Location: Palermo
Top Things to do in Palermo
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Top 10 Things to do in Palermo, Sicily
Palermo is an urban melting pot characterized by history and culture so diverse that it often feels conflicted. Discover an intriguing range of architectural styles, from Arabian domes to baroque buildings, and enjoy delicious cuisine that spans a variety of origins. Be sure to visit the Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel and the church of St. John of the Hermits. Art and music lovers won’t want to miss the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (the “GAM”), the Salinas or an opera or ballet at the Teatro Massimo.
Restaurants in Palermo
1. Palazzo Conte Federico
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 787 reviews
The palazzo is in the center of the old city only a few steps away from the Norman Palace. the Cathedral and the Market Ballarò. The oldest part of the palace is an Arab-Norman Tower of the 12th century. You can observe verious architectural styles, high painted ceilings of the 15th century, baroque ceiling frescoes by Vito D'Anna and Gaspare Serenario, various collections and original furniture. Since Count Federico's family, which can be followed back to the Hohenstaufen Emperor Friedrich II, has lived in this palace for centuries, the personal atmosphere makes a visit to this historical building a unique experience.
Reviewed By debm224
Small group tours with a member of the Federico family, who have lived in this fascinating historic building for many generations. A Norman tower from the original Palermo city wall is incorporated into the palazzo, and the history of the city is demonstrated with examples from renovations and additions. This is also a family home, with the cat’s climbing frame, portable heaters etc sitting alongside old treasures. We were welcomed by one of the sons, who was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic to share the family history - it was a highlight of our visit to Palermo.
2. Norman Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,972 reviews
Reviewed By Sunshine631869
I didn't bother with the full visit. Just focused on the Capella Palatina which is enough, to be honest, because every inch is covered in lavish Byzantine mosaics illustrating biblical scenes. There's also plenty of Arabic influence, particularly in the geometric patterning of floor and wall tiles. You could study it for hours and you wouldn't begin to take it all in. Absolutely glorious! There's also an exhibition about the history of the Kingdom of Sicily and the Norman Palace on the ground floor. It's a bit haphazard and the English translations on the interpretation boards are absolutely shocking. It's almost impossible to follow them. You'd think they'd get native speakers to approve them but no, they just print up nonsense. Get what you can out of it but go for the mosaics. They are the real deal.
3. Palazzo Steri - Chiaramonte - Carcere dei penitenziati
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 716 reviews
Reviewed By nelliebly722018 - Sicily, Italy
Guided tour, some given in English, of the Palazzo of one if the most important families in Sicily as well as graffiti by prisoners held there afterwards when it was used as a prison by the Spanish Inquisition. The tour is very informative - great way to learn more about the very layered history of Palermo - originally the center when it was an active Arab trading port, a ruling family’s palazzo with a private chapel, then repurposed as a prison. Restoration design was started/planned by Carlo Scarpa and completed by others after his death.
4. Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,631 reviews
This chapel is known for its superb gold Byzantium mosaics.
Reviewed By Jazzumbo - Campulung, Romania
Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (Church of the Admiral) was built about 900 years ago by Muslim constructors for an Orthodox Christian admiral – George of Antioch, who paid mosaic crafters from Constantinople to come to Palermo and decorate it with stunning Byzantine mosaics. One of the mosaics depicts George of Antioch praying to Virgin Mary, while another one shows the Norman King Roger of Sicily receiving the power and crown directly from Jesus. After the death of the admiral, the church became Catholic and starting from XVI century went under several transformations and restorations. Currently, some of the Byzantine mosaics, displaying messages in Greek language, are still visible near the Catholic frescoes painted in XVIII century, while the high altar is Baroque. Since George of Antioch was fluently speaking Arabic, there are also some Arabic inscriptions on two of the columns, so the mixture of styles and influences in this church is really mind-blowing.
5. Cattedrale di Palermo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,166 reviews
This cathedral was started in 1185 by the norman archbishop Gualtiero Offamilio. You can visit the Royal and Imperial tomb of Frederik the II, the urn with the relics of the patron Saint of Palermo Santa Rosalia, plus a treasury with a precious medieval crown and a crypt from the VII century. The church is free to enter, there is a ticket to access the monumental area composed by royal tombs, treasury, crypt and the roof.
Reviewed By israroz - Ra'anana, Israel
The location of the large and impressive building of the Palermo Cathedral is the place where a basilica was built in early Christianity and with the Muslim conquest of Sicily on the ruins of the Basilica a Muslim mosque was built, many Muslim motifs have survived to date and can be seen in several places in the Cathedral. The cathedral is rich in exceptionally large and remarkably interesting variety of works of art from different historical periods. Roof climbing provides the climbers a wonderful rooftop views of Palermo. Sunset hours are highly recommended. “NOT 2 B MISSED”
6. Teatro Massimo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,428 reviews
One of the biggest opera houses in Europe, Teatro Massimo is renowned for its excellent acoustiscs and holds over 1,300 seats.The venue hosts more than 130 music, opera and dance events every year.The exteriors are in neo-classical style with influences from Greek Sicilian temples, while the interiors are art-nouveau.
Reviewed By Jasonleg - Cape Town Central, South Africa
Had an amazing tour of the Teatro Massimo. Purchased tickets in the morning and went on the tour. Wonderful to move around the theater and see from inside the main seating area, to an opportunity to see the private royal box. The sheer size and images make this a truly magical space. Favorite place in Sicily.
7. Church and Monastery of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
The church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is part of the monastery with which it shares the name. From 1311 to 2014 this monastery was the home of many cloistered nuns of the dominican order. Since 2017 it is possible to visit both the monastery and church as a museum. Inside the monastery there's the confectionary, where people can buy cakes and pastries realized with the old nun's recipes.
Reviewed By traveltheglobe0919 - Singapore, Singapore
Glorious and stunning! We almost skipped this but thankfully managed to squeeze in time for a quick visit. Wasn’t quite sure about what to expect but was immediately overwhelmed by the rich and excessive decorations once we stepped in. Almost every surface is covered with decorative marble, sculpture, paintings, etc. Take some time to appreciate the architecture, resplendent of Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo elements before heading over to the pastry shop for some of their famous cakes and sweets.
8. Santuario Santa Rosalia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
Reviewed By 724vancew - Cardiff, United Kingdom
we caught the 812 from Via Don Sturzo just around the corner to Teatro Politeama. Buy a day ticket from the kiosk just over the road to the bus stop. the buses are not as regular as some so check your times for your return at the bus stop. the ride is fantastic up Monte Pellegrino, sharp corners and hairy drops - but the views over the City are superb. the sanctuary is up a fair flight of steps - the grotto and sanctuary is absolutely beautiful, there was a family praying and making incantations to Santa Rosalia whilst we were there, which added to the overall spiritual ambiance. down the flight of stairs there is a small plaza of cafes and souvenir stalls.we took advantage to walk further up the mountain to take in the views. All very tranquil and the buses all stick to the time table - don't worry if the bus appaers to take off 20 mins early as it goes further round the mountain then returns.
9. Lido Finanza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By DTM56 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
This is a lovely long sandy beach, not too crowded. The east end (towards Palermo) is pretty much a normal beach but also worth walking up to the west end of the beach in what is presumably "old Mondello" with dozens of fishing boats around the old harbour.
10. Spiaggia di Mondello
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,008 reviews
Reviewed By Jazzumbo - Campulung, Romania
Scenic sandy beach located 8 km away from Palermo. Bus line 806 will take you to the beach for 1.4 Euro, departing from Piazza Crispi, in Palermo. This is close to Politeama Garibaldi Theater. There are cabs in front of the bus station that can drive you to the beach for just 4 Euro/person. The landscape around the beach is absolutely spectacular. The water is crystal clear. The only downside is the dozens of vendors strolling up and down the beach, loaded with the stuffs they are trying to sell (donuts, beach toys, souvenirs, coconuts, scarfs, towels and whatever you can imagine). They are very noisy and repetitive. However, the scenery is so spectacular that will make you forget about the beach vendors.
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