Palermo, located on the northern coast of Sicily, offers an experience rich in history, culture, and local charm. Our travel guide to Palermo highlights the main places to visit, suggestions for dining and information on how to get around.
With a remarkable blend of architectural styles, a history spanning over 2,700 years, and a food scene that draws influences from across the Mediterranean, Palermo promises a journey that will capture the imagination of any traveller.
Top Attractions in Palermo
Palermo is best discovered on foot. Our travel guide to Palermo highlights some of the most popular attractions in the city. The Catacombs are a fair walk from the centre, but on the way back to the centre is when I stumbled across the best arancini in a small, local bar.
- Palermo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Palermo)
A visit to Palermo should include the Palermo Cathedral, a building that embodies the city’s complex history. The cathedral is an architectural mosaic, combining Norman, Gothic, Moorish, and Baroque elements into one fascinating structure.
Built in 1185, it has been expanded and renovated over centuries, resulting in a unique mix of styles. Inside, you can explore the tombs of Sicilian kings and view the crown jewels of the Kingdom of Sicily. Climb to the roof terraces for sweeping views over Palermo’s rooftops and the mountains beyond.
- Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel (Palazzo dei Normanni e Cappella Palatina)
The Norman Palace, also known as the Royal Palace of Palermo, is Europe’s oldest royal residence still in use today. It served as the seat of the Kings of Sicily and now houses the regional parliament.
Inside the palace, you will find the Palatine Chapel, renowned for its intricate mosaics, wooden ceilings, and inlaid marble floors. The chapel, with its golden mosaics depicting biblical scenes, is a masterpiece of Norman-Byzantine architecture and offers a window into the rich cultural exchanges that have shaped Palermo over centuries.
- Quattro Canti and Piazza Pretoria
At the heart of Palermo’s old town is the Quattro Canti, a Baroque square also known as Piazza Vigliena. The square is marked by four curved façades, each representing a season, a Spanish king, and a patron saint of one of Palermo’s historic quarters.
A short walk away, you’ll find Piazza Pretoria, home to the Fontana Pretoria. This 16th-century fountain features a collection of statues that has earned it the nickname “Fountain of Shame.” Its elaborate design makes it one of Palermo’s most photographed sites.
- Church of the Martorana (Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio)
The Church of the Martorana, near Piazza Bellini, stands out for its exceptional mosaics from the 12th century. The interior showcases a striking mix of Eastern Orthodox, Norman, and Baroque elements, with golden mosaics depicting scenes from the New Testament alongside richly decorated frescoes. This combination of artistic influences makes the church a must-visit for those interested in the city’s unique architectural heritage.
- Ballarò and Vucciria Markets
Palermo’s street markets are an essential part of the city’s character. Ballarò is the oldest and largest market, where you can experience the daily life of Palermo. Here, vendors sell everything from fresh seafood and cheeses to spices, produce, and street food.
The Vucciria Market, though smaller, is known for its atmosphere in the evenings when it becomes a gathering place for food and live music. Both markets offer a window into Palermo’s everyday life and are ideal spots for sampling local dishes.
- Catacombs of the Capuchins (Catacombe dei Cappuccini)
For those intrigued by the macabre, the Catacombs of the Capuchins offer a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into Palermo’s past. Located on the city’s outskirts, this underground burial site contains thousands of mummified bodies, some still dressed in their original clothing.
Originally used by Capuchin monks in the 16th century, the catacombs later became a final resting place for Palermo’s aristocracy and notable citizens.
- Teatro Massimo
Teatro Massimo is Italy’s largest opera house and one of Europe’s most impressive theatres. Built in 1897, musicians and architects celebrate it for its acoustics and neoclassical design. Even if you don’t have time to attend a performance, guided tours of the theatre offer access to the elegant main hall, the royal box, and behind-the-scenes areas. The square outside the theatre is a popular spot to relax with a coffee or gelato and watch the world go by.
Discovering Palermo’s Food Scene
Palermo is a city where food plays a central role in daily life. The local cuisine uses fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and inventive combinations, which draw from Arab, Norman, Spanish, and Italian culinary traditions.
- Street Food in Palermo
Palermo has gained a reputation as a street food capital, offering a wide range of snacks that you can enjoy on the go. An essential experience is tasting arancina, a deep-fried rice ball filled with ragù, cheese, or butter and peas. Panelle, or chickpea fritters served in a bun, are another popular choice, often paired with a slice of fried aubergine.
Sfincione, a thick, doughy pizza topped with tomato sauce, anchovies, onions, and caciocavallo cheese, is also a must-try. For those feeling adventurous, try pane con la milza, a sandwich made with cooked spleen. These dishes are best sampled at the street markets, or in local bars in the city’s backstreets.
- Traditional Sicilian Cuisine
Beyond street food, Palermo offers a range of traditional Sicilian dishes in its many trattorias and restaurants. Try pasta alla Norma, a dish with tomatoes, aubergines, ricotta salata, and basil, or pasta con le sarde, featuring fresh sardines, wild fennel, raisins, pine nuts, and saffron.
Seafood enthusiasts should look for pesce spada alla ghiotta, swordfish cooked with tomatoes, olives, and capers. Finish your meal with a cannoli, a pastry filled with sweet ricotta, or cassata, a cake made with ricotta, marzipan, and candied fruits.
- Wining and Dining in Palermo
Sicily produces some excellent wines, and Palermo provides plenty of opportunities to sample them. Visit a local wine bar to taste wines like Nero d’Avola, known for its deep fruit flavours, or Grillo, a crisp and aromatic white.
Look for restaurants which offer wine pairings with local cheese, olives, and seafood dishes.
Best Time to Visit Palermo
Palermo enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The ideal time to visit is in the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded.
During these months, you can comfortably explore the city and its surroundings. For those interested in local culture, visiting in July offers the chance to experience the Festino di Santa Rosalia, a festival celebrating the city’s patron saint with processions, fireworks, and traditional music. But don’t worry if you visit in September, as the liturgical feast is the 4th September, and the sanctuary on Mount Pellegrino celebrates Santa Rosalia then.
Cultural Tips and Etiquette
Palermo is a city shaped by a blend of cultures and traditions. Sicilians are known for their warm and welcoming nature, and a few simple gestures can help you connect with locals.
Learn a few basic Italian phrases. Greet people with a friendly “buongiorno” (good morning) or “buonasera” (good evening), and be polite in your interactions. When dining, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service.
Remember that shops and businesses often close for a few hours in the afternoon for riposo, so plan your day accordingly.
Getting to Palermo
Palermo is well-connected to Europe and beyond, making it easy to reach. Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) is the city’s main airport, located about 35 kilometres west of the city centre.
From the airport, taxis, rental cars, and buses can bring you to the heart of Palermo in around 40 minutes. If you are already in Sicily, you can reach Palermo by train, bus, or car from other cities such as Catania, Taormina, or Messina.
Regular ferries also operate from mainland Italy, with routes from cities like Naples and Genoa.
Getting Around Palermo
Palermo’s historical centre is compact and best explored on foot, allowing you to take in the character of its narrow streets, squares, and hidden courtyards.
The city has a public transport network that includes buses and trams for reaching areas further afield. Taxis and rideshare services are available, but keep in mind that Palermo’s traffic can be unpredictable.
If you plan to venture beyond the city, renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your pace.
