Top 10: The Best Things to Do in Palermo

The timeless and vibrant capital of Sicily, Palermo, is a city you simply must experience at least once in your life! Bursting with history, culture, and some of the best food you’ll ever taste, Palermo is a destination that has something for everyone. From stunning architecture to bustling street markets, there’s something new and exciting around every corner.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to soak up the sun, Palermo has you covered. Did you know that Palermo is recognized as one of the most conquered cities in the world? The city has a rich blend of influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards. If you’re planning a visit to this enchanting city, keep reading for a list of the top things to do in Palermo and ensure you create a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

1. Explore the Palazzo dei Normanni

No visit to Palermo is complete without a stop at the Palazzo dei Normanni, also known as the Royal Palace of Palermo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best examples of Arab-Norman architecture in Sicily. Originally built by the Arabs and later expanded by the Normans, this palace houses the famous Palatine Chapel, a stunning chapel adorned with Byzantine mosaics.

For history lovers, the palace offers a glimpse into Palermo’s royal past—there are countless secrets to uncover within its walls. See it all for yourself with this guided tour, which also includes a tour of the Palatine Chapel. If you’d rather admire it from the outside, book this bike tour of Palermo, which passes by this iconic landmark.

2. Discover Palermo’s Iconic Churches

Palermo’s religious architecture is second to none. Palermo Cathedral, with its stunning blend of styles from Gothic to Baroque, is an absolute must-see. It’s also worth visiting the Church of San Cataldo and the Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, both UNESCO sites that showcase Sicily’s rich architectural heritage.

If you’re not sure which churches to explore in-depth, join this free guided tour, which will bring you past the most important ones. This way, you can decide which ones to check out based on the ones that catch your eye on the tour.

If you want to kill three birds with one stone, book this guided tour of the churches of Santa Caterina, San Giuseppe, and Gesù. These three churches are excellent examples of Baroque art. Inside, you’ll see sculptures, ornaments, and frescoes from various eras, blending elegance and beauty in an unmatched harmony.

3. Take in the Views at Monreale Cathedral

Just outside Palermo, you’ll find the grand Monreale Cathedral. This marvel of Norman architecture is known for its impressive mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible. The cathedral forms part of the Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale, a collection of palaces, churches, cathedrals, and a bridge which together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The cathedral’s Byzantine artistry will leave you in awe. To top it all off, from the rooftop, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Palermo and the surrounding countryside. You can visit the Monreale Cathedral, as well as iconic landmarks in Palermo, aboard the Palermo Sightseeing Bus. This way, you won’t have to worry about getting there! Buy a ticket for the bus in advance to make sure you get a spot.

4. Stroll Through the Historic Markets

An absolute must for any trip to Palermo is a visit to its famous street markets. And don’t just take our word for it, Forbes even named Palermo as having some of the best street food in Europe! The Ballarò, Vucciria, and Capo markets are perfect places to sample authentic Sicilian delicacies like arancini, panelle, and the iconic cannoli. These markets offer more than just food—they’re a window into the city’s everyday life.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a market tour to witness the art of the Sicilian abbanniata, where vendors loudly call out to passersby, trying to tempt them with their fresh produce. It’s hard to resist!

5. Indulge in Sicilian Cuisine

Speaking of food, Palermo’s food scene is world-renowned. As we mentioned before, Sicily is the birthplace of delights like cannoli and cassata, but there’s much more to explore. Make sure to try sfincione, Palermo’s version of pizza, and the wide variety of fresh seafood the island has to offer. Any vegetarians in the crowd? Sicily packs loads of veggies into its cuisine, so nobody will be missing out on flavor this trip!

No matter what your tastes are, you won’t leave Palermo hungry! If you want to dive even deeper into the city’s cuisine, take a pizza and gelato cooking class and learn how to make authentic pizza and gelato. That way, you can continue enjoying Italian food even when you go home!

6. Visit the Zisa Castle

For a glimpse into Palermo’s rich Islamic heritage, be sure to visit Zisa Castle. Originally built in the 12th century during Norman rule, this impressive fortress was commissioned by King William I of Altavilla and designed by Arab architects, reflecting Sicily’s multicultural roots. The name “Al-Aziz,” meaning “the glorious one,” is a nod to the castle’s grandeur.

Today, Zisa Castle houses the Museum of Islamic Art, offering a fascinating journey through Palermo’s Arab-Norman past. Its unique architecture and innovative design techniques showcase the brilliance of medieval Arab engineers. Inside, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from One Thousand and One Nights!

7. Relax at Palermo’s Beaches

Dreaming of soaking in the Mediterranean sun? Mondello Beach, just a short drive from the city center, has white sand and crystal-clear waters—perfect for a relaxing afternoon. If you’d prefer a more rugged shoreline, Addaura Beach provides a scenic escape with a rocky coastline.

If you fancy going a bit further afield, head to Cefalù, a picturesque seaside town with beautiful beaches and charming medieval streets. Top tip: take a boat trip to sail along the crystal-clear waters and admire the coastline. If you book this boat trip, you can also enjoy some time snorkeling and maybe even spot some marine life.

8. Get Lost in the Quattro Canti and La Kalsa

The Quattro Canti, also known as Piazza Villena, is more than just a meeting point of Palermo’s two major streets, Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele. Since its creation, this iconic crossroads has been the beating heart of the city’s public life, hosting everything from grand celebrations to historic executions. The four grand palaces surrounding it are adorned with intricate façades full of symbols and artistic details that give the square its unique character.

An ideal starting point to dive into Palermo’s rich history, you can learn more about the Quattro Canti on this guided tour of the city which also includes a tasting of some local delicacies! If you want to get really stuck into the city’s history, book this private tour of Palermo.

A short walk from the Quattro Canti leads you into the atmospheric Kalsa district, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Palermo. Built during the city’s Islamic rule, Kalsa was once the elite quarter, home to the emir and his court. Today, the area retains a distinct oriental charm with its winding narrow streets and a stunning mix of Arab-Norman architecture.

9. Have a Picnic in one of Palermo’s Parks

Palermo isn’t all about history and architecture—it’s also a great place to relax in nature. The city has several green spaces where you can take a break from sightseeing. The Villa Giulia Gardens and the Palermo Botanical Garden, with over 12,000 plant species, offer peaceful retreats amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Grab a yummy snack from one of the markets and head to one of these parks for a relaxing picnic.

10. Take a Day Trip

If you have a few extra days in Palermo, why not make the most of your time and explore more of Sicily’s incredible landscapes and historic sites? Sicily is a diverse island with something for every traveler, and there are plenty of fantastic day trips to choose from. Here are some of our top recommendations for day trips from Palermo:

• Mazara del Vallo Day Trip
• Erice & Marsala Day Trip
• Cefalú Day Trip

Top Tips and Things to Know

Is Two Days Enough for Palermo?

While Palermo is packed with things to do, two days is definitely enough to get a solid feel for the city. With careful planning, you can visit the major landmarks, sample the street food, and even sneak in some beach time. However, if you can, we’d recommend staying longer so you can explore nearby towns and maybe even take a day trip or two.

How to Get from the Airport to the Centre of Palermo

Palermo Airport is located 22 miles (35 kilometers) from central Palermo. To get to the city center from the airport, you can use taxis, buses, rented cars or a train. However, for more peace of mind, our go-to is a quick and easy transfer between the airport and the city of Palermo.

• Palermo Airport Shuttle Service

Then again, you can always upgrade to a private transfer service, which will pick you up from the airport at your chosen time and take you straight to your hotel or accommodation. You can also book the return journey from your hotel to the airport, choosing the time you want to arrive for your flight.

• Private Transfer in Palermo

Stay Connected in Palermo

One of our top tips is to get an eSIM before you go to Italy. This can make it easier if you need to get in touch with someone waiting for you at the airport, call a taxi, or in case of an emergency.

In addition, having data connection will ensure your trip runs smoothly, allowing you to access maps and any information you may need to get from A to B. Another benefit is also being able to keep your social media updated! By purchasing a Civitatis eSIM Card Italy, you’ll arrive in Palermo connected and ready to go!

Well, there you have it—our top picks for the best things to do in Palermo! It’s easy to see why this captivating city should be on every traveler’s list. From wandering through its historic streets, sampling the incredible street food, or taking in the stunning seaside views, Palermo has something for everyone.

We hope this post has inspired you and provided plenty of useful tips for your visit. As always, if you want to find even more things to do on your trip, don’t forget to check out all the amazing activities offered by Civitatis to make the most of your trip. Ciao!