Palermo, Italian Capital of Culture 2018, is undeniably a magnificent city. With so many wonders to discover, we’ve created this guide to help you organize your trip and make the most of your time there, including our recommendations on what to see and do in Palermo.
- 1 Chiesa della Martorana
- 2 Cattedrale di Palermo
- 3 Palazzo dei Normanni
- 4 Quattro Canti
- 5 Palazzo Chiaramonte
- 6 Chiesa del Gesù
- 7 Teatro Massimo
- 8 Catacombe dei Cappuccini, Palermo
- 9 Craft Market in Palermo: Artigiani a Palazzo
- 10 Villino Florio and Garden
- Palermo Museums
- 11 Museo del costume “Raffaello Piraino”, Palermo
- 12 Area archeologica monumentale di Castello a Mare
- Palermo in a nutshell: getting there, getting around, where to stay, what to eat
- 13 How to Get to Palermo
- 14 Getting Around Palermo
- 15 Where to Eat in Palermo
- 16 Where to Stay in Palermo
Top Sights in Palermo: What to Visit
There are countless places to visit in Palermo, but here are the must-see attractions you shouldn’t miss. And if you’re a bike enthusiast, explore this Palermo cycling itinerary.
1 Chiesa della Martorana
The interior of this church is breathtaking. Its Byzantine mosaics—the oldest in Sicily—along with frescoes and domes truly make it one of a kind.
2 Cattedrale di Palermo
A Gothic-style cathedral, home to the tombs of Sicilian royalty and Saint Rosalia, patron saint of Palermo. A must-stop in the list of “What to see in Palermo”.
3 Palazzo dei Normanni
One of Palermo’s most iconic monuments, celebrated for its stunning Byzantine mosaics. Just a short walk away are the Palazzo Arcivescovile and the Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti.
4 Quattro Canti
This square is enclosed by four façades, each dedicated to a king, a patron saint, and a season. Nearby you’ll also find Piazza Pretoria with its striking nude statues, earning it the nickname Piazza della vergogna. These are the city’s traditional meeting points for Palermo locals.
5 Palazzo Chiaramonte
Impressive and majestic, more like a castle than a palace. Now home to the University of Palermo, it’s open for visits where you can admire Renato Gattuso’s famous painting La Vucciria.
6 Chiesa del Gesù
The Chiesa del Gesù is one of Sicily’s most important Baroque churches—a truly essential stop on your “Things to do in Palermo” list.
7 Teatro Massimo
The Teatro Massimo is Italy’s largest opera house and the third largest in Europe.
- Visiting the Botanical Garden, one of the most fascinating in Europe;
- Exploring the Museum of Puppets, an international museum celebrating Palermo’s puppet theatre tradition;
- Touring the Archaeological Museum, packed with centuries-old artifacts.
8 Catacombe dei Cappuccini, Palermo
The Capuchin Convent in Palermo is renowned worldwide for the large burial cemetery in its underground chambers. The tunnels, dug in the late 1500s, form an extensive rectangular necropolis housing up to 8,000 bodies—never fully catalogued. Mummies, either standing or lying down and dressed in fine clothes, are sorted by gender and social class, with most belonging to the upper classes due to the high embalming costs. You’ll see clergy, merchants, military officers, young women in wedding gowns who died before marriage, entire families, and children. From late October to late March, the catacombs are closed on Sunday afternoons.
9 Craft Market in Palermo: Artigiani a Palazzo
Every first Sunday of the month, the artisan market takes place in the stunning Palazzo Asmundo in Palermo’s historic centre. Built in 1615, the palazzo opens from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, giving visitors a chance to explore handmade creations and rare collectibles. Thanks to its renown, the market attracts thousands of enthusiasts each month.
10 Villino Florio and Garden
In the grand park once belonging to the Princes of Butera, the Florio family commissioned architect Ernesto Basile to design this villa in 1899. While only a portion of the original garden remains, the villa stands out for its creative, asymmetrical layout, with dramatic staircases, towers, and a variety of architectural features. A symbol of European fin de siècle style and Italian art nouveau, the villa hosted high society in its heyday. Today, you can tour its three principal levels: the “recreation” ground floor, the grand “reception” first floor, and the “residential” upper level.
Palermo Museums
11 Museo del costume “Raffaello Piraino”, Palermo
This museum features a collection of over 3,000 pieces—from clothing to accessories—largely collected by Raffaello Piraino, a painter and costume history professor. You’ll find examples of ecclesiastical, children’s, military, gala, and Mediterranean folk costumes, as well as bridal trousseaux. Most items are Sicilian, dating from the 18th century to the early 20th century.
12 Area archeologica monumentale di Castello a Mare
This archaeological area once housed the ancient Castellammare fortress, now covering more than half the Trapezoidal Pier of Palermo’s port. Visitors can tour the main tower and an eclectic complex of buildings reflecting Palermo’s layered history. The fort was the city’s main port defense until the 20th century. Remnants include part of the main tower, an old cylindrical tower, and entrance structures.
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Area archeologica monumentale di Castello a MarePalermo in a nutshell: getting there, getting around, where to stay, what to eat
13 How to Get to Palermo
Palermo is easy to reach by ferry from Naples – Palermo or by plane. The city’s airport, Palermo Airport Falcone e Borsellino, is about 35 km from the centre and well connected by metro, buses, shuttles, and taxis.
14 Getting Around Palermo
Getting around Palermo: The best way to explore Palermo is on foot, but the metro and city buses offer a convenient alternative.
15 Where to Eat in Palermo
Where to eat in Palermo: One thing’s for sure—you’ll eat well in Palermo. From street food to local trattorias, there’s something for every taste. Don’t miss the famous arancini, baked cassatina, and Sicilian cannoli.
16 Where to Stay in Palermo
Where to stay in Palermo: For your hotel in Palermo, we recommend booking in the city centre so you can explore all that Palermo has to offer on foot.
