What to Do in Palermo: 20 Unmissable Experiences You Must Have in the Sicilian City!

Are you wondering what to do in Palermo, Sicily to make the most of your visit to this charming Sicilian city? You’re in the right place! Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a destination full of history, culture, and natural beauty that offers a wide range of activities for all tastes and ages. From exploring ancient catacombs to enjoying panoramic views from the top of Monte Pellegrino, Palermo has something special for every curious traveler.

Discover the hidden treasures of this ancient city as you wander its cobblestone streets and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. With a rich multicultural heritage reflected in its architecture, gastronomy, and traditions, Palermo offers you a unique experience that will leave you with memories for a lifetime. Get ready to discover what to do in Palermo and embark on an exciting adventure in the heart of Sicily!

1 The Palermo Cathedral: The Most Impressive Visit to Do in Palermo

The Palermo Cathedral is an architectural gem that stands majestically in the heart of the Sicilian city’s old town. It’s an iconic monument that will captivate you with its splendor and rich historical legacy. This magnificent structure combines a variety of architectural styles that reflect Palermo’s rich and complex history.

What makes it unique to me are its diverse architectural styles, reflecting the city’s multicultural history. Here, you’ll find Norman, Arab, Jewish, Gothic, and Baroque elements all fused into one structure – it’s impressive! Every corner of the cathedral tells a different story, from the majestic tombs of the Norman kings to the intricate details of its side chapels.

In addition to admiring its impressive architecture and rich history, you can’t miss the opportunity to climb the bell tower and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Palermo. From above, you’ll be able to contemplate the city from a unique perspective, capturing the beauty of its cobblestone streets and historic monuments. Don’t miss this opportunity to have an unforgettable experience on your visit to Palermo!

2 The Teatro Massimo

In the heart of Palermo stands the majestic Teatro Massimo, an icon of Italian culture and art that invites you to immerse yourself in the world of spectacle and music. It’s the largest in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. With its imposing neoclassical facade and luxurious interior, this theater transports you to a time of splendor and sophistication from the moment you step through its doors. Don’t miss a show at this wonderful theater!

3 Ballarò Market: The Best Market to Visit in Palermo

Welcome to the vibrant Ballarò Market in Palermo, a culinary paradise you can’t afford to miss! From the moment you set foot in this market, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of excitement and vitality. The colorful stalls brimming with fresh produce invite you to discover a wide variety of flavors and aromas that are the very essence of Sicilian cuisine.

Ballarò Market is much more than just a shopping destination. It’s a meeting point where the life and culture of Palermo are celebrated. You can stop for a hot espresso at one of the local cafes or sample some Sicilian delights at the street food stalls. It’s an authentic experience that immerses you in the heart of the city’s everyday life and allows you to discover the true essence of Palermo.

4 Fontana Pretoria

Dive into the Renaissance elegance of the Fontana Pretoria, a true masterpiece that adorns the heart of Palermo. This stunning fountain is much more than just a marble structure: it’s a symbol of the city’s artistic and cultural wealth.

As you approach the Fontana Pretoria, you’ll be greeted by an impressive display of meticulously carved sculptures that adorn every inch of the fountain. Mythological figures, gods, and mystical creatures come to life before your eyes, each with a story to tell and a presence that captures your imagination.

Today, the Fontana Pretoria is one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, attracting visitors from around the world with its timeless beauty and irresistible charm. The Fontana Pretoria has also been dubbed the “Fountain of Shame” due to its history of relocation, corruption, and controversies. The fountain was originally commissioned to adorn a palace in Florence, but was later sold to Palermo in the 16th century, apparently for a much higher price than its true value. This relocation, along with criticisms of the nude sculptures, contributed to the fountain earning this nickname.

5 Palazzo dei Normanni: Discover the Majesty of Sicilian History

Uncover the majesty of the Palazzo dei Normanni, a historical treasure that will transport you through centuries of Sicilian history. Situated in the center of Palermo, as you step into the Palazzo dei Normanni, you’ll find yourself surrounded by impressive architecture and a wealth of details.

The highlight of the Palazzo dei Normanni is its Palatine Chapel, a true treasure adorned with dazzling golden mosaics that narrate sacred stories of the time. It’s a place of awe and devotion that will transport you to a world of spirituality and art.

6 The Palatine Chapel: A Must-See on Your Visit to Palermo

Within the Palazzo dei Normanni, let yourself be marvelled by the Palatine Chapel, a masterpiece that transcends centuries and immerses you in the rich history of Sicily. This chapel is a living testament to Byzantine influence in the region and a reflection of medieval opulence.

Upon crossing its doors, you’ll be greeted by an explosion of color and detail that captures the very essence of Byzantine art. The golden mosaics adorning the walls and ceilings narrate sacred stories with an intensity and beauty that will leave you breathless.

As you explore its corners, you’ll be surprised by the attention to detail in every column, arch, and relief. Each architectural element seems to tell its own story, reminding you of the skill and talent of the craftsmen who brought this sacred place to life.

7 The Abatellis Palace: A Must-Visit for Art Lovers

If you’re an art enthusiast, you can’t miss the Abatellis Palace, home to an impressive collection including paintings, sculptures, and other works of great historical and artistic value. The Abatellis Palace is a cultural treasure that offers a unique experience for art and history lovers alike. Whether you’re admiring its masterpieces in painting and sculpture or simply enjoying the beauty of its architecture and interior decoration, this palace invites you to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Sicily.

8 Mondello Beach: A Paradise Not to Be Missed During Your Visit to Palermo!

Mondello Beach is a paradise you can’t miss during your visit to Palermo! Located just a few kilometers from the city center, this beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and golden sand, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Sicilian sun.

Whether you prefer soaking up the sun on the soft sand, taking a refreshing swim in the sea, or enjoying water sports, Mondello Beach has everything you need for an unforgettable day. If you’re a fan of windsurfing (just like me!), this place is perfect! I recommend checking out the Albaria Windsurfing Club where you can take lessons or rent the equipment to spend an afternoon practicing.

You can take bus 806 from Palermo to get there. Just a heads up, if you go during the peak months like July and August, be prepared for crowds! If possible, try to avoid weekends. Here’s a bonus tip: Right in front of the beach entrance is the Scimone pastry shop, which has the best Ciambelle you’ll ever find. The pistachio one is amazing – you can’t miss it!

9 The Street Via Vittorio Emanuele

The Street Via Vittorio Emanuele is one of the most vibrant and lively commercial arteries in Palermo. Known for its shops, cafes, and rich history, this pedestrian street is a must-visit for any visitor to the city.

As you stroll along Via Vittorio Emanuele, you’ll be surrounded by a unique blend of Sicilian architecture and historic buildings that tell the story of Palermo. From abandoned Baroque palaces to ancient churches, every corner of this street invites you to immerse yourself in the city’s charm.

Moreover, Via Vittorio Emanuele is filled with cozy cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Sicilian cuisine and relax while people-watching. Whether you’re looking for a spot for a morning coffee or to enjoy a romantic dinner in the evening, you’ll find options for every taste and budget here.

10 Monte Pellegrino: For Nature Lovers

Monte Pellegrino is a natural treasure that dominates the skyline of Palermo and offers a unique experience for nature and adventure lovers! Located north of the city, this majestic mountain is a sacred place with a fascinating history and breathtaking panoramic views.

Exploring Monte Pellegrino will immerse you in a landscape of indescribable beauty. With its steep slopes covered in lush Mediterranean vegetation and cliffs plunging into the turquoise blue sea, this place will take your breath away from the first moment. Whether you’re into hiking, climbing, or having a picnic in nature, you’ll find options for every taste and skill level here.

11 The Church of Santa Caterina and Its Pastry Shop

The Church of Santa Caterina is famous for its impressive Baroque architecture and rich history. Located in the heart of the city, this church is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria and dates back to the 16th century. Its facade is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time.

It’s particularly famous for the pastry shop located in the old monastery of the church: I Segreti del Chiostro, which offers the best typical Sicilian sweets in Palermo. Made with centuries-old recipes and local ingredients, from delicious cannoli filled with ricotta cheese to Sicilian cassata, a decadent sponge cake filled with sweetened ricotta and covered with marzipan, the pastry shop offers a delicious variety of treats to satisfy any sweet craving.

12 Piazza Quattro Canti

Piazza Quattro Canti, also known as Piazza Vigliena, is an octagonal square located at the intersection of two major streets in Palermo, Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. What makes this square unique is its symmetrical design, with four identical sides, each representing one of the four seasons of the year and one of the four known parts of the world at that time: Europe, Africa, Asia, and America.

Each of the four sides of the square is flanked by a Baroque building adorned with statues and decorations representing elements related to the season and the part of the world they symbolize. The square is an iconic landmark in Palermo and an important center of activity for both residents and visitors.

13 International Puppet Museum Antonio Pasqualino

The International Puppet Museum Antonio Pasqualino is a cultural treasure in the heart of Palermo, Sicily. This unique museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the art and tradition of puppetry, both in Sicily and around the world.

As you enter the museum, you’ll encounter an impressive collection of puppets of all shapes and sizes, spanning different styles and traditions. From traditional Sicilian puppets to elaborate puppets from other countries, each piece tells a unique and fascinating story about culture and folklore.

The International Puppet Museum Antonio Pasqualino also offers exciting live performances for visitors to enjoy. These shows are a unique opportunity to experience the magic of puppets in action and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of puppet theater.

14 Catacombs of the Capuchins

The Catacombs of the Capuchins are a unique and intriguing site that offers a window into Palermo’s past. Situated beneath the Capuchin convent, these catacombs are known for their impressive displays of mummies and their role in the city’s history and culture. Here, amid dark corridors and silent crypts, you’ll find hundreds of mummified bodies, each with its own story to tell. From nobles and clergy to common citizens, these mummies offer a unique insight into life and death in Sicily over the centuries.

In addition to the mummies, the Catacombs of the Capuchins also house an impressive collection of religious relics, historical artifacts, and artworks. These exhibits provide a broader insight into the history and culture of Palermo, from antiquity to the modern era.

15 La Iglesia de Jesús

The Church of Jesus (Chiesa del Gesù in Italian), also known as Casa Professa, is the most important Baroque building in Palermo. It is especially known for its exquisite interior decoration, which includes numerous elaborate details such as marble reliefs and the magnificent dome. In my opinion, it is the most impressive church in Palermo – you can’t miss it!

16 Rinascente Observatory

Would you like to see Palermo from above? At the rooftop of the iconic department store El Rinascente, you’ll find an observatory and restaurant offering impressive panoramic views of the Sicilian city. Here, you can enjoy delicious food while taking in the grandeur of Palermo from high above.

17 No Mafia Memorial

Discover a space of memory and reflection at the No Mafia Memorial in Palermo. This poignant memorial pays tribute to the victims of the mafia and remembers the sacrifices of those who bravely stood up to this criminal organization.

As you enter the No Mafia Memorial, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an atmosphere of solemnity and respect. Through audiovisual displays, photographs, and testimonies, the memorial takes you on an emotional journey highlighting the devastating influence of the mafia on Sicilian society and the struggle of those who have lost their lives in this fight for justice and freedom.

18 The Cala and the Palermo Marina Yachting

The new port of Palermo, inaugurated at the end of 2023, The Palermo Marina Yachting, with green areas, terraces, walkways, and musical fountains with incredible illuminations. The place is truly beautiful, with its famous dancing fountain, the largest in Europe. Surrounding it are shops, and many of the best restaurants in Palermo have been installed here; you can eat or have an aperitif with a beautiful sea view.

19 The Foro Italico

Looking for a quiet place to relax in the heart of Palermo? The Umberto I Forum, also known as the Italic Forum, is the answer! With its spacious green areas, cozy benches overlooking the sea, winding paths, and food carts. This public space invites you to enjoy a moment of calm and tranquility amidst the bustle of the city. Additionally, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy delicious local meals or simply have a coffee while admiring the urban landscape.

20 Vucciria

I deliberately left the Vucciria Market for last because, in my opinion, you can’t leave Palermo without visiting this market at least once at night. It’s one of those things you have to do to truly understand the essence of Palermo – you either love it or hate it. Now, this isn’t for everyone; if you found Palermo dirty, noisy, and didn’t like it in general, then you definitely don’t have to go to Vucciria. But if you’re curious and love dancing until dawn, then head to Vucciria! This market comes to life at night, with music for dancing, lots of people, and locals and visitors alike enjoying the atmosphere.

You can dine or have an aperitif at one of the many restaurants nearby and stay until the party starts! A couple of recommendations: be careful with your drinks, and watch your belongings closely (I met at least 3 people who had their cell phones stolen here). If you’re a woman, I wouldn’t recommend going alone! If you’re traveling solo (like I did the first time I went to Palermo), join this Pub Crawl – it’s great for meeting people, and they usually end the tour in Vucciria!

Map of the Places to see in Palermo

Ready to Explore Palermo?

And we’ve reached the end! I hope this list of 20 things to do in Palermo has inspired you to explore the Sicilian capital. As you’ve seen, Palermo offers a truly unforgettable experience. From exploring its ancient monuments to getting lost in its lively markets and enjoying the views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, every corner of Palermo invites you to immerse yourself in its unique charm. So don’t wait any longer to plan your trip and discover the wonders that this city has to offer. Palermo awaits you with open arms for an experience you’ll remember forever!

Don’t miss the other destinations on the Blog; I’m sure you’ll find inspiration for your next trip!