Top Things to Do in Palermo

About the City

Ah, Palermo, a sensory mosaic set on the island of Sicily, where ancient Greek walls whisper tales amidst bustling markets. Imagine a place where the sun-kissed coastline stretches into the horizon, while baroque facades play hide and seek with Arabian domes. It's a city painted with the flavors of rich street food; think arancini exploding with cheese, or the heavenly cannoli dusted with the sweet promise of Sicilian life. Yet, Palermo doesn't shy away from flaunting its contrasts. In one breath, you're admiring the majestic Palermo Cathedral, and in the next, you're navigating through chaotic traffic, the 'Ballet of Beep', which seems to follow its own mysterious choreography. The maze of streets holds secrets, leading the curious into Vucciria Market, where life's cacophony reaches symphonic heights. Yet, this vibrancy sometimes borders on overwhelming, with pockets of neglect marring the historic city's face. Palermo is an unpolished gem, with gritty shades that make its shine all the more authentic. Like a well-aged wine, it's an acquired taste, where the old mingles with the new, and beauty often lies in the eyes of the beholder. In the bustling crossroads of cultures, Palermo invites the brave to embrace its messy glory and discover a heart that beats to the rhythm of history and modernity entwined.

Things to Do in Palermo

Brioche con Gelato Binge

Food & Drink

Get a scoop on the sweeter side of Sicily with a Brioche con Gelato! Imagine a fluffy, sweet brioche bun, then stuff that bad boy with a hefty helping of creamy, dreamy gelato. It's like a sandwich, b...

Picnic in the Park

Outdoors

Grab your checkered blanket and wicker basket – it's picnic time! Palermo's green spaces are waiting for you to laze around under the Sicilian sun. Just be sure not to get too cozy, or you might just ...

Sunset Sail Romance

The Unexpected

Steer a sailboat into the blushing horizon, or cuddle up on deck as the skipper does the work. Either way, the sea's whisper and the painted sky are straight out of a romance novel!

Speakeasy Sleuthing

The Unexpected

Break out your inner detective and uncover the coolest speakeasies in Palermo. Whisper the secret password, step into an era of underground indulgence, and sip prohibition-style cocktails that'll make...

Rooftop Aperitivo Aficionado

The Unexpected

Scout out the best rooftop bars for an Aperitivo with altitude. Chill out with a spritz in hand, munch on olives and bruschetta, all while taking in a killer view of Palermo painted in sunset hues. It...

Vintage Vespa Voyage

The Unexpected

Zip through the streets of Palermo on a classic Vespa, taking in the sights and sounds like a local heartthrob from a 1960s Italian flick. Feel the breeze, say 'ciao' to passersby, and channel your in...

City Park Picnic Perfection

Outdoors

Imagine sprawling on a sun-dappled blanket, nibbling on Sicilian treats amidst the tranquility of a lush park. This is where you'll feel the Palermo pulse slow down a tad, making room for pure leisure...

Urban Exploration Adventure

Outdoors

Unleash your inner Indiana Jones as you navigate Palermo's historic markets and bustling streets. Duck into hidden courtyards, barter with street vendors, and soak up the gritty charm that's been cent...

Snorkeling in Mondello

Outdoors

Slip into your fins and mask, and get ready to mingle with the fishies! The clear blue waters of Mondello are an underwater paradise, perfect for discovering the hidden treasures of the sea. Just don'...

Botanical Garden Exploration

Outdoors

Who needs to trek into the wild when you have an oasis of exotic plants right in the heart of Palermo? Wander through the Orto Botanico's lush wonders, where each plant has a story begging to be told....

Pasta con le Sarde Pilgrimage

Food & Drink

Embark on a pasta pilgrimage to twirl your fork into the anthem of Palermo pasta dishes – Pasta con le Sarde. This al dente masterpiece harmonizes sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts, and raisins into an...

Vucciria Market Vibrations

Sights

Feel the heartbeat of Palermo at the bustling Vucciria Market. Rub elbows with the locals as you wander through lively stalls bursting with colors, scents, and the chitter-chatter of traders. You'll f...

Monte Pellegrino Pilgrimage

Sights

Lace up your hiking boots and scale the sacred Monte Pellegrino. Once dubbed 'the most beautiful promontory in the world' by Goethe, this mountain offers panoramic views that'll knock your socks off—l...

Ballaro Market Banter

Sights

Mosey on down to the buzzing Ballaro Market, where the symphony of haggling prices and the aroma of fresh produce collide to create the ultimate Palermitan bazaar vibe. Watch the locals charm the sock...

Puppetry Pleasure

Sights

Step right up to the whimsical world of Sicilian puppetry at the Museo Internazionale delle Marionette. It's a place where knights battle monsters and folk heroes win the day—all in miniature! Dive in...

Orto Botanico Bliss

Sights

Escape the urban rush and stroll through the lush avenues of the Orto Botanico di Palermo. This verdant paradise is a hotbed of exotic plants, towering trees, and rare greenery. It's where botany nerd...

Capo Market Capers

Food & Drink

Stroll the Capo Market, where the senses run wild with the freshest produce and street foods. Dive fork-first into a world of vibrant veggies, multifaceted marinated olives, and the catch of the day s...

Granita Grab

Food & Drink

Beat the Sicilian heat with a cup of frosty granita. It's like a snow cone's cooler Italian cousin, with flavors so vivid they’ll paint your tongue! Lemon to coffee, almond to mulberry, slurp your way...

Sfincione Scavenger Hunt

Food & Drink

Sfincione is the Sicilian answer to pizza, just sassier! Imagine a fluffy, thick bread base, a zesty tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, and a scattering of caciocavallo cheese. It’s a riot of taste, bak...

Antique Book Hunt

The Unexpected

Get lost in the scent of musty pages and leather-bound tales in Palermo's hidden gem - antique bookshops. Brush up on your Italian and bag a literary relic!