Is Palermo Worth Visiting? Top 9 Things to Do + 9 Day Trips

Is Palermo Worth Visiting

We visited Palermo in 2023 in order to answer the question, “Is Palermo worth visiting?” Our trip rewarded us with a resounding YES, absolutely!

Palermo is a vibrant and beautiful Mediterranean city situated in the northwest of Sicily, Italy.

We found wandering down the centuries-old narrow streets and winding alleys to be captivating! The only thing that may have beat Palermo’s beauty is its food.

We will provide you with all of our recommendations on what to do and see, where to eat and stay, and the best day trips out of the city.

We hope this article will convince you that Palermo is worth visiting. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this delightful Mediterranean city and all it has to offer!

Is Palermo Worth Visiting?

What is Special About Palermo, Italy?

We found Palermo to be one of those places that have the “spark” – everywhere you turn there is life being lived beautifully, and it is contagious.

For a bit of context, Palermo is an Italian city located in the northwest of Sicily and is the capital of Sicily. It has a population of about 700,000 people and is Italy’s fifth-largest city.

It is also one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its origins date back to the Phoenician Empire in the 8th century BC.

Palermo is a city of many cultures, with a rich history and culture that has been influenced by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, and Germanic peoples.

In our opinion, the rich multicultural heritage most definitely makes Palermo so special.

We found it to be symbolic that there are so many mosaics in Palermo because Palermo feels like a mosaic – so many different, individual pieces brought together to create a whole much more beautiful than its parts.

This rich culture creates so much novelty, especially in art and food. There are many beautiful cities in Sicily to visit but we believe Palermo is worth visiting for the special “spark” of its culture.

Is Palermo Touristy?

Our honest opinion is no – not really.

The charm of Palermo is authentic and contagious – the people of Palermo are living life to the fullest. It is a joy to be a visitor to their town.

Many of our favorite mornings were spent going into cafes where locals were all chatting at the counter while drinking their espresso.

It didn’t matter that the cafe was right next to the main square – this was their cafe, and they started their mornings there!

That being said, there are people from all over the world who come to explore its stunning architecture, museums, and theatre. The “main” attractions do feel more touristy because you are surrounded by… tourists. 🙂

But in general, the energy of Palermo is not at all touristy – it is charming and full of life – which is one of the many reasons we believe Palermo is definitely worth visiting!

Best Time of the Year to Visit Palermo

Anytime but summertime (June, July, August) is the best time to visit Palermo, Italy. During these months, it is very hot which can make exploring the city relatively uncomfortable.

For the smallest crowds, we recommend visiting in the winter months.

Due to the wonderful Mediterranean weather, it is not very cold (50°F) so walking around and exploring is still very pleasant!

Additionally, you will find the prices to be a bit cheaper and activities less crowded. The only drawback to visiting in winter is you may have a higher chance of rain.

In our travels, we found that when it did rain, it wasn’t for long. We took the rain as an opportunity to indulge in an espresso and a cannoli at the nearest cafe.

Another favorite time of the year to visit Palermo, Italy, is spring (April and May). This is when the weather is pleasant and warm, with temperatures ranging between 60-80°F.

The city is alive with life during this season, as locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy the outdoors.

Visitors can take advantage of the beautiful weather to explore all the reasons Palermo is worth visiting, from its historic monuments and churches to its stunning beaches.

Additionally, during the months of April-May, visitors will find a range of festivals and events that bring even more life and color to the city, especially around Easter week. From street fairs to music concerts, Palermo is the place to be during this time of year.

How to Get to Palermo

Palermo is located in the northwest corner of Sicily. It’s easy to reach by plane from nearby countries. It can also be reached by train, ferry, or car from mainland Italy.

Arriving in Palermo by Plane

Palermo is easily accessible from many European cities by plane. There Palermo Airport (PMO) is 18 miles west of the city, making it very easy to get there.

You can either grab a bus, take a taxi, or rent a car to get from the airport to the city. Once you are in the city, you will find a vibrant cultural experience ready to explore!

We rented a car with Auto Europe and had a fantastic experience. We highly recommend getting a no-deductible plan so you can drive in Sicily stress-free!

Auto Europe makes it really easy to filter for this and compare the car rental companies to get the best possible price.

Arriving in Palermo by Train

There is a train station located in central Palermo that receives trains from mainland Italy. It is situated on the edge of the main tourist center and it is only a 10-minute walk from the center to reach the station.

You can arrive in Palermo by train from any major Italian city with 2 or fewer train transfers.

Depending on the city you are going to/arriving from, it can take from 10+ hours to travel by train. The train will embark on a ferry to get over the Strait of Messina, which is a pretty cool experience.

Arriving in Palermo by Bus

The bus station is located in the same location as the train station, convenient to the city center.

You can get to Palermo by bus from most cities in Italy, however, it may take a while as you must take the ferry over the Strait of Messina.

FlixBus and Autoservizi Salemi are two common options if you decide to take a bus to Palermo.

Arriving in Palermo by Car

You can drive to Palermo from mainland Europe, but you will need to use a ferry to get onto the island.

Sicily can be accessed by ferry from Villa San Giovanni which will take you to the eastern part of Sicily at Messina. This is only a 4-mile ferry between the two cities.

If you do plan on driving to Palermo, we can’t encourage you enough to get a small car. The streets of Palermo are incredibly small, and the parking spaces are tiny.

How to Get Around Palermo

Palermo is a very walkable city, especially if you are staying in the Old Town.

Most of this area is part of a ZTL, an area where there are restrictions on driving and parking, so there are few cars to contend with.

Additionally, the cobblestone roads and streets are best taken on foot!

If you’d like to explore beyond the historic center, there are a couple of options:

• The public transportation system – there are a series of buses and trams run by AMAT that service Palermo and the surrounding areas. They do not have an option to translate their website into English at the moment, but their stops and schedule are correct in Google Maps so you can find the most efficient route that way. The PMO tourist card includes free access to public transportation – if you plan to use the transportation frequently, this may be a good option to save some money! 🚊
• Taxis – there are taxis around Palermo. The easiest way to get one is to ask for help inside a hotel. 🚖
• Bike – Palermo has a bike-sharing program that allows visitors to rent bicycles for an affordable price. Rentable scooters are also available in some areas. Just remember that the streets are very uneven so this may not always be the safest form of travel! 🚲
• Ride Sharing – we did see Uber was available while we visited, but it is not very cheap. Lyft was not operating in Palermo when we made our trip. We do not recommend relying on this form of transportation.
• Hop-on hop-off buses -while we always recommend supplementing the content you get on the hop-on-hop-off busses with local run tours, the buses themselves are a very effective way to get around the city! 🚍

As for driving, we do not recommend driving around Palermo for several reasons.

First, it is very challenging to find a parking space. Secondly, double parking is also an acceptable practice in the city, and you may be blocked in for hours.

🚨 There is a ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato or Limited Traffic Zone) in the city to protect the historical parts of the city from substantial traffic. Only those with a purchased pass can drive in those areas.

Our recommendation is to park your car at the beginning of your trip and don’t plan on using it again until you leave the city. Walk as much as you can or use hop-on hop-off buses if needed.

If you want to see everything around Palermo by car, we recommend a Vintage Fiat 500 Sightseeing Tour to travel in style on this customizable tour.

Is it Safe to Walk Around Palermo?

In the last several decades, the Sicilian Mafia has been eradicated which has greatly improved the safety of Palermo.

In general, Palermo is a very safe city to explore. As with any large city, it is always recommended that visitors exercise caution, especially in crowded areas where pickpocketers may be present.

The city has an average rate of crime and most streets in the historic center are well-lit and monitored. We always felt safe walking around and exploring.

By exercising tourist caution, you can be sure that your visit to Palermo is safe and enjoyable.

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Palermo?

To really explore the city in depth and make Palermo worth visiting, it’s best to plan your trip for at least 3 days.

The main attractions like the Quattro Canti, the Palazzo dei Normanni, and the Teatro Massimo can all be seen in a day, but some of the larger museums and activities will take a half to a full day by themselves.

In addition, Palermo is a great stop to take day trips from if you do not want to change accommodations.

If adding on day trips, we would recommend 3 days in the city plus the number of days of day trips you would like to add to your vacation.

Top Things to Do in Palermo

There are a lot of things to see and do in Palermo that can fill many days. Let’s dive into a few of our top picks for exploring the city.

Palermo Free Walking Tour

We like to always begin a trip to a new city with a free walking tour to get our bearings, learn about the history of what we are going to see, and receive local recommendations from the guide.

You can do a lot of planning for a trip, but then hearing from a local what to do can elevate your trip even further. We especially appreciate the food recommendations!

We always book our free walking tours with GuruWalks – in Palermo, we took this tour and found the guide to be funny as well as informative!

Be sure to tip your guide – the recommendation is 10-15 Euro per person.

One of our favorite stops on the free walking tour was the Teatro dei Pupi di Mimmo Cuticchio, a puppet theater on a small street close to the Teatro Massimo.

Originally a street show, this theater is recognized by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. Shows only run on Saturday and Sunday.

Another major point you will learn on the walking tours is the city’s long entanglement with the Sicilian mafia or Cosa Nostra.

The Sicilian mafia is a powerful and influential organized crime syndicate that has been around since the 1800s and began to gain power in the 1950s. In the last several decades it has largely been eradicated but hearing about the affected firsthand was interesting!

Lastly, the tour guides do a great job of explaining the meaning behind two of the most significant landmarks in Palermo, the Quattro Canti and the Fontana Pretoria.

Both of these landmarks have an immense amount of statues with symbolism and stories associated with them. A venture to both of these sites without an educated guide will leave you without an appreciation of the incredible art.

Street Food Tour

This food tour is AWESOME! We could not recommend it more – it was one of the top things we did that made Palermo worth visiting.

A street food tour will take on a culinary adventure that the free walking tours don’t provide.

Make sure to come hungry and ready to eat! There are plenty of stops along the way.

On our tour, we tried many dishes but our favorites were Sfincione (focaccia pizza), Sarde a Beccafico (roll of sardines), Caponata (eggplant), Anelletti (rings of pasta), Arancina (rice ball), and Cazzilli (potato croquettes).

This is our favorite street food tour that will leave you full and satisfied with Sicilian delicacies.

In addition to tasting food, our wonderful guide took us through the markets explaining different food and produce items to us. As we walked, he also filled us in on the history and landmarks as we passed them.

It is truly a wonderful experience and the best way to explore the markets of Palermo!

Ballarò and Capo Markets

These markets are some of the best street markets we have visited in all of our travels. You will find fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, pasta, meats, spices, and fish.

Capo, Latin for higher, is the name of the market because it is higher in elevation that the rest of the area.

There are also restaurants lining the market selling arancini, Aperol spritz, Stigghiola, and other street food. We love the Friggitorias, a Sicilian shop that sells fried foods (Friggitoria Chiluzzo is our favorite in Palermo).

The best artichokes in the world are from around Palermo. They even have a festival for them every year in April! Grab one in the Ballarò market!

The markets are open from 7:30am to 3pm. Most restaurants along the market are open for lunch from 12:30-2pm.

You can take a market tour and pair that with a cooking class for an incredible afternoon.

Teatro Massimo – Palermo Opera House

The Teatro Massimo is an impressive opera house situated in the center of Palermo, Sicily, on the lovely Piazza Verdi.

It is recognized as the biggest theater in Italy and the third largest opera house in Europe.

It was built between 1875 and 1891 by architect Giovan Battista Filippo Basile, and features a grand facade of statues and columns.

The Teatro Massimo is an impressive sight to behold and draws visitors from all over the world who come to take in its breathtaking architecture. With 1,386 seats and 5 levels, it is a great place to see a performance.

Fun fact, the Godfather 3 was partially shot at the Teatro Massimo.

There is a tour of the whole facility that takes around 30 minutes. You will get to visit the royal box and other rooms in this historic building.

There is a really cool Circle Room on the outside of the main theatre room on the tour. When you stand in the middle of the room, there is an echo that makes your voice sound like it is completely surrounding you. It was magnificent!

Don’t skip the bar under Teatro Massimo – it is elegant and beautifully decorated. It is truly an elevated experience and is a great place to have a cocktail and feel like royalty!

Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel

The Royal Palace in Palermo is an absolute must-see for anyone looking to explore this beautiful and historic city – it is a top reason why Palermo is worth visiting.

Located in the heart of the city, it has been home to many generations of Sicilian royalty as the oldest royal residence in Europe.

Its impressive architecture offers a glimpse into Palermo’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can take tours through the grand halls of the palace, admire its stunning frescoes and paintings, or simply wander around the grounds admiring the beauty of this majestic building.

It is one of the more expensive tickets at €14.50, but it is worth it.

The Palatine Chapel is located inside the palace and might have the most beautiful mosaics we have seen in all of our travels. Kelsea could have spent days looking at the intricate artwork – it is truly a sight to behold!

We recommend taking a private tour of the palace and chapel to learn about the more than 800 years of history.

Alternatively, there is an optional €5 audio guide that you can purchase with your entrance ticket.

There are not many signs inside to learn about the history of the building, unfortunately, so definitely choose the tour or audio guide.

The Royal Graden on the palace grounds is also a beautiful part of the visit. Plus, there is a cafe in the middle of it which makes for a great break!

Don’t forget to go through the Porta Nuova before or after your visit to the Palace!

Palermo Cathedral

Visiting Palermo Cathedral is an iconic Palermo experience, as it is the biggest church in the entire city.

Built in the 12th century, this cathedral is one of the oldest and most renowned buildings in the city.

Its elegant facade features two bell towers and intricately detailed sculptures, making it a beautiful sight to behold.

Inside, visitors can take in the grandeur of the interior decorated with ornate frescoes and marble columns.

The cathedral, like most in Sicily, was at one time a Mosque and has many of the features of one. In fact, you can see part of the Quran on the facade.

The entrance to the Cathedral is free. You are able to purchase access to other parts of the cathedral, like the roof, crypts, or Royal tombs for an additional charge.

Visit one of the 300 churches in Palermo

Palermo is home to over 300 other churches, one of the reasons some find Palermo worth visiting. Here are three of our favorites:

Chiesa del Gesù di Casa Professa is a Baroque church located in Palermo, Sicily. The church was built in 1635, and it has been a popular destination for tourists since the 19th century.

The church is renowned for its ornate decorations, which include intricate stone designs and statues.

Inside the church, visitors can view frescoes by Giacomo Colombo and other notable Italian painters.

Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria is a beautiful 16th-century church located in the heart of Palermo.

The church is renowned for its ornate decorations, which include an elaborate facade and detailed frescoes.

Inside the church, visitors can take in the grandeur of the interior, adorned with marble columns and elaborate frescoes.

I Segreti del Chiostro is a dolceria, or confectionery, located inside the Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria in Palermo, Sicily.

They prepare sweets according to the ancient recipes of Sicilian monasteries.

We recommend the Minni di Vergine (small round pastries with white icing and a candied cherry on top), a cannoli, or any of the cookies.

The shop also sells a range of traditional Sicilian goods such as sculptures, jewelry, and pottery. Unlike the church, you do not have to pay to enter the shop.

Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, also known as La Martorana, is an 11th century Greek Orthodox church located in Palermo.

This beautiful place of worship is one of the city’s oldest churches and it is renowned for its stunning Byzantine architecture.

Inside the church, visitors can admire the ornate marble columns and carved ceilings, as well as two magnificent mosaics depicting St. Catherine and the Archangel Gabriel.

The church is open for visitors every day from 9am to 7pm.

Most churches require some kind of fee for entrance, so be prepared to have change on you if you want to enter.

Palazzo Conte Federico

The Palazzo Conte Federico is one of the oldest historic buildings in the city of Palermo. It is still inhabited by the family, who will accompany you personally on the tour.

This two-story palace is located just off the Via Ruggero Settimo, and it has a lovely courtyard with a fountain surrounded by lush vegetation.

Inside, visitors can admire the fine furniture and artwork from centuries past, as well as an amazing collection of antiques and artifacts that tell the story of the Conte family.

The tour is a great way to get an insight into the city’s history and culture, as well as to appreciate some of its beautiful architecture.

Visit the Palermo Port

The Port of Palermo is within walking distance of the city center.

It is a beautiful port to walk around and have great seafood at nearby restaurants, including Gagini, a Michelin star restaurant, and L’ottava nota, also on Michelin’s list.

We enjoyed an afternoon Aperol Spritz down by the water before dinner after a day exploring the city.

There are boat tours out of the port that include stops along the coast and local Sicilian cuisine.

A sunset boat tour can be the perfect way to end your day in Palermo and be a wonderful add to what made Palermo worth visiting for you!

The Best Day Trips from Palermo

Palermo is an amazing city to explore. But there are also many other places in the region that are worth visiting.

If you have rented a car, many of these places can be visited in one day with a return to Palermo by nightfall.

Additionally, there are also many guided tours that take you to these destinations.

Cathedral di Monreale

The town of Monreale is a 20 to 30 minute drive from central Palermo.

The town itself is charming with the patio restaurants and delicious bakeries on the corners but the star of the show is definitely the Cathedral.

The stunning Norman cathedral was commissioned by King William II of Sicily in 1174 and was made to be better than the Palatine Chapel.

Now, we wouldn’t say it is better than the Palatine Chapel…. but it is still a stunning work of art.

First of all, the sheer size of it is massive. Couple that with the amazing mosaics and it is truly a masterpiece.

We grabbed the audio guide which helped bring the mosaics to life and pointed out many things we definitely would have overlooked without it.

In addition to seeing the cathedral, you will have the opportunity to climb up to the top for an outrageously beautiful view looking down over Palermo and the ocean. It was breathtaking!

This tour is a great way to easily get to and from Monreale.

It took us about 2 hours to see everything in the Cathedral so you could use the extra half hour to roam the cute square and grab a cafe!

Santuario di Santa Rosalia

Santa Rosalia (Saint Rosalia) is the Patron Saint of Palermo.

On just about any tour you take in Palermo, you will learn a bit about Rosalia and what she means to the city. Every year in July there is a large, multiday festival held in honor of her.

If you can visit during the festival, Palermo would definitely be worth visiting!

While you are in Palermo, you can visit her final resting place in an impressive Baroque-style sanctuary located on the slopes of Monte Pellegrino.

The sanctuary is literally built in a cave and was very interesting.

Santuario di Santa Rosalia is about 30 minutes away, on a rather large hill.

During the trip up, you are rewarded with stunning views of Palermo and the surrounding area. For this reason, we love this tour because you get to truly enjoy the ride and the views!

Mondello Beach

Mondello is an absolutely dreamy beach town only 20 minutes from Palermo.

Our afternoon spent exploring this area was delightful. The beach is pristine and there are plenty of vendors with chairs or watersport options.

This biking tour does a fantastic job of showing the area – the guide does a great job of pointing out different landmarks along the way.

Plus, the terrain is mostly flat, making for an enjoyable ride for all.

Wine Tasting in the Palermo Countryside

Italy is known for its wines, and Palermo is no exception! What better way to spend a half day than tasting local wines?

On this tour, you will visit Baglio Di Pianetto Winery to take a tour of the vineyard and cellar before a guided tasting of Sicilian wine.

Transportation is included so that you can fully enjoy the experience! Wine is one reason Palermo is worth visiting.

Temple Segesta

Did you know that Sicily is home to some of the best-preserved Greek Temples in the world? We didn’t before we visited!

Temple Segesta is just an hour away from Palermo.

The temple itself is impressively preserved with very few segments missing. Additionally, they have an original amphitheater and an ancient Greek town that you can explore.

The signs around the property are good and help explain what you are looking at.

This tour combines Temple Segesta with Erice, which we cover below, for a full-day tour from Palermo.

Réserve Naturelle du Zingaro

The beauty of the Sicilian coastline must be experienced – it is one of the many reasons we found Palermo worth visiting!

Réserve Naturelle du Zingaro is a phenomenal place to explore the coast and is only an hour from Palermo.

The stunning nature reserve spans 7 miles along the coast with great hiking and wildlife.

We did not do the full 7 miles, but we did travel about 3 miles before turning around and coming back. Along the way, we were blown away by the views.

You will find little places you can venture into the water. Many bring their bathing suits to take a plunge. Don’t miss this adventure!

You can take this tour which also goes to the stunning beach town of San Vito Lo Capo.

Cefalù

A coastal town that is renowned for its picturesque views, a mountain castle, and wonderful beaches that is only 1 hour away from Palermo.

Cefalù is truly dreamy and snapping photos in all the streets will quickly fill up your camera roll.

We loved just walking down the narrow streets, listening to the life being lived there.  Additionally, we loved the food.

You are not likely to leave Cefalù hungry as there are restaurants everywhere with absolutely gorgeous views.

The final selling point is the beach – it is large and stunning. Perfect for relaxation.

Travel to Cefalù with ease and style and also visit Castelbuono! Plus, you won’t have to deal with parking which was not easy.

Erice

Erice feels like a storybook.

The town is called Erice because it is located on top of Mount Erice. The drive up to Erice tends to rattle the nerves of most people, but the views at the top are 1,000,000% worth it.

In Erice, you will find a castle you can explore as well as a small town with cute shops and restaurants. Wandering around this town is a top experience in Sicily! Don’t miss out on it.

Erice is about 1 and a half hours away from Palmero but is close to the Temple Segesta. Take this tour to be able to easily explore both!

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a UNESCO World Heritage site that features some of the most breathtaking Greek temples in the world.

While they are 2 hours away from Palermo, they are an absolute must-see in Sicily! The quantity and size of the Greek temples are staggering.

Having a guide take you around the site helps bring to life the history behind the temples.

That is one of the reasons why we like this tour. The tour takes you to the Valley of Temples, as well as another beautiful town, where you can explore the grounds with a local guide!

We would not recommend driving all the way to the east coast of Sicily and back in one day.

We have both a guide for traveling to the beautiful town of Taormina and a guide to get to Catania, the second largest city in Sicily.

If you plan on visiting the east coast of Sicily as well, we recommend staying the night or multiple nights in either Taormina, Catania, Messina, or Syracuse.

Does Palermo have a Beach?

Mondello Beach is a stunning beach located near the city of Palermo in Sicily.

Surrounded by picturesque cliffs, this beach features soft white sand and crystal clear waters.

It is one of the most popular beaches in the area, offering plenty of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking.

The shallow waters make it a great spot for families, and the local restaurants serve delicious seafood dishes.

Mondello Beach has some great seafood restaurants, like L’angolo di Mondello Trattoria da Franco.

Mondello Beach is also home to several beach clubs with live music, making it perfect for a night out.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an exciting nightlife experience, Palermo’s Mondello Beach has something for everyone!

Where to Eat in Palermo

Sicilian food is a delicious blend of influences from the many cultures that have called the region home over time.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty fish soup or some sweet cannoli, there’s no shortage of culinary delights in Palermo and beyond. The food is definitely a top reason Palermo is worth visiting!

Before you head out to eat, know that you will probably see “coperto” on your bill.

Coperto is a small cover charge that is usually €3‎. Additionally, you may be charged for bread or it may be included in the coperto. In general, it is a pretty nominal feel and replaces the tipping in Sicily.

There are so many great places to eat in Palermo, but these are some of our favorites:

• Taverna dei Canti – traditional Sicilian food in the heart of Palermo. The Triglia a Beccafico (Mullet fish) is especially good, but we recommend all of the pastas as well like the Nessun Norma.

• Cannoli and Co – we like this Cannoli shop because you have the choice of 7 different ricotta creams to put in your cannoli. You also get to choose the shell flavor and toppings to customize your cannoli to your liking.

• Moltivolti – a popular restaurant located in the heart of Palermo, Italy. Established in 2014, this family-run restaurant is known for its Sicilian dishes mixed with African, Middle Eastern, and other international cuisine. From fresh seafood to delicious cous cous, Moltivolti offers a wide selection of dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and local flavors.

• Osteria Mercede – one of the city’s must-visit restaurants due to its delicious seafood dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Along with the fresh seafood, Osteria Mercede serves the best pasta dishes in Palermo, including spaghetti con vongole (clams) and linguine allo scoglio (mixed seafood).

• Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour – enjoy typical wines and cheeses in a 16th-century home close to the Vuccira market. Most wineries are far from Palermo, so this tour gives you the opportunity to sample many wines, including our favorite Nero d’Avola.

• Sfrigola – a local chain specializing in different kinds of arancini (rice balls with fillings). They prepare it right in front of you to make it crunchy on the outside and soft and delicious on the inside. With around 25 different fillings to choose from, you have a wide variety to taste this Sicilian delicacy. We recommend the Tris Della Tradizione, the sampler of the three most traditional arancini.

• Frisku Cream Sweet Love – our favorite place for Gelato in Palermo. Popular Sicilian flavors are Stracciatella (Sweet cream with chocolate chips), Fragola (Strawberry), Fior di Latte (Sweet milk cream), Nocciola (Hazelnut), and Pistacchio (pistachio)

• Sicilian Cooking Class – instead of just eating this unique cuisine, learn to make Palermo’s traditional dishes like Panelle (Sicilian Chickpea Fritters), Carciofi Fritti (Fried Artichokes), Involtini di carne (meat rolls), an arancini, and Cassata (Sicilian cake).

Where to Stay in Palermo

We recommend staying in the “Centro Storico” section of Palermo. Why? Convenience.

Staying in the central area makes it easy to walk around but still be able to pop into your accommodations for a quick siesta or to drop off items.

Additionally, we strongly recommend hotels since many of the short-term rentals are dramatically increasing prices for locals and driving them out of areas their families have lived in for generations.

A few of our favorite hotels are:

• Hotel Posta – The hotel is a family-owned boutique located in an old mansion that provides well-equipped rooms. In addition to that, they offer excellent service with a lounge featuring a fully stocked library as well as a 24-hour bar. Their breakfast menu includes fresh and local specialties with gluten-free options available.

• B&B Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti – This hotel is right at the most central part of Centro Storico making it a fantastic location. The rooms are well-appointed. Plus, there is a rooftop restaurant with a beautiful view of the city.

• Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel – Looking for a more elevated stay? The Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel goes above and beyond in providing an exceptional guest stay and will definitely make Palermo worth visiting. From their luxury rooms, concierge service, and even bike rentals, they really have everything to make your stay extraordinary!

Are none of these options quite right for you? Our map has the best prices for accommodations in Palermo:

Is Palermo Affordable?

Palermo is very affordable which is another reason Palermo is worth visiting.

You can find really good accommodations for less than €150 a night.

For food, breakfast and coffee will cost you around €3 per person. Lunch can easily be less than €10 and a nice dinner will be around €25 per person.

Italian wine is almost as cheap as bottled water. There are great prices for phenomenal food.

Some attractions, like the Palermo Cathedral, are free to visit. Others like the Teatro Massimo and the Norman Palace require an entrance fee of around €10-15.

Use the free walking tours (tip your guides!) to learn about the city and keep the cost low.

We have found the most expensive part of visiting Palermo is to see an opera or performance at the Teatro Massimo. Other than that, is a fairly inexpensive city to visit in Europe.

Is Palermo Worth Visiting?

Overall, Palermo is DEFINITELY worth visiting. It is an incredible city. The city is filled with stunning architecture; from grand Baroque churches to colorful Moorish-style buildings.

Sicilian cuisine is phenomenal, with options ranging from street food such as arancini (fried rice balls) to more sophisticated dishes like Pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant). And don’t forget the cannoli – Sicily’s traditional sweet treat.

Overall, Palermo is an unforgettable destination that offers something for everyone. We can’t wait to go back soon!

Whether you’re looking to enjoy the city’s vibrant art, sample its tantalizing cuisine, or simply admire its stunning architecture, Palermo is definitely worth visiting.

So why not make your way down to Palermo, Sicily soon? You won’t regret it!

We wish you the best travels, and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!”