Have you been thinking about visiting Palermo for a while but haven’t found the right flight yet? Are you wondering what the 10 things to do in Palermo are?
Did you think Palermo was just a seaside city with white beaches and crystal-clear waters and not an art city? Did you know that according to the ranking of the top 10 cities in the world for street food offerings, Palermo is ranked 5th, being the only Italian city on the list?
- Palermo arabo normanna
- Piazza della vergogna
- Palazzo dei Normanni e Cappella Palatina
- Il Teatro Massimo
- I Quattro Canti
- La Spiaggia di Mondello
- I Mercati
- Chiesa della Martorana
- Santuario di Santa Rosalia
- Food
Let’s not forget that Palermo was the Italian Capital of Culture in 2018 and boasts the largest historic center in Europe. The renowned writer Goethe, a strong advocate of the Grand Tour in Europe, wrote in his “Journey to Italy” that Palermo is the most stunning place in the world. And who says a trip must be expensive? Just search for the right flight and accommodation combinations to find the best offer at the best price.
1, 2, 3, relax, get comfortable, and book your trip. Trust our experience and let yourself be transported into the magic of a city like Palermo. We have many tips that you won’t want to miss! 😉
As proud Palermitans, we recommend 10 things to do in Palermo during your vacation.
If you’re a street food enthusiast, a traveler in search of local culinary traditions, or simply a food lover, remember that street food is the best solution. So what are you waiting for? Major airlines fly directly to Palermo, including Alitalia, Ryanair, Volotea, EasyJet, Lufthansa, Iberia, British Airways, and many more. There are also sea connections with leading maritime companies like Siremar, Tirrenia, TTTLines, SNAV, and Grandi Navi Veloci.
Pack light, but make sure your suitcase is semi-empty to fill it with delicious treats and souvenirs to bring back to friends and family.
At this point, all that’s left is to plan your visit to our eclectic city: Palermo.
First time in Palermo and not sure what to see? Here are some things to do in Palermo!
Palermo, elected the Italian Capital of Culture in 2018, is so rich in history, traditions, art, and culture that it can be considered one of the most fascinating and enchanting destinations in the world. If you’re visiting Palermo for the first time, there are places you absolutely cannot miss, such as the enchantment of the port at Cala di Palermo at sunset, and the famous buildings and views immortalized in famous films.
It’s not hard to understand why Palermo is one of the most famous and visited cities in Italy, with a millennia-old artistic heritage and enchanting beauty that has always welcomed conquerors, kings, and today’s tourists. In the summer, for example, there are more tourists than residents. However, even on the busiest days, Palermo never loses its ability to enchant, especially in its alleyways, streets, and beaches.
The attractions offered by the Capital of Culture in 2018 are numerous, and although the list is long, we have to start somewhere. Here are some suggestions for things to do for a complete immersion in the Sicilian capital if you want to discover a more authentic Palermo.
You can opt for a fully cultural visit among palaces, museums, and villas where you’ll certainly get a sense of its history, or you can choose the more innovative and vibrant side and enjoy its colors and flavors among historic courtyards adorned with graffiti in the typical style of new street art and the folkloric markets. Palermo is certainly a blend of culture, classical and contemporary art, beaches, shopping, and plenty of food.
10 Things to Do in Palermo
La Palermo arabo-normanna –
La Cattedrale di Palermo, It is one of the most significant symbols of the city and the Arab-Norman style with its grandeur and majesty, where numerous artistic styles blend harmoniously to create a unique monument of its kind. The itinerary also includes Monreale with its Cathedral (located a few kilometers from Palermo) and the Royal Palace. il castello della Zisa
Piazza della vergogna
– La Fontana Pretoria Of Tuscan origin, it gives the popular name to the “Piazza della Vergogna” (Square of Shame) due to its nude statues. It is considered one of the most beautiful fountains in the world and is one of the most iconic symbols of Palermo. Originally built in Florence and later relocated to Palermo after being purchased by the city’s senate.
Palazzo dei Normanni e Cappella Palatina
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The Palazzo dei Normanni, commonly known as the Royal Palace, reminds us that Palermo was once the capital of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and hosted the king and later the viceroys. It currently serves as the seat of the Regional Assembly of Sicily and is one of the most visited monuments on the island. Inside, you can visit the Red Room, the Yellow Room, the Green Room, the Hall of Hercules, and King Roger’s Chamber.
On the first floor of the palace, you’ll find the splendid Palatine Chapel, a jewel of Byzantine art dedicated to St. Peter the Apostle. The most striking image is the blessing Pantocrator, located in the dome of the chapel.
Il Teatro Massimo
The Teatro Massimo is one of the most iconic monuments in the city of Palermo. It is the largest lyrical theater building in Italy and the third-largest in Europe, after the Paris Opera and the Vienna State Opera. Impressive, elegant, and enchanting. Its charm will leave you dazzled and breathless.
On the facade, above the six entrance columns, the inscription reads: “Art renews peoples and reveals their life. Vain is the delight of the stage if it does not aim to prepare the future.”
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I Quattro Canti
– I Quattro Canti They represent the true center of Palermo. This is an octagonal square, Piazza Vigliena, formed by the intersection of Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda. On the four sides, there are four buildings adorned with statues, fountains, and columns, representing four districts of Palermo: Albergheria, Capo, La Loggia, and Kalsa. At the center of each of these buildings, you’ll find four statues representing the former patron saints of the city: Cristina, Ninfa, Oliva, and Agata.
La Spiaggia di Mondello
– Mondello. With its azure and crystal-clear sea, and Caribbean-like white sand, Mondello is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In the summer, it’s crowded with beachgoers, and it’s almost impossible to find a spot to relax. Mondello remains one of the most beautiful places to visit throughout the year, even in winter with our mild climate and lovely days that provide the opportunity for beautiful walks along the promenade, excellent restaurants, and delightful ice cream.
I Mercati
– TA must-visit when in Palermo are the city’s historic markets: Ballarò, Vucciria, and Capo. Take a stroll through one of these and you’ll be amazed by the colors, flavors, and scents. Market stalls brim with food, local products, meat, fish, vegetables, and plenty of fruit. The vendors proclaim their wares, and only here can you find the essence of the city, the authentic Palermo. Numerous trattorias, inns, and hot food stands offer the best of Sicilian street food!
La Chiesa della Martorana
– La Chiesa Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio o di San Nicolò dei Greci Known as La Martorana, it is one of the most beautiful churches in Palermo. Mosaics, frescoes, and decorations will leave you breathless. Distinguished by the multitude of styles, it is undoubtedly the most significant testament to medieval Byzantine art in Italy.
Santuario di Santa Rosalia
–On the promontory atop Mount Pellegrino stands the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of the city. Inside an evocative cave, the revered saint is enshrined, serving as a symbol for the devout. This mystical place, which welcomes numerous faithful, has the power to immerse all those who wish to experience the true soul of Palermo.
A must-do: the “acchianata,” which is the ascent on foot of the mountain along the old road, not only for the devout but also for all sports and nature enthusiasts. Also worth noting is the famous festival in honor of the saint, held in the month of July.
Il cibo a Palermo
It’s a serious matter; food is art, food is culture, food is love. There’s no place where you eat poorly or where you’re not offered something to taste before buying. Many typical products, first courses, and second courses., street food And many sweets, but one thing you must treasure and absolutely try is the well-known and delicious “croccante,” a rice ball, breaded, fried, and filled with tasty variations. Whether with or without a pointed top, in the masculine or feminine form, in Palermo, we call it “arancina,” and it’s “fimmina” (feminine).
At this point, all that’s left is to follow our advice on what to do in Palermo so that you don’t miss the 10 things to see in the city of culture. We’re always here to welcome you to our home in the best way, with our rich and delicious breakfasts, guided tours tailored to your needs, and recommendations for the best places to eat and spend your vacation. Contact us, and we’ll answer all your questions.
If you truly want to experience Palermo, come visit us!
Stay with us and explore the city with Simona, our guide!
