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Palermo / Discover the Magic of Sicily's Capital
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items I recently travelled to Palermo in December of 2025 and spent five glorious days exploring the city. The most conquered city in history, ruled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, and more, the city lives in harmony wi...
Map
Sections
6
Getting to Palermo
Where to stay
Where to Eat
Historic and Cultural Experiences
Notable Neighbourhoods for Street Art
Day Trips
Getting to Palermo
There are a few ways to get from Falcone Borsellino Airport to Palermo without breaking the bank.
A less expensive option to getting to and from the airport. They have a central drop-off location in Palermo.
Prestia and Comandè
Another affordable option is sharing a taxi. You can make a shared taxi reservation by calling +39 0918481 or by texting them on WhatsApp at +39 3313284403.
Note: The only issue is you have to wait for the taxi to have numerous people to share the ride so if you're in a hurry this isn't a great option.
Note: The only issue is you have to wait for the taxi to have numerous people to share the ride so if you're in a hurry this isn't a great option.
Taxi sharing Palermo-aeroporto
If you have a lot of luggage or want door-to-door service, you can use the Uber app. The app contacts local taxi companies and gives you a price range. You’ll pay at least 45€ plus extra for luggage too
Uber
Where to stay
Centrally located to the city's markets, shopping, and historic sites, with all the comforts to make your stay enjoyable. The perfect accommodations in a safe neighbourhood for solo travellers and couples alike.
My top pick for comfortable accommodations in the heart of the city. An excellent location, centrally located to many amazing historic sites, activities, shopping, and dining. I thoroughly enjoyed staying here!
Palco Rooms & Suites
Comfort and Convenience! Perfect for solo travellers and couples.
Family Affair B&B
Looking for luxury? This ones for you!
Grand Wagner Hotel
Where to Eat
Palermo has some of the best street food in Italy and hospitality to match. Here's a mix of street food spots and restaurants to help you avoid getting hangry.
Delicious fuss-free Sicilian pizza!
BIGA Genio e Farina
Modern takes on traditional Sicilian dishes in a laid-back trattoria with al fresco tables.
Buatta Cucina Popolana
We stumbled upon this gelato spot while wandering around a neighbourhood in search of street art. When we arrived, he was opening, and a couple of people were already in line. It was amazing! I had one scoop of coffee and a scoop of hazelnut, and OMG...
Dolce Capo
A fine dining experience with a great tasting menu.
Gagini Restaurant
A super cozy atmosphere with delicious dishes!
IL CULINARIO
Think crunchy cannoli with a slightly sweet ricotta filling…
I Segreti Del Chiostro
A great place to find arancini with more creative fillings.
Ke Palle
We stumbled upon this cute restaurant in Kalsa and enjoyed lunch. The waiter recommended the squid ink pasta, and it was amazing!! We also picked up pastries to go, including the most delicious cannoli. I can't recommend this place enough, from mouth...
La Martorana
A great spot for a coffee & pastry in the heart of the Capo market!
Le Angeliche - Dolci al Volo
Had a delicious seafood pasta on our first night. The seafood and pasta were super fresh! The service was excellent as well.
OSTERIA NORMA
Looking for a quick snack? Grab an arancini! This establishment offers a variety of flavours from traditional to experimental.
Sfrigola
A diverse menu offering fish, meat, pizza and more with amazing service!
Sikulo Umori & Sapor
Courtesy of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations show. I decided to try this spot - it's a delicious seafood restaurant!
Trattoria Piccolo Napoli
Breakfast with a view of the teatro! Enjoyed the granita & brioche.
Vularie
Historic and Cultural Experiences
A mix of historic sites, tours, and cultural experiences.
Book a 30-minute tour of the teatro to see its beautiful architecture and learn about its past. The tour is well worth the cost and offers a wealth of interesting information. If you have more time, get tickets to the opera! I saw La Boheme here in D...
Teatro Massimo di Palermo
A great tour to get in some street art & learn about the city's deeply rooted culture. I also spend a day wandering the neighbourhoods on my own, looking at street art.
Street Art and Urban Culture Walking Tour
Taste the fantastic street food of Palermo on this 3.5 hr walking food tour! This was a great experience and gave us a chance to try some popular dishes and set the tone for the rest of the trip. We also received restaurant recommendations as well th...
Street Food Tour
I thoroughly enjoyed this market. While it's a little smaller, you can really see the Arabic influence, and the food is sooooo good!
Capo Street Market
Experience an explosion of colours, flavours, music, screams, and Sicilian life! This market is just that - an experience. Please bring cash and be prepared to be firmly persuaded.
Mercato di Ballarò
A beautiful church with stunning architecture! Be sure to check the hours, especially around lunch.
Chiesa Del Gesu
A unique Norman-Islamic-Byzantine blend of architectural design! It costs about 8 euros to go inside. There isn't much to see inside, so unless you really want to drop some cash, enjoy the exterior.
Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti
One of the most stunning cathedrals I've ever seen! You can view the church for free, but you require tickets for the royal tombs and the rooftop. Definitely worth it! You'll need about 1 hr to see it all.
Cattedrale di Palermo
Not for the squeamish, bodies mummified with Arsenic during the 1800s. Be sure to check the hours as many places close during lunch.
Catacombe dei Cappuccini, Palermo
Learn about the history and no mafia movement.
NO Mafia Walking Tour by GetYourGuide
A super interesting memorial/museum to educate on the mafia and the anti-mafia transition.
No Mafia Memorial
Notable Neighbourhoods for Street Art
Palermo has a vibrant street art scene in its historic neighborhoods. Known for its narrative murals and politically charged works, alongside canvases that tell stories of rebirth, culture, and the Sicilian spirit.
This historic market district features large murals by local artists (like Igor Scalisi Palminteri's Santa Rosalia) and projects like "Una strada parlante" (A Talking Street) with glowing art and poetry illuminating alleys.
Ballarò
Explore this area for politically significant murals that add a vibrant layer to Palermo's cultural identity.
Al-Khalesa The Kalsa district of Palermo
A central district where urban art projects aim to highlight rebirth and beauty on city walls.
The Albergheria
A charming, off-the-beaten-path area transformed into an open-air gallery with colorful murals from local and international artists.
Borgo Vecchio
Day Trips
With Palermo having great train connections, why not take a day trip? Whether you're looking for relaxation, culture, or history, these places do not disappoint and offer a different perspective on life in Sicily.
A quick bus ride gets you to this beautiful beach. Book a beach club for the day to secure a chair, etc., or use the public beach.
Mondello Beach
Home to incredible beaches, fresh seafood and many artisans, Cefalu is a great way to spend the day. Hope on the train and within an hour you're in beautiful Cefalu!
Cefalù
Catacombs, cathedrals, beaches, and more! Hop on the 389 bus and ride for 1 hr to reach Monreale. Wander on your own or book tours to make the most of your time.
Monreale
A two-hour drive from Palermo, you'll find Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. This stunning archaeological park, just outside Agrigento, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring preserved ancient Greek temples dating to the 5th century BC. All...
Agrigento & Valley of the Temples