Palermo Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & Travel Tips

On By saar.decosterIn Europe, Italy

Palermo was one of those weeks that just happened to me.

I spent seven days in Palermo, and what started as a simple stop during my Sicily backpacking trip turned into a week of aperols on the street, getting lost through chaotic alleyways, lazy beach days and meeting some of the best people at my hostel.

My nights often blurred into mornings, especially after one particularly chaotic pub crawl that definitely left its mark the next day.

Palermo isn’t polished, quiet or perfectly organised, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it so much fun. It has incredible food, beautiful historic buildings, lively markets, cheap drinks and a social atmosphere that makes it very easy to meet people.

If you’re planning a trip to Sicily, this Palermo travel guide covers the best things to do in Palermo, where to stay, how to get around, where to eat and drink, the best beaches and day trips, and the places I personally enjoyed during my week in the city.

If you’re planning to explore more than just Palermo, my Sicily Travel Guide covers my 2-week itinerary, where I stayed, how I got around and my practical tips from travelling around the island.

Accommodation in Palermo

Ostello Bello Palermo

Type: Hostel
Location: Central Palermo
Vibe: Social, backpacker-friendly and easy to meet people
Price: Around €19 per night when I stayed

One of the best hostels in Palermo I came across was Ostello Bello.

I genuinely loved staying here. It was very social, with open common areas where it was incredibly easy to meet other travellers. They also offered free pasta and vegetables that guests could cook themselves, which was a huge bonus when travelling on a budget.

There was also a small pool, which was perfect during the hot Sicilian days.

I actually recommended this hostel to other people after my trip, and everyone I’ve heard from had a great experience too.

If you’re travelling solo or backpacking Sicily, this would be one of my first choices for where to stay in Palermo.

If you’re backpacking around Italy and looking for more hostel recommendations, I’ve also shared my Italy Hostel Reviews based on my own experiences.

Getting Around Palermo

One of the best things about Palermo is that you can explore much of the historic centre on foot.

Most of the main sights, markets, restaurants and nightlife spots are relatively close together, so I walked a lot during my week here.

Public transport is available, but I wouldn’t build your entire Palermo itinerary around buses arriving exactly when you expect them to. If you’re staying centrally, walking is often the easier option.

For getting beyond the city centre, however, public transport can be useful.

From Palermo, you can easily plan trips to places such as:

  • Mondello for the beach
  • Cefalù for a beach and old-town day trip
  • Monreale for its famous cathedral
  • Other destinations around Sicily by train or bus

Palermo is also a useful starting point for a larger Sicily trip. If you’re planning to explore more of the island, my Sicily Travel Guide covers the main places I visited, while my guide to how to get around Sicily explains the options for travelling by car, train and bus.

Planning your Palermo trip?

I created a Palermo Google Map with my favourite things to do, food spots, beaches, bars and more.

I’m still a small beginner travel blog and spend a lot of time creating these guides while earning very little from them. That’s why I only ask €1 for my maps, it’s a small way to support my blog and help me keep creating free travel guides. ❤️

Palermo Google Map: €1

Best Things to Do in Palermo

Palermo is one of those cities where you don’t necessarily need to follow a strict sightseeing schedule.

Some of my favourite moments came from simply walking around, finding random streets, stopping for food and seeing where the evening took us.

If you want even more ideas, I’ve also put together 25+ Best Things to Do in Palermo, including more sights, food spots and local experiences.

Markets & Streets

La Vucciria Market

La Vucciria is one of Palermo’s historic market areas. While its role has changed over the years, the area around Piazza Caracciolo and Piazza Garraffello is now particularly lively in the evenings, with bars, street food, music and people gathering outside.

It’s a fun area to visit if you want to experience Palermo nightlife rather than just ticking off sights.

Ballarò Market

Ballarò is one of Palermo’s historic markets and one of the places where you’ll really experience the city’s street-food culture and everyday atmosphere.

Expect colourful stalls, local vendors, fresh produce and plenty of Sicilian street food. The city of Palermo describes Ballarò as its oldest and largest historic market.

If you want to see a more chaotic and local side of Palermo, this is one of the places I’d add to your itinerary.

Via Napoli Area

The area around Via Napoli is full of restaurants, cafés and streets where you can simply wander around and see everyday Palermo life.

It’s also a convenient area to explore if you’re staying in the historic centre.

Officine Calderai

Officine Calderai is a cultural and creative space connected to Palermo’s artisan traditions, with workshops, exhibitions and events.

It’s a different experience from the city’s big historical attractions and worth adding if you’re interested in local creativity and craftsmanship.

Main Sights in Palermo

Teatro Massimo di Palermo

Teatro Massimo is one of Palermo’s most recognisable landmarks and one of the largest opera houses in Europe.

Even if you don’t go inside for a performance, the building itself is worth seeing when walking around the city centre.

Quattro Canti

Quattro Canti is one of the most famous crossroads in Palermo.

The Baroque square sits right in the historic centre and is surrounded by beautifully decorated buildings. It’s also a useful landmark when exploring the city on foot.

Palermo Cathedral

Palermo Cathedral is one of the city’s most impressive buildings and a great example of how many different influences have shaped Palermo over the centuries.

Its architecture combines Norman, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical elements, making it one of the main sights to add to your Palermo itinerary.

Piazza Pretoria

Piazza Pretoria is one of the most beautiful squares in central Palermo.

The main attraction is the Fontana Pretoria, an elaborate Renaissance fountain surrounded by historic buildings.

Porta Nuova

Porta Nuova is a monumental historic city gate next to the Norman Palace.

It’s an easy sight to combine with the Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina, especially if you’re exploring Palermo’s historic centre on foot.

Porta Carbone & La Cala

La Cala is Palermo’s historic harbour and a nice area for a walk when you want a break from the busy streets of the old town.

The waterfront has been redeveloped into a pleasant place to walk among boats, restaurants and the old harbour.

Piazza Sant’Anna

Piazza Sant’Anna is one of my favourite places for an evening drink.

The square is surrounded by bars and restaurants and becomes particularly lively at night, with people sitting outside and moving between the different spots.

Piazza Domenico Peranni

A smaller square tucked away in the historic centre, Piazza Domenico Peranni is a nice place to experience a quieter side of Palermo away from the biggest tourist sights.

Historical & Cultural Sites in Palermo

Palermo has an incredible amount of history packed into a relatively small area. The city’s architecture reflects centuries of different cultures and influences, which is one of the things I found most interesting about walking around here.

Cappella Palatina

The Cappella Palatina is one of Palermo’s most spectacular historical sights.

The chapel is famous for its golden Byzantine mosaics and Arab-Norman architecture and forms part of the Norman Palace complex.

If you’re interested in Palermo’s history, don’t skip this one.

No Mafia Memorial

The No Mafia Memorial is a small, free museum dedicated to the history of the Sicilian Mafia and the anti-mafia movement.

It’s not a huge museum, but I found it interesting and worthwhile, particularly because it gives you some context about an important part of Sicily’s modern history.

Palazzo della Zisa

Palazzo della Zisa is a beautiful Arab-Norman palace dating back to the 12th century.

It’s another example of the different cultural influences that make Palermo so unique.

Palazzo Chiaramonte

Also known as Steri, Palazzo Chiaramonte is a historic Gothic palace with a complicated history, including its use as the seat of the Spanish Inquisition in Sicily.

Palazzo Abatellis

Palazzo Abatellis is a historic palace housing an important collection of Sicilian art.

It’s a good option if you want to spend some time inside a museum rather than just exploring Palermo’s streets.

Galleria d’Arte Moderna

The Galleria d’Arte Moderna focuses on modern and contemporary Italian art and is housed in a beautifully restored historic building.

Oratorio di San Lorenzo

This small Baroque oratory is famous for its elaborate stucco decorations by Giacomo Serpotta.

It’s easy to miss compared with Palermo’s bigger landmarks, but it’s worth adding if you enjoy architecture and art.

Church of Saint Mary of the Admiral (Martorana)

Also known as La Martorana, this church is famous for its Byzantine mosaics and fascinating mixture of architectural influences.

San Cataldo

San Cataldo is instantly recognisable because of its distinctive red domes.

The Norman church sits close to La Martorana, so the two are easy to visit together.

I Segreti del Chiostro

I Segreti del Chiostro is located inside the historic Santa Caterina convent complex.

Besides the beautiful cloister, it’s also known for its traditional Sicilian pastries, making it a good stop for both history and food.

Orto Botanico di Palermo

The Orto Botanico di Palermo is Palermo’s botanical garden, with a huge variety of plants and trees.

It’s a nice change of pace if you’ve had enough of busy streets and churches and want somewhere green and peaceful.

If you’re combining Palermo with other parts of the island, I’ve also written a guide to how many days you need in Sicily, with itinerary ideas ranging from 3 days to 2 weeks.

Where to Eat in Palermo

One of the reasons I enjoyed Palermo so much was the food.

You can eat incredibly well without spending a fortune, especially if you mix restaurants with Sicilian street food.

Restaurants

Osteria al Casareccio

A popular local restaurant serving generous portions of Sicilian classics, pasta, seafood and pizza at relatively affordable prices.

Bisso Bistrot

A budget-friendly restaurant near Quattro Canti serving traditional Sicilian dishes.

It’s right in the middle of the historic centre, but I still thought the food offered good value.

Osteria Alivaru da Carlo Napoli

A Sicilian osteria in the Kalsa area focusing on local ingredients and traditional dishes.

It’s a good option if you want something that feels more like a neighbourhood restaurant.

Focacerria dei Mercanti

A great option for a quick lunch, especially if you’re looking for a filling Sicilian focaccia sandwich.

Friggitoria Chiluzzo

If you want to try Palermo street food, add Friggitoria Chiluzzo to your list.

It’s particularly known for arancine and other fried Sicilian snacks.

Panificio Velardi

A traditional bakery where you can grab pastries, pizza slices and other local snacks without spending much.

Ancient Saint Francis Focaccia Shop

A historic Palermo street-food spot known for traditional specialities including pane con la milza and other local fried foods.

If you’re feeling adventurous with food, this is the kind of place to try something you probably wouldn’t order at home.

X Ramen

Sometimes you just want something different after eating Sicilian food for days.

X Ramen offers Japanese comfort food in the city centre and makes for a nice change.

Cafés & Sweet Spots in Palermo

Bar Rosanero

Bar Rosanero is a great place for a Sicilian breakfast or something sweet.

Try one of their ricotta pastries or a cannolo with a coffee.

It’s also a nice place to return to later for an aperitivo.

Vera Coffee Break

A modern coffee spot where you can grab an espresso and pastry or take a break from sightseeing.

Cioccolateria Lorenzo

A chocolate shop and café specialising in handmade chocolates, desserts, gelato and coffee.

Definitely one for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Morettino Lab, Molo Trapezoidale

Located by Palermo’s waterfront, Morettino Lab is a specialty coffee spot where you can combine good coffee with views around the marina and harbour.

Palermo Nightlife & Bars

Palermo is very social, especially during the warmer months when people spend evenings outside.

A lot of nightlife happens in squares, streets and outdoor seating rather than inside traditional clubs.

Ballarak Maqueda

A popular craft beer bar in the historic centre with a social atmosphere and regular events and music.

Monkey Pub

Monkey Pub is a lively meeting point where people gather for affordable drinks and a casual night out.

This was also one of the places where I found it easy to meet people.

Bar Rosanero

Bar Rosanero isn’t just a daytime café. It’s also a relaxed place for an aperitivo or evening drink.

Botteghe Colletti

A popular cocktail bar tucked away in a charming side street.

It’s known for creative cocktails, vintage-style interiors and outdoor seating, making it a nice place to start an evening.

Piazza Sant’Anna

Piazza Sant’Anna is less about one particular bar and more about the atmosphere.

Grab a drink somewhere around the square and sit outside. This is one of the easiest ways to experience Palermo at night.

OJDA

OJDA is a trendy café, wine bar and creative space in central Palermo.

It’s a good option if you’re looking for something a little different from the traditional pub scene.

Shopping in Palermo

If you’re looking for something beyond the usual tourist souvenirs, Palermo has a few interesting independent shops.

Gnechi Extreme Shop

An alternative lifestyle store focused on skate, surf, streetwear and action-sports culture.

Modwear Clothing, Shoes & Records

An independent concept store combining clothing, shoes and vinyl records.

Rueballu 26 Bookshop & Café

A charming independent bookshop with a café, making it a nice place to browse books or stop for a quieter coffee.

Best Beaches & Day Trips from Palermo

Palermo isn’t only about churches, markets and historic streets. You can also combine your city break with a beach day or a day trip outside the city.

Mondello Beach

Mondello is the main beach destination near Palermo and one of the most popular beaches in the area.

It’s known for its long stretch of pale sand, clear water and Art Nouveau architecture around the seaside village. The beach is only a few kilometres from Palermo and is a classic escape from the city.

If you’re spending a week in Palermo during summer, I’d definitely set aside at least one day for Mondello.

If you’re wondering when to visit Sicily for the best combination of weather, beaches and fewer crowds, I’ve also written about the best time to visit Sicily.

Cefalù

Cefalù is one of the easiest day trips from Palermo if you want to combine a beautiful beach with a historic old town.

You can reach Cefalù by train, and the railway station is around 1 km from the historic centre and beach.

Spend the day wandering through the old streets, seeing the cathedral, eating something by the sea and relaxing on the beach before heading back to Palermo.

If you only have time for one day trip from Palermo, Cefalù would be my personal choice.

Meeting People in Palermo

If you’re backpacking Sicily or travelling solo, Palermo is a really easy place to meet people.

I met some of my favourite people during my stay simply because I was staying in a social hostel.

Some good places to meet people include:

  • Hostels, especially Ostello Bello
  • Vucciria in the evening
  • Monkey Pub
  • Piazza Sant’Anna
  • Pub crawls and hostel events

I was travelling with my cousin, but even so, the social side of Palermo was one of the highlights of my week.

If you’re travelling alone, I think staying somewhere social can completely change your experience of the city.

If you’re travelling around Sicily solo, I’ve also shared more about my experience travelling solo as a woman in Sicily, including the precautions I personally take.

Palermo Travel Tips

A few things I learned during my week in Palermo:

  • Walk whenever you can. The historic centre is compact enough that walking is often easier than taking a bus.
  • Don’t plan every hour. Palermo is a city where wandering around is part of the experience.
  • Try the street food. Arancine, panelle, cannoli and other local snacks are cheap and filling.
  • Save time for an aperitivo. Some of my favourite evenings were simply sitting outside with a drink.
  • Visit Mondello if you want a beach day. It’s the easiest beach escape from Palermo.
  • Consider Cefalù for a day trip. It’s easy to reach by train and combines a historic town with a beach.
  • Be aware of your surroundings at night. Palermo is lively, but like in any large city, I’d avoid wandering alone through unfamiliar areas late at night.
  • Ask locals and hostel staff for recommendations. Some of my best food and nightlife recommendations came from people I met rather than from Google.

Extra Tips from Locals

These were some of the recommendations I picked up during my stay:

  • Try an arancina at Friggitoria Chiluzzo.
  • Stop at Bar Rosanero for ricotta pastries.
  • Visit Piazza Sant’Anna in the evening when it gets busy.
  • Go to Monkey Pub if you want to meet other travellers.
  • Visit the No Mafia Memorial, it’s small, free and interesting.
  • Try Bisso Bistrot if you want a reasonably priced meal in the historic centre.
  • Take the train to Cefalù for an easy day trip.
  • Go to Mondello when you need a break from the city.

Planning Your Trip to Italy?

Planning a trip to Italy can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between huge historic cities, beautiful coastlines, charming smaller towns, mountains, lakes and islands.

That’s why I’ve created my Italy Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Italy.

→ START HERE: Italy Travel Guides

OR

START BY AREA

→ Northern Italy Travel guide
→ Rome Travel guide
→ Sicily Travel guide

Related Posts

You may also like

Sicily in general

Taormina

More Italy Travel Guides

Frequently Asked Questions About Palermo

How many days do you need in Palermo?

I spent seven days in Palermo, which gave me plenty of time to explore the city, go to the beach, take a day trip to Cefalù and enjoy the nightlife without rushing. For a shorter city break, 3–4 days in Palermo can be enough to see the main sights and experience the city.

Is Palermo worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you’re looking for a destination with incredible food, history, nightlife and a lively local atmosphere. Palermo isn’t the most polished city, but that chaotic character is also part of what makes it interesting.

What are the best things to do in Palermo?

Some of the highlights include visiting Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, Quattro Canti, the historic markets, Cappella Palatina and Piazza Pretoria. I’d also leave time to simply wander through the historic centre, eat street food and have an aperitivo.

Is Palermo good for backpackers?

Yes. Palermo is particularly good for backpackers because there are affordable hostels, cheap food and a very social atmosphere. Staying at a social hostel like Ostello Bello also makes it easy to meet other travellers.

Can you walk around Palermo?

Yes. Much of the historic centre is very walkable, and I personally walked a lot during my week in the city. For places further away, such as Mondello, you’ll need another form of transport.

What is the best beach near Palermo?

Mondello Beach is the easiest beach trip from Palermo. It’s close to the city and has a long sandy beach, clear water and a lively seaside atmosphere.

Is Cefalù a good day trip from Palermo?

Yes. Cefalù is one of the easiest day trips from Palermo by train and combines a beautiful historic centre, cathedral and beach.

What food should you try in Palermo?

Definitely try arancine, panelle, cannoli and other Sicilian street food. Palermo is also a great place for pasta, seafood, pizza and aperitivo.

Is Palermo good for nightlife?

Yes. Palermo has a very social nightlife scene, particularly around Vucciria, Piazza Sant’Anna and the historic centre. A lot of the nightlife happens outdoors in squares and streets, especially during warm evenings.

Where should you stay in Palermo?

If you’re backpacking or travelling solo, I’d personally recommend staying somewhere social in or near the historic centre. I stayed at Ostello Bello Palermo and had a very good experience there.

Leave a Reply