basilica-Sanctuary of Madonna delle Lacrime. To enjoy restaurants and cafes, head to downtown or the island of Ortygia!

B&B Siracusa Holidays is located just 500 meters from the Neapolis archaeological park, on a quiet street perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. For a night, this guesthouse offers comfortable and pleasant rooms, tastefully decorated, starting at $94 with breakfast included.

For a total immersion in the most ancient area of Syracuse, the Hotel Mercure Siracusa offers stunning, elegant rooms starting at $83 per night! You will be just steps away from the archaeological site and a 30-minute walk from the old town. The hotel also features a pool, restaurant, and gym.

Located north of the historic center of Syracuse, the Borgata Santa Lucia neighborhood offers accommodations available at all price points. It remains a central area, allowing for easy access to the old town! You'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and venues for partying... Borgata Santa Lucia is, by definition, an ideal base for young people wanting to enjoy the nightlife.

If you stay in the northern part of this neighborhood, you will enjoy ideal proximity to all the ancient sites in Syracuse, as well as the basilica of Santa Lucia and the Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum. There are green spaces for quiet walks and the waterfront to the east of the neighborhood. Depending on the location of your accommodation, count approximately 20 minutes of walking to reach the historic center.

The Borgata Santa Lucia neighborhood is a good compromise for saving money! You won't be far from the historic center, and there are several parking areas available. It's also a great neighborhood if you arrive in Syracuse by train, as the train station is just about a ten-minute walk away.

That's all for my tips on neighborhoods to stay in Syracuse! I hope this article helps you decide where to sleep in Sicily. If you don't plan to stay in the city long, you can always add it to your itinerary for a road trip in Sicily