Things to See in Palermo, Italy: What to See, Eat & Drink in Sicily’s Capital

There’s a saying you’ll hear often in Sicily – “Sicilian non è Italia,” which means “Sicily is not Italy.” And after even a short visit, you’ll understand exactly why. The culture, the pace, and even the way of life here feel worlds apart from the mainland.

For us, that difference made exploring this region even more fascinating. We dove in the best way we know how – by eating our way through local specialties and uncovering some of the best things to see in Palermo, Italy, and beyond.

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways: 

• Palermo, Italy is raw, energetic, and full of contrasts – expect ancient history, chaotic markets, and unforgettable food.
• Don’t miss the Palermo Cathedral, Palazzo dei Normanni, and the city’s vibrant street markets for a true sense of local culture.
• Sample traditional dishes like pane con panelle, arancini, and cannoli, and enjoy aperitivo with a view at Seven or wine with the locals at Dal Barone.
• Take easy day trips from Palermo to Mondello Beach for turquoise water and mountain views, or Monreale for jaw-dropping mosaics and hilltop scenery.

This post was co-written with our friend, Matt. We met him while he and his wife were living in Bologna for a few months. 

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How to Get to Palermo

If you’re flying into Italy from the U.S., getting to Sicily – and specifically Palermo – is easier than it might seem. Most international flights land in major hubs like Rome or Milan, and from there, you can catch a quick domestic flight straight to Palermo. 

Flights usually take about an hour, and several budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet, and even national carrier ITA Airways, offer daily routes.

Once you land in Palermo, Italy, you’ll find the airport is about 45 minutes from the city center. 

The easiest (and cheapest) way to get into town is by shuttle bus, which runs regularly between the airport and Palermo Centrale train station. Tickets cost around €10 round trip and can be bought online or directly at the terminal. 

If you prefer convenience over cost, taxis and private transfers are also available, but expect to pay closer to €50+ each way. However you arrive, this is the start of an unforgettable journey packed with history, incredible food, and plenty of things to see in Palermo, Italy.

Where to Stay in Palermo

When planning where to stay in Palermo, Italy, we had a bit of last-minute luck. We originally booked an Airbnb that ended up being smaller and farther from the historical center than we realized. By pure chance, someone canceled this Airbnb listing just minutes before we checked – and it turned out to be perfect.

Our host grew up in the same building, so he took incredible care of it and had endless pride in his hometown. He even set us up with a local restaurant deal – free aperitivo to start and limoncello to finish. Talk about Sicilian hospitality!

If that apartment isn’t available, we recommend staying near Convento di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, right in the heart of Palermo’s historic center. 

From there, you’ll be walking distance to most of the best things to do in Palermo, Italy, including top restaurants, markets, and nightlife.

B&B Santa Caterina

• Rating: 9.3 (Wonderful)
• Price Range: €130–€150 per night

Located in a beautifully-restored historic building, right in the historic center of Palermo with A/C! Our kind of place if you want to stay central and have the vibe of “live like a local”.

>> Check current prices and availability here

Casa Bellini

• Rating: 8.6 (Excellent)
• Price Range: €100–€150 per night

Apartment-style accommodation, in the heart of Palermo’s historic core (near Piazza Bellini & Fontana Pretoria). Ideal for travelers who prefer a home-base with kitchen / self-cater options.

>> Check current prices and availability here

Hotel City Center

• Rating: 8.4 (Very Good)
• Price Range: €70–€150 per night

This hotel offers non-smoking rooms, free WiFi, a nice bar/lounge and excellent access to the city’s best sights. Just a short walk from landmarks like Piazza Bellini and the historic core.

>> Check current prices and availability here

None of these tickle your fancy? Check out all Palermo accommodation options on Booking.com to compare prices and reviews. 

How many days in Palermo 

We spent five days in Palermo, Italy, arriving on a Friday afternoon and leaving late Tuesday evening. That gave us plenty of time to see the city’s main highlights, sample all the street food we could handle, and even sneak in a few adventures just outside the historic center.

If you’re visiting in the summer and plan to soak up some beach time, you may want to add an extra day or two to your Palermo itinerary. The region offers plenty of ways to slow down and enjoy Sicily’s coastline between sightseeing sessions.

For those wanting a longer trip, it’s easy to turn Palermo into the first stop on a weeklong Sicily itinerary. With good transportation links to places like Cefalù, Agrigento, and Trapani, you can experience even more of what makes Sicily so unique. 

But for a taste of authentic city life, incredible food, and all the best things to do in Palermo, Italy, five days felt just right.

The Best Things to See in Palermo, Italy

Palermo might not have the polish of cities like Rome or Bologna, but that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating. The city wears its history on its sleeve – from crumbling Baroque facades to bustling markets overflowing with life. While the infrastructure can feel rough around the edges, don’t let that fool you. 

What Palermo lacks in shine, it more than makes up for in character, flavor, and heart.

Before our trip, we’d read that Palermo, Italy can feel a bit chaotic, so we knew what to expect. But instead of taking away from our experience, it added to it. 

The people we met were some of the warmest and most welcoming in all of Italy – proud of their city and eager to share it with visitors. It’s a place that challenges expectations in the best way possible.

This city isn’t for travelers seeking perfection – it’s for those who crave authenticity. And if that sounds like you, here are a few of our favorite things to see in Palermo, Italy, that truly capture its spirit.

Palermo Cathedral

• Hours:
  • Monday – Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
• Cost: Free to enter the main sanctuary
  • Ticket prices vary for Archbishop’s Palace Complex options € 8.00 – € 13.00

The Palermo Cathedral is one of those landmarks that truly captures the spirit of the city – a mix of Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences that reflect Sicily’s layered history. Even if you don’t pay to tour the rooftop or treasury, the free areas alone are absolutely worth a visit. 

The exterior is stunning, with ornate arches, intricate carvings, and those dramatic flying buttresses that make it a photographer’s dream.

Step inside the main sanctuary (free entry!) for a quick peek at its impressive interior before wandering through the peaceful courtyard outside. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in Palermo and a great place to slow down, grab a few photos, and admire the view.

From here, you’ll be right at the start of Palermo’s historic center, making it the perfect point to begin your walk down Via Vittorio Emanuele. 

This lively street is packed with restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops – the ideal place to experience daily life among Italian tourists and locals alike. If you’re planning out the best things to do in Palermo, Italy, this should definitely be near the top of your list.

Palazzo dei Normanni

• Hours:
  • Monday – Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Cost: €16.50

One of the most impressive landmarks we visited in Palermo, Italy was the Palazzo dei Normanni, also known as the Norman Palace. 

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Arabs colonized Sicily for a period, leaving a strong influence on the island’s art and architecture, and this palace is one of the best examples of that blend.

Inside the palace, the highlight for us was the Palatine Chapel. The moment we stepped inside, our eyes were immediately drawn to the ceiling, covered in intricate muqarnas – that distinctive honeycomb design found in Islamic architecture. We had seen this type of detail before at Spain’s Alhambra, but the ones here were unlike anything we’d ever encountered. 

Instead of neutral stone, these were richly painted with colorful biblical scenes and figures, each one more detailed than the last. It was absolutely stunning, and our necks were sore from staring up for so long.

After exploring the chapel, we wandered through the palace gardens and courtyard, which were just as beautiful in their own way. Between the history, architecture, and peaceful outdoor spaces, it’s easily one of the best things to see in Palermo, Italy, and a spot that captures the unique mix of cultures that make Sicily so unforgettable.

Street Markets

• Hours: vary by market but most open around 8 AM and close early afternoon
• Cost: Free to walk around

Of all the things to do in Palermo, Italy, exploring the city’s street markets was hands-down our favorite experience. 

These markets are pure, chaotic magic – packed with shouting vendors, sizzling grills, and the irresistible energy of everyday Sicilian life. Everywhere you look, there’s something to catch your eye (or your nose), from fresh seafood and colorful produce to locals belting out songs while selling their goods.

There are three main markets in Palermo – Ballarò, Capo, and Vucciria – and we managed to visit two of them. Ballarò Market was especially lively the day we went, stretching across several narrow city blocks filled with vibrant displays of seafood, fruit, and spices. 

We couldn’t resist sitting down for lunch at one of the stalls to enjoy the local specialties – part meal, part people-watching paradise.

Over at Capo Market, the atmosphere was just as electric. At one point, a DJ started playing music and the entire street broke out in dance. It was completely spontaneous, joyfully loud, and unforgettable – the kind of authentic cultural moment that makes Palermo so special. 

These markets aren’t just places to shop; they’re where you feel the heartbeat of the city.

Quattro Canti & Piazza Pretoria

• Hours: 24/7
• Cost: Free to walk around

If there’s one spot that feels like the heart of Palermo, Italy, it’s Quattro Canti – the city’s iconic Baroque intersection. 

Officially called Piazza Vigliena, this crossroads divides Palermo’s historic center into four quarters and has been the meeting point for locals and travelers for centuries. Each corner is a masterpiece of symmetry, adorned with statues representing the seasons, Spanish kings, and patron saints of the city.

Just steps away is Piazza Pretoria, nicknamed “The Square of Shame” for its dramatic, and let’s be honest, slightly risqué fountain filled with marble nudes. The fountain’s intricate design and stunning detail make it one of the most photographed spots in Palermo. 

Between the fountains, facades, and constant buzz of people, this is one of those must-see things to do in Palermo, Italy that perfectly captures the city’s energy –  vibrant, historical, and unapologetically alive.

Teatro Massimo

• Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM -7 PM
• Cost: €12 per person for a guided tour
  • Prices of tickets vary by show

You can’t talk about the best things to see in Palermo, Italy without mentioning Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest and most famous opera houses. Even if you’re not an opera fan, this architectural gem is worth a visit. Built in the late 1800s, its grandeur is matched only by its acoustics — so perfect that it inspired a saying among locals: “It’s so quiet, you could hear a pin drop on stage.”

We opted for a guided tour, which gave us a peek behind the scenes – from the grand marble staircase and plush red auditorium to the rooftop terrace overlooking Palermo’s skyline. It’s the kind of experience that makes you appreciate the artistry and ambition of this city.

Easy Day Trips from Palermo

While there’s plenty to keep you busy in the city itself, some of the best things to do in Palermo, Italy actually sit just beyond its borders. Whether you’re craving a beach day or a bit of mountain air, these quick and easy day trips from Palermo show off the island’s natural beauty and charm.

Mondello Beach

While Palermo, Italy sits right on the coast, it’s more of a bustling port city than a beach destination. But just a short bus ride away lies Mondello Beach – one of the most beautiful spots we’ve ever seen. 

The best part? It’s super affordable to get there. You can take the local city bus for just €1.50 each way, though be warned – even in the off-season, it’s usually standing room only for the 30-minute ride.

Standing on the crowded bus is absolutely worth it though. Mondello was probably the nicest beach we’d ever been to. The crystal clear water mixed with the surrounding mountains create an atmosphere that makes you feel completely at ease. We were astounded at the natural beauty in this world and found ourselves feeling so grateful for the experiences we’ve been able to have.

We only had about four hours to spend at the beach, and even though the water was chilly, it was pure magic. 

If you’re planning your Palermo itinerary during warmer months, this is one spot worth adding an extra day or two for. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking in the view, a trip to Mondello is easily one of the best things to do in Palermo, Italy.

Monreale

Just about an hour south of Palermo, Italy, the hillside town of Monreale offers one of the most rewarding day trips you can take from the city. The bus ride alone is worth the trip. Gorgeous views all the way up as you climb the mountains that surround the port city.

Once we reached the top, the town’s main (and really only) attraction was the Monreale Cathedral, and it completely lived up to the hype. The cathedral itself is breathtaking, with golden mosaics, intricate arches, and a peaceful cloister filled with pomegranate and lemon trees surrounding bubbling fountains.

From there, we followed a narrow passageway that weaved through the cathedral’s upper levels. One moment we were in dim corridors overlooking the chapel below, and the next, stepping out into the open air on the edge of the building. (Pro tip: watch out for hornet nests along the outside walls!)

The panoramic views from the rooftop are literally breathtaking. We could have spent hours just gazing out over Palermo and the sea beyond. Monreale might not make every top 10 list, but it’s one of those lesser-known gems that feels like a hidden reward, and easily one of the best things to see near Palermo, Italy if you have a free afternoon.

Where (and What) to Eat in Palermo

One of the best things to do in Palermo, Italy, is eat – and we came ready to do just that. The food here is bold, unique, and full of surprises. We wanted to dive in as much as possible, trying local dishes we’d never even heard of before. 

Some were instant favorites, others… not so much. But every bite told a story about this city’s wild mix of cultures and flavors, and we’re so glad we gave it all a shot.

Street Market Vendors

Palermo’s street markets are the beating heart of its food scene. 

We sampled stigghiole, a local favorite made from seasoned, grilled pork intestines – chewy but packed with flavor. Then came insalata di mare, which turned out to be a generous helping of octopus with parsley and olive oil, plus plenty of calamari for good measure. 

We also tried anelletti al forno, a baked pasta made with tiny ring-shaped noodles (think gourmet SpaghettiOs but Sicilian and a hundred times better). 

And of course, we couldn’t leave without grabbing a pane con panelle, a fried chickpea sandwich that’s iconic in Palermo. It was a bit dry on its own, but the flavor was still delicious – maybe we just missed the local sauce trick.

Between the sizzling grills, the smell of seafood, and the nonstop energy, eating at the markets was as much about people-watching as it was about food. For less than €15, we feasted, and got a full taste of what makes Palermo street food so legendary.

Convento di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria

• Location: The pastry shop is located inside the Monastery of Santa Caterina, which is a separate building from the Church of San Cataldo.

Turns out, one of the best places to stay in Palermo also serves up some of the city’s most heavenly sweets. The Convento di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, once home to pastry-making nuns, is now a must-visit for dessert lovers at I Segreti del Chiostro. 

We couldn’t resist trying their pastries – especially the cannoli, which supposedly originated right here in Sicily. Each pastry was filled with a creamy, lightly sweetened ricotta that hit the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The crisp shell, dipped in pistachios and chocolate, made it impossible to eat just one.

You can buy your treats inside, then enjoy them in the peaceful cloister courtyard with an espresso or cappuccino. Between the sugar, the serenity, and the setting, this spot easily ranks among the best things to do in Palermo, Italy for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Pani ca’ Meusa di Porta Carbone

• Hours: 
  • Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 10 PM
  • Saturday: 7:30 AM – 12 AM
  • Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM

Down by the port, we tracked down Pani ca’ Meusa di Porta Carbone, a tiny local spot serving one of Palermo’s most traditional (and adventurous) dishes: pane ca’ meusa. It’s a sandwich made with soft mafalda bread, stuffed with veal spleen and other innards – definitely not your average lunch. 

While it wasn’t our favorite, we’re still glad we tried it. It’s one of those “you can’t say you’ve been to Palermo until you do” kind of foods.

Luckily, the menu also includes arancini, the beloved Sicilian fried rice balls. We went for the butter-filled version, because, really, how could that be bad? It wasn’t. 

The inside was creamy without being heavy, perfectly golden on the outside, and just downright addictive.

Where to Drink in Palermo

After eating our way through the city, we had to see what Palermo was pouring, and it did not disappoint. Here are two of our favorite places to drink in Palermo, Italy.

Seven

• Hours: Closed Mondays
  • Restaurant: Tuesday – Sunday: 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
  • Lounge Bar: Tuesday – Sunday: 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM

Sure, Seven might cater a bit to tourists (the name’s in English, after all), but the cocktails and views make it absolutely worth a stop. 

Drinks here are pricier by Italian standards, between €10 and €15, but every cocktail was crafted with care, beautifully balanced, and served with one of the best sunset views in the city.

We came for aperitivo and timed it perfectly for golden hour. The terrace glowed as the sun dipped behind Palermo’s rooftops, and the aperitivo snacks were generous enough to double as a light dinner. 

It does get busy, so definitely make a reservation ahead of time – easy to do online. Whether you stay for drinks or dinner, this is one of the best bars in Palermo for an elevated evening out.

Dal Barone

• Hours:
  • Monday – Saturday: 6 PM – 12 AM
  • Sunday: Closed

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Dal Barone is as local as it gets. This tiny enoteca (wine shop and bar) feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a formal wine bar. 

Seating inside is limited, but that only adds to the charm – most guests linger outside in the street, glass in hand, chatting late into the night.

The wine list here is exceptional, with friendly sommeliers who take their time helping you pick the perfect bottle. We ended up with a sparkling rosé from Porta del Vento, a winery just outside Palermo that actually made the wine specifically for this bar. It was crisp, refreshing, and full of character – a perfect match for the city itself.

If you’re looking for a laid-back local vibe and a true taste of Sicilian wine culture, Dal Barone is a must.

Palermo surprised us in all the best ways. It’s authentic and gritty and the people and culture are warm and energetic. 

We came curious and left completely captivated. There’s a wide variety of things to see and eat and drink – we would certainly go back and maybe next time we’ll explore a bit more that the island has to offer.

Looking for More Italy Guides?

We’ve got plenty! Whether you’re planning your next stop after Palermo or dreaming up a future trip, these guides dive into some of our favorite Italian destinations – all filled with incredible food, wine, and culture.

Start exploring here:

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• Top Things to Do in One Day in Bologna, Italy
• 3 Days in Naples, Italy

Or, click here to browse all of our Italy travel guides  and start planning your next adventure.