Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is a city that pulsates with life, history, and culture. Due to it’s interest past the city has a unique blend of Norman, Arab, and Baroque architecture making a joy to explore with beautiful historic buildings around every corner. For foodies Palermo’s markets, like Ballarò and Vucciria, bustling, noisy and overflowing with delicious Sicilian street food! This article has everything you need to know to plan your Palermo adventure!
A quick look at Palermo
Country: Italy
Population: 628,894
Language: Italian
Currency: Euro
Best Month to Visit: September
Must See: Chiesa Santa Catarina
Must Eat: Arancini
How to get to Palermo?
If arriving by plane you will land at the Palermo Falcone-Borsellino airport (PMO) which is about 35km from the the city. To get to the city from the airport you have a number of options:
Train: From the airport you can catch a train directly to Palermo centrale station. 2 Trains leave every hour in each direction and the journey takes about half an hour. Tickets are only € 6.80 (adults) and € 3.50. You can purchase tickets at the station or see the train schedule and book online in advance from the Trenitalia website
Bus: A company called Prestia e Comande runs shuttle buses from outside arrivals every 30 minutes and takes about 50 minutes. You can purchase tickets in the arrivals area or online in advance. Tickets cost € 6 one way or €10 for a return ticket. You can purchase tickets and see the schedule from the Prestia e Comande website.
Taxi: Taxis are also available from outside arrivals but can be expensive due to the distance. If you have a group and can share the fare this is a good option.
TRAVEL TIP: Book online ahead of time as there is only a couple of ticket machines and when you have a planeload of people trying to buy a ticket all at once it can take a long time!
Getting Around Palermo
All the sights in Palermo are within the centro storico (historical center) and easily walkable if you are staying outside of this area or wish to venture further you have a couple of options:
Train: Palermo centrale services other areas around Sicily. Check out the Trenitalia website for destinations and schedules.
Bus: City buses are run by a company called AMAT. You can buy tickets at local shops and AMAT kiosks that are scattered around. You can also purchase ticket when you baord with cash only a single journey costs €1.80 and AMAT recommend having correct change for the fare. There is also a AMAT mobolie app that you can purchase tickets on. Check out the AMAT website for more information on the app and ticket stand locations.
The best way to find routes and stops is to use google maps.
Free Tourist Bus: There is also a free tourist bus that does a loop around the central historical area. The bus has FREE written on the bus and departs every 11 minutes check out the route map here.
When is the best time to visit Palermo?
Palermo has good weather all year round with dry hot summer and mild winters. When to visit will come down to your personal preference summer is going to be hot and have more tourists. If you don’t like hot weather or crowds come in winter, and for us though the sweet spot is in the shoulder seasons with good temperatures where it’s not too hot but still shorts and t-shirt weather with less crowds.
Where to stay?
Centro Storico: Most attractions, markets, shops and restaurants are located in a small area in the central storico area for convenience we would recommend staying in this area or one of the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Mondello: Modello is a beach neighbourhood located about 11km from the city center. Mondello has beautiful beaches, shop and restaurants with a more laid back seaside vibe.
Things to do in Palermo
Fontana Pretoria
This fountain is a stunning piece of Renaissance art and set inside in the beautiful piazza Pretoria. This fountain has an epic origin story where it was originally constructed in Florence in 1555 for a wealthy nobleman. In 1573 facing financial issues the nobleman sold the fountain to the city of Palermo it was disassembled into 644 pieces and sent to Palermo where it was put back together in Piazza Pretoria where it still stands today. The fountain also famously earned the nickname Fountain of Shame due to all the nude statues.
Chiesa Santa Catarina
The church was built in the 16th Century and is probably one of the most beautiful churches we have ever been to the amount of detail in the paintings and sculptures is absolutely unbelievable. It costs €3 to enter, but we would recommend getting the €10 ticket that also gives you access to the monastery that has a beautiful courtyard (and amazing cannoli from the bakery) and the rooftop with amazing views of Palermo.
Mercato di Ballaró
Mercato di Ballaró is one of Palermo’s oldest markets, dating back to the 10th century during Arab rule in Sicily. Its name, comes from “Suq Al-Balhara” meaning market of mirrors. This is a really nice market full of fresh produce, seafood and street food. The market has the same energy as a market in Southeast Asia with locals zooming through on their scooters and picking up food. It is busy, noisy, chaotic and we love it!
Teatro Massimo
The theatre was built in 1897 and is famous its Neoclassical architecture and for featuring in the godfather part 3. It is also supposed to be stunning on the inside but we didn’t have time, but definitely swing by and check out one of the most iconic building in the city.
Palermo Cathedral
Palermo cathedral is a spectacular church with a really beautiful square in front. Like other places around Palermo the building has a blend of different styles due to the different cultures that have occupied Sicily over the years. Originally there was a Christian basilica, later a mosque, and then a Norman church. It is free to enter but for €7 you can climb to the roof top for the best views in Palermo hands down!
Quatro Canti
Quattro Canti is an intersection that is the heart of the old city that divides the city up into the four ancient districts. On each corner there’s a façade that has three sections the bottom section has a fountain that represents one of the four Seasons the middle section has one of the Sicilian Spanish Kings and the top section has a female patron saint of the city. You will most likely pass this spot multiple times while exploring the city, but defiantly stop and take in this unique piece of history.
Valley of the Temples
Situated on the plateau on the south coast of Sicily, Valley of the Temples is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. Consisting of 8 Greek temples built between around 510BC and 430BC, this UNESCO World heritage site is still intact centuries later for us to enjoy to this day.
Valley of the Temples is an excellent day trip from Palermo. Check out our article on how to visit from Palermo
TRAVEL TIP: All these places and more are all listed in the map near the top of the page!
Where/What To Eat & Drink
You will find loads of Shops, Cafes and Restaurants west of Quatro Canti on Via Vittorio Emanuele and north of Quatro Canti along Via Maqueda parts of these streets are closed to traffic apart from local vehicles making them great places to stroll and browse the shops. (Marked on the map)
Markets
Palermo is famous for its markets that date back to ancient times. The markets are noisy, chaotic where the air is filled with the smell of tasty street food. These markets are probably the most local and authentic you will find in Europe and are a joy to visit. Some of the most popular markets are:
Vuccaria Market: During the day this is a fish market with some street food stalls and during the evening the market closes and the cobblestone streets are lined with restaurants that serve amazing local food and cheap drinks. For us this was the best place to come for dinner or some drinks in the evening.
Capo Market: Bustling food market that has loads of seafood and local delicacies. Come here for seafood and Sicilian dishes.
Mercato di Ballaró: Historical market dating back to the Arab rule. This is another epic market for come for the local vibe and street food.
Ice Cream
Sicily is the home of ice cream so there is no better place (or excuse) to eat Ice Cream. Here in Palermo they are famous for serving it in a Brioche bun that is the perfect vessel for holding your ice cream as it ads a hint of savoury to balance the sweetness of the ice cream. We can’t really recommend any one place as they were all amazing!
Cannoli
Another sweet dish that was born in Sicily! Cannoli is a deep fried pastry shell that is filled with sweetened ricotta and is one of the most iconic pastries from Italy. There is no better way to start your day with an espresso and Cannoli! We really liked the Cannoli at La Martorana (marked on the map)
Fritto misto di mare
Sicily being an island it would be amiss to not try some local seafood right? Frito misto di mare is made with locally fresh seafood, like shrimp, squid, and small whole fish thar are crumbed and deep fried and served with a squeeze of lemon.
Arancini
Arancini is a deep fried ball rice that is stuffed with all sorts of fillings with the most popular being ragù (meat or mince, slow-cooked at low temperature with tomato sauce and spices). It may not sound or look that appealing but these things are absolutely balls of joy are delish!
Next Stop:
- Valley of the Temples: Best Palermo day trip!
- Visit Matera: Ultimate Travel Guide
- Beer, Pomme Frites and Manneken pis! Discover Brussels!
Also check out our YouTube video below 👇
