Things to do in Palermo

Activities, attractions and tours

Palermo
Palermo
Aerial view of Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Palermo, Italy, September 19, 2019: views of a lonely street with plants and a bicycle with the church in the background
Palermo, Italy, September 19, 2019: Square with a fountain, a parked motorbike, plants and shops around with awnings and facades of buildings in poor condition
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What to do in Palermo

Popular places to visit

the skyline of palermo, sicily

Palermo Harbour

4/5(71 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Borgo Vecchio with a trip to Palermo Harbour. Wander around the gardens or enjoy the area's bars.

Palermo Harbour
The dog was there the morning and always at the same place during five hours after

Teatro Massimo

4.5/5(70 reviews)

Enjoy a show at Teatro Massimo, a theatre with a story to tell in Palermo. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Teatro Massimo
Cathedral of Palermo during sunset, Sicily island, Italy

Palermo Cathedral

4.5/5(100 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Palermo with a stop at Palermo Cathedral. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Palermo Cathedral
Ballaro Market which includes street scenes, markets and food

Ballaro Market

4/5(50 reviews)

Buy freshly caught fish, eat Sicilian specialties and search for vintage clothes at a market that has been serving Palermo's residents for centuries.

Ballaro Market
Photo with a Vespa a common sight in italy! How much would you poke to have one of this?

Via Roma

3.5/5(43 reviews)

During your visit to Palermo, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Via Roma. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Via Roma
M8720P Palermo, Italy - August 10, 2017: Facade of the Politeama Garibaldi Theatre with the statue of Ruggero Settimo in the center of Palermo in Sicily, Ita

Politeama Garibaldi Theater

4.5/5(17 reviews)

Enjoy a performance at Politeama Garibaldi Theater, a theatre with a story to tell in Palermo. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Politeama Garibaldi Theater
Palermo, Old town , Sicily, 意大利 - it is soo beautiful in the old town and we enjoyed ourselves roaming in the streets and alleys of the old town #red #travel #sicily #architecture #culture #hiking

Via Vittorio Emanuele

4/5(26 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Palermo with a visit to Via Vittorio Emanuele. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Via Vittorio Emanuele
Music stage in the Foro Italico in Palermo, Sicily

Foro Italico

4/5(4 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Foro Italico, a lovely green space in Palermo. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Foro Italico
Via Maqueda featuring a statue or sculpture, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Via Maqueda

4/5(27 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Via Maqueda during your stay in Palermo. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Via Maqueda

Areas of Palermo

Night view of the cathedral of Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Palermo Historical Center

Travellers to Palermo Historical Center praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Piazza Pretoria and Via Maqueda.

Palermo Historical Center
Palermo Cathedral

Centro Storico

4/5(11 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Centro Storico, Via Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Pretoria are top sights worth seeing.

Centro Storico
Kalsa, Palermo, Italy

Kalsa

4.5/5(88 area reviews)

Historical sites, museums and gardens are some highlights of Kalsa. Make a stop by Regional Gallery or Piazza Marina while you're exploring.

Kalsa
Sicilian Coastline in the morning. Deep blue sea; Shutterstock ID 341459549

Castellammare

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Castellammare is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Via Roma and Vucciria Market.

Castellammare
Another image from the tour of Politeama Garibaldi theater. Taken on a Sony a6000 with a 7artisans fisheye lens.

Politeama

While visiting Politeama, you might make a stop by sights like Piazza Ruggero Settimo and Politeama Garibaldi Theater.

Politeama
Palermo Cathedral

Monte di Pieta

4.5/5(25 area reviews)

Monte di Pieta is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Palermo Cathedral and Quattro Canti.

Monte di Pieta
Port and beach at Mondello, Sicily.

Mondello

Aerial view of the large and long beach of Capaci, located in the province of Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

Capaci

Frequently asked questions

Is Palermo worth visiting?
Palermo has an interesting mix of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into nature, history or traditional food, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Palermo?
After you've visited key attractions like Mondello Beach and Palace of the Normans, spend the rest of your day exploring Palermo's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palermo?
You can't leave without visiting Mondello Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Palermo.
Is three days enough to stay in Palermo?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Teatro Massimo, Cathedral of Monreale and Palace of the Normans with a three-day getaway in Palermo. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Cinisi.
Is Palermo a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Palermo, such as Teatro Massimo and Palace of the Normans, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from the city centre of Palermo is Ruggero Settimo and Kalsa is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Palermo with kids?
Planning what to do in Palermo with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're holidaying with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Palermo for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Palermo, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Via Vittorio Emanuele or Via Roma.
Are there free things to do in Palermo?
In Palermo, Cathedral of Monreale is a top spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Palermo.

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