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Palermo

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40 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

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Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    Norman-Arab-Baroque cathedral with royal tombs and a rooftop walk

    • Tip: Dress code
    2 tips
    • Climb to the roof for city views
    • Closed to tourists during services
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  2. 2

    Seat of Sicily's Norman kings with dazzling Byzantine mosaics

    • Tip: Book ahead
    2 tips
    • Chapel can close for services
    • Allow 90 minutes
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  3. 3

    Italy's largest opera house, famed from The Godfather

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Guided tours available daily
    • Evening performances are spectacular
    • Steps are a good photo spot
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  4. 4

    Baroque crossroads where Palermo's main streets meet

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Best at golden hour
    • Four facades with statues of seasons and kings
    • Pedestrian area
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  5. 5

    Monumental Renaissance fountain nicknamed the Fountain of Shame

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Statues are nude, hence the nickname
    • Lit beautifully at night
    • Check for restoration work
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  6. 6

    Lively street market with Palermitan street food

    • Tip: Go early
    • Tip: Watch your bag
    1 tip
    • Try panelle and arancine
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  7. 7

    Mummified bodies in underground corridors beneath a monastery

    3 tips
    • No photography allowed
    • Open daily, closed some holidays
    • Not suitable for the squeamish
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  8. 8

    Norman cathedral with spectacular golden mosaics, just outside the city

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Take bus 389 from Piazza Indipendenza
    • Climb the terrace for views
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  9. 9

    Sandy Art Nouveau seaside resort north of the city

    3 tips
    • Take bus 806 from the center
    • Busy on summer weekends
    • Try the seafood restaurants
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  10. 10

    Church with Byzantine mosaics, linked to Arab-Norman Palermo

    3 tips
    • Part of the UNESCO Arab-Norman route
    • Ticket combines with San Cataldo
    • Try the marzipan fruit
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Before you go: Palermo tips

Transportation

  • Ride the airport options: The Trinacria Express train and Prestia e Comande airport buses link Falcone-Borsellino Airport with central Palermo, both cheaper than a taxi.
  • Use AMAT buses and trams: AMAT city buses reach Mondello and Monreale; buy and validate tickets before boarding, as drivers may not sell them and inspectors do fine.
  • Skip driving in the centre: The historic centre has a ZTL limited traffic zone with camera fines, so park outside it or return a rental car before exploring the old town.

Security

  • Watch bags in the markets: Ballaro, Capo and Vucciria markets are lively but crowded; wear bags in front and keep phones out of back pockets while you browse.
  • Beware scooter snatches: Keep bags on the side away from traffic on busy roads like Via Roma, and do not hold phones loosely at the kerb when scooters pass.
  • Check restaurant bills: Some touristy places near the Quattro Canti add extra items or coperto; check the menu prices and the bill before you pay.

Saving

  • Eat street food: Arancine, panelle, sfincione and pane con la milza are cheap, filling and local; try them at markets or friggitorie instead of sit-down lunches.
  • Visit regional sites on free days: Sicily's regional museums and monuments run free entry on some days, such as the first Sunday of the month; check before you plan.
  • Stay near the Kalsa or Politeama: Staying in a central area means walking to most sights, saving on taxis and buses, and having plenty of cheap bakeries nearby.

Weather/Clothing

  • Expect hot summers: July and August are hot and humid, sometimes with scirocco winds from Africa; wear light clothes and plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
  • Pack layers for winter: Winters are mild but can be wet and windy, especially near the Foro Italico seafront; bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
  • Cover up for churches: Palermo Cathedral, Cappella Palatina and Monreale require covered shoulders and knees; carry a light scarf or shawl when visiting.

Cultural

  • Say arancina in Palermo: In Palermo the fried rice ball is called arancina, while eastern Sicily says arancino; using the local word is a fun way to win smiles.
  • Join the Festino: The Festino di Santa Rosalia in July celebrates Palermo's patron saint with a procession and fireworks; locals also walk up Monte Pellegrino in September.
  • Respect the riposo: Many smaller shops close in the early afternoon; follow the local rhythm with a long lunch and save shopping for late afternoon.

Local Hacks

  • Eat granita with brioche: For breakfast in summer, order a granita served with a soft brioche bun, a local habit that also beats crowds in the cooler hours.
  • Support Addiopizzo shops: Look for businesses in the Addiopizzo network, which refuse to pay mafia protection money, when choosing cafes, shops and tours.
  • Go to Mondello on weekdays: Mondello beach is packed with locals on summer weekends; go on a weekday morning by AMAT bus for space on the sand.

1-day itineraries in Palermo

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 3

Ballarò Market and around

🕘 9:30–16:45📍 5 stops

  1. 1Ballarò Market
  2. 2Fontana Pretoria
  3. 3Quattro Canti
  4. 4Salinas Archaeological Museum
  5. 5Teatro Massimo
See the day →

Day 2 of 3

Santa Maria dello Spasimo and around

🕘 9:30–16:30📍 5 stops

  1. 1Santa Maria dello Spasimo
  2. 2Palazzo Abatellis
  3. 3International Puppet Museum
  4. 4Palazzo Mirto
  5. 5La Cala Harbour
See the day →

Day 3 of 3

Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel and around

🕘 9:30–13:15📍 3 stops

  1. 1Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel
  2. 2Palermo Cathedral
  3. 3Museo Diocesano
See the day →

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