20 things to do in Palermo in 2 days
Last updated on December 17th, 2025.
Palermo is a city unlike any other I’ve visited in Sicily.
There’s an electric — and slightly chaotic — energy in the air, in part from the honking cars and ‘motorinos’ whizzing by.
The other part comes from the stories of everyday life.
Fruit sellers at the side of the roads, speaking loudly in Sicilian dialect with acquaintances they know, and passers-by they don’t.
Palermo is rich in Roman, Norman and Arab influences and is a place where history mingles with the present. Because of this, the Sicilian capital is definitely one to consider visiting when planning your trip to Italy.
Not just one of the most beautiful places in Sicily, for me, it's one of the cheapest cities to visit in Italy.
Italy bucket list material, there’s a historic surprise waiting around every corner in a city that’s over 2,700 years old.
There are plenty of Palermo things to do in 2 days and this travel guide highlights the city's top 20 sights.
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Palermo things to do in 2 days
Attractions in Palermo can be divided into the following categories:
- Churches
- Palaces and monuments
- Markets, and
- Theaters
If you plan to stay longer than 2 days in Palermo consider taking a day trip to other places in Sicily. Nearby beaches (by car) from the capital include Mondello and the magnificent San Vito Lo Capo.
Day 1 in Palermo
There are several good starting points to begin your Palermo trip. But, if you've just 2 days here, the historic center is the best place to find plenty of Palermo things to do.
Many of the attractions are a stone’s throw from the other — something that's a godsend when visiting Sicily during summer.
Several main roads run through the center of Palermo, one of which is Via Maqueda. Built in the 17th century, it became a prime location for constructing new palaces.
Today, Via Maqueda is brimming with restaurants, bars or ice cream shops.
Shopfronts selling Palermo street food sit alongside vendors selling cellphone covers and handmade jewellery. It’s a scene that’s fast, busy, and showcases the vibrant energy of the city.
Head to the historic center of Palermo
Another principle street in Palermo is Via Ruggero Settimo. This stretch of road runs through the city, and is filled with chain, as well as, independent stores.
A fun way to learn more about the city's history and culture is by joining a guided tour. This Palermo street food and history walking tour will take you around the best landmarks and its mouthwatering food markets.
Close by is Antico Caffe Spinnato, a café and dessert shop dating to 1860.
Just stepping through the door will trigger your inner glutton, sending your senses into overdrive. Satisfy your curiosity, and sweet tooth, by trying a classic Sicilian cannolo or a slice of cassata. Iconic desserts, they're two of the best Sicilian sweets.
Tour Teatro Massimo
Continue walking down Via Ruggero Settimo towards Via Maqueda where eventually you’ll come across Teatro Massimo on Piazza Verdi.
Unless you’ve got tickets for a show, the only way to enter the theater is by booking a guided tour. These take place daily, in both English and in Italian.
Once inside, its grand scale instantly captures your attention, and the neoclassical architectural style is quite a display.
Teatro Massimo opened in May 1897 and is one of the largest in Europe. The opera house was dedicated to King Victor Emanuel II and hosts performances ranging from ballet to classical music.
Fun fact: Teatro Massimo was one of the film locations featured in The Godfather movies.
Teatro Massimo, Piazza Verdi
Watch out for ghosts
Aside from entering the main auditorium, my favorite part of the Teatro Massimo tour is the allegedly haunted staircase.
Legend has it, that a nun who lived in the convent before it was a theater tripped up any non-believers. Since then, there have been reports of people tripping over the last step on this staircase. That said, if you plan to visit, make sure you believe, or at least pretend to...
The Olivella
Opposite Massimo Theater is the historical district of the Olivella. This charming quarter of Palermo comes to life in the evening, and is packed with small restaurants and artisan shops.
Also here, is the Church of Saint Ignatius and the Regional Archaeological Museum Antonio Salinas.
The museum houses one of the largest collections of Ancient Greek art and items related to Sicilian history. If you prefer to go straight through, buy your tickets in advance and skip the lines.
Map: 20 Palermo things to do in 2 days
Grab something sweet to eat
Via Maqueda is known for being more than a place to shop, eat and drink. It’s also the main street that leads to Quattro Canti Square.
Just before the intersection of Quattro Canti, you'll find an excellent dessert spot called Pasticceria Costa.
They serve all the usual Sicilian sweets, but the cannoli are something out of this world. The ricotta’s fresh, with the right amount of sweetness, piled generously into the cannolo pastry.
We also took a lemon and orange granita, which was a refreshing addition after our cannolo. Don’t miss visiting when in Palermo.
Pasticceria Costa, Via Maqueda, 174
Let your jaw drop at Quattro Canti
I was completely taken aback the first time I saw Quattro Canti.
After passing by what seemed to be an endless stream of food and drink places, I wasn't prepared to see this architectural gem.
Loosely meaning ‘four places’, Quattro Canti is an octagonal square with 4 baroque buildings and with almost identical facades.
Where roads meet
Its official name is Piazza Vigliena, but ask any local for ‘Quattro Canti’ and they’ll know what you’re looking for. Each facade has a fountain and statues representing the 4 seasons, the Spanish kings of Sicily and the patronesses of Palermo.
Quattro Canti is where Via Maqueda meets another principle street in Palermo, Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
The oldest street in Palermo, it dates to the time of the Phoenicians — an ancient civilization originating in the eastern Mediterranean.
Quattro Canti divides the old city into 4 neighborhoods: Loggia, Capo, Kalsa and Albergheria.
Explore the Kalsa neighborhood
One of my favorite Palermo things to do in 2 days is to stroll around the Kalsa district. It’s home to many of the top attractions in Palermo and is also one of the most interesting boroughs.
Built during Islamic rule, the neighborhood was the fortified citadel where the emir and his ministers lived. Its Arabic name is 'al halisah’, meaning the chosen, the pure.
Exploring Kalsa — Palermo things to do in 2 days
Kalsa is a large area, starting at Quattro Canti and encompassing the area until it reaches the sea front.
Kalsa is also known as the 'Arab quarter', because of the several monuments in Arab-Norman style within the area.
Stroll around Piazza della Kalsa to see Palermo life up close, and for any vendors cooking and selling ‘babbaluci’.
This traditional Sicilian dish consists of small marinated snails mixed with oil, parsley, garlic and pepper. Its name derives from the Arabic word ‘babush’, an Arabic style slipper with a pointy head.
Explore the churches near Quattro Canti
As I mentioned above, the churches make up some of the best sights to see in Palermo.
And from Quattro Canti you'll find one immediately after the other. Here are several that we visited in and around this neighborhood.
Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Padri Teatini
From the outside, this 17th century baroque Catholic church looks like any other. However, inside is a whole other story.
The details are so intricate and intoxicating that we had goosebumps the moment we entered the building. Look up to the ceiling to see the spectacular large painted dome.
Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Padri Teatini, Via Vittorio Emanuele
Chiesa Ipogea della Madonna della Provvidenza (Cripta di San Giuseppe dei Teatini)
You can enter the underground crypt and cemetery from the church of the Madonna della Provvidenza.
The site preserves the sacred image of the Madonna of Providence. It also protects the embossed silver that’s used on the main altar of the upper temple.
Chiesa Ipogea della Madonna della Provvidenza (Cripta di San Giuseppe dei Teatini), Via Vittorio Emanuele, 305
Chiesa di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria
Cross the road from Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Padri Teatini and you’ll see a large square with a fountain. This is Piazza Pretoria.
Its landmark attraction is Fontana Pretoria, a 16th century monumental fountain representing figures such as Olympians and mythological creatures.
Step inside
Behind Fontana Pretoria is Chiesa di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria. The main entrance to this church is on the other side but you can see its dome from the piazza.
For a small cost, you can visit the cloisters, convent and rooms around the church. It's also possible to explore the rooftop and courtyard.
The church mixes Sicilian Baroque, Rococo, and Renaissance architectural styles, and is worth a visit if you’ve time.
Chiesa di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, Piazza Bellini, 1
Rifugio della Seconda Guerra Mondiale sotto Piazza Pretoria
Step inside a Palermo historical landmark at Rifugio della Seconda Guerra Mondiale sotto Piazza Pretoria.
It literally translates to ‘the World War II refuge beneath Pretoria Square’. The underground air-raid shelter is a stark reminder of the realities of life during WWII for the citizens of Palermo.
Opened in 2016, the refuge is one of the most unique Palermo things to do in 2 days.
The entrance to the attractions sits inside the Palazzo delle Aquile. Look for the main door of the town hall, inside the porter’s lodge.
Rifugio della Seconda Guerra Mondiale sotto Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Pretoria
Must-see churches in Piazza Bellini
A few minutes walk from Piazza Pretoria is another significant landmark in Palermo, Piazza Bellini.
This grand square is home to 2 UNESCO heritage sites and has photo opportunities at every turn.
Chiesa di San Cataldo
The church of San Cataldo was my first experience of seeing Arab influence in Palermo.
Dating to 1154, this Arab-Norman structure with the 3 red domes is quite special, especially in person.
The shape and style of the windows with its grid-like pattern had a strong resemblance to some palaces and monuments we saw in Marrakech.
Arab-Norman architecture is unique to Sicily, so skipping out on seeing la Chiesa di San Cataldo just isn’t an option.
Chiesa di San Cataldo, Piazza Bellini, 1
The Martorana
Officially known as Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, this 12th century church sits right next to the Church of San Cataldo. It embraces a blend of various architectural styles given the several changes in rule over the centuries.
To give you an example, the current facade is baroque while the belltower is Roman and the dome is byzantine.
Certain elements of the exterior show the Islamic influence on the architecture, particularly from North Africa. There are also Arabic inscriptions painted on the wooden beams, reinforcing the period of the Arab-Norman rule.
No words can describe the feeling as you step inside the church.
Colorful and detailed mosaics from the 12th century dominate the interior, leaving you speechless at the sight.
There’s fierce competition in Palermo as to which church is the most beautiful, the church that most moves you.
And after visiting the Matorana, it’s certainly a contender for the top 5 and is one of the best Palermo things to do.
Martorana, Piazza Bellini, 3
Other churches to see in the Kalsa neighborhood
Chiesa di Sant’Anna della Misericordia
Leave Piazza Bellini behind and head north deeper into the Kalsa district.
As you cross another main road in Palermo, Via Roma, you’ll reach the area of Lattarini. It’s home to an ancient Arab street market, as well as another church, Chiesa di Sant’Anna della Misericordia.
The baroque church dates to 1632, but its facade seems older than its neighboring structures.
The Church of Saint Anne the Mercy has survived several earthquakes, and its convent houses a museum of modern art.
Chiesa di Sant’Anna della Misericordia, Piazza Sant'Anna
Basilica San Francesco d’Assisi
Carry on north from Sant Anna square and you’ll soon arrive at a small square, Piazza San Francesco di Assisi.
It’s the location of a basilica of the same name and is one of the most important churches in Palermo. Pope Pius XI gave the 13th century church the title of Minor basilica in 1924.
Every year on 8 December they celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Thousands of people walk the streets of the historic center till it reaches Piazza San Domenico.
Basilica San Francesco d’Assisi, Piazza S. Francesco Saverio
Also, in the same piazza is Antica Focacceria San Francesco. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in Palermo dating to 1834. Expect big portions of typical Palermo and Sicilian dishes and at reasonable prices too.
Have dinner at Trattoria Ai Cascinari
Eat like a true Palermitano by booking a table at Trattoria Ai Cascinari. Everything’s made fresh on the premises and the portions are great for sharing too.
From the homemade bread basket to the rich caponata, every plate was cleared and we left with full tummies. The trattoria is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays* so visit any other day to avoid disappointment.
Trattoria Ai Cascinari, Via D'Ossuna, 43/45
What’s the difference between a trattoria and an osteria?
When eating in Italy, you’ll come across several types of eateries, mainly ristorante, trattoria and an osteria.
Ristorantes tend to be the upper echelon of the three. They’re usually more formal, with top quality food but higher prices too.
Feel at home
Trattorias serve home-style cooking in a relaxed environment. Many trattorias are family run, and portions are big and reasonably priced.
An osteria used to be a place where they served wine and simple food. However, nowadays, you can find an osteria serving food of the same quality you’d find at a trattoria.
Menus can be short and feature local specialties. Prices also tend to be lower, but this depends on the osteria and the region in which it’s located.
Day 2 in Palermo
Start at the royal palace in Palermo
The best advice I can give to visiting Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) is to arrive early. Also known as Palazzo dei Normanni (Palace of the Normans), it’s one of the best Palermo things to do in 2 days.
However, if you're more of a late riser than an early bird, there's another option. You can still outsmart the crowds by joining an exclusive art and architecture walking tour of Palermo.
Specially designed for small groups, this tour ensures that you skip the long lines and see all of Palermo's iconic monuments.
Norman Palace is the oldest royal residence in Europe dating to 1487.
It was once the seat of the Kings of Sicily during Norman rule before becoming the seat of power for subsequent rulers. Today, it’s the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly.
La Cappella Palatina at Palazzo Reale
I think I had an out-of-body experience when I first set eyes on the Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina). An intoxicating display of mosaics and art, it's the most beautiful chapel I've ever seen.
La Cappella Palatina is the best example of the mix of Arab, Norman and Byzantine styles of the period.
The glorious 360° mosaics in the royal chapel instantly grab your attention, leaving you staring in awe and admiration.
It took 8 years to build the Palatine Chapel which was partially finished in 1143. The mosaic chapel set the bar high for the rest of our palace visit. No other room came close to the striking display presented in the chapel.
Which ticket to buy for the royal palace?
There are different ticket types available for the royal palace.
We made the mistake of not buying a ticket for the entire palace grounds. Instead, our tickets included the chapel, state rooms and exhibitions but not the gardens.
Guards stationed around every part of the palace will stop and ask to check your ticket. Make sure you hold onto them as you may get asked when you least expect it.
Palazzo Reale, Piazza del Parlamento, 1
Spend time at Cattedrale di Palermo
Upon exiting Palazzo Reale, take a short cut through Park Villa to reach the Cattedrale di Palermo (Palermo Cathedral).
Tall palm trees provide some shade from the mid-morning Sicilian sun in the pretty park and garden.
The impressive facade of Palermo Cathedral is one you'll spot long before you reach the main entrance. After centuries of restorations and additions, the cathedral reflects a number of different architectural styles.
Many Kings of Sicily were crowned, and subsequently buried, at the cathedral, their tombs on full display.
More to see
While many people tend to go straight inside the church, for me, I equally enjoy admiring the details of the exterior.
Take the main entrance to the cathedral for example.
The incredible portico (roof supported by columns) in a Gothic-Catalan style dates to the 15th century.
Above the door sits a mosaic of Lady Madonna from the 13th century, while two monuments on the wall represent King Charles III of Bourbon and Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia. Both date to the 18th century.
Inside Palermo Cathedral is a crypt as well as the opportunity to go on the roof. There’s a small fee to see both, but it's worth it if you’ve the time.
At the entrance, they’ll ask you to cover up if your shoulders and legs aren’t covered.
But don't worry if you don't meet the church's code. They sell ponchos for €1 at the door, which I strongly suggest you keep hold of after your visit. You can use it again to visit other churches in Palermo or across Italy.
Palermo Cathedral, Via Vittorio Emanuele
Take a pause inside Chiesa del Santissimo Salvatore
On the same street as Palermo Cathedral is another ‘blink and you might miss it’ church.
Chiesa del Santissimo Salvatore doesn’t look like anything special on the outside, but inside, it’s quite unique. Reminiscent more of a theater than a church, it was built in 1682 and is unlike any Catholic church I’ve seen.
A different type of church
Chairs replace the traditional pews and grand, heavy-set curtains in the church reinforce the theatrical feel.
Inside, it’s also possible to climb the summit of the dome for €2.50 ($2.78/£2.27)*. There’s a metal spiral staircase you must climb to get to the top so it may not be for accessible for everyone.
However, the views from the top are said to be some of the best in Palermo and worth the small cost.
Chiesa del Santissimo Salvatore, Via Vittorio Emanuele, prima del n.398
Get curious at Ballarò
I never miss the chance to visit a market, especially a food one, whenever I travel.
From Mahane Yeduda in Jerusalem to St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, I love the electric atmosphere of the local marketplace.
In Palermo, there are several outdoor markets to visit. They include Ballarò, Capo, Vucciria and Borgo Vecchio.
We only had time to visit one during our 2-day break in Palermo and opted for the largest.
Ballarò is located in the Albergheria neighborhood just next to Kalsa. It has that fast-moving energy and pace I enjoy about visiting markets, not forgetting all the tempting foods on display.
What to expect at Ballarò
Fruit sellers pitch up alongside fishmongers, shouting robustly at passers-by for their trade. During some points on our visit, it almost didn’t feel like we were in Italy.
Above all, Ballarò is where locals come to get their fill of fresh produce and at low prices too.
Here, you’ll not only find local fruits and vegetables but also fish and meat stalls. Visitors stick out like a sore thumb, peering in curiously at the servings and produce on offer.
Stay vigilant in Ballarò
While we found Ballarò to be very safe, keep an eye on your belongings as it does get very busy. If you’re expecting a clean-cut market, Ballarò isn't it.
This is real Palermo life at its best, and the locals don’t make any exceptions for visitors. Visit, embrace the chaos and grab something to eat. It’s an experience not to be missed.
Finish in Monreale
The last stop on our 2-day trip around Palermo was to Monreale.
You’ll need a car, or bus, to get here, as it’s around 25 minutes from the center of Palermo. A third option is to take a tour that includes a visit to Monreale and other sights in Palermo.
The small town is located on the slope of Monte Caputo and the views are quite something from above. However, the main reason why visitors come to Monreale is to see the cathedral.
Cattedrale di Monreale
On first sight, Monreale Cathedral appears to be similar to other Norman churches you might have seen in Palermo.
Completed in 1178, Monreale Cathedrale is a landmark Norman cathedral as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. it's easily one of the best Palermo things to do.
As you enter the main doors, your attention’s immediately drawn to the grand gold mosaic above the altar.
The half-dome of the central apse of the cathedral has a full-length figure of Jesus Christ. Below is the figure of the Virgin Mary with child, and saints Peter and Paul also on the side.
Incredible details inside
The glass mosaics were completed between the late 12th and 13th century by local and Venetian masters.
Another noteworthy sight at Monreale Cathedral is the magnificent cloister. Measuring about 2,200m2, its size and intricate detail make it one of the finest in Italy.
Like Palermo Cathedral, you must cover up your shoulders and legs upon entering. I kept my poncho from my earlier visit, and I suggest you do the same — if need be.
Other Palermo things to do in 2 days
We didn’t have time to see everything in Palermo during our stay.
If you’re staying on longer than 2 days, consider adding the following places to your list.
- Vucciria market — a historical outdoor market in Palermo (Loggia neighborhood) selling fish, spices and other goods
- Piazza Marina — a square near the marina of Palermo, with a garden (Villa Garibaldi), and a market every weekend
- Santa Maria della Catena — a church built around 1500. Its name comes from the chain (catena), attached to the church’s wall that closed access to the Port of Cala
Where to stay in Palermo
Grand Hotel Wagner
We stayed at Grand Hotel Wagner, simply for the convenience of location.
This luxury hotel in Palermo embraces a traditional and classic style, and has a great breakfast selection.
Grand Hotel Wagner also has a spa, with services ranging from massages to facials.
Prices are pretty reasonable given its luxury tag, and they also have spa packages in case you're after some extra pampering.
Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini
An alternative, and boutique hotel in Palermo, is Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini.
Situated in the Albergheria district of Palermo, the hotel's a stone’s throw from Quattro Canti and the sights of the historic center. Rooms are spacious, decked in marble flooring, and they also serve an impressive breakfast buffet.
My guides on where to stay in Sicily with kids and 20+ best hotels in Sicily with a view list more accommodation ideas.
Over to you. What are your thoughts on this Sicily travel guide of the best Palermo things to do? Does it look like a city you’d like to visit? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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We have 4 days booked in Palermo on our coming trip to Sicily so I wanted to check out all the things that should be on our plan. Good to know that all the attractions are close to each other in the historic centre. We would love to visit the Teatro Massimo. So good to know we need tickets to a show or a tour. Even though we are not religious we do love visiting the local churches. Looks like there are some beautiful ones in Palermo. Fascinating architecture and interesting to find some remnants of the Islamic influence. And we certainly would not leave without seeing the beauty of La Cappella Palatina. I know we will enjoy eating our way around town. And visiting the local markets.
You will really enjoy Palermo it's such a exciting city! I highly recommend la cappella Palatina it's really more beautiful inside
Our friend whose family is from Sicily just visited us last weekend. I've been to Sicily before but only for one week and during a quite difficult time. I'm planning on visiting as soon as I can. I'm sure I'll love Palermo since I'm very much into cities with a morbid charm - and this city is certainly rough around the edges 😉
You definitely will like Palermo, it's so interesting!
That dish at the trattoria looks exactly like a dish my grandmother used to cook us when we were little! I can't believe it's from a restaurant, it looks completely "home cooked" like we used to eat when we were kids! I love the relaxed environment of the trattorias, makes you feel at ease and relaxed. Also love that they're reasonably priced and deliciously tasty.
I love trattorias over restaurants too. For me, the food's just as good, but in a more relaxed atmosphere
I am a big fan when it comes to holidaying in Italy and have travelled a fair bit but missed out on this beautiful city. Thanks for showing me a new place to visit in Italy. It surely looks a great place to visit with architecture food and natural beauty all in one. I like the city centres and Via Ruggero Settimo will be a sure place to visit for me. This stretch of road has so much on offer. The grand hotel looks amazing to choose as an accommodation. Thanks.
You're welcome, thanks for your comments!
After reading your post I have added Palermo on my travel bucket list. It sounds so amazing! Your photos have inspired me further to take a trip in 2019 itself.
Great to know!
Wow, this place looks really beautiful! Wish to see someday too!
You must!
I've been to Italy many times but never to Palermo! What a gorgeous city. Your photos are absolutely swoon worthy and it's making me want to book a trip right now! La Cappela Palatina looks so unique and gorgeous! I love going to markets too and Ballaro looks like a place I'd absolutely love to spend some hours at! Definitely eating all those olives and octopus! What a great post! I'll be bookmarking this for future reference I'm sure! 🙂
Thanks Clare!! We had a great time, and it's so interesting too. Give it a second look 😀
Wow Palermo is beautiful! I haven't actually heard too much about this destination so I enjoyed reading your article. The theatre looks so amazing and I would love to try that octopus. Yum!
It was so good! And a destination you need to see 😀
Palermo for sure must have lot to see. One of the highlights for me would be the food. I am just looking at all these photos and picturing myself there tasting all of them. We also love roaming around just seeing and visiting old, historical buildings, and it seems like Palermo would be great for that.
I was pleasantly surprised! There's an energy here that's so different from other Italian cities
I love your photos! Palermo seems like the quintessential Sicilian city - just what I'd picture Sicily to be like. The Pasticcerias and Caffes look awesome! Heck I'd probably spend two days just eating!
Thanks Jim! You really must come and try everything for yourself - it's all as good as it looks 😀
I used to want to visit Italy but now I feel like it's overcrowded and maybe a little overrated. After reading your article I am considering adding it back to our list. Great list of things to do
Thanks Corritta, I appreciate your comments. I totally understand your feeling about Italy, but there are many places that are not overcrowded and worth visiting
The amazing thing about visiting European cities is that it is like visiting the past. And Palermo is one such city. I find those Architectural pieces of old, amazing and full of wonder. They seem to tell a lot of history. It's fascinating!
It really is, and it's easy to forget how rich the history is
Palermo seems to be a quite big place to explore. What impresses me is the incredible ceiling inside Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Padri Teatini. The interior from other churches are also amazing. I think this place is also a port of call. So I would probably be there during a cruise trip.
There's definitely a port here, so I'm sure it's a cruise stop!
Ooooo palatina looks like one fabulous place to visit! Hope my travels take me there one day
So do I, it's truly a beautiful city
Wow, the city looks so beautiful and there are so many places to see? I would love to visit this place someday ☺ Great post!
Thank you! I hope you do too 😀
Fruit sellers at the side of the road reminded me of my tribe that also talk loud even to the ones who they don't know. 🙂 La Cappella Palatina is so beautiful! I can't imagine how they built that and it stays in the great condition until today! I like sweet desserts better than savory, so Pasticceria Costa with its canolo and orange granita are high in my list for things to do in Palermo.
Lol I bet they're a lively tribe! La Cappella Palatina is truly stunning; more so in person!
Thank you! It is, and I hope my post did it justice
You've opened my eyes to a new destination I hadn't really considered before. Palmero looks fantastic, that theatre, the churches, the markets it all looks so compelling. But mostly, the octopus at the market looks amazing!
Thanks Paul, glad to read that! We had a really great time here, and I wanted to share that with others
I have not been this far south I Italy yet and Palermo definitely catches my eye. Looks like a wonderful city to visit with lots of exciting things to do in the city and nearby. Hope to visit soon with my family.
I do too, it's very different from the north in so many ways
My dream is to go to Italy! I would love to experience it one day.
You must, it's such a beautiful country
I love the building, it reminds me of the Sevilla patios. So beautiful as always. Thank you for sharing 😉
I can see that! I love Sevilla too 😀
Palermo is great - your post brought back memories and you did a great detailed dive in 2 days! The Cattedrale di Monreale is breathtaking and so are the other cathedrals here. Anyone who has not tried yummy canolo could not have had a complete trip to Sicily in my humble opinion.
I totally agree with you. It's a place where the diet goes out the window and indulgence is key 😀
Palermo is one of the cities in Italy that I wish to go to on my second trip. I did not know, however, that the city is 2,700 years old and that it also has some Arab influence! The food, like any other city in Italy I imagine, looks amazing, the fresh octopus and olives at Ballaro Market look so appetizing! I would also love to visit the magnificent churches.
It's really a city of great history, and beautiful churches. You could spend the entire day just visiting them!
I think it would be wonderful to go. I think I would get the gardens included in the ticket as well.
You must! We made a mistake when getting our tickets sadly
I have never been there but it sounds like a nice destination getaway during this Holidays.
It's the capital of Sicily and a great city to explore
You captured all of this in such glamorous way. I love the architecture but i definitely would go visit for the food!
You'd be making an excellent choice! The food in Palermo is outstanding
Palermo looks amazing! What gorgeous pictures. And now I really want a cannoli!! YUM!
It's really a wonderful city, and with plenty to see and do!
I never knew too much about Palermo in Italy. There looks to be a lot of things to do. I would want to visit the Teatro Massimo. I love visiting theaters in every new place I go. Very interesting legend within the theater! The market sounds fun too. It's always nice to interact with the locals at a bustling market.
I always make a point to visit markets when I travel, and Ballaro didn't dissapoint!
Palermo sounds amazing! I feel like your beautiful photos really don't serve the justice!
Aw thank you, I tried to show its incredible history!
Palermo looks like a dream and I would love to visit this wonderful place and taste the canolo myself
You must one day, it's a fabulous city
Oh wow . Palermo seems like such a great time. Your post makes me want to visit right now and I'll know what to do 🙂
I'm happy to read that Sue! I hope you get to visit one day too
Palermo has been on my radar for ages! I visited Italy years ago but couldn't make that stop. On my bucket list!
Perfect Myrah! I hope you visit one day soon 🙂
A timely article as we are heading to Sicily for about 3 weeks next March and Palermo is high on our list. Chiesa del Santissimo Salvatore - definitely want to climb to the top for the views here and then treat ourselves to some yummy canolo afterwards. The markets look great so that will be another morning out.Thanks for the tip about covering up to visit the Cathedral and other churches.
Perfect Jane! Yes, definitely make time to climb up the church, I'm sad we missed it now!
Lisa i am an avid reader of your blog and i love your walk through -there is so much to do in Palermo even in such a short stay ! it gets to prove that you can travel and explore cities iin just a few days x
Thank you so much Patti, I really appreciate your comments! Palermo's a fantastic city, and one you can see in 2 days 🙂
This is a place i've always wanted to travel to! Thanks to your post now I can have some things to do when I go! Thanks for sharing!
You're so welcome! I hope you also get to visit, Palermo is incredible
Wow Palermo looks incredible!! This is a such a complete & amazing guide!
Thank you! I hope you visit one day
I'd love to see Palermo one day. I've always wanted to go, but I haven't been able to get a trip together yet.
When you get the chance, you really must. It's a fabulous city to visit
Palermo is one of my favorite cities in all of Europe! We had the chance to go there a few years ago, and it completely captured me.
It's such a fascinating city, I was pleasantly surprised 😀