Visit Palermo: What to See and What to Do
Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a city that captivates and surprises. A place where history, culture, and folklore intertwine in a fascinating and complex mosaic. If you’re thinking of visiting Palermo, prepare to discover a city of many facets, where every corner tells a story, and every street is a journey through time.
In this article, I’ll summarize the main reasons why visiting Palermo will be an unforgettable and unique experience, providing links to other articles if you want to read more about each topic. I will talk about the city’s authentic and sometimes controversial spirit, its many cultural and historical attractions, its food, seaside locations, nightlife, and the many wonderful destinations you can visit in its surroundings.
Piazza San Domenico, in the Loggia district
Why Palermo is a City of Contrasts
Palermo is a city of contrasts, where the ancient and the modern coexist in a surprising balance. Walking through its streets and ancient districts, you’ll encounter Baroque and Arab-Norman sites and monuments, next to vibrant markets and modern cafés. This unique mix of architectural and cultural styles reflects the city’s tumultuous history, dominated over centuries by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, and Spanish. Each rule has left an indelible mark, contributing to a rich and layered cultural identity.
Church of “La Martorana”
The contrasts don’t stop there: Palermo has both a bright and a darker side, like any city, you may say… but what makes this city unique is how these realities blend together, sometimes in drastic and surreal ways. You’ll find many cultural wonders, sunny people, a fantastic climate, and dreamy seaside locations, but this beauty also contrasts with the challenges and poverty in some neighborhoods and a controversial historical legacy.
Behind the Cathedral, heading to the Capo district
From an architectural perspective, modern buildings stand next to dilapidated structures (many under reconstruction), bearing the scars of war. This is true not only for the Historic Center, which feels like a world of its own… the city is vast, with landscapes and atmospheres that can change drastically.
Alleys facing Teatro Massimo, in the Loggia district
Today, Palermo is a modern and safe city, but its more controversial aspects contribute to making it unique and authentic (and perhaps, at times, a bit wild). If you’re thinking about the mafia, it’s time to abandon this outdated vision, as the city has undergone immense transformations. Read our article on debunking the myths surrounding the mafia and crime in Palermo.
The Historical Charm of Palermo
Palermo’s history is a journey through centuries of splendor and decline. From the Norman Palace, the oldest royal residence in Europe, to the magnificent Cathedral, which blends Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements, the city is an open-air museum. The Palatine Chapel, with its Byzantine mosaics, is one of Palermo’s most precious gems and a symbol of the Norman period. But there are so many places worth visiting! Check out our article on Palermo’s must-see attractions here.
Cathedral of Palermo
Moreover, Palermo is not just about ancient history. In the 19th century, the city experienced a new period of splendor under the leadership of the Florio family, one of the most influential entrepreneurial dynasties of the time. The Florios, with their vision and entrepreneurial spirit, transformed Palermo into a hub of culture and industry, leaving a legacy that can still be admired today, like the famous Teatro Massimo and the Liberty neighborhood. Read more about the Florio family here.
Folklore and Traditions
Palermo’s folklore is as fascinating as its history. Religious and popular traditions are an integral part of daily life. Patronal festivals, such as the feast of Santa Rosalia, the “Santuzza,” are must-see events, where the city comes alive with processions, fireworks, and street food. The historic markets, like Ballarò and Vucciria, are a dive into the colors, flavors, and scents of authentic Sicily. Here, you can taste local specialties such as pane con la milza, arancine, and the Sicilian cannoli—a must for every visitor.
Ballarò Market, Palermo
But there’s much more: Find more information in our article on Palermo’s folklore.
Palermo’s Food and Culinary Tradition
Food in Palermo is also a symbol of its folklore and traditions. On every corner, in every alley, you can experience the wonderful delights of Sicilian street food and the local culinary culture. From pastries to the typical Sicilian rosticceria (arancine, sfincione, calzoni, etc.), from pane con la milza to pasta with sardines and dozens of traditional dishes, you’ll surely have the chance to savor the history and love surrounding each preparation.
“Rosticceria”, Street Food
But Palermo is not just about traditional food or street food. The city appreciates culinary innovation and exploration: there are many avant-garde restaurants, offering everything from classic Italian dishes to foreign influences, all in unique and magical settings.
Learn more by reading our article on Palermo’s food scene.
Nightlife, Bars, and Entertainment in Palermo
Palermo has much to offer in terms of entertainment and nightlife. Each neighborhood has its pubs, clubs, and gathering spots, but the Historic Center is the heart of a particularly lively nightlife. The squares come alive, and the list of venues is long. Additionally, the locals are very welcoming towards tourists, so you won’t have trouble meeting new people and enjoying endless nights of fun!
Nightlife in Palermo, Vucciria
Whether you want to relax with friends, hop from pub to pub, dance, or dive into the crowd of young people filling the squares, Palermo offers it all.
Read our article on Palermo’s nightlife here.
Sea, Trekking, and Breathtaking Views
Palermo and the sea are inextricably linked. Locations like Mondello and its surroundings, Addaura, and the Capo Gallo nature reserve offer the experience of a stunning sea just steps from the historic center.
Mondello Gulf, view from Monte Pellegrino
If you’re a fan of hiking and trekking, Palermo offers many nature trails without going too far. The Monte Pellegrino promontory, with its breathtaking views of the city and the sea, is just one example, but there are many other nearby spots worth visiting!
One of many trekking paths in Monte Pellegrino
For those looking to venture further, with a car or by taking advantage of trains and buses, you can easily reach some of the most beautiful places in Sicily and the Mediterranean, whether it’s mountain or seaside locations.
Explore more in our articles:
– Nature and Trekking in Palermo and Surroundings
– Beaches and Seaside Spots to Visit in Palermo and Surroundings
The Surroundings of Palermo and the Islands
Choosing Palermo as your travel destination is also a great way to explore nearby cities and locations, incredible mountain and seaside spots, and the wonderful islands: the Egadi, the Aeolian Islands, and the closer Ustica.
View from Monte delle Felci, Salina
The whole Sicily is worth exploring, and Palermo is a strategic choice for discovering the surrounding area, the sea, the mountains, archaeological sites, and much more. Furthermore, the port of Palermo can be reached on foot from the historic centre, and in the same way you can reach the Central Station (from which trains and several buses leave). Other connections and transport are equally easy, although having a car is always the best option.
Read more in our articles:
– Explore The Surroundings of Palermo
– The Nearby Islands
– How to Move Around: Public and Private Transport Options
Where to Stay in Palermo
If you’re wondering about the best location for your stay, it’s ideal to choose a BnB or apartment in the Historic Center, as that’s where most of the main attractions and the city’s vibrant life are located. While Palermo is large, the Historic Center feels more like a charming village that you can easily explore on foot. Additionally, the center is well-connected for those looking to venture out further, which is worth it depending on the length of your stay.
Of the four main districts that make up the Historic Center, I suggest focusing on areas closer to the sea, while avoiding the busier streets, markets, and some of the darker, less inviting alleys. Instead, opt for a quieter, more reserved area right in the heart of Palermo.
This is exactly why I chose the location for my apartment, Casa Cassarelli. It offers all the benefits of a central, well-connected location, combined with the comfort of a peaceful and charming neighborhood. Click here to check it out and take advantage of the best prices by booking directly with me (or you can find it on all major platforms as well).
Whatever you decide, you might find these additional resources helpful:
– General suggestions on where to stay.
– Insights into Palermo’s different districts and its unique urban layout.
So, Why visit Palermo and What to do?
So, as you can see, the city offers a wide choice of options, activities and unmissable places.
Visiting Palermo means immersing yourself in a unique and authentic experience, whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or an urban explorer, Palermo will surprise and captivate you. From its golden beaches like Mondello to the architectural wonders of the historic center, and the enchanting atmosphere of its markets, it’s a destination worth discovering.
And if you want to have fun and experience nightlife, you will find a lively city that will surely surprise you!
Moreover, choosing to rent an apartment or vacation home in the Historic Center allows you to experience the city like a true local, exploring every corner at your own pace. It’s an opportunity to discover the true heart of Palermo, a city that—with all its contradictions and beauty—will stay with you forever.
