Where to Stay in Messina, Sicily: Best Areas and My Honest Accommodation Review

Wondering where to stay in Messina, Sicily? After spending three nights in the city during a solo trip around southern Italy, I think choosing the right location is particularly important, especially if you’re visiting without a rental car.

Messina wasn’t actually where I’d planned to stay. I’d originally booked three nights in Cefalù, but an Italian train strike meant I had to change my accommodation shortly before departure.

Rather than cancel the trip altogether, I decided to stay in Messina, where I could easily reach the ferry back to Reggio Calabria for my flight home.

With very little time to arrange alternative accommodation, I booked a standard double room at Borgo Antico Rooms for three nights.

It turned out to be an excellent choice for my particular itinerary.

The accommodation was clean, comfortable and right in the city center, with easy walking access to the ferry port, Messina Centrale railway station, restaurants, shops and a large supermarket.

There was one thing I’d have preferred to be different about my room, which I’ll explain below, but overall I thought it offered everything I needed for a short, affordable stay.

In this guide, I’ll share my honest review of Borgo Antico Rooms, explain the best areas to stay in Messina and offer some practical advice for choosing accommodation, particularly if you’re traveling solo or relying on public transportation.

Where Is the Best Area to Stay in Messina?

For most visitors staying in Messina without a car, I’d recommend looking around Piazza Cairoli and the central streets between Messina Centrale railway station and Piazza Duomo.

That’s the general area I chose, and it worked particularly well for my three-night stay.

Messina is a fairly spread-out city, but many of the places visitors are likely to need are concentrated around its center.

By staying centrally, I could walk to the railway station for my day trips, reach the ferry port for my airport connection and head out for dinner without arranging taxis.

I also liked having shops and a supermarket nearby, particularly when traveling alone and wanting to pick up water, snacks or something for breakfast.

There are several areas worth considering, depending on what you’re planning to do during your stay.

My Stay at Borgo Antico Rooms in Messina

I booked Borgo Antico Rooms at the last minute after having to cancel my original accommodation in Cefalù.

Given how little time I had to reorganize everything, I was mainly looking for somewhere reasonably priced, centrally located and convenient for public transportation.

I paid £167 for three nights in a standard double room, roughly $220 at the exchange rate at the time.

Considering the location and facilities, I thought this represented excellent value.

Although I was traveling alone, the room had a large double bed and would have been suitable for two people.

The accommodation is a small guesthouse rather than a large hotel, and my room had everything I needed for a comfortable short stay.

It wasn’t luxurious, but I wasn’t looking for luxury. I needed somewhere clean, convenient and comfortable, with good transport connections and easy access to the city center.

For those requirements, it worked extremely well.

The Location Was Excellent

The biggest advantage of Borgo Antico Rooms was undoubtedly its location.

It’s situated on Via Maddalena, close to Piazza Cairoli in the center of Messina.

From the passenger ferry port, I found it a straightforward, relatively flat walk to the accommodation.

I was traveling with a small bag, so I didn’t have any difficulty making the journey on foot.

Messina Centrale railway station was also within easy walking distance, which was particularly important because I was planning day trips to Taormina and Cefalù.

For my journeys, the walks between the accommodation and the train station took approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

What I really liked was that I wasn’t staying somewhere isolated simply because it was convenient for transport.

I could walk straight into the main shopping streets and reach restaurants, cafes and the city’s historic attractions without needing to catch another bus.

There was also a large supermarket less than a 10-minute walk away, which I found particularly useful.

When I’m traveling solo, I often like having somewhere nearby where I can buy water, snacks and anything else I might need, rather than having to eat every single meal in a restaurant.

All these little conveniences made a real difference to my stay.

My Standard Double Room

I stayed in a standard double room, which was the room available when I made my last-minute booking.

It was clean, a good size for one person and had a large, comfortable double bed.

There was also air conditioning, which I really appreciated because the weather was still warm during my October visit.

The room had a television with Netflix, a mini fridge, a hairdryer and a private shower room with toiletries provided.

I also had everything I needed for charging my devices and getting ready each morning.

The room could be cleaned daily if needed, which was another nice touch for accommodation at this price.

I wasn’t spending huge amounts of time in the room because most of my days were taken up with sightseeing and day trips, but it was a comfortable place to come back to in the evenings.

For a three-night stay, I really couldn’t fault the cleanliness or the facilities.

The One Thing I Didn’t Like About My Room

There was one downside to the particular room I’d booked, and it’s something I would pay more attention to if I stayed again.

I really like having fresh air in my accommodation, especially when I’m spending several nights somewhere.

Unfortunately, the window in my standard double room faced onto the internal corridor rather than opening onto an outside street or balcony.

That meant I didn’t have the fresh-air arrangement or open outlook I’d normally prefer.

It wasn’t a major problem because the room had air conditioning and was otherwise comfortable, but it was something I noticed.

However, it’s important to point out that Borgo Antico Rooms offers several different room categories, so this isn’t necessarily something every guest will experience.

I simply booked what was available because I was reorganizing my trip at the last minute.

If I’d had more choice, I would have preferred one of the rooms with a balcony.

For me, having somewhere to open the doors and enjoy a bit of fresh air is always a bonus, particularly during warmer weather.

I’d therefore recommend checking the photographs and facilities for the exact room category you’re booking rather than assuming every room has the same layout.

Would I Choose the Balcony Room Instead?

Yes, if I was booking again and the price difference was reasonable, I’d choose a room with a balcony.

The guesthouse advertises different room types, including options with an exterior outlook and balconies.

That would suit my personal preferences better, particularly for a stay of several nights.

However, I’d also check the bathroom arrangement carefully. Some advertised balcony room types have a private bathroom located outside the bedroom rather than an ensuite bathroom.

It’s worth comparing the actual room details rather than choosing purely from the photographs.

My standard double room still did everything I needed, and I certainly wouldn’t say it was a bad room.

It was clean, comfortable, reasonably priced and in a brilliant location.

It just wouldn’t have been my first choice if all the room categories had been available.

Check-In and Communication

Another thing I appreciated was how straightforward the accommodation arrangements were.

The owner was available through WhatsApp, which made communication convenient if I had any questions about check-in, check-out or the property.

When I’m traveling alone, I particularly appreciate having a clear way to contact the accommodation rather than having to rely on finding someone at a reception desk.

The guesthouse suited the sort of independent travel I was doing, where I wanted to spend most of my time exploring rather than using hotel facilities.

I would recommend confirming your expected arrival time and check-in arrangements before traveling, especially if you’re arriving on a late ferry or train.

Why I Prefer Staying on a Busy Street When Traveling Solo

One thing that influences my accommodation choices when I’m traveling alone is the surrounding area.

I generally prefer to stay on or close to a busy main street rather than somewhere tucked away down a quiet side road.

That doesn’t mean busy streets automatically guarantee safety, but I personally feel more comfortable when there are shops, restaurants and people around, particularly if I’m heading back to my accommodation in the evening.

This was one of the reasons I appreciated the central location of Borgo Antico Rooms.

I could go out for dinner, wander around the main shopping streets and return to my accommodation without needing to travel across the city.

However, I should also mention that I didn’t feel quite as relaxed exploring Messina alone as I had in some of the other destinations I’d visited.

One evening, while walking back from Messina Centrale railway station, someone in a car asked me to get in.

I kept walking and nothing further happened, but it was an uncomfortable experience.

I don’t think one incident means Messina is unsafe for solo travelers, but it did influence how I felt about exploring the city alone.

For comparison, I’d felt much more comfortable during my solo visits to Scilla and Tropea.

I’ve discussed my experience in more detail in Is Messina Worth Visiting? My Honest Solo Travel Experience.

For anyone traveling alone, I’d recommend checking the location of your accommodation carefully, considering the route back from the station and arranging a taxi if you’d feel more comfortable doing so later in the evening.

For me, staying centrally was still the right decision, particularly because I wanted the freedom to explore restaurants and shops without needing transport every time I went out.

Best Areas to Stay in Messina, Sicily

Although I personally stayed near Piazza Cairoli, there are a few central areas worth considering depending on your plans.

I haven’t stayed in accommodation in all these areas, so the recommendations below are based on their locations and transport connections rather than personal hotel reviews.

1. Piazza Cairoli: Best Overall Location

If I was recommending one area to someone visiting Messina without a car, it would be the streets around Piazza Cairoli.

This is a convenient part of the city for shopping, restaurants and reaching the main transport connections.

It’s also where I stayed during my three-night visit.

What I particularly liked was being able to walk between the city center, the station and the ferry port without needing taxis or buses.

The presence of shops and restaurants nearby also suited my preference for staying somewhere relatively busy when traveling alone.

For a short city break, an overnight stay before a ferry crossing or a base for day trips, I think this is a very practical location.

My accommodation choice: Borgo Antico Rooms.

2. Piazza Duomo: Best for Restaurants and Sightseeing

Another area I’d consider is around Piazza Duomo, where you’ll find Messina Cathedral and its famous astronomical clock.

This is one of the main sightseeing areas in Messina and somewhere I particularly enjoyed exploring during the evening.

There are restaurants, historic buildings and shopping streets within walking distance.

On my first Sunday evening in Messina, I was pleasantly surprised by how lively this part of the city felt.

There were people out enjoying dinner, families wandering around and plenty of activity in the surrounding streets.

I’d consider this area if you’re more interested in exploring Messina itself than using the city purely as a transport base.

It’s also a good location for someone who wants to head out for dinner and walk back to their accommodation afterwards.

However, I’d still check the exact property location and walking distance to the railway station if you’re planning regular day trips.

3. Near Messina Centrale: Best for Train Connections

If you’re planning to use Messina as a base for traveling around Sicily, staying near Messina Centrale railway station can be particularly convenient.

This was important for my itinerary because I took day trips to both Taormina and Cefalù.

For Taormina, I caught a coach from outside the railway station, while for Cefalù I used the train.

Having accommodation within walking distance saved time and meant I didn’t have to arrange transportation just to reach the station each morning.

However, I personally wouldn’t choose a property simply because it was the closest possible option to the station.

I’d look at the surrounding streets, restaurants and shops as well.

For me, being somewhere central and reasonably busy is more important than saving a few minutes of walking.

4. Near the Ferry Port: Best for Mainland Italy Connections

Another reason visitors choose to stay in Messina is its ferry connection to Reggio Calabria on mainland Italy.

This was actually the main reason I ended up booking accommodation in Messina rather than Cefalù.

An Italian train strike was scheduled for the day I needed to travel home, and I wanted somewhere that would allow me to reach Reggio Calabria Airport without relying on Sicily’s train services.

By staying centrally, I could simply walk to the Liberty Lines passenger ferry terminal and cross back to Reggio Calabria.

If you’re taking a similar route, I’d recommend checking the walking distance from your accommodation to the actual ferry terminal you’re using.

Messina has more than one port-related transport area, and not every ferry service departs from exactly the same location.

You can read about the route I personally took in my guide to How to Get to Messina Without a Car, including the bus from Reggio Calabria Airport and the passenger ferry across the Strait of Messina.

Is Borgo Antico Rooms Good Value for Money?

Based on what I paid, I thought it offered excellent value.

My total was £167 for three nights in a standard double room, and the price was the same whether one or two people were staying.

For a central location, private bathroom, air conditioning, fridge, comfortable bed and daily cleaning option, I was more than happy with the price.

It’s worth remembering that I booked at relatively short notice, so I didn’t have the luxury of comparing lots of different properties or choosing my ideal room type.

That made finding somewhere clean, comfortable and conveniently located even more satisfying.

I also saved money by staying somewhere I could walk to the station, ferry port and restaurants.

There was no need to budget for daily taxis or local buses simply to get around the city.

Of course, accommodation prices vary depending on the season, demand and room type, so I wouldn’t expect to pay exactly the same amount for a future booking.

I’d also compare the price of a standard room with the balcony options before making a decision.

For me, the central location was more valuable than luxury hotel facilities that I wouldn’t have used anyway.

Is It Better to Stay in Messina or Taormina?

Having visited both during the same trip, I think this depends entirely on the type of vacation you’re planning.

I found Messina far more practical for public transportation and reasonably priced accommodation.

However, I thought Taormina was considerably more beautiful, with lovely streets, restaurants, shops and coastal viewpoints.

Taormina was actually my favorite destination during the trip.

If I was planning a romantic getaway, a relaxing vacation or somewhere I wanted to spend several days exploring, I’d personally choose Taormina.

However, if I needed affordable accommodation with convenient connections to mainland Italy and other parts of Sicily, Messina would be worth considering.

That’s exactly why it worked for my itinerary.

I would also consider Cefalù for a longer, more relaxed seaside stay. I’d originally planned to stay there for three nights before the train strike forced me to change my accommodation.

Messina was a practical alternative rather than my preferred vacation destination, and I think it’s important to make that distinction.

Is Messina a Good Place to Stay Without a Car?

Yes, and this is probably one of the strongest reasons to consider staying in the city.

I completed my entire four-day Sicily trip without hiring a car.

I flew into Reggio Calabria Airport, took a local bus to the ferry port and crossed the Strait of Messina on the Liberty Lines passenger ferry.

Once in Messina, I walked to my accommodation.

For my day trip to Taormina, I caught a coach from outside Messina Centrale, paying €6 for the outward journey.

For Cefalù, I caught a direct train from Messina Centrale, paying €11 each way.

Having my accommodation within walking distance of both the station and ferry port was incredibly useful.

There were also plenty of restaurants, shops and sightseeing opportunities close enough to explore on foot.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Messina as the prettiest destination in Sicily, but it certainly works as a convenient base for independent travelers.

What Would I Look for When Booking Accommodation in Messina?

Having stayed in Messina myself, there are a few things I’d pay particular attention to if I was choosing accommodation again.

• A central location: I’d look around Piazza Cairoli or the streets between the main railway station and Piazza Duomo.
• Walking distance to public transportation: This is particularly useful if you’re arriving by ferry or planning day trips by train and coach.
• Restaurants and shops nearby: When traveling solo, I prefer staying somewhere with plenty of activity rather than an isolated residential street.
• A room with natural light: My standard double room was comfortable, but I’d have preferred an exterior window or balcony.
• Air conditioning: Even during my October trip, the weather was warm enough for air conditioning to be useful.
• Clear check-in arrangements: Particularly important if you’re arriving by ferry or train later in the day.
• Recent guest reviews: I’d check comments about cleanliness, noise, location and the exact room type before booking.

For my own three-night stay, Borgo Antico Rooms met almost all those requirements.

The only thing I’d change was my room category, and that was largely because I’d made the booking at the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Messina

What Is the Best Area to Stay in Messina?

I’d recommend the central streets around Piazza Cairoli, particularly if you’re visiting without a car. I stayed in this area and found it convenient for the ferry port, Messina Centrale railway station, shops, restaurants and main attractions.

Is Borgo Antico Rooms in a Good Location?

Yes. I thought the location was excellent. I could walk to the ferry port and railway station, explore the city center on foot and reach a large supermarket in less than 10 minutes. The central location was one of the biggest advantages of staying there.

How Much Did You Pay for Borgo Antico Rooms?

I paid £167 for three nights in a standard double room during my October visit. That was approximately $220 at the time. Prices vary depending on availability, room category and travel dates, so I’d check current rates before booking.

Do All Rooms at Borgo Antico Rooms Have Balconies?

No. I stayed in a standard double room with a window facing an internal corridor. The property also advertises other room types, including balcony options. I’d recommend checking the exact room description and bathroom arrangement before booking.

Is Borgo Antico Rooms Suitable for Solo Travelers?

It suited my solo trip very well because it was clean, centrally located and within walking distance of the places I needed to reach. I also appreciated being close to busy shopping streets and restaurants. However, I’d always recommend checking your own walking routes and arrival times when traveling alone.

Should I Stay Near Messina Centrale Station?

If you’re planning to use trains or coaches for day trips, staying near Messina Centrale can be convenient. However, I’d personally choose accommodation towards the busier city center rather than selecting somewhere purely because it’s closest to the station.

Is Messina Worth Staying in for Three Nights?

For my itinerary, three nights worked well because I wanted to visit Taormina and Cefalù without changing accommodation. However, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend three nights purely for sightseeing in Messina itself. I preferred the other destinations and would consider staying in one of those for a longer vacation.

Is Messina Better Than Cefalù for Accommodation?

Messina was more convenient for my transport connections, particularly because I needed to return to Reggio Calabria Airport during a train strike. However, for a beautiful seaside setting and a more relaxed vacation atmosphere, I’d personally choose Cefalù.

Would I Recommend Borgo Antico Rooms?

Yes, particularly to anyone looking for affordable, centrally located accommodation in Messina without needing a rental car.

Although Messina wasn’t somewhere I’d originally planned to stay, Borgo Antico Rooms turned out to be a very practical solution to my last-minute change of plans.

The location was excellent, with easy walks to the ferry port, railway station, restaurants, shops and supermarket.

The room was clean, comfortable and had everything I needed for a three-night stay, including air conditioning, a fridge, television with Netflix and a private shower room.

My only real criticism was the corridor-facing window in my standard double room. I’m someone who likes fresh air and natural light, so I’d have preferred one of the balcony rooms if one had been available.

However, that didn’t stop the accommodation from being good value for the price I paid.

I probably wouldn’t choose to return to Messina purely for a vacation, but that reflects my feelings about the city rather than the guesthouse.

For anyone planning a short stay, a car-free Sicily itinerary or an overnight stop before crossing the Strait of Messina, I’d happily recommend considering Borgo Antico Rooms.

Check current prices, room types and availability at Borgo Antico Rooms.

Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains accommodation affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. The price mentioned reflects what I paid during my own stay, and my review is based on my personal experience.

More Sicily and Calabria Travel Guides

If you’re planning a trip around southern Italy without renting a car, you might also find these guides helpful. They’re based on my own experiences exploring Sicily and Calabria.

• Is Messina Worth Visiting? – My honest review after spending three nights in Messina as a solo traveler, including what I liked and why I probably wouldn’t return.
• How to Get to Messina Without a Car – Public transportation from Reggio Calabria and Catania airports, including the ferry journey I took.
• Is Scilla Worth Visiting? – My experience of the beautiful coastal town I almost returned to instead of staying in Messina.
• Where to Stay in Scilla – My experience staying in the upper town, with advice on the best areas and accommodation options.
• Best Things to Do in Scilla – Explore Chianalea, Ruffo Castle and the beautiful waterfront.
• How to Get to Scilla Without a Car – Airport connections, regional trains and practical transport advice.
• Is Tropea Worth Visiting? – My firsthand experience of this beautiful Calabrian coastal town.
• Where to Stay in Tropea – My sea-view guesthouse and accommodation options for different budgets.
• Scilla vs Tropea: Which Is Better? – My comparison after visiting both destinations during a solo trip around Calabria.