You won’t run out of things to do and see in Palermo, Sicily. This ancient capital city is a wonderland of fabulous, mystical, wondrous and mysterious must see Palermo attractions.
Palermo is ground zero for World Heritage Sites. Why is that? Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country in the world.
Sicily has the most UNESCO sites in Italy, so Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is king of UNESCO World Heritage Sites…and with good reason!
Palermo must-see sites include imposing palaces like the Palazzo dei Normani, mysterious underground crypts of the Catacombe dei Capuccini, and the most mouth-watering street food in Italy.
And when you consider that Palermo’s restaurants and culinary delights are competing with places like Florence and Rome, that’s really saying something!
Palermo Cathedral and Palaces
Palermo, Sicily itself is like a cultural amusement park with its winding alleyways, ornate decaying palaces and street markets with the strangest vegetables I’ve ever seen.
Among the top 10 Palermo sights are the cathedrals and palaces with unusual architecture.
That’s why some of the best things to do in Palermo include absorbing the architecture.
The prime examples of Palermo’s unique Arab-Norman architectural style are the Palazzo dei Normanni with its golden Cappella Palatina and the majestic Cathedral. These are all must-see, historic structures.
Sicily was conquered and inhabited by a diverse group of people with different cultures and architectural styles; Normans, Arabs, Spaniards, Greeks.
For this reason, the most impressive structures are a wonderful mix of styles, unlike anything you see elsewhere.
This is one of the things that make the must see Palermo cathedral so fascinating. You won’t see these styles anywhere else in the world.
Built around the late 1100s, the Cathedral has been many things, a tomb, a mosque, a farm. The style is ornate with Moorish arches, Gothic spires and a touch of the Italianate Baroque.
The inside of the building is even more sumptuous guarding religious icons and objects as well as the tombs of Sicilian royalty.
Religious street processions are also fascinating. It’s all a little bizarre and surreal.
Palermo Streets and Markets
As impressive as Palermo’s architectural gems are, the real Palermo is experienced in its streets, markets, and in its food. Palermo markets are a festival of food.
During our three-day stay, our street was closed for an ice-cream festival giving us a taste – pun intended – of what a Sicilian street food festival is.
The pedestrianized Palermo streets made it easy to wander around the ornate palaces some of which have been turned into museums.
Palermo’s plazas function as the city’s living rooms filled with little cafes, music venues, art exhibits, and strolling citizens.
Street food in Palermo can be found all over town in little stalls selling tasty snacks for about 1 – 2 Euros. Try as many as you can especially the “arancini” little, fried rice balls.
We were lucky enough to be in town the night of a religious street procession.
A crowd was singing religious hymns and carrying a statue of Mary down a major street accompanied by priests and musicians.
I felt like I was in the original Godfather movie.
The Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan immigrants to Sicily seem to have taken over the small vendors markets selling jewelry and the ubiquitous Indian garments.
I got into a conversation with Dileep, one of the Sri Lankan immigrant vendors. He told me he had really wanted to go to the States but it was easier to get to Italy.
He had family in Manhattan and would try to get there.
I wondered if he would make it to the U.S. Probably. He was a young, outgoing, engaging hustler. He spoke English, Italian, his own language, and had family in New York.
Odds are I’ll bump into him on Lexington and 23rd street in New York someday.
At the Ballaro market, one of three major markets in Palermo, we saw some very strange looking vegetables.
Looks were deceiving. When we tasted them at a nearby food stall and they were delicious.
Visiting Palermo’s food markets is one of the best things to do in Palermo. Colorful fruit markets in Palermo
The bizarre, otherworldly looking vegetables are delicious
Catacombe dei Capuccini
The 16th-century cemetery of the Capuchin monastery of Palermo grew too small to accept new bodies.
The priests were forced to unearth the tombs beneath it to bury their fellow clergy. The bodies were treated with various preservation methods; vinegar wash, embalming, or sealing them in glass.
The townspeople began to see these catacombs, or underground crypts, as sacred ground. Why else would priests be buried there?
The residents offered donations in return for burial in the catacombs until having the catacombs as a final resting place became a status symbol for the upper classes.
Sensing a financial opportunity, the priests began offering tomb maintenance in return for donations.
Donations poured in, more ground was excavated until a virtual underground city was created beneath the monastery.
Once donations stopped for the maintenance of a particular body, it was placed on an above-ground shelf–essentially a spiritual hostage–until the donations resumed.
The exhibit is filled with mummies, some remarkably well-preserved.
Most interestingly, you can learn about the customs and traditions of the local residents of the time.
Well worth a visit and one of the key things to do in Palermo.
Palermo Restaurants
As in the rest of Italy, food is close to being a religion in Sicily. Savoring Sicilian delicacies is one of the best things to do in Palermo any time of day.
The residents celebrate food and wine. Sicilian wine is extraordinary, velvety smooth and thick on your tongue.
There is no “meh” food in Sicily. Even the tiny eateries down side alleys serve extraordinary food. It is truly a foodie’s paradise.
Although we didn’t have one even mediocre meal in Palermo, two restaurants that stood out are Il Maestro del Brodo and Palazzo Sambuca, both specializing in Sicilian cuisine.
As soon as I returned home I attempted to recreate some of their dishes…so far unsuccessfully, but I’ll keep trying!
I should have taken one of the many Sicilian cooking classes offered in Palermo.
Best Cafes and Restaurants in Palermo, Sicily
Palermo offers unique cuisine tour experiences in addition to the best espresso, such as granita al caffè (frozen ice with coffee and whipped cream) and gran caffè (a cappuccino without milk).
Choose from a variety of mouthwatering regional patisserie products to go with your coffee.
Try the locally renowned dessert cassata, which is a sponge cake soaked in liqueur or fruit juice and layered with candied fruit and ricotta cheese.
Or how about the cannoli that is filled with pistachio and ricotta cheese.
I Segreti del Chiostro
Originally intended to protect the trade secrets of convent bakeries throughout Sicily, I Segreti del Chiostro is based at the Santa Caterina convent.
This institution features excellent and uncommon sweet delicacies made from the best ingredients, all within these old walls.
A celebration of the tradition of ancient family recipes, the products range from biscuits to cassata, cannoli, fritters, and Sicilian slush, expressing the essence of Sicilian culinary heritage.
An excursion to I Segreti del Chiostro is a necessity if you’re searching for the best Palermo culinary experiences. Located right in the middle of the city, it’s a terrific place to taste real Sicilian food.
After leaving the convent, you’ll find yourself on Palermo’s bustling streets, ready to discover some of the top attractions this Sicilian city has to offer.
Pastificio Graziano
A delicious exhibit displaying the top spots for Sicilian street food culture greets you as soon as you enter.
You can find something to tempt every palate here. From the well-known arancini to the less well-known ravazzate.
However, the real show stopper is the sfincione, a wonderful crunchy, pizza-like dish from Sicily’s capital.
Imagine a generously topped slice of Sicilian pizza, complete with a layer of creamy caciocavallo cheese, caramelized onions, salty anchovies, and aromatic oregano.
It’s a taste explosion that will delight your palet.
Pasticceria Cappello
Pasticceria Cappello is one of the top spots in Palermo for chocolate lovers. It is a sanctuary for anyone with a sweet craving.
Renowned for its delightful creations, this pastry shop offers a wide selection of tasty treats.
It offers the best of Sicilian pastry, including the well-known Setteveli cake, the Kenya cake flavored with coffee and chocolate, and cannoli and cassata.
This is a must-visit location in the Sicilian capital for food tour participants. It offers an excellent opportunity to sample the cuisine of the city in one location.
Whether you’re on a guided tour or exploring the city center on your own, a visit to Pasticceria Cappello is a perfect addition to your itinerary.
Gelateria La Kala
Tucked away in the core of Palermo’s historic district, La Kala is where you’ll get the best of Sicilian pastries.
Fresh, in-season ingredients and a devotion to traditional, natural processes are what bring handcrafted ice cream to life. They have a large variety of tastes, but their specialty is fruit-infused treats.
The tri veli, which is a taste combination of three different fruit ice creams, is heaven. A trip to this undiscovered gem is a must for any cuisine tour of the city.
Enjoy the cool granita (slush) and Sicilian ice cream-filled brioche from La Kala, whether you’re taking a guided tour or just meandering through the quaint alleyways.
Best time to go to Palermo
The ideal months to visit Palermo are often April to early June and September to October.
Not only is the area less crowded with tourists in these months than it is in the summer, but the temperatures are also not as hot.
Visiting during the summer is a lot of fun too if you want to see some of Sicily’s beaches!
Palermo is quieter in the months of late October through March. Less people visit these places, and the attractions usually close early.
The trade-off is that travel is low during these months, so accommodations and tours are slightly less expensive, and the temperature is cool, ideal for light jackets.
How to Visit Palermo, Sicily
If you’re traveling to or from the Palermo, there are trains, buses, and airports that can provide you with whatever kind of transportation you need.
Palermo’s international airport is conveniently situated making it easy to travel to and from Palermo as well as to some of Italy’s other major tourist destinations, including Rome and Milan.
Palermo Train Station
Stazione Centrale is the name of Palermo’s major train station. This is situated in Giulio Cesare Square’s Old Town District.
These trains link this hub to all major Italian cities and to other key cities in Sicily.
Palermo bus station
There’s a bus station next to the train station just mentioned.
You can go to all the other major Italian and Sicilian cities from this bus station.
Port of Palermo
Palermo’s port is arguably one of the busiest and most used in the Mediterranean when it comes to passenger traffic.
The Porto di Palermo, also known as the Port of Palermo, is directly connected to Genoa, Naples, Civitavecchia, Cagliari, Salerno, the Aeolian Islands, Ustica, Tunis, and Milazzo.
In addition, it serves as a stop for numerous cruise ships and the region’s regular ferry traffic.
This port is easily accessible and is situated in the city’s center.
Ferry to Palermo
Year-round ferries from Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples, Salerno, Tunis and other cities travel to Palermo.
Children typically go for half price, and most boats that go to or from Palermo accept cars for an extra cost.
You can find every ferry connection to and from Palermo by entering the departure port and the date in the ferry website.
Ferry schedules change frequently so check. There can be more or less connections depending on the time of year.
Every year, around the end of December, the largest ferry operators reveal their new timetables; the rest are announced between January and March.
Palermo Airport
The Palermo international airport is about 30 minutes from the city center. It is also known as Falcone-Borsellino Airport.
It bears the name of two judges who, in the early 1990s, stood up to the mafia and were assassinated by the Cosa Nostra.
Not only is this airport a hub to other well-known Italian towns, but it also offers daily flights to most important Italian cities.
There are daily flights to London (both Stansted and Gatwick), Paris Orly Airport, and Brussels National, among other major cities throughout Europe.
Where To Stay in Palermo, Sicily
Palermo is a big city with 25 distinct districts, which can make choosing a place to stay there a little challenging.
The best areas to stay are Old Town and Politeama/Libertà because they are both secure and near to the tourist attractions.
You won’t need a car if you stay in one of these neighborhoods, and you won’t often need to ride taxis or public transportation.
Originally a fishing community by the sea, Mondelo, located to the north of Palermo, is becoming a desirable area to live in.
In the summer, Mondelo offers a vibrant nightlife and beach access.
All of these neighborhoods have a good selection of hotels in various price levels, as well as a few hostels.
Other accommodation optioins in Palermo
Special holidays in Palermo
Annual Events
Palermo has a ton of folklore events, sporting activities, and musical performances year round.
The Feast of Saint Lucia on December 13 and the Feast of St. Rosalia on December 4 are two popular tradition-related holidays not to be missed.
One of the most important athletic events is the Palermo Marathon, which has been welcoming runners from all around Sicily for a number of years.
Santa Rosalia Celebrations
The celebration of Santa Rosalia honors the city of Palerno’s rescue from the plague, which, legend has it, was made possible by the intervention of the city’s patron saint, Santa Rosalia.
Held in July (10 to 15), the “festino” continues to be a hugely popular.
Thousands of people watch the Saint’s Chariot make its long march from the Cathedral to the Foro Italico on the evening of July 14 and 15, passing past Bologni Square, Quattro Canti, and Porta Felice along the way.
The festival is a mix of folklore and religion culminating in traditional fireworks.
Saint Lucia on December 13
The feast of Saint Lucia in Palermo begins on December 13. It is a religious and gastronomic tradition with very old roots.
The festival’s inception is associated with the miracle of Saint Lucia, who sent a ship loaded with grain to the port and therefore saved the city from starvation.
During this time. people exclusively consume vegetables and “arancine” and “cuccìa,” a traditional meal made with wheat during the celebration days.
On December 13 restaurants and bars prepare different versions of the arancine that cannot be found in other periods of the year: arancine flavored with chocolate, or seasoned with broccoli, marinara, sausage, cuttlefish.
Palermo Marathon
Palermo’s historic center is the site of the marathon run on the weekend of November 16.
The marathon route winds around the magnificent sites of Palermo’s historic center, via the Via Maqueda, the Quattro Canti square, and up Corso Vittorio Emanuele and other main streets.
The marathon of Palermo is one of the biggest sporting events in the city and an opportunity for sport lovers to see the city in a unique atmosphere, free from cars and traffic.
Vintage Market
The Vintage Market in Piazza Marina in Palermo is a must-visit for vintage and flea market enthusiasts.
Every Sunday morning, one of the most picturesque squares in the city, Piazza Marina, hosts Palermo’s Vintage Market.
Some of the most significant structures in the city’s history encircle the market area: Palazzo Chiaramonte, the Galletti di San Cataldo and the seventeenth-century Palazzo Fatta.
Built in the middle of the nineteenth century, Villa Garibaldi is situated in the heart of the square. It features a magnificent ficus, the largest exotic tree in the world that is over 100 years old.
Is Palermo Safe?
Palermo is safe, still, it’s wise for those traveling alone to use caution, particularly after dark. Avoid strolling alone in dimly lit regions or on small, unlit streets and stick to well-lit areas.
Be cautious with your possessions and put your safety and comfort first.
Safety in Public Transportation
Palermo’s public transportation is relatively safe. Both residents and visitors commonly use the dependable buses, trams, and railroads.
During rush hour, it might get congested, so it’s wise to safeguard your valuables. While most employees are friendly, some may not speak English.
Additionally, keep in mind that in order to avoid fines, you must verify your ticket at the start of your trip in Italy.
Strolling the streets
The people of Palermo are generally nice and courteous when you stroll about the neighborhood. You won’t often encounter any unpleasant situations or inappropriate harassment.
But since Italy is a passionate and vocal nation, you could occasionally receive attention or compliments. Just ignore.
Although pickpocketing and bag snatching are common small-time crimes in Palermo, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transportation, the city is generally safe for tourists.
Use common sense like not wearing costly jewelry or opening your wallet in public. This will reduce the risk of theft.
Tap water
In general, tap water in Palermo is safe to drink. The water passes stringent testing and satisfies all international and national water safety regulations.
However, some guests choose to drink bottled water instead because of the distinct taste that occasionally results from the mineral concentration.
How to Get Around Palermo
Palermo is a fairly walkable city, particularly if you stay in Politeama/Libertà or the Old Town, where you can find some of the top attractions.
In addition to driving and walking, other options include taking a bus or a taxi; Uber does not function in Sicily.
Although they are dependable, taxis in Palermo are known to overcharge visitors, so make sure you agree on the fare before boarding.
Every time I take a taxi in a strange city, I like to monitor the journey on my own mapping app. I can be certain the driver is taking me to the right location and not trying to scam me.
Palermo buses are punctual and dependable. Google Maps app consistently displays the routes and departure times.
Buses provide an easy way to get around the city center and its main attractions, whether you’re hoping to see the famous Teatro Massimo or the Norman Palace.
Of course, renting a car in Italy is an option especially when exploring the island of Sicily.
Day trips from Palermo
Monreale: Wonders of the duomo di Monreale
The jewel in the crown in this part of the country is Palermo, the capital.
But eight kilometers southwest of Palermo there is another little, can’t-miss gem quietly existing under the radar, Monreale, Sicily — and its star attractions, the Duomo di Monreale.
Without a doubt, Monreale’s highlight is its 12th-century cathedral, as spectacular as any of the most beautiful churches in Europe.
It is an unusual and spectacular combination of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine architecture. The cloister is unique with a traditional gothic layout but with Arab decorations.
Several members of the local nobility are buried in the cathedral surrounded by intricately carved marble monuments inlaid with precious stones.
I couldn’t resist sending a postcard of this beautiful place while I was there.
I read somewhere that the Duomo di Monreale, Sicily, is the greatest advertisement for Christianity in history.
I understood that statement when I first saw the magnificent artwork in every corner of the cathedral.
You could either visit Monreale, Sicily, on your way to or from Palermo or stay in Palermo and visit the city and the Duomo di Monreale as a day trip offered by various tours.
There is also a bus that provides regular service to and from Palermo.
If you love cathedrals like the Duomo di Monreale, here are some other beautiful collections of cathedrals, The Great European cathedrals.
There is a little plaza right outside the Duomo di Monreale, Sicily, with several run-down looking sidewalk restaurants.
It is there that I had the best meal in Southern Italy, a pasta and seafood dish flavored with truffles.
I would have paid the price of the meal just for smelling it.
Another interesting little town for a day trip is Cefalu. It is on the north coast of Sicily.
Stealing towels in Cefalu
Cefalu is a cute, medieval, coastal, tourist town.
If that doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement, it may be because it was here where I was accused of stealing towels in our hotel.
We were checking out when the hotel maid sidled up to me and, in a low conspiratorial tone, whispered something I did not understand.
Confused, I thought she was asking me if I had seen the hairdryer.
Eventually, I figured out she was asking how many towels were in the room when I arrived and why there was only one now.
As I’m not in the habit of counting towels when I enter a hotel, I did not have a ready answer and actually found myself offering to open my luggage to prove I had not stolen the towels.
Meanwhile, this bizarre conversation was taking place in public with fellow guests looking at me accusingly while I’m swearing that I’m not a towel thief.
I got out of there fast thinking this whole thing might have been connected to some sort of travel scam.
Despite the towel incident, Cefalu is worth the stop. The town has a string of restaurants on the water with spectacular views.
The water is still warm enough to swim in even in late fall and they have a couple of small but engaging museums.
The cathedral is also beautiful. We were lucky enough to see a wedding while we were there.
Things to do in Cefalu
Sicilian city of Cefalu is a modest one, with charming cobblestone lanes and a lovely historic center.
It is well-known for its breathtaking views of the city’s traditional homes and the little beach in the center from the “Molo di Cefalu” pier.
There are plenty of things to do in Cefalu. This, in addition to the fantastic eateries, makes it the ideal place to spend a day or two,
Go Up LA ROCCA
Like any other worthwhile viewpoint, La Rocca is not without its challenges.
A steep and deteriorating trail leads to the rocky peak of the mountain, which was formerly home to a Norman castle.
Although it’s difficult in the summer heat, the breathtaking views of the coast toward Capo d’Orlando in the east and Palermo in the west make the effort worthwhile.
You’ll come upon the Tempio di Diana ruins first on your climb up to La Rocca. Spare some time to explore them.
From here, you have a fantastic view over the old town, with the gorgeous blue sea encircling the orange roofs.
Drink In Garibaldi Piazza
Piazza Garibldi is situated just far enough from the beach and cathedral to allow the number of tourists to slightly diminish.
The charming piazza is surrounded by many restaurants and bars and an ideal spot to chill during your daytime explorations.
While there, visit the Antica Porta Terra Gelateria. If you’ve never experienced brioche con gelato (basically, ice cream in a brioche bun) go here and choose the pistachio flavor. Thank me later.
Bastione di Capo Marchiafava
Visit Bastione di Capo Marchiafava, a 17th century fortification in Cefalu.
In addition to a fantastic observation deck, there are a few bathing holes that are surprisingly deserted even during peak tourist season.
Close by is Bastione Innovazione Cibo Cultura, a cultural center that is home to the excellent Bastione & Costanza restaurant that offers delicious plant-based cuisine options in addition to traditional Sicilian fare.
The Museo Digitale is a museum that uses digital media to showcase Cefalu’s past.
The Lavatoio Medievale legend
In 1514, the original medieval laundry was destroyed. This was once much closer to the city walls and the sea.
However, a portion of the existing structure still maintains the engineering that let the river to pass through 22 distinct basins used for laundry.
According to tradition, the river Cefalino was formed by a nymph’s unending tears after she unintentionally killed her beloved.
What are your thoughts on things to see and do in Palermo, Sicily? What if your favorite activity on a trip?
Want to know more about Palermo’s main points of interest and its fascinating history? Check out these reference books:
Read the other installments of the series: Seven Adventures in Southern Italy including Naples, Matera, Taormina, Ortygia, Agrigento, and Monreale.
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