Palermo Must-Sees
So you are headed to Palermo, Sicily and need to know what to see? I got you! Founded in 734 BC, this beautiful city has so much to offer! Palermo is known for it’s history, culture, architecture and of course – food!
Walking Tour
I like to start off every city trip with a walking tour. If you have read any of my other guides you know I am a firm believer in doing this on Day 1 of your trip. This allows you to orient yourself in the city, hear from a local about the best restaurants, touristy spots that are worth going to (and ones you can skip), as well as an overview of the city’s history.
I booked a tour with Palermo Free Walking Tours and Roberta was amazing! You hit all the major spots on this tour including: Teatro Massimo, Via Maqueda, Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini, Chiesa della Martorana, Chiesa di San Cataldo, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Bologni, La Cattedrale di Palermo.
Sights Worth Seeing
There are so many great spots in Palermo, but if you have limited time here is a list of the must-sees!
Massimo Theater (Teatro Massimo): Piazza Verdi, 90138
This opera house is the largest in Italy, and third largest in Europe (after Paris and Vienna). Massimo was designed to promote the city following the Italian unification in 1861. It is striking from the outside, but I totally recommend getting a tour of the inside as well. It is only 30 minutes and is available in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German. Tickets cost 8 euro and can be purchased at the theater or on their website.
Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni): Piazza del Parlamento, 1, 90129
The Norman Palace was one of my favorite spots in Palermo – specifically for the stunning Palatine Chapel. There is plenty to see in the palace including gardens and the royal apartments, but if you are on a time crunch go straight to the chapel. The well preserved mosaics and ceiling are a unique combination of Norman, Arabic and Byzantine architectural styles. See Reel below:
Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria: Piazza Bellini, 1, 90133
This church is the best spot for a rooftop view of the city and for the best price. There is also a confectionery shop where the desserts of various monasteries of Palermo are reproduced according to the ancient recipes of Palermo’s convents. The sales of sweets represented an important source of income for the survival of the monastery dating back to 1311. Be sure to try the marzipan fruits and the cannoli!
Mercato di Ballarò: Via Ballaro, 90134
Ballarò is such a fun market to visit! There is a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and fish. You really get a feel for the locals here, and you will definitely witness some loud Sicilian men shouting to persuade you to buy their oranges. It is also a great spot to purchase souvenirs.
Quattro Canti: Piazza Villena, 80146
Famous piazza featuring four concave Baroque facades representing the four seasons. This piazza divides Palermo into its four historic districts.
Giardino Garibaldi: Piazza Marina
Gardens that contain the largest Ficus tree in Europe.
Honorable Mentions
Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio: Piazza Bellini, 3, 90133
Catacombe dei Cappuccini: Would have loved to do this, but it was temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
Church of San Cataldo: Piazza Bellini, 1, 90133
Oratory of San Lorenzo: Via Immacolatella, 5, 90133: Baroque oratory famous for the replica of a Carvaggio masterpiece that was likely stolen by the Sicilian Mafia in 1969. It was also named one of the FBI’s “Top Ten Art Crimes.”
I hope you enjoy this beautiful city! If you are curious to learn more about me and my travels check out this post! 🙂
Ciao,
Tina
Tina
A Midwestern girl with a nomadic soul
