Sicily, Italy

Things to do in Palermo

Palermo's street food comes from markets that have traded for centuries, from Ballaro to the Capo, where you eat arancine, panelle and pani ca meusa standing up. Its Arab-Norman monuments, including the Palatine Chapel and the cathedral of Monreale, form a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Cefalu and the Zingaro reserve are within easy reach.

  • Street food tour of Ballaro and the Capo markets
  • Palatine Chapel and the Norman Palace
  • Monreale cathedral mosaics
  • Cefalu day trip

Experiences in Palermo

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Outdoor and natureHikes, kayaks and nature trips within easy reach of the city.

Top-rated experiences in Palermo

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Free cancellation on most experiences. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Highlights

  • Street food tour of Ballaro and the Capo markets
  • Palatine Chapel and the Norman Palace
  • Monreale cathedral mosaics
  • Cefalu day trip
  • Mondello and the coast by boat
  • Sicilian cooking class with market visit

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October are the most comfortable months. July and August are hot, and scirocco winds from Africa can push temperatures past 40C; mid-July brings the Santa Rosalia festival.

Getting around

The historic centre is walkable, with buses for Mondello and Monreale. The airport is about 35 km west, linked by train and by shuttle bus to the centre in about 50 minutes.

Local tips

  • Visit the markets in the morning, when stalls are full; they are much quieter on Sunday afternoons.
  • Shoulders and knees must be covered in Monreale cathedral and the Palatine Chapel.
  • In Palermo it is arancina, in the feminine, and ordering it that way earns a smile.

Day trips from Palermo

  • Monreale
  • Cefalu
  • Zingaro Nature Reserve
  • Segesta and Erice
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Palermo?

The most booked experiences in Palermo are Street food tour of Ballaro and the Capo markets, Palatine Chapel and the Norman Palace, Monreale cathedral mosaics and Cefalu day trip.

When is the best time to visit Palermo?

April to June and September to October are the most comfortable months. July and August are hot, and scirocco winds from Africa can push temperatures past 40C; mid-July brings the Santa Rosalia festival.

How do I get around Palermo?

The historic centre is walkable, with buses for Mondello and Monreale. The airport is about 35 km west, linked by train and by shuttle bus to the centre in about 50 minutes.

Do I need to book tours in Palermo in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Palermo?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Catania166 km awayTaormina171 km awaySorrento292 km awayNaples314 km away