10 Best Things To Do In Palermo (Sicily, Italy)

Are you looking for the best things to do in Palermo on the beautiful island of Sicily, Italy? You are on the right page, I have been to Sicily and visited Palermo. I would like to share with you some of my recommended things to do and popular landmarks on this beautiful Italian island.

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and the capital of Sicily, Palermo, is located at the bottom of Italy, close to Tunisia and Malta. It is the island’s cultural and economic hub, with a population of 676,000 and 1.3 million in the surrounding metropolitan area.

Human habitations have been dated to as early as 8000 BC, and cave drawings have been discovered in Palermo. Initially, under Roman control, Palermo later came under Germanic rule as the empire began to fall, followed by Arabic rule, and finally Christian conquest in the 1000s.

Since the 1980s, Palermo has undergone tremendous growth and is now a thriving city with a service- and tourism-based economy most especially for the cruise sector. Palermo is a popular tourist destination with a wide variety of historical landmarks, historic structures, and breathtaking coastlines.

Read more: Beautiful Places To Visit In Italy For The First Time

Here are the best things to do in Palermo, Sicily (Italy):

1. Palermo Cathedral

Palermo is full of beautiful churches, but the Palermo Cathedral is the most beautiful of them all. The Cathedral was built in 1185 on the orders of Pope Gregory I. Over the years, it has been added to, fixed up, and remodeled to fit the style of the time and the tastes of those in charge.

Its style is unique because it has changed over hundreds of years. It has Moorish, Catalan Gothic, and many other styles. This is because Palermo has been taken over by many different countries and empires.

Several royal tombs, including that of Roger II, who started the Kingdom of Italy, are inside the cathedral. The Treasury has a lot of jewels and religious items, including a crown from the 13th century that is covered in gems.

Inside, the treasure room with artifacts from different times in the church’s history and the tomb of Emperor Frederick II are one of the most important parts.

The Palermo Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with cathedrals in Cefalu and Monreale, the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Palatine Chapel, and others, because its design combines Western, Byzantine, and Islamic styles.

2. Massimo Theater

The pride of the city is Teatro Massimo (or Massimo Theater), the biggest opera house in Italy. It was constructed in the 19th century, and even as you ascend the narrow staircase to the entrance, you can see how grand it is.

The theater’s goal was to leave an impression on visitors at every turn, starting with how it looked. Even just climbing the steep steps outside gives you a sense of the significance of the place you’re visiting. The architecture incorporates elements of the Greek temples at Selinunte and Agrigento.

Even those who are not interested in the opera should stop by to admire the stunning building while in Palermo. Opera fans are welcome to attend a performance here, and you will undoubtedly find more reasonably priced tickets here than, say, at the Fenice in Venice.

Regular concerts, opera, and ballet performances are held at the Teatro Massimo. If you don’t have time for one, think about joining one of the daily, 9:30-5:30, half-hour tours.

3. Norman Palace

The Palazzo Reale, also referred to as the Royal Palace or Norman Palace, is located at the highest point of the city. One of the oldest royal residences in Europe, with portions of the structure dating back to the ninth century, has served as the seat of the Kings of Sicily since 1071.

The stunning Cappella Palatina, the Astronomical Observatory of Palermo, and the Sicilian Regional Assembly are currently housed there.

As you delve deeper into your exploration of Palermo, you start to understand the city’s rich historical significance. The opulent structures in the formerly prosperous area are definitely worth exploring. The Palatine Chapel is also nearby.

Palatine Chapel

The Palatine Chapel, one of the best-preserved examples of Byzantine architecture and artwork in Europe, is situated close to the Pallazzo dei Normanni in the heart of Palermo.

It was a portion of the palace that Roger II of Sicily ordered constructed in 1132. The chapel, which is devoted to Saint Peter, has a central basilica and is filled with amazing Byzantine art and architecture.

The Chapel, which was constructed in 1140, is covered in mosaics that are a rainbow of colors and are accented with gold leaf and precious stones. The walls and floor are inlaid with marble in designs that clearly reflect Islamic influence, in addition to the mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament and images of Jesus.

There is something remarkable in almost every square inch of the room, from floor to ceiling. There is a new detail or intriguing representation around every bend or corner. It’s undoubtedly one of Palermo’s most beautiful sights.

4. Castelo a Mare and the Palermo Port

As part of a Mediterranean cruise, Palermo is one of the busiest cruise ports in Europe. It can’t be emphasized enough, but the busy port in Palermo is constantly bustling with activity. Despite Palermo’s long history as a significant trading center and numerous ups and downs in its fortunes, the port is still essential to the city’s economy.

At any given time, visitors will see a variety of yachts, cruise ships, fishing boats, and cargo ships. Visit Castello a Mare in La Cala, a historic fort that has protected the city’s port for almost 1,000 years, to get a glimpse of old Palermo.

Additionally, the La Cala neighborhood has a fantastic promenade that extends all the way to the Foro Italico and offers stunning views of the bay and marina. Many locals stroll along the seafront in the evenings to take in the sights and smells.

5. Visit Various Museums

Like any other city in Italy, Palermo has a rich history so there are also a lot of museums there that you should visit.

Regional Archeological Museum

The Palermo Archaeological Museum, which is close to the Teatro Massimo, is a great destination for history buffs.

Palermo is home to the “Antonino Salinas” Regional Archaeological Museum. It has one of the most comprehensive collections of archaeological artifacts in all of Italy, as well as evidence of Sicilian history throughout all of its eras, from prehistory to the Middle Ages.

The artifacts and finds from the cultures that shaped the history of the island—the Phoenicians, Punics, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines—as well as those from other civilizations like the Egyptians and the Etruscans—are preserved inside.

Modern Art Gallery

The Modern Art Gallery Sant’Anna, or GAM as it is commonly referred to, was founded more than a century ago and has developed into one of the best cultural institutions in the city. Its collection of contemporary artworks, which includes 176 paintings and 38 sculptures that reflect the shifting aesthetic trends of the time, is open to visitors.

View its collection of works by renowned Sicilian sculptors and painters. Along with a cafe and educational spaces, it is housed in the sizable building complex that formerly housed the Church of Sant’Anna la Misericordia.

The Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum of Palermo

The Association for the Conservation of Folk Traditions established the Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum in 1975. Since its inception, the museum has consistently referred to contemporary museography by being a venue for promoting culture rather than a temple of knowledge for a select few.

The museum’s founding father, anthropologist Antonio Pasqualino, who vanished in 1995 and was an authority on the history and culture of his native Sicily, is credited with starting it. He acquired a collection of nearly 4,000 scripts, puppets, and furnishings. Inside the museum’s walls are items that Antonio has collected over the years from all over the world. Inside the museum is a library with about 7,000 books on puppetry and folklore.

Museo Palazzo Branciforte

The Palazzo Branciforte is an aristocratic Renaissance-style building situated on Via Bara dell’Olivella in the heart of Palermo’s historic district in the Italian region of Sicily. It underwent extensive renovations under the architect Gae Aulenti’s direction, and since the work was finished in 2012, the Fondazione Sicilia has called it home. It features a contemporary library, auditorium, and exhibition halls.

6. Capuchin Catacombs

A visit to the Capuchin Catacombs is one of the most macabre and popular things to do in Palermo. The catacombs have served as the final resting place for monks, famous people, and affluent laypeople for more than 400 years. You won’t only see bones, though, unlike at many catacombs.

A growing number of people were mummified in these catacombs in Palermo between the 17th and the 19th centuries, some accidentally and later on purposely, keeping them there for all eternity.

Over 8000 fully mummified bodies are on display on shelves and hung from the walls at the Capuchin Catacombs. It’s undoubtedly a unique attraction that reflects the monks’ conviction that life is only temporary before being saved in Heaven. Keep in mind that the catacombs have limited hours on Sundays and are closed for two hours in the afternoon.

7. Go Shopping in La Vucciria and Mercado del Capo

Markets seem to have a certain appeal. The vibrant colors, intoxicating scents, and contagious energy are all present. Additionally, going to a market gives you a glimpse into real life.

The two main markets in the city center are Mercado del Capo and La Vucciria, both of which can be reached on foot from one in about 15 minutes.

Mercado del Capo

The number of cooks at the Capo market is what makes it special. There are many people waiting to help you try more street food or prepare the seafood or meat you bought a few stalls down, as well as a wide variety of interesting produce. It’s a fantastic location to sample.

La Vucciria

La Vucciria market spreads throughout the side streets surrounding Piazza San Domenico and is a little more tranquil than Ballaro. Although there are many tented produce stands with the necessary variety of fruits and vegetables, there are noticeably fewer eager sellers. If you’re looking for Sicilian treasures, you can also find a lot of merchandise similar to that found at flea markets here.

8. Enjoy the Beaches and Nature Hiking Trails

In addition to having absolutely gorgeous white sand beaches, Sicily also has a calm, warm sea all summer long. Mondello Beach is the most well-known beach in the area of Palermo. Aside from the beaches, you can also trek some mountains.

Mondello Beach

The vibrant town of Mondello, which is 15 minutes north of Palermo, is home to the magnificent Mondello Beach, a wonderful spot to unwind and take in the cool Mediterranean waters.

You will still have plenty of room to sunbathe or construct a sandcastle, despite it being busy at peak times! The enormous Art Nouveau pier and building, which houses a restaurant and bar, are located in the middle of the beach.

Capo Gallo Nature Reserve

In contrast to Palermo’s hot and busy streets, the nearby Capo Gallo Nature Reserve provides a breath of fresh air and some peace. Numerous reptile species, including the green whip snake, skinks, and wild lizards, can be found in the reserve.

White storks, cuckoos, and falcons are frequently seen by visitors, and it is a significant resting place for migrating birds. The reserve has a number of hiking trails, as well as some intriguing caves, including Grotta dell’Olio.

Mount Pellegrino

Monte Pellegrino, which is close to Palermo and provides an escape to nature with unmatched views of the city and the Mediterranean, is one of many mountains and hilly regions in Sicily.

Expect to mix with the locals as well as tourists since this place is a favorite for afternoon get-togethers. This mountain is close to the city, only 9 miles away, and a regular bus service goes to its summit from Politeama.

Valle del Porco

Taking a stroll through the mountains of Monte Pellegrino, the mountain range that frames the Gulf of Palermo and is referred to by Goethe as “The most beautiful promontory in the world,” will allow you to see Palermo from above.

The route travels through the Valle del Porco path, one of the three oldest access routes to the mountain’s summit, for about 10 km. Along the way, it passes through a variety of vegetation ecosystems, including pine forests, Mediterranean scrub, oak forests, canyons, natural whirlpools, and rocky areas.

9. Enjoy the Piazza and Botanical Garden

Spend some time in Palermo’s piazzas and botanical gardens if you need some peace and quiet.

Orto Botanico di Palermo

The University of Palermo established this magnificent garden, which now occupies a sizable 4 hectares.

You can wander the area and see a sizable collection of uncommon and rare plants from all over the world. The native trees and plants in the garden are also numerous and are absolutely stunning. Be on the lookout for the majestically large, ancient ceiba trees!

Piersanti Mattarella Park (English Garden)

The Giardino Inglese (English Garden) is a relatively small park that is well-liked by locals as a place to work out or gather with friends for a leisurely afternoon in the shade.

It’s the ideal place to get a drink and unwind because it has several statues and fountains, a man-made lake, and a small cafe in the middle.

There are paths that are shaded throughout the park, and some of the ficus trees are particularly impressively big. If you’re in the area and looking for a tranquil haven in the middle of the bustling city, stop in here without a doubt.

Villa Bonnano

The villa is mostly known for its beautiful palm trees and other interesting features, such as “The guardian’s house,” which was designed by Almeyda, the marble bust of the mayor Bonanno and its base, which were both designed by Ernesto Basile, the monument to Philip IV, which was made by Nunzio Morello in 1856 but was designed in 1661 by Carlo d’Aprile with the help of the Serpotta family, and the remains of two Roman patrician houses that

Giardino Garibaldi and Piazza Marina

The tranquil Giardino Garibaldi is a welcome respite from some of Palermo’s busier streets. But that’s not the reason you should go—fascinating it’s to see the enormous ficus macrophylla tree, which has a trunk that is over 20 meters in diameter and can be peered through.

Piazza Marina is also visible in this area. It is situated in the Kalsa neighborhood, along Cassaro Street, in Palermo’s historic center. The enormous Garibaldi Garden dominates the square. The Piazza Marina neighborhood was once a swampy area connected to Palermo’s historic Cala port during the Middle Ages. The region was cleaned up in the fourteenth century.

Piazza Pretoria

Fontana Pretoria, the substantial fountain at the center of Piazza Pretoria, was initially created for a palace garden in Florence. It was acquired by the City of Palermo in 1574 and has 16 statues of naked mermaids, nymphs, and people, which the conservatively Catholic society of the time deemed gratuitous.

Due to the flamboyant nudity of the statues and some perceived corruption surrounding the construction of the fountain, which necessitated the demolition of several buildings, Piazza Pretoria earned the moniker “Square of Shame.”

Quatro Canti

The hub of the old town is known by the Palermitan name “Quattro Canti” (Four Corners). It was founded in the early 1600s, goes by the name Piazza Vigliena, and is situated in the center of the city at the junction of two important thoroughfares.

The four female patron saints of Palermo and the four Spanish kings of Sicily stand guard from niches in the walls at each of Quattro Canti’s four corners, where a four-story façade is decorated with fountains honoring the seasons.

It’s a quick but worthwhile stop that transports you back to the Renaissance.

10. Enjoy Sicilian Food and Desserts

Food markets are a great way to experience local culture and discover a city’s core. There are many fantastic food markets open every day in Palermo.

There are many vendors selling some of the tastiest goods around at kiosks and on carts in and around the city’s three markets. Don’t let the fact that some of the locations seem a little crude deter you—generations of Sicilians vouch for them.

The greasier the better when it comes to street food. You can try panelle (fritters made with chickpea flour), crocche (fried potato croquettes), or arancini (fried rice balls). The Sicilian beef sandwich is undoubtedly a crowd favorite.

The cannoli, a crunchy pastry shell stuffed with ricotta cheese and deep-fried, are arguably one of the most popular Sicilian dishes and possibly the island’s most well-known export.

Although less well-known than cannoli, cassata is still a common Sicilian dessert. The cake is made of sponge cake that has been moistened with liqueur or fruit juice, layered with ricotta, and finished with marzipan.