Palermo is the ideal starting point for the ultimate Italian vacation. Not only the political capital of the Mediterranean’s largest island, Sicily, Palermo is also the hub for culture and tourism. From gorgeous beaches and quaint villages to bustling city life and magnificent architecture, Sicily is worthy of every bucket list, and Palermo represents the gates onto this marvelous island.
Basking on the northwest coast of Sicily on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Palermo has 2,700 years of history. Over one million Sicilians call the metropolitan area home, representing the fifth-largest in Italy. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs have all tried to take hold of this beautiful city, yet it’s always touted a free spirit.
As the most-conquered city in Europe, each civilization painted Palermo with unique colors, proudly displayed today in its eclectic culinary scene and spellbinding churches, palaces, and city squares. Once called Balarm under Arab rule, globetrotters can find the ruins of mosques plus several UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Sicilian capital.
Say Ciao! to a spectacular time in Palermo, and discover here the top things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in the Mediterranean metropolis.
Top Things To Do In Palermo
Palermo skyline on a bright day
A vacation to the Mediterranean’s largest island is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and travelers should prepare a list of what not to miss in Sicily.
Palermo is an excellent diving board for a Sicilian adventure. A dozen UNESCO sites embellish the capital city, on top of hundreds of churches, ancient markets, perfect beaches, brilliant architecture, and many other things to do.
1 Wander Through The Norman Palace To The Capello Palatina
Interior of the Cappella Palatina in Palermo
The Royal Palace of Palermo is a stunning visit for tourists. Centuries of rulers and Kings of Sicily have governed from this ornamental 9th-century palace, the oldest royal residence in Europe. Today, the building still serves as the seat of Sicily’s legislative body.
A neoclassical facade ushers guests into sumptuous halls and chambers, leading to the awe-inspiring Capello Palatina. The historic 12th-century chapel remarkably blends Arab, Norman, and Byzantine styles, decorated with gilded mosaics, wooden ceilings, and marble carvings.
-
Hours Of Operation:
Daily, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
| Sundays until 12:30 PM -
Cost Of Admission:
from
$17 (€16) per adult for complete access -
Note:
Discounted ticket options | Hours vary by season and on national holidays
The palace grounds include Royal Apartments, Royal Gardens, the Capello Palatina, and Punic Walls.
2 Visit The Ghoulish Capuchin Catacombs
Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo
Perhaps one of the most unique attractions in Palermo, travelers should visit the macabre Capuchin Catacombs. The cool crypts contain 8,000 cadavers and over 1,000 mummies, some preserved in their religious vestments or everyday clothing.
What happened at the Capuchin Catacombs, exactly? When the eponymous monastery outgrew its cemetery, the monks began to excavate underground for their recently deceased. From the 16th to the 20th centuries, thousands of bodies were mummified or buried in the catacombs.
What started as a final resting place exclusively for friars became a status symbol among famous Sicilians and the religious community.
-
Hours Of Operation:
Daily, 9 AM – 12:30 PM, 3 PM – 5:30 PM -
Cost Of Admission:
$5.50 (€5) per adult | $3 (€3) reduced entry -
Note:
Final entrance 15 minutes before closing
3 Experience Palermo’s Churches
Palermo Cathedral’s dome under blue skies
Palermo boasts over 230 ancient churches. One of its most iconic is the Palermo Cathedral.
Originally erected in the 12th century, the extraordinary cathedral has undergone a series of additions and restorations throughout the centuries, marked by Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements.
Visitors can explore the main altar for free or view the Royal Tombs and climb to the roof for marvelous cityscape views for an additional price.
-
Hours Of Operation:
Daily, 8 AM – 7 PM -
Cost Of Admission:
Free to enter the main altar | $13 per adult for crypts, tombs, and rooftop access -
Note:
Discounted ticket options
4 Marvel At The Quattro Canti Square
The symmetrical Quattro Canti square in Palermo
Palermo has the second-biggest historical center in all of Europe. The heart of these historical quarters is the Quattro Canti Square, formally Piazza Vigliena. Globetrotters can admire the picturesque square and use it as a base for discovering the city.
Octagonal and compact, Quattro Canti is like stepping into a funhouse of mirrors. Four identical Baroque buildings guard the corners, creating an appearance of beauty and symmetry. Wanderers can spot the statues of four Spanish Kings on the facades before getting lost in Palermo’s central neighborhoods.
5 Enjoy Palermo’s Perfect Beaches
People enjoying the beaches of Cefalù in Palermo, Sicily
Warm-weather travelers will discover that Sicily is the ultimate European beach destination. Palermo’s long coastlines and surreal turquoise waters have everything, from sandy and pebble beach fronts to cliffside options.
Beachgoers have infinite choices when looking for a spot to soak in the Sicilian sun or slip into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Some of the best beaches near Palermo include:
-
Mondello:
white sand meets aquamarine waters. Over a mile and a half long and accessible by public transport, the trendy beach is lined with nightlife, restaurant, and accommodation options. -
Capo
Gallo
: a stunning pebble beach protected by cliffs. Reachable by public transport, visitors can arrive at this peaceful beach by descending a rocky slope after paying a small fee as it is part of a nature reserve. Excellent for snorkeling or diving. -
Balestrate:
absolute serenity. The massive, sandy beach is about 50 minutes by car from Palermo and is usually never crowded.
Many beaches are divided between public and private sections. For a price, visitors can reserve a lounge chair and umbrella in the well-maintained private area. Beachgoers should book ahead of time or arrive early during the crowded summer months.
6 Venture To Charming Villages
Beautiful Cefalù
Palermo is rarely a final destination. The capital city is an excellent starting point for uncovering the rest of Sicily’s fascinating sites and villages. Many are around an hour away, so intrepid travelers can take a day tour or rent a car. Some stunning spots near Palermo include:
-
Piana
: a precious mountain hamlet renowned for the best cannoli in Sicily. -
Segesta
: a breathtaking archeological park with ancient Greek temples, theaters, and hiking trails. -
Cefalù
: touristy, but worth it––possibly the most beautiful village in Italy, celebrated for its beaches and UNESCO-approved cathedral.
7 Tour The Teatro Massimo
Ancient theater in Palermo
Tourists who love elegant theaters must visit Teatro Massimo in Palermo. The luxurious opera house was built in 1897, and with a capacity for almost 1,500 spectators, the theater is the largest in Italy and third-largest in Europe. It is widely recognized for its perfect acoustics.
Thespians can attend an opera or concert at the lavish theater, while history buffs can take a guided tour. The marvelous interior boasts plush velvet seats, soaring ceilings, and delicate frescoes and woodwork. There are even backstage and cocktail tours available.
-
Tours Offered:
Daily, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM -
Tour Prices:
from
$11 per adult | $5.50 under 26 -
Note:
Tours last for 30 minutes
| Available in several languages
Cinephiles should know the final scenes of The Godfather Part III were filmed at Teatro Massimo, as well as HBO’s White Lotus season 2.
Families eager to attend a performance could instead experience one of Palermo’s many Opera Dei Pupi Siciliani: beloved and whimsical marionette shows.
8 Enjoy The Street Markets
Fresh fruit at street markets in Palermo
World travelers wishful for a peek into traditional Palmeritano life need to find the ancient street markets. The metropolis is home to five markets whose presence and tradition date back to Arab rule in the 9th century.
Palermo’s streets markets are chaotic, colorful, and crowded. Onlookers will witness shouting, haggling, and singing. The best way to experience them is to follow the crowds and absorb the lively atmosphere. Fruit, fish, spices, and clothing are only some of the stall’s offerings.
Two of the most famous markets are Vucciria for endless wild nightlife and Lattarini for souvenirs and traditional garments.
Palermo’s cuisine is much more than pizza and pasta, and foodies can try some of the best street food at the markets, including:
-
Panelle:
chickpea flour fritters stuffed in sandwiches -
Crocchè:
potato croquettes -
Stigghiola:
skewered lamb innards
9 Hike To The Top Of Mount Pellegrino
Couple holding each other on top of Mount Pellegrino, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Mount Pellegrino offers hikers the chance to get outdoors, stunning city panoramas, and a killer thigh workout. The mountain towers 2000 feet above the city, just north of the center.
A favorite for locals and tourists, the best way to appreciate Mount Pellegrino is to take the 2.5-mile acchianata (climb) to the Saint Rosalia sanctuary at the top. Pellegrino in Italian means pilgrim.
The route starts with a cobblestone staircase ascending the mountain and rewards climbers along the way with breathtaking views of Palermo against cliffs and the sea. Hikers can admire the church carved into the rock at the peak and, as locals believe, be cleansed of their sins.
10 Admire The Fontana Pretoria
The Pretoria Fountain in a town square in Palermo
Fontana Pretoria is a testament to Palermo’s dedication to beauty and culture. The iconic fountain is a work of art, multi-layered and adorned with nude sculptures of mythological characters and Olympians.
Found in the eponymous city square, the splendid fountain demands passersby’s attention. Originally, Fontana Pretoria was constructed in Florence but sold and relocated to Palermo in the 16th century. The massive monument had to be disassembled into 644 pieces, and several buildings were demolished in its reconstruction.
11 Where To Eat In Palermo
Fresh octopus at the Ballaro Market in Palermo
Palermo’s rich landscapes and maritime location, paired with centuries of distinct influences, have marinated the city with a kaleidoscope of flavors. Traditional Sicilian cuisine, fresh fish, and light Arabic dishes only scrape the surface of all the culinary options.
Travelers can’t go wrong with some of the world’s best pizzas and seafood pasta at classic restaurants in Palermo. Adventurous foodies should try dishes unique to the city, including:
-
Arancini
: fried rice balls stuffed with meat, cheese, or herbs. A classic Sicilian street food. -
Pezzo di Rosticceria:
brioche dough baked or fried with various toppings. -
Pasta con le Sarde
: pasta with sardines.
Breakfast Spots In Palermo
Cappuccinos and Sicilian sweets take center stage for breakfast in Palermo, a city with a severe sweet tooth. Try cassata, Sicily’s most popular Arabic-inspired cake, or some scrumptious cannoli.
Caffè del Kassaro
-
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Saturdays, 10 AM – 3:30 PM | Closed Sundays -
Cost:
$ -
Address:
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 390, 90134 Palermo -
Recommended:
Coffees | Cassata | Cannoli
Lunch Locations In Palermo
Escape sunbaked afternoons and experience a traditional Sicilian pranzo (lunch) in Palermo. Lunch typically consists of several courses, including pasta and fresh-caught seafood, and ends with fruit and espresso (never cappuccino). Go with the flow and enjoy the drawn-out meal with friends or family.
Trattoria il Vecchio Mafone
-
Hours:
Daily, 12:30 PM – 3 PM, 7:30 PM-midnight -
Cost:
$$ -
Address:
Via Judica, 22, 90134 Palermo -
Customers Love:
Fresh seafood | Spaghetti
Bisso Bistrot
-
Hours:
Daily, 9 AM – 11 PM -
Cost:
$ -
Address:
Via Maqueda, 172A, 90134 Palermo -
Customers Love:
Pasta alla norma | Couscous | Veggie-based
Don’t be disheartened by gruff service. The classic trattorias in Palermo aren’t renowned for their hospitality but rather for their culinary mastery.
Dinner Restaurants In Palermo
Sit back and relax for a quiet, light dinner in Palermo.
Osteria Dei Vespri
-
Hours:
Daily, 12:30 PM – 2:45 PM, 7:30 PM – 10:45 PM -
Cost:
$$ -
Address:
Piazza Croce dei Vespri, 6, 90133 Palermo -
Recommended:
Red Tuna Tartare | Curry-dressed catch of the day
Osteria Ballarò
-
Hours:
Daily, noon – 3 PM, 7 PM – 11 PM -
Cost:
$$ -
Address:
Via Calascibetta, 25, 90133 Palermo -
Recommended:
Octopus balls | Oven-baked Pasta with Eggplant | Sicilian cuisine
Lunch begins anywhere between noon and 2 PM in Palermo. Dinner typically starts between 7 and 9 PM.
Drinks In Palermo
Palermo comes alive after dark, especially after the sun sets on balmy summer afternoons. Partygoers will not be disappointed by Palermo’s thumping nightlife options, spanning the night from dusk to dawn.
QVIVI
-
Hours:
Daily, 6 PM – 2:30 AM | Closed Tuesdays -
Cost:
$$ -
Address:
Piazza Rivoluzione, 5, 90133 Palermo -
Customers Love:
Live music | Lively atmosphere
12 Where To Stay In Palermo
The gorgeous Mondello seaside in Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Tourists need to choose their accommodations wisely in Palermo. The Sicilian capital offers endless affordable options, but the location can make or break the vacation. The best neighborhoods to stay in Palermo are as follows:
-
Centro Storico:
Historic Center/Old Town -
Politeama – Libertà:
Downtown -
Mondello:
Beachfront Resort Area
These neighborhoods are the most secure and convenient, placing guests at the heart of Palermo for the perfect holiday.
Luxury Stays In Palermo
Grand Hotel Wagner
-
Prices From:
$159 per night -
Neighborhood:
Politeama – Libertà -
Why You Should Book:
Five-star hotel | Fitness center | Bar & Lounge | Coffee Shop
Villa Olimpia
Mid-Range Stays In Palermo
Eurostars Centrale Palace
-
Prices From:
$98 per night -
Neighborhood:
Centro Storico -
Why You Should Book:
Four-star hotel | Fitness center | Bar & Restaurant
Alemar Bed & Breakfast
Budget-friendly Stays In Palermo
Mercure Palermo Centro
-
Prices From:
$60 per night -
Neighborhood:
Politeama – Libertà -
Why You Should Book:
Four-star hotel
| Restaurant | Coffee Shop
La Terrazza Sul Centro
-
Prices From:
$80 per night -
Neighborhood:
Centro Storico -
Why You Should Book:
Adults Only
| Balcony | Complimentary Breakfast
13 Best Time To Go To Palermo
Cathedral of Palermo
The best time to visit Palermo is subjective. The Sicilian capital is beautiful and moderate year-round, buffered by its coastline location and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Travelers choosing which season to come must determine what they most want from their trip.
Spring And Fall In Palermo
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Palermo for T-shirt-daytime weather and light jackets once the sun sets. Travelers can comfortably go sightseeing, explore markets, or hike Mount Pellegrino during the day without suffering from the summer Mediterranean heat and sun.
In addition, tourists can enjoy the beaches and city with fewer crowds, cheaper flights, and more affordable accommodation rates.
Summer In Palermo
There are so many things to do in Italy during the summer, but June to Augustis for the beach in Palermo. Even with a consistent sea breeze, highs can reach 105° and average in the upper 80s. Even locals won’t leave their homes until evening or night when the lows hit the 70s.
Tourists eager for beach days, nightlife, or hopping between the Aeolian islands should visit Palermo in the summer. These months are typically the most expensive and crowded.
Palermo celebrates several public, national, and religious holidays throughout the year. This is an excellent chance for tourists to participate in local celebrations.
Winter In Palermo
Winters are mild in Palermo. January and February are the rainiest months, but temperatures stay within the upper 40s and 50s. Cold-weather travelers can enjoy the best of the city’s attractions paired with the cheapest flights and hotel prices.
14 Best Ways To Get Around Palermo
Aerial view of Palermo
Walking is the best way to get around Palermo. Going on foot lets visitors discover all the city’s architecture, attractions, and markets in the central neighborhoods. Travelers should stay in the downtown area for the most convenience. History buffs and foodies can join the acclaimed Palermo Street Food and History Walking Tour.
Tourists who want to zip around the main sites quicker can rent scooters or electric bikes across the city using apps like Lime or Bird.
Public Transportation In Palermo
Palermo has one of the grandest historical centers in Europe, so visitors with less time might need a speedier way to navigate the city. Sicily’s public transportation, however, is notoriously lacking. The schedules are unreliable, and the information is vague.
Fortunately, the buses in Palermo work relatively well for tourists just looking to go between central areas. Google Maps or Moovit are the best apps to check routes.
-
Hours Of Operation:
Vary by line |
Early morning to late evening -
Cost Of Admission:
$1.50 (€1.40) for a ticket purchased at an AMAT kiosk, tobacco shop, or station | $2 for onboard tickets | $4 for an all-day pass -
Note:
Individual tickets are valid on multiple lines for 90 minutes
Palermo also offers free shuttle buses throughout the historical center. The frequency is about every 15 minutes, and they are easily recognizable by a digital display that reads Free.
By Car In Palermo
Vacationers should not drive around Palermo as traffic and parking are restricted and chaotic. However, globetrotters planning a road trip through Italy should know that renting a car is the best way to explore picturesque villages and lovely beaches near Palermo.
Airport car rental companies are the most reliable, and road trippers should be confident drivers as Sicilians can be a bit lawless on the road.
Travelers should carry their national driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (if from a non-EU country) when renting a car in Sicily.
How To Get To Palermo
The most convenient way to arrive in Palermo is a flight to InternationalAirport Falcone Borsellino. After arrival, passengers should follow signs to take the reliable and affordable Prestia & Comandé shuttle bus to the city center.
-
Shuttle Bus Frequency:
Every 30 minutes -
Duration to Palermo:
45 minutes -
Ticket Price:
$6.50 one-way
Travelers can also rent a car a take a train from other Italian airports to get to Palermo.
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are typically quite expensive in Sicily.
15 Tips To Know When Visiting Palermo
Lively street in Palermo
Practical Information
-
The currency used in Sicily is
Euros
. Many small establishments or stalls will not accept cards, so travelers should carry cash. There are many ATMs throughout Palermo. - Tipping culture is not as militant as in the United States. Leaving behind a few coins is typically enough.
-
Sicilians are extremely friendly and go out of their way to help tourists. The most common languages are
Italian
and
Sicilian
, while the level of English is comparatively low. Tourists should use simple English and arm themselves with some basic Italian phrases and patience.
Is Palermo Safe?
Palermo ranks relatively well in the Italian Crime Index and is an overall safe tourist destination. Travelers should stay in the central neighborhoods and remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowds. In addition, travelers should avoid scams at touristy restaurants, in taxis, and with unofficial tour guides.
Palermo is notorious for its Mafia involvement. While they may operate in Sicily, tourists are the least of their concerns. Travelers can learn more about the history and misconceptions of the Mafia’s impact in Palermo on a Mafia Walking Tour.
16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Palermo
The docks and boats in Palermo
Palermo is one of the best places to visit in Sicily on holiday. The Mediterranean island’s capital has enough tourist attractions for a long weekend, but vacationers can cover a lot of ground in one day.
After Sicilian pastries and a cappuccino, the perfect day in Palermo starts by wandering the Old Town. Visitors can get lost in the central neighborhoods and admire the striking architecture. Tourists should check the lovely Fontana Pretoria and the marvelous Quattro Canti off their lists.
Later, travelers can tour the Norman Palace and its dazzling Capello Palatina or visit the Palermo Cathedral. Anyone with morbid leanings should discover the Capuchin Crypts.
The perfect lunch in Palermo can be found at many restaurants, with classic pasta and fresh seafood dishes. Adventurous foodies could instead explore the ancient markets to sample the traditional street food. Afterward, beachgoers can recharge at Mondello Beach, justnorth of the city. Hikers with remaining energy can climb Monte Pellegrino in the late afternoon for incredible views of the metropolis against the sea at sunset.
After dinner, travelers can conclude the perfect day in Palermo with drinks and colorful nightlife at the Vucciria Market in Old Town.
FAQ
Q: What Are Some Unusual Things To Do In Palermo?
Palermo is one of Sicily’s top destinations; the Sicilian capital is known for its bizarre and unusual things to do, like the macabre Capuchin Crypts, a traditional puppet show at one of many Opera Dei Pupi Siciliani, or strolling through one of five ancient street markets.
Q: What Are Some Free Things To Do In Palermo?
European vacationers need to add Sicily to their dream Italian vacation list, but it won’t require a bucket list-sized budget.
Palermo, the Sicilian capital, offers travelers a riveting and affordable trip. One of the best free things to do in the city is to admire its gorgeous architecture, like the Fontana Pretoria fountain, the Quattro Canti square, or the iconic Palermo Cathedral.
More free things to do near the metropolis are sunbathing at the lovely Mondello beach or hiking up Monte Pellegrino to the Santa Rosalia sanctuary.
Q: Where To Go Out In Palermo?
Palermo has some of the most exciting nightlife in Europe. The best neighborhood to go out in Palermo is the Centro Storico (Old Town), and for the best drinks and thumping nightlife, partygoers should check out the Vucciria Market.
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