Palermo Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, the food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, and more in Palermo, Sicily.


A Complete Guide to Palermo, Sicily

Located in the province of Palermo, in the heart of Sicily, Palermo is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the vibrant food and drink scene to the stunning architecture, there’s something for everyone in this bustling city. In this complete guide to Palermo, Sicily, we’ll introduce you to the best places to visit, the food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Palermo

Palermo is full of landmarks, museums, churches, gardens, and other interesting places to visit. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Palermo:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Cathedral of Palermo: the main place of worship in the city with a mix of Gothic, Norman, and Baroque architecture.

  2. The Palatine Chapel: located in the Norman Palace and decorated in Byzantine style, it’s one of the most beautiful chapels in the world.

  3. The Catacombs of the Capuchins: a fascinating underground burial site with thousands of corpses and mummified bodies.

  4. The International Marionettes Museum: an extensive collection of puppets from all over the world.

  5. The Regional Archaeological Museum Antonio Salinas: exhibits ancient artifacts and antiques that date back to the Greek and Roman periods.

Natural Attractions of Palermo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Monte Pellegrino: a picturesque mountain that offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea.

  2. Foro Italico: a park that stretches along the seashore and is ideal for jogging, cycling, and relaxing.

  3. Botanical Garden of Palermo: a lovely park with exotic plants, flowers, and trees from all over the world.

  4. The natural reserve of Capo Gallo: a protected area with a crystal-clear sea, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

  5. The Zisa Castle and Gardens: a gorgeous Arab-style castle surrounded by a lush garden.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Palermo

Palermo has plenty of paths and trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes in Palermo:

  1. Monte Pellegrino Trail: a challenging 4-mile hike that leads to the summit of Monte Pellegrino.

  2. Parco delle Madonie: a natural park with dozens of trails for hikers and bikers.

  3. Ficuzza Woods: a dense forest that offers a variety of hiking, biking, and horse riding trails.

  4. Monreale Trail: a scenic 3-mile trail that connects the city of Monreale with Palermo.

  5. The Liberty Trails: a network of bike lanes that run through the city and connect its main landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Palermo: Activities and Tours

Apart from visiting the main attractions, Palermo offers plenty of activities and tours for tourists. Some of the best things to do in Palermo are:

  1. Street Food Tours: a great way to taste the best local dishes and delicacies.

  2. Cooking Classes: a fun and unique way to learn how to cook Sicilian cuisine.

  3. Boat Tours: a relaxing way to explore the coastline and nearby islands.

  4. Wine and Olive Oil Tasting: an opportunity to taste some of the best local wines and olive oils.

  5. Night Tours: a fascinating way to explore the city’s architecture and history under a different light.

Week-Long Itinerary for Palermo

Palermo can be overwhelming, especially if you’re short on time. Here’s a week-long itinerary that covers all the main attractions and activities:

Day Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Cathedral of Palermo and the Palatine Chapel Catacombs of the Capuchins Sunset at Foro Italico
2 Regional Archaeological Museum Opera House and the Massimo Theatre Dinner and drinks in the Vucciria district
3 Monreale Cathedral and town Botanical Garden and Villa Giulia Museum Aperitivo and nightlife in the Kalsa district
4 Street Food Tour Shopping and walking in the historic center Dinner in the Ballarò market
5 Monte Pellegrino Hike Oratorio di San Lorenzo and Martorana Church Opera and classical music concert in the Politeama Theatre
6 Zisa Castle and Gardens Wine Tasting in the Alcamo wineries Dinner in the Mondello Beach district
7 Capo Gallo Beach and Scoglio dell’Eremita Boat Tour to Ustica Island Night Tour of the city center and farewell dinner in the Kalsa

Food and Drink Scene of Palermo

Sicily has a rich culinary tradition, and Palermo is no exception. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Palermo:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Arancini: deep-fried rice balls filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.

  2. Panelle and Crocchè: chickpea fritters and potato croquettes that are usually eaten as a street food snack.

  3. Pasta con le Sarde: a traditional pasta dish with sardines, fennel, and pine nuts.

  4. Caponata: a sweet and sour vegetable stew with eggplants, tomatoes, and olives.

  5. Cannoli Siciliani: tube-shaped pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese and chocolate chips.

Local Beverages

  1. Marsala Wine: a fortified wine produced in the town of Marsala, near Palermo.

  2. Limoncello: a delicious lemon-flavored liqueur that is perfect for after-dinner drinks.

  3. Amaro Averna: a popular Sicilian digestif made with herbs and bitter orange.

  4. Caffè Siciliano: a strong espresso with a touch of almond milk.

Where to Stay in Palermo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Palermo offers a wide range of accommodations for tourists. Here are some of the best places to stay in Palermo:

  1. Hotel Principe di Villafranca: a chic and elegant hotel in the heart of the city.

  2. B&B La Dimora del Genio: a cozy and affordable B&B in a historic building.

  3. Hostel Agata: a budget hostel in the city center, perfect for backpackers.

  4. Grand Hotel Wagner: a luxurious hotel with a spa and sauna, ideal for a romantic getaway.

What to Buy in Palermo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Palermo is famous for its handicrafts, ceramics, and food products. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  1. Ceramic Plates and Tiles: hand-painted ceramics with traditional Sicilian motifs.

  2. Marsala Wine: a bottle of this sweet wine is the perfect gift for wine lovers.

  3. Handmade Lace: delicate lace tablecloths and doilies made by local artisans.

  4. Almond and Pistachio Paste: a sweet spread made with freshly ground almonds and pistachios.

  5. Cannoli Shells: crispy pastry shells that can be filled with sweet ricotta cheese.

Local Culture and Customs of Palermo

Palermo has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its art, architecture, and lifestyle. Here are some of the local customs and traditions you should be aware of:

  1. Dress Code: Sicilians are generally formal dressers, and it’s customary to dress appropriately when visiting churches and other religious places.

  2. Siesta Time: most shops and restaurants close in the early afternoon for a few hours, so plan accordingly.

  3. Greetings: Sicilians are warm and friendly people, and it’s common to greet someone with a kiss on both cheeks.

  4. Respect for the Dead: avoid taking pictures or displaying any disrespectful behavior in the Catacombs of the Capuchins.

Best Time to Visit Palermo

The best time to visit Palermo is during the spring (April-June) or the fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. July and August can be very hot and crowded, and many locals go on vacation, so some restaurants and shops may be closed.

Do’s and Don’ts of Palermo

Do:

  1. Try the Street Food: Palermo is famous for its street food, so don’t miss the chance to try some of the local delicacies.

  2. Visit the Markets: Ballarò and Vucciria are two of the most famous markets in Palermo, where you can buy fresh produce, fish, and meat, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs.

  3. Go to the Beach: Palermo has several beautiful beaches, such as Mondello and Cefalù, that are perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Don’t:

  1. Drink Tap Water: the tap water in Palermo is not drinkable, so make sure to always buy bottled water.

  2. Feed the Pigeons: while it may be tempting to feed the pigeons in the city center, it’s not allowed, and you may receive a fine.

  3. Ignore the Traffic: like many Italian cities, Palermo can be chaotic and crowded, so be careful when crossing the streets, especially in the city center.

Safety and Health

Safety in Palermo

Palermo is generally a safe city, but like any other city, there are some areas that may be riskier than others, especially at night. Here are some tips to stay safe in Palermo:

  1. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in the city center.

  2. Keep your valuables, such as your wallet and phone, in a safe place.

  3. Beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets and bus stations.

Health in Palermo

Palermo has a good healthcare system, and there are several hospitals and clinics in the city. Here are some tips to stay healthy in Palermo:

  1. Drink bottled water, especially during the summer months.

  2. Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from the sun.

  3. Be cautious when eating raw or undercooked seafood.

Getting to Palermo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Palermo is easily accessible by plane, train, bus, and car. Here are some of the transportation options:

Airports Near Palermo

  1. Falcone-Borsellino Airport: the main airport of Palermo, located 35 km from the city center.

  2. Trapani-Birgi Airport: a smaller airport that serves some low-cost airlines, located 100 km from Palermo.

Bus Stations Near Palermo

  1. Palermo Central Bus Station: located in the city center, with connections to many destinations in Sicily and Italy.

  2. Prestia e Comandè Bus Station: a private bus operator that offers direct connections between Palermo and the airports.

Other Options

Palermo is also well-connected by train and car. There are several train stations in the city, with connections to all major cities in Italy. If you’re planning to drive to Palermo, be aware that parking can be challenging in the city center.

How to Get Around in Palermo

Palermo is a relatively compact city that’s easy to explore on foot or by bike. There’s also an efficient public transportation system, with buses and trains that connect all parts of the city and the nearby towns. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive.

Where to Go Next from Palermo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Palermo is a great base to explore the rest of Sicily, which has many beautiful towns, beaches, and natural parks. Here are some of the best nearby destinations and excursions:

  1. Monreale: a charming town with a stunning cathedral and a gorgeous view of the Conca d’Oro valley.

  2. Cefalù: a picturesque town with a beautiful beach, a Norman cathedral, and winding streets full of shops and restaurants.

  3. Marsala: a town famous for its sweet wine and historic center.

  4. The Egadi Islands: a group of three islands with crystal-clear waters, charming towns, and stunning natural beauty.

Conclusion

Palermo is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the vibrant food and drink scene to the stunning architecture, there’s something for everyone in this bustling city. We hope this complete guide to Palermo, Sicily, was helpful in planning your next trip to the city. Bon voyage!

The Cathedral, in Arab-Norman style The Cathedral, in Arab-Norman style The Baroque square of The Baroque square of "Quattro Canti" Dome interior of the Palatine Chapel Dome interior of the Palatine Chapel Cloister of San Giovanni degli Eremiti Cloister of San Giovanni degli Eremiti Baroque interior of the Church of the Gesù Baroque interior of the Church of the Gesù Mosaic in Monreale Cathedral Mosaic in Monreale Cathedral