Palermo, Sicily: 26 Best Things to Do and See

If there’s a city that strikes you with such a strong cultural mix that at times you’ll feel like you’re in Africa, at other times in the Orient, and occasionally even in Europe, it’s Sicilian Palermo. This city is chaotic, unpolished, yet incredibly beautiful. It’s like a wild ride through Norman palaces, Arab domes, Baroque fountains, and markets that could easily be in Morocco.

I spent a whole month in Sicily, and we returned to Palermo several times because we were staying only 40 minutes by car from the city. And each visit was a little different. We even managed it with our extremely active one-year-old son, Jonáš – the hop-on hop-off bus saved us, which I highly recommend to all parents with small children.

In this guide, I will share with you Palermo, Sicily: 26 Best Things to Do and See, from the must-visit Norman Palace to hidden local markets and stunning beaches just a short ride from the city center.

TL;DR

• Top Sights: Norman Palace with Palatine Chapel, Cathedral, Martorana Church, and San Cataldo.
• Culinary Experiences: Visit the Ballarò, Capo, or Vucciria markets, try arancini, panelle, or pane con la milza.
• Beaches: Head to Mondello – the most beautiful city beach with white sand and turquoise water, accessible in 30 minutes by bus from the center.
• Insider Tips: Walk through Kalsa – Palermo’s hipster district, visit the Capuchin Catacombs, or head to Monte Pellegrino for absolutely stunning views.
• With Kids: Use the hop-on hop-off bus – it saved us with one-year-old Jonáš and allowed us to see the whole city effortlessly.

When to Visit Palermo

Paradoxically, it’s better to go to Palermo on a weekend than on a weekday. During the week, traffic was an absolute nightmare – Italians don’t respect any lanes, so they easily turn two into four, and once we were stuck in traffic for perhaps 40 minutes. Which you really don’t want with a small child.

If you want to fly specifically to Palermo, avoid summer and go in spring or autumn (September, October).

In summer, Palermo (July and August) is scorching hot. Locals who can afford it flee to the sea. If you plan to visit during this period, expect it to be more challenging but not impossible. Temperatures, however, can easily reach 35 degrees Celsius and more.

In winter, it’s 10–15 degrees Celsius here, and it can be rainy and windy, but you won’t encounter any tourists, so it’s a time when travelers seeking a more authentic Palermo come here.

How to get to Palermo

There are no direct flights from Prague to Palermo; you’ll need to fly with a layover, or fly to Catania and then travel by car or bus from there.

We recommend booking a car through RentalCars, and most importantly, don’t forget full insurance. Seriously, pay for it. This is one piece of advice you’ll find in almost every discussion about transport in Sicily: Only a fool rents a car in Sicily without full coverage. You’ll understand why almost immediately once you get in the car.

To get from the airport to the city center, you can get:

• By Prestia e Comande Bus: It runs every 30 minutes, the journey takes about 50 minutes, and costs €6 one-way or €10 round-trip.
• By Train: For €6.50, it will take you to the center in an hour.
• Taxi: Personally, I don’t rely on public transport in Southern Italy, and after several “experiences,” we take a taxi. Uber operates in Palermo.

Where to Stay in Palermo

If you’re specifically going to Palermo, then stay right in the center. You really don’t want to use local public transport to get to the center. It’s so unreliable that it’s not worth the stress. For me, the best way to find accommodation is to use booking.com; filter by proximity to the center and don’t forget to read reviews.

One of the most beautiful accommodations in Palermo is Palazzo Mazzarino, which is only 300 m from the center.

Palermo, Sicily: 26 Best Things to Do and See

You definitely won’t get bored in Palermo, and if you come here for just one day, you won’t be able to see everything. I personally recommend at least 3 days to see everything.

Palazzo Dei Normanni

Palazzo dei Normanni used to be the seat of the Sicilian kings and today hosts the regional parliament. But the real gem is the chapel inside.

The chapel is a stunning combination of Byzantine, Arab, and Norman influences. The walls are covered with golden mosaics that literally glow in the dim light, and the wooden ceiling decorated in the Arab muqarnas style resembles a cave full of stalactites.

Be prepared for queues, even outside of peak season. You can skip them by buying tickets online.

Cattedrale Di Palermo

Palermo Cathedral is a fascinating mix of styles that reflect the city’s turbulent history. From the outside, it looks like an architectural cocktail, mixing Norman, Gothic, Baroque, and Arab elements. When I first entered the square with palm trees and saw this monumental building, it was literally a wow moment.

The interior is surprisingly modest compared to the exterior, but don’t be deterred. Go to the royal tombs, where Norman rulers rest, including Emperor Frederick II.

For €12, you can climb to the cathedral’s roof, from where there’s a magnificent view of the entire city and the surrounding mountains.

Quattro Canti and Surroundings

Quattro Canti (Four Corners) is the intersection of two main streets, Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda, which forms the heart of historic Palermo. Each of the four corners is adorned with a Baroque facade featuring statues of the seasons, Spanish kings, and Palermo’s patron saints.

It’s the busiest place in the city, where locals, tourists, street artists, and vendors meet. The ideal time to visit is early morning, when there are still relatively few people.

Pretoria Fountain

Just a short walk from Quattro Canti, you’ll find a square with a monumental marble fountain, also known as the “Fountain of Shame”, which, unfortunately, was under reconstruction when we were there. It earned its name due to the nude statues that adorn it, which outraged local residents in the 16th century when the fountain was brought from Florence.

The fountain is impressive, even though it was under reconstruction. If you visit and it’s no longer under repair, then reportedly the best view is from the terrace of Santa Caterina Church, from where you can admire the entire square from above.

Martorana and San Cataldo Churches

In Bellini Square, two churches stand side by side, which are a perfect example of Arab-Norman architecture. Martorana Church (officially Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio) will dazzle visitors with its magnificent Byzantine mosaics.

Right next door stands San Cataldo Church with its characteristic red domes, which resemble a mosque. The interior is austere, but the atmosphere breathes history.

Both buildings are part of Palermo’s Arab-Norman route, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admission to Martorana Church is €2, and to San Cataldo €3.

Ballarò Market

If you also have to visit all the markets in every city, then you’ll be in your element here. As soon as you approach, the scent of fresh fish, spices, citrus, and grilled meat will hit you. Ballarò is the most authentic and oldest market in Palermo.

The market is liveliest in the morning, when locals buy fresh produce. It’s the perfect place to try street food like panelle (chickpea fritters) or sfincione (Sicilian pizza).

Il Capo Market

Another classic Palermo market is located in the historic Capo district. It’s smaller than Ballarò, but just as authentic. Walk through the narrow streets full of stalls with fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish.

Vucciria Market

“Vucciria” means “confusion” or “noise” in Sicilian, and this market lives up to its name. Historically, it was the city’s busiest market, although it has lost some of its vigor in recent years.

What makes Vucciria interesting is its dual nature – in the morning it’s a market with fresh fish and seafood, but in the evening it transforms into a lively district with bars and street food stalls, where you can experience an authentic Palermo nightlife atmosphere.

Teatro Massimo

Teatro Massimo is the third largest opera house in Europe and a true pride of Palermo. The neoclassical building from the late 19th century has not only a stunning exterior but also fantastic acoustics.

Fans of The Godfather movie will surely remember the final scene of the third part, which was filmed right here. For €8, you can buy a ticket for a tour, during which you’ll learn about the theater’s history and get a glimpse of the main hall.

However, it’s definitely better to experience a real performance, so if you don’t have a small child like us, go to the opera. It will definitely be awesome. And don’t forget to write to us about how it was!

Capuchin Catacombs

This is not a place for the faint of heart, but if we didn’t have a one-year-old child, we’d probably go. We went for a similar experience in Mexico. In the catacombs, about 8,000 mummified bodies of Palermo citizens from the 16th to the early 20th century are displayed.

Some bodies are very well preserved, dressed in period clothing, while only skeletons remain of others. I don’t know if I could handle the children’s section today, including “Rosalia Lombardo”, a two-year-old girl who died in 1920 and whose body is reportedly perfectly preserved.

You can read more about it and see photos here.

Admission costs €3. Photography is forbidden, but the atmosphere of the place will stick with you even without photos.

Botanical Garden

Do you want beautiful photos or need to relax from the city bustle? Or do you need somewhere with a bit of shade? Orto Botanico di Palermo is an oasis of calm with over 12,000 plant species and magnificent greenhouses. The gardens, founded in 1789, are among the oldest botanical gardens in Italy.

Although most people come here for the enormous fig trees, I personally liked the romantic greenhouses the most.

Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri

This 14th-century medieval palace served as the seat of the Inquisition in the 16th century. Most interesting are the former prison cells, where you can see drawings and inscriptions left by prisoners on the walls. Today, the palace belongs to the University of Palermo.

Palazzo Abatellis: Regional Gallery of Sicily

This 15th-century Gothic palace houses one of the best art collections in Sicily. The most famous exhibit is “The Annunciation” by Antonello da Messina, a painting so delicate and detailed it will take your breath away.

Another remarkable work is the fresco “Triumph of Death”, a medieval memento mori which graphically depicts how death comes for everyone, regardless of social status.

Chiesa Del Gesù

This Baroque gem is often overlooked by tourists, which is a great shame. The church’s interior is incredibly rich, with marble inlays, frescoes, and sculptures covering every inch.

What makes this church special is the contrast between its unassuming exterior and dazzlingly ornate interior. Admission is free, but contributions for maintenance are welcome.

Palazzo Mirto

Do you want to see how the Sicilian aristocracy lived? Palazzo Mirto is a completely preserved noble house with original furniture, paintings, tapestries, and household items.

The tour will take you through the representative salons, private rooms, library, and kitchen. It’s like traveling back in time to the 19th century.

Chiesa Di San Giovanni Degli Eremiti

This small church with its characteristic red domes is one of the most photogenic places in Palermo. It was built in the 12th century on the site of a former mosque, and its architecture clearly shows Muslim influences.

The adjacent cloister with its quiet courtyard and subtropical garden is also beautiful.

Kalsa, the Bohemian Quarter

Kalsa was once an aristocratic Arab quarter; today it’s the most hipster part of Palermo. You’ll find a mix of crumbling palaces, street art, design shops, and trendy bars here.

Walk through Piazza Magione with the church ruins, visit the modern art gallery in the former palace, or simply enjoy a drink at one of the many open-air bars.

Arenella Beach

Looking for a less crowded alternative to Mondello? Arenella is a smaller pebble beach south of the city center. The water here is crystal clear, and the atmosphere is more local than touristy.

Capo Gallo Nature Reserve

On the western edge of Mondello begins the Capo Gallo nature reserve, an area of wild limestone coast with hiking trails, small coves, and rich underwater life. The most beautiful spot here is said to be the small cove of Cala dell’Osta, accessible only on foot or by boat. Again, something we had to skip with little Jonáš.

Zisa

Zisa is a medieval palace built by Arab craftsmen for the Norman kings. Its name comes from the Arabic word “al-aziz”, which means “splendid”.

The interior of the palace is cool even on the hottest summer days thanks to an ingenious Arab ventilation system, making it a great place to escape when it’s hot outside (or when it’s raining, if you visit in winter).

Villa Giulia and Foro Italico

Villa Giulia is an elegant 18th-century park with fountains and statues, where you can relax from the city bustle or take small children to let off some steam. Right next door is Foro Italico, a grassy seaside promenade with views of the harbor and Monte Pellegrino.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus – a Lifesaver for Parents with Kids

I must admit that with one-year-old Jonáš, the hop-on hop-off bus literally saved us. 10 years ago, we wouldn’t have even considered something like that, but then we tried these buses once and kind of fell in love with them. Besides, Jonáš doesn’t last long in a stroller, so it was a welcome change.

Thanks to the bus, we could comfortably see all the main sights, get off where we were interested, and get back on when it was too much for Jonáš. You can conveniently buy tickets online via GetYourGuide.

Mondello Beach

When you get tired of history and architecture, it’s time to hit the beach. Mondello is the most beautiful city beach in Palermo, with white sand and turquoise water. It’s located just 11 km from the city center and easily accessible by bus no. 806 in 30 minutes.

The beach is lined with colorful cabins and Art Nouveau villas from the early 20th century. However, in the summer months, it’s unfortunately quite crowded, and in early May, there was a problem with algae here.

But for families with children, Mondello is ideal – gradual entry into the sea, clean water, and plenty of restaurants nearby.

Monte Pellegrino

Monte Pellegrino is a limestone massif towering over Palermo, which Goethe called the “most beautiful cape in the world”. The view of the city and the sea from a height of 600 meters is truly spectacular.

At the summit is the sanctuary of St. Rosalia, patron saint of Palermo. You can drive or take a bus here, but the real experience will certainly be the ascent on foot along the old pilgrimage path that leads through the nature reserve. The journey should take about 2 hours and is moderately difficult.

That’s something we would have done if we didn’t have such a small child. So again, I’d be happy if you let us know how it was. But don’t forget that in summer, you either need to set off really early in the morning or preferably skip it, so you don’t get sunstroke or collapse on the way.

Monreale and its Cathedral

Just 8 km from Palermo lies the city of Monreale, home to one of the most impressive cathedrals in the world. This 12th-century structure is a masterpiece of Arab-Norman style, and its interior is covered with over 6,000 m² of golden mosaics.

The central apse is dominated by a giant mosaic of Christ Pantocrator, which is a bit eerie; it seems to follow you wherever you stand. The adjacent cloister with its Romanesque columns is also worth a visit.

Cefalù

Cefalù is a charming seaside town located about an hour by train from Palermo. Its historic center, with narrow streets, small squares, and a Norman cathedral, is like something out of a fairytale.

However, the main attraction is the long sandy beach with crystal-clear water, which even appeared in the series White Lotus, and above which the dramatic rock of La Rocca rises. The climb to the top takes about an hour, and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the town and the sea.

Cefalù is ideal for a day trip from Palermo.

What to Try in Palermo

Palermo is a paradise for food lovers. Sicilian cuisine is one of the most interesting in Italy, with influences from Arab, Spanish, and Greek cooking.

Must-try Street Food:

• Arancini: Fried rice balls filled with meat ragù, peas, and mozzarella.
• Panelle: Fried chickpea flour fritters, typical of Palermo.
• Pane con la milza: Sandwich with boiled veal spleen — sounds terrifying, and as vegetarians, we didn’t try it, but it’s said to be good.
• Sfincione: Sicilian version of pizza with tomatoes, onions, anchovies, and grated cheese.
• Cannoli: Crispy tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream — not my favorite, but others enjoyed them.

Frequently Asked Questions