Palermo

Sicily's capital delighting with gastronomy and culture.

Ancient Italian city with 3,000 years of history. Home to impressive architecture like Palazzo dei Normanni. Known for vibrant markets and rich local cuisine.

4.2
out of 5

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, has a history spanning over 2,700 years. The city center contains Arab-Norman buildings like the Palermo Cathedral and Capella Palatina. You can visit lively markets or relax at nearby beaches like Mondello. Palermo's various cultural influences are evident in its architecture, food, and daily life.

Exploring Palermo's Historic Center

Start your journey through Palermo at Piazza Politeama, where you'll find the Teatro Politeama. This late 19th-century neoclassical building hosts symphonic performances and can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. From here, walk down Via Ruggiero Settimo and Via Maqueda, the main streets that cut through the city center. You'll soon reach the Teatro Massimo, Europe's third-largest opera house. Its neoclassical-eclectic style and large scale make it a significant landmark in the city.

Arab-Norman Architecture

Palermo's Arab-Norman architectural style is visible at several UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Palermo Cathedral, with its mix of Norman, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements, houses royal tombs and a treasury of religious relics. Nearby, you can visit the Capella Palatina inside the Palazzo dei Normanni, known for its Byzantine mosaics covering nearly every surface. These sites reflect Sicily's complex history and the various cultures that have influenced the island.

Palermo's Markets

For a taste of local life, head to one of Palermo's active markets. The Vucciria Market, accessible from side streets off Corso Vittorio Emanuele, is full of vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties. As you walk through the narrow alleys, you'll be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of Sicilian culture. You can try some street food – arancini (rice balls) and panelle (chickpea fritters) are common local dishes.

Mondello Beach

When you want a break from city exploration, take a short trip to Mondello Beach. Located just 15 minutes north of Palermo, this stretch of white sand and clear water is popular with locals and tourists. You can rent a sun lounger, enjoy a gelato from one of the beachside cafes, or swim in the calm Mediterranean waters. The colorful Art Nouveau buildings lining the beach add to its appearance and make for interesting photo opportunities.

Palermo's Museums

Art and history buffs will find plenty to explore in Palermo's museums. The Archaeological Museum houses an extensive collection of ancient Greek art and artifacts from Sicily and the surrounding region. For a different experience, visit the Capuchin Catacombs, where you can see thousands of mummified bodies dating back to the 16th century. These unusual underground chambers offer a unique perspective on Palermo's past.

Getting Around Palermo

Palermo's compact city center makes it easy to explore on foot. Many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other, allowing you to experience the city as you move from site to site. For longer journeys, the city has a bus network with routes covering most areas of interest. Taxis are also readily available, but be sure to agree on a fare before starting your journey. If you're planning day trips to nearby beaches or towns, consider renting a car for more flexibility.

Average temperatures during the day in Palermo.
October
21°
Nov
17°
Dec
13°
Jan
12°
Feb
13°
Mar
14°
Apr
16°
May
21°
Jun
24°
Jul
28°
Aug
28°
Sep
25°

What people say about Palermo

4.2
People
4
Food
5
Spaces
4
Value
5
Safety
4

Places nearby Palermo

Best places to visit in🇮🇹Italy

Articles about Italy

Image of Killing Eve filming locations
Image of Killing Eve filming locations

Killing Eve filming locations

May 2024,
The BBC thriller series Killing Eve has taken viewers to many places across Europe as it follows MI5 agent Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle. The cat-and-mouse story unfolds in cities like London,
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world

The 30 best food cities in the world

August 2023,
This is a list of the top food destinations in the world based on the opinions of travelers from more than 100 countries. If you travel to eat, this is for you! It doesn’t matter if you are a foodie o
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

December 2023,
In the midst of European explorations, some cities remain less frequented by the throng of tourists yet hold an abundance of cultural wealth, natural beauty, and a compelling history. This guide aims
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851

All World Expo locations since 1851

January 2024,
For more than a century and a half, global citizens have congregated at World Expos to celebrate human achievement, explore pressing issues of the day, and experience the cultural expressions of peopl
Image of The best places to visit in February
Image of The best places to visit in February

The best places to visit in February

April 2024,
When February comes off the calendar, you can’t blame everyone for wanting to go all-in on some of the most exotic travel experiences on offer anywhere in the world. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, steams wit
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

October 2023,
Are you an avid hiker looking for a challenge? Look no further than some of the world's most incredible trails! From the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Torres del Paine in Chile's Patagonia to
Image of The best places to visit in May
Image of The best places to visit in May

The best places to visit in May

April 2024,
May is the month of blooming gardens and frolics in the northern hemisphere, but it also allows travelers to explore new horizons. This is a series of pointers on what to do in May: in Europe, one can
Image of The best places to visit in January
Image of The best places to visit in January

The best places to visit in January

April 2024,
Many travelers eagerly anticipate the arrival of January. While some are looking for the beauty of the Northern Lights, or enjoying the best time for skiing, others aim to participate in vibrant cultu
Popular on Humbo right now
Humboâ„¢AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms