Top 10 Amazing Things to Do in Palermo, Sicily
Looking for the best things to do in Palermo, Sicily? Read on to learn more about the city’s best sights!
Palermo was one of my favorite stops on my tour of western Sicily. It was so much more than I expected and truly an amazing surprise. When I first arrived after driving around the countryside, it seemed very congested, noisy, and dirty. I took in the graffiti and figured a few days would be just fine.
I never expected to fall in love with this city completely! With its incredible architecture, interesting history, and vibrant spirit, it’s easy to see why I did.
The people of Sicily, and especially in Palermo, are solid, scrappy, and industrious. They have lived through a lot, between the many invasions through history and the stamp of the mafia, and will continue to survive and thrive.
Palermo may have been a slow burn for me, but I’m already considering when I’ll get back for a visit. It’s a lot of fun to visit, affordable, and has incredible food and wine, making it a great place to visit.
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10 Top Things to Do in Palermo, Italy
If you’re looking for a “must-see in Palermo” list, this will have you covered!
Head out to explore this vibrant city alone, or take a small group tour to see the sights. Either way, I’m sure you’ll fall in love like I did! And taking a tour gives you some local perspective you may not get otherwise.
- Tour the Norman Palace
- Take a peak inside the Palermo Cathedral
- Admire the Palazzo Conte Federico
- See a show at the Teatro Massimo
- Visit the Quatrro Canti
- Snap some photos of the Fontana Pretoria
- Witness the stunning architecture of the Martorana Church
- See the stunning mosaic ceilings in Casa Professa
- Learn about the evolution of the mafia at the Anti-Mafia Museum
- Try all the local food dishes on a food tour
1. Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni or Palazzo Reale)
This Palace is one of the capstones in Palermo and an absolute must-see when you visit. Along with its highlight, the Palatine Chapel is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that is always worth visiting!
UNESCO includes the Palermo Cathedral, the cathedrals of Cefalu and Monreale, and several other Arab-Norman structures. Don’t skip a visit, especially to the Palatine Chapel. And don’t let the long line dissuade you! It moves quickly, and you won’t want to miss this!
Though this building is a top tourist attraction, it’s also used for official government business. The Sicilian parliament meets there weekly from Tuesday through Thursday.
The palace sits on the highest point in the ancient city center. It was built after the Normans invaded in 1072 and was established as the king’s residence and the new country’s capital. King Roger II added the Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina) in 1132 as a private chapel for the kings.
There will undoubtedly be a line to see the chapel, but don’t skip it. The gilded mosaic interior is pure magic and a stunning attraction worth seeing.
Norman Palace is located at Piazza del Parlamento, 1, 90129 Palermo PA, Italy. It’s open Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and every other day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It costs 5 euros to enter (about $5.50).
2. Palermo Cathedral
Where the exquisite beauty of the Norman Palace is hidden on the inside, the splendor of the Palermo Cathedral is visible to anyone. This structure’s exterior is imposing and beautiful.
It was built on the site of a former mosque, which was built on the site of a former church. The initial Norman structure was erected in 1185 and has undergone several significant renovations.
Inside, the cathedral is splendid in muted tones. Although you won’t find the gilded mosaics of the Norman Palace inside, it’s still a historic wonder worth seeing.
The Palermo Cathedral is located at Via Vittorio Emanuele, 490, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Entry is free.
3. Palazzo Conte Federico
This palazzo is one of the oldest buildings in Palermo and features an Arab-Norman tower. It’s a great example of how the wealthy once lived (and still do!).
The palazzo has been open to tours for the past 20 years. The family has lived in the building for the past 15 generations, and the two sons offer tours. Andrea Federico was our guide. You can see paintings of their ancestors dating back to the 17th century, and there’s a Mason’s painting from the 14th century.
Parts of the buildings were constructed at different times, with the newest constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. This home is a masterpiece with a Venetian glass chandelier, wood ceilings covered by frescoes, original 18th-century wallpaper, and more.
There are also a couple of rooms from Medieval times, one of which has a side shared with the original tower wall. The old kitchen is still there, though a more modern one was built. Andrea shared that he still makes pizza in the old brick oven. There’s also a large medieval hall with small windows and a watchtower from the 12th century.
You can also see family photos, where Andrea’s father proudly shows off his racing cars. Though he’s over 80 now and not allowed to race in Italy, he leaves the country to do it. We were told there’s no stopping his father! His mother is from Austria and was a swimmer and a singer.
Palazzo Conte Federico is located at Piazza Conte Federico, 2, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy. It’s closed on Wednesday but open every other day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours are offered on the hour for 15 Euros (about $17).
4. Teatro Massimo
If you’re a fan of the Godfather movies, the front steps of this building will look heartbreakingly familiar. It’s located in the historic center of Palermo, and many walking tours queue up in front of it in the morning and early afternoon.
Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele is an opera house located at Piazza Verdi, dedicated to King Victor Emanuel II. It is the largest opera house in Italy and the third of the largest in Europe.
It was built in the late 1860s and designed to promote Palermo’s image following Italy’s unification. Catch a show here if you can, as the acoustics are known to be incredible.
The theater was closed for 23 years. The former mayor reopened it in 1987, and it stands as a city symbol representing both the end of the mafia and the rebirth of the city.
Teatro Massimo is located at P.za Giuseppe Verdi, 90138 Palermo PA, Italy.
5. Quattro Canti
Visiting Quattro Canti, or Four Corners, is another must-do in Palermo. It’s the city’s most famous intersection, located at the junction of Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda.
The sculptures adorning the four corners are in the Baroque style, designed in the early 1600s when the Spanish ruled Palermo. On the four corners, you’ll see four different sculptures of women of different ages representing different seasons.
These streets are pedestrian-only, though you’ll see an occasional moped slip through. They are lined with shops and restaurants and are a great place to grab a bite or an aperitivo.
Quattro Canti is located here on a map.
6. Fontana Pretoria (Fountain of the Shame)
The Praetorian Fountain is located in the historical center of Palermo, a block south of the Quattro Canti intersection. It was originally made to go in a garden by a huge villa in Florence in 1544. However, the owner ran out of money.
Though there are a few stories behind why it got its name, the people of Palermo were reputedly scandalized by the nudity of the statues, covering some parts of the statues or removing them (ouch!) for a time.
Thirty years later, it was sold and moved to Palermo. Although it may have been considered shameful when it arrived, it’s now one of the iconic views in Palermo.
It’s located next to the City Hall, and there is a monastery behind it, the Monastery of Caterina, as well as a nun’s cloister, now a museum. Head in for a sweet treat to I Segreti del Chiostro.
Fontana Pretoria is located at Piazza Pretoria, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy.
7. Martorana Church (Church of St. Mary of the Admiral)
There are many incredibly beautiful churches in Palermo, and if you love architecture, I’d encourage you to wander the city to check them out. The Chiesa San Cataldo is a special one, Moorish in architecture, though built during Norman times.
Near it is the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Amirraglio, also known as Martorana Church. The inside of this modern Baroque-style church is incredible, with many gorgeous golden mosaics.
Where the Palatine Chapel was the private chapel of King Roger the Second, the first Norman King of Sicily crowned in 1130, Martorana Church was the private chapel of his prime minister.
This church is interesting because it includes decorations from three beliefs: the Koran, Christians, and Jews.
Martorana Church is located at Piazza Bellini, 3, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy. It’s closed on Sunday but open every other day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entry is 2 euro (about $2.18).
8. Casa Professa (Chiesa del Gesu di Casa Professa)
This is another stunning church in the city center to not miss. This Jesuit church is Baroque in design and all marble. It was built in the late 1500s and early 1600s.
The ceiling has new bright and modern frescoes as the bombing during WWII destroyed the roof and dome. The white marble came from Tuscany, and the remainder was local.
Casa Professa is located at Piazza Casa Professa, 21, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy. It’s open Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and then again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. They ask for a donation of 6 euros to enter (about $7).
9. Anti-Mafia Museum
One of the most fascinating aspects of Sicily is its historical place in the mafia. This museum walks you through the mafia’s origins and shares the struggles of the people before and after it evolved. It’s a very complex social issue.
This museum is a challenging place to visit, but if you want to understand how it could rise up as it did to such prominence and how impactful it has been to Sicilian society, this is the place to go.
This museum is quite frank and doesn’t gloss over the negative aspects, showing quite disturbing photos of past events. You get a deep dive into the history and what Palermo and Sicily have done to fight it. The commentary is in Italian, but the pictures speak louder than words.
If you want to learn a bit more, take an Addiopizzo walking tour. Pizzo is the practice of paying for “protection” by the mafia. Many brave shops and restaurants post Addiopizzo stickers on their entrance, demonstrating their position against the mafia and their protection rackets.
This organization started in 2004 to offer protection and legal support to those who stand up against the practice. Consider supporting the shops where you see the stickers.
On this tour, you’ll learn more about the evolution of the mafia, the practice of pizzo, and what some brave people are doing about it. It was exceptional and well worth it. You’ll also see a monument to those killed by the mafia in Memorial Square and a mural of many of the politicians and leaders killed at the height of its power.
The Anti-Mafia Museum is located at Via Vittorio Emanuele, 353, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy. It’s open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s free to enter but donations are encouraged.
10. Take a Palermo Food Tour
Palermo is one of those cities I could happily eat my way through. Whether it’s apertivos and aperitifs, arancini, or a luscious bowl of pasta with fresh-made gelato, Palermo is a foodies’ paradise.
I spent several nights walking down the (mostly) pedestrian Corso Vittorio Emanuele to taste the goodies in the dozens of restaurants.
This well-rated street food tour shares the vibrant food culture of Sicily with you. If you want to learn the history of Palermo along with street food tasting, this tour is for you!
Arancina
How to Get to Palermo
If you’re already in Italy, getting to Palermo is easy by train or bus. Some places also allow you to take a boat into Palermo port, depending on where you’re coming from.
If you’re already in Europe, you can catch a flight to Palermo airport. Major cities like Paris and Barcelona fly directly there as well as other Italian cities like Rome and Milan.
Most international cities will require a few connections to get into Palermo.
You can also fly into nearby Trapani Airport, which serves Palermo, Marsala, and Trapani.
Ryanair has tons of flights into Trapani so you can fly from Frankfurt, Brussels, Warsaw, and many other European destinations.
How to Get Around Palermo
Many people find that they can walk everywhere they want to go in Palermo, especially if their hotel is centrally located.
In the city center, there is a free shuttle bus that takes you to all the top tourist attractions and historical sites.
Public transport and taxis are also available.
When to Visit Palermo
Like many parts of Italy, Palermo can get pretty hot during the summer and is also filled with quite a bit of tourists during this time.
I recommend visiting in early spring and autumn for good weather and to avoid the crowds.
Christmas and the holidays are also nice times since there are a few festivals, but the city can also get crowded.
Best Places to Stay in Palermo
If you need some help finding the best Palermo accommodation, here are my top choices around the city:
Budget—Granatelli Rooms: This little bed & breakfast is basic, but it has all the things you need to enjoy your stay in Palermo. There is a small coffee shop on-site, and free breakfast is included. There is also free WIFI throughout the hotel.
Mid-range—Family Affair Palermo: This bed & breakfast has beautiful units complete with air conditioning, free WIFI, and private parking. They offer free breakfast every morning with English and Italian dishes. You can also get room service complete with champagne and fruits.
Luxury—Palazzo Sovrana: If you want to be right in the middle of the city with incredible views. This is the place to stay if you have the budget for it. They also allow pets, which is awesome! All units have air conditioning, kitchens, and living room areas. They also offer free breakfast with the choice of a buffet or ordering off the menu.
Best Restaurants in Palermo
Palermo is packed full of many great restaurants, from casual “happy hour and cafe” style spots, to cozy sit-down restaurants. Try a mix of traditional Palermo street food and other local eats in this list.
- Ke Palle/Arancine d’Autore—A hotspot for an arancina of two, and they are open from morning to night. We might just have snagged one for our last breakfast in Palermo, we enjoyed it so much. They have over a dozen different types from traditional to a bit different.
- Palermo Store Cafe—You’ll see lots of places like this on Corso Vittorio Emanuele with Aperitivi for happy hour. Get a spritz and a plate of street food with sfinione, arancina, panella y crocché, and more!
- Old School Trattoria da Anto—This local favorite was a recommendation from our host. The food was great and well-priced. They have a nice outdoor patio on good weather days to enjoy.
- Foccaccia San Francisco—This restaurant has been family-owned since 1834 and is a proud participant in the anti-pizzo movement. One of the former owners stood up to the mafia and won, though he did need to leave Palermo under protection for safety. Consider supporting them.
- Bissot Bistrot—Another very popular place for locals and tourists alike, and also anti-mafia. We got coffee here, waited for a walking tour, and came back for lunch. The tagliatelle al ragu di tommo, polpette de melanzane, and cous cous di pesce with chickpeas, eggplant, and vegetables were tasty.
Palermo Food Markets
Don’t miss the food markets in Palermo. They are a great way to dive into the local culture and enjoy some great eats! Capo, La Vucciria, and Ballaro are the historic markets in the city. Enjoy the traditional Sicilian street foods like panelle, chickpea fritters, arancini, and more!
We learned on the Anti-Mafia tour that Capo Market is mafia controlled. You won’t find pickpockets here, and the vendors often pay pizzo “protection money” to the mafia to keep visitors “safe.”
Want to explore the food markets on a tour, this tour takes you to the hot spots for Palermo street food tastings!
Best Day Trips from Palermo
There’s a lot to do in Palermo, Sicily, but if you decide to venture out of the city limits, there are a lot of amazing day trips!
If you have a car, you can make your way around the coast to see all of these highlights. Or, take day trips from Palermo to see these hot spots. We went to all of these spots and had an amazing time.
They are all quite popular on the tourist path, but each is worth seeing. Segesta, Selinunte, and the Valley of the Temples are ancient Greek cities. They all have nearby cities and villages that show different aspects of modern and ancient life.
Zingaro is an incredible park with lots of hiking paths and trails to the ocean. Don’t miss nearby Scopello, which has scenic views!
Erice and Cefalu are small cities. Erice is on top of a mountain with incredible views of Trapani and the ocean. Cefalu is a UNESCO site and a quaint smaller city with a lovely beach.
Palermo Day Trips
- Monreale—Don’t miss visiting the Duomo of Monreale, just outside of Palermo. It’s an easy and quick bus ride to this charming small city. If you think the chapel in the Norman Palace is amazing, you won’t want to miss it!
- Cefalu—This oceanside city is picture-perfect and a short train ride up the coast from Palermo. Don’t skip the Cathedral tour for incredible views.
- Segesta—Ancient Greek ruins with a beautiful recreated theater and temple. It’s an easy trip from Palermo, and you can plan to visit other spots like Erice or Zingaro Park.
- Erice—This stunning city on a mountain is the perfect spot for a day trip. Walk the meandering cobblestone paths to tour castles, churches, monasteries, and more.
- Trapani—This beautiful and historic city is the perfect mix of amazing architecture, ocean views, and incredible food. Pair it with a trip to Erice or go in the evening to the salt pans between Trapani and Marsala.
- Zingaro Park—This massive park is a treasure trove of trails for the hiking enthusiast. Take your pick for short or longer hikes, some even meandering down to the picturesque rocky beaches.
- Selinunte—Another ancient Greek ruin located on the south of the island, it’s a beautiful spot to take in the gorgeous coastline and the nearby town of Marinella.
- Valley of the Temples, Agrigento—One of the most popular trips from Palermo is a visit to the Valley of the Temples. It’s on the Southern area of the island and has several stunning ancient Greek temples including one that was original.
Is Palermo Worth Visiting?
I’ll admit it—I fell hard for Palermo and for Sicily overall. The island is so ruggedly beautiful, the people are vibrant and dramatic, and the food is pure magic on your tastebuds.
With Palermo, what you see is what you get. There is no tourist sheen glossing this city. It’s showcased for the world to see all aspects. And in my opinion, that makes it pretty amazing to visit.
You Might Also Like
- Segesta Archaeological Park—All You Need to Visit the Segesta Ruins in Sicily
- Selinunte Archaeological Park—Visit the Selinunte Greek Ruins in Sicily
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- Marsala, Sicily—Top Things to See & Do in Two Days
- Valley of the Temples, Sicily—All You Need to Know to Visit
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