Palermo Italy Travel Guide

At the Quattro Canti crossroads, baroque facades meet streets that run down to the stalls of Ballarò, the oldest and largest of Palermo's historic markets.

Neighbourhoods With Kids In The Rain At Night Right Now When To Go

Palermo Italy Travel Guide: Things To Do In Palermo, The Short List

From the Norman Palace and its Palatine Chapel to the Cathedral and the opera house at Teatro Massimo, Palermo's sights sit within a compact centre.

A long golden-stone palace facade with rows of arches and a crenellated tower behind palm trees Norman PalaceThe Norman Palace, with royal apartments and the Palatine Chapel, is part of the UNESCO Arab-Norman Palermo inscription of 2015. A large golden-limestone cathedral with battlemented towers and pointed arches seen from a quiet side street Palermo CathedralPalermo Cathedral, a UNESCO component, holds the royal tombs of Roger II, Frederick II and other rulers; a Qur'an verse marks its southern porch. Inside a small royal chapel with a domed ceiling and walls covered in gold mosaics above a marble floor Cappella PalatinaThe Palatine Chapel sits inside the Norman Palace complex, part of the UNESCO Arab-Norman Palermo inscription of 2015. A curved Baroque corner facade of golden limestone with a fountain and tiered statue niches Quattro CantiQuattro Canti serves as the central reference point in Palermo for measuring driving times to day-trip destinations. A neoclassical opera house with a broad flight of steps, columned portico and green dome above a wide piazza Teatro MassimoTeatro Massimo offers guided tours from EUR 7 for visitors under 26; its 2026-27 season opens with Samson et Dalila on 22 November 2026. A market lane with stalls of lemons, tomatoes and aubergines and fish on ice below balconied facades Ballarò MarketBallarò is described as the oldest and largest of Palermo's historic markets, with Arab origins and free entry. A small Norman church with a red dome and a Romanesque bell tower beside a Baroque facade La MartoranaSanta Maria dell'Ammiraglio, known as La Martorana, is one of the nine components of the UNESCO Arab-Norman Palermo inscription. A long vaulted underground stone corridor with arched niches in dim warm light Capuchin CatacombsThe Capuchin Catacombs charge EUR 5 full and EUR 3 reduced, sell tickets at the office only, and prohibit photography.

Palermo Italy Travel Guide To The Neighbourhoods

Four neighbourhoods, one walkable city: start in the Old Town and work outward.

1Morning
A busy street between golden limestone palazzi with balconies and a church dome rising beyond

Old Town

The Old Town sits at the centre of Palermo, with the Norman Palace, the Cathedral and the Quattro Canti all within its streets.

2Midday
A narrow lane of faded ochre buildings with balconies, laundry lines and market stalls under awnings

Albergheria And Ballarò

Albergheria and Ballarò is a historic Palermo neighbourhood 0.6 km straight line from the Old Town, known for its street market with Arab origins.

3Afternoon
A quiet lane of faded pink palazzi beside a roofless old church with a cat on a step

La Kalsa

La Kalsa lies about 0.7 km straight line from the Old Town, close to the waterfront at Foro Italico.

4Evening
A broad boulevard of balconied apartment blocks and palm trees leading to a round piazza with an arched theatre facade

Politeama

Politeama is about 1.1 km straight line from the Old Town, near the Teatro Politeama and a stop on the airport bus route.

A walking tour group pauses at a baroque square in central Palermo.
UNESCO Walk, Norman Palace Option 4.8 from 675 reviews · from $39
Check availability
41,197 traveller reviewsacross 49 checked tours
From $7cheapest paid tour today
Prices checkedagainst the booking page, refreshed monthly

Palermo Tours Worth Booking

Answer three quick questions and get a shortlist of Forty-nine tours matched to your visit.

1. What kind of experience are you after?
2. What can you spend per person?
3. How much time do you have?

This is a starting shortlist of well-reviewed picks, not the full lineup. Answer any question above to rebuild it around you.

  1. Airport Bus, Single Ticket from $7 ★ 4.6 4,565 Check availability
  2. No Mafia Walk, 3 Hours 3 hours from $38 ★ 4.8 3,419 Check availability
  3. Hop-On Bus, 24-Hour Ticket from $17 ★ 3.9 3,028 Check availability
  4. Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans 8 hours from $78 ★ 4.3 2,273 Check availability
  5. Teatro Massimo Guided Tour from $16 ★ 4.5 2,088 Check availability
  6. Agrigento Temples, 8-Hour Day Trip 8 hours from $70 ★ 4.2 2,072 Check availability
  7. Monreale and Cefalù, Half Day 6 hours from $67 ★ 4.3 1,726 Check availability
  8. Street Food History Walk, 3 Hours 3 hours from $55 ★ 4.9 1,714 Check availability
  9. Pizza and Gelato, Dinner Included 3 hours from $77 ★ 4.9 1,265 Check availability
  10. Shared Boat, Snacks and Snorkeling 4 hours from $100 ★ 4.9 1,105 Check availability
  11. Etna and Taormina, 12 Hours 12 hours from $128 ★ 4.1 1,099 Check availability
  12. Street Food Tasting, 2.5 Hours 2.5 hours from $55 ★ 4.8 1,074 Check availability
  13. Bottega Monteleone Wine and Snacks 2 hours from $49 ★ 4.8 966 Check availability
  14. Pizza Gelato Class, Meal and Wine 3 hours (approx.) from $57 ★ 5 926 Check availability
  15. Pasta Tiramisu Class, Fine Wine 2.5 hours from $77 ★ 4.7 879 Check availability
  16. Food Tour, 10+ Tastings 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) from $86 ★ 5 861 Check availability
  17. Cooking Italy Pasta Tiramisu Class 3 hours (approx.) from $79 ★ 4.9 721 Check availability
  18. Palazzo Conte Federico Entry 45 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) from $17 ★ 4.9 717 Check availability
  19. Evening Street Food, All-Inclusive 3 hours from $77 ★ 4.8 714 Check availability
  20. Bike Tour with Street Food Tasting 3.5 hours from $52 ★ 4.8 678 Check availability
  21. UNESCO Walk, Norman Palace Option 3 - 5.5 hours from $39 ★ 4.8 675 Check availability
  22. Walk Plus Street Food, 3 Hours 3 hours (approx.) from $53 ★ 4.9 640 Check availability
  23. Boat Tour, Aperitif and Caves 4 hours from $99 ★ 4.7 627 Check availability
  24. Villa Romana and Temples, 11 Hours 11 hours from $136 ★ 4.7 476 Check availability
  25. 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walk 3 hours (approx.) from $33 ★ 4.8 437 Check availability
  26. Cappella Palatina and Norman Palace 2 hours from $44 ★ 4.8 409 Check availability
  27. Sicilian Class with Market Tour 5 hours (approx.) from $69 ★ 5 381 Check availability
  28. Custom Walk, 2 to 8 Hours 2 to 8 hours (approx.) from $51 ★ 4.6 370 Check availability
  29. Half-Day Corleone Excursion 6 hours from $78 ★ 3.8 358 Check availability
  30. Monreale Self-Guided, Van Transfer 4 hours from $45 ★ 4.7 274 Check availability
  31. Mondello Cruise, Snacks and Drinks 4 hours from $99 ★ 4.9 246 Check availability
  32. Full-Day Catamaran with Lunch 7 hours (approx.) from $174 ★ 5 219 Check availability
  33. Luxury Boat, Snacks and Snorkeling 4 hours (approx.) from $136 ★ 4.9 215 Check availability
  34. CruiserCar Tour, 1 to 6 Hours 1 to 6 hours (approx.) from $113 ★ 4.8 200 Check availability
  35. Catacombs and Cemeteries Guided Walk 2 hours from $31 ★ 4.3 195 Check availability
  36. Eating Europe Evening Food and Wine 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) from $97 ★ 4.9 183 Check availability
  37. Valley of the Temples, 9-Hour Trip 9 hours (approx.) from $78 ★ 3.9 179 Check availability
  38. Temples Plus Villa Romana, 10 Hours 10 hours (approx.) from $139 ★ 4.7 162 Check availability
  39. Ballaro Market Tour by Eating Europe 3 hours (approx.) from $55 ★ 5 158 Check availability
  40. Private Airport Transfer, 35 Minutes 35 minutes (approx.) from $57 ★ 4.9 140 Check availability
  41. Segesta Erice Salt Pans Day Trip 8 hours (approx.) from $78 ★ 4.1 128 Check availability
  42. Monreale, Catacombs and Mondello 5 hours from $95 ★ 4.8 107 Check availability
  43. Norman Palace, Small Group or Private 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) from $47 ★ 4.7 95 Check availability
  44. Monreale and Cefalù Excursion 6 hours (approx.) from $74 ★ 3.7 94 Check availability
  45. Godfather Origins, Corleone and Monreale 6 to 7 hours (approx.) from $314 ★ 4.9 91 Check availability
  46. Cefalù and Castelbuono Full Day 8 hours (approx.) from $297 ★ 4.9 72 Check availability
  47. Tip-Based History Walk, 2 Hours 2 hours No fee, tips welcome ★ 4.92 1,157 See this free tour on GuruWalk
  48. Free Welcome Tour, Tip-Based 2 hours No fee, tips welcome ★ 4.63 818 See this free tour on GuruWalk
  49. Experiential Walk, Tip-Based 2 hours and 30 minutes No fee, tips welcome ★ 4.91 201 See this free tour on GuruWalk
A curved Baroque limestone facade with a fountain at an empty crossroads in early morning A seafront lawn and promenade with palms looking across calm water to a limestone headland

Free Things To Do In Palermo

Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria and the Foro Italico seafront cost nothing, and a pay-what-you-want walking tour covers history, culture and lifestyle.

Quattro Canti Piazza Pretoria Ballarò Market Foro Italico
Free walking tour group with a local guide in Palermo Old Town
Free Welcome Tour, Tip-Based 4.63 from 818 reviews · free, pay what you want
See this free tour on GuruWalk

Food And Evening In Palermo

Palermo's markets serve street food and Sicilian sweets, from panelle and spleen sandwiches to cannoli and cassata.

A street food stall under an awning with a counter of golden fried snacks in paper Palermo Street Food The historic markets sell the fried and filled foods Palermo is known for, from mid-morning into the evening. A café table with a ricotta pastry and a glass of granita in a sunny piazza Sicilian Desserts Cassata, cannoli and other Sicilian sweets appear in cafeterias and pastry shops across the city centre. Outdoor restaurant tables with white cloths beside a stone wall in a lit lane at dusk Palermo Restaurants Restaurants range from market counters to sit-down dining rooms serving Palermo and wider Sicilian cooking.

Palermo On The Map

Loading the map. Every place is also listed below.

Click the map to zoom with the scroll wheel. Numbers match the list.

  1. Quattro CantiQuattro Canti, where most walks start
  2. Palermo CathedralLandmark · 500 m from the Quattro Canti
  3. Norman PalaceLandmark · 870 m from the Quattro Canti
  4. Cappella PalatinaLandmark · 880 m from the Quattro Canti
  5. Teatro MassimoLandmark · 630 m from the Quattro Canti
  6. Piazza PretoriaLandmark · 60 m from the Quattro Canti
  7. La MartoranaLandmark · 160 m from the Quattro Canti
  8. San Cataldo ChurchLandmark · 140 m from the Quattro Canti
  9. San Giovanni degli EremitiLandmark · 910 m from the Quattro Canti
  10. Zisa PalaceLandmark · 1.8 km from the Quattro Canti
  11. Capuchin CatacombsLandmark · 2 km from the Quattro Canti
  12. Ballarò MarketLandmark · 480 m from the Quattro Canti
  13. Palazzo AbatellisMuseum · 860 m from the Quattro Canti
  14. Palermo Harbour (La Cala)Landmark · 970 m from the Quattro Canti
  15. Villa GiuliaPark · 1.2 km from the Quattro Canti
  16. Palermo Botanical GardenPark · 1.2 km from the Quattro Canti
  17. Foro ItalicoPark · 1.2 km from the Quattro Canti
  18. Old Town (Piazza Bellini)Neighbourhood · 130 m from the Quattro Canti
  19. La Kalsa (Piazza Marina)Neighbourhood · 670 m from the Quattro Canti
  20. Politeama and the New CityNeighbourhood · 1.1 km from the Quattro Canti
  21. AlbergheriaNeighbourhood · 560 m from the Quattro Canti
  22. Mondello BeachBeach · 10 km from the Quattro Canti
  23. Palermo Centrale StationTransport · 830 m from the Quattro Canti
  24. Cruise Terminal (Stazione Marittima)Transport · 1.3 km from the Quattro Canti

Palermo Right Now: Weather, Sea And Ferries

At the last check, on 13 October, the forecast for the Palermo waterfront was 19°C with a few light showers. Sunset was at 18:31, so the evening light was best from about 17:31.

Forecast, waterfront
19°C
a few light showers, cloud 38%
Sunrise and sunset
07:13 / 18:31
13 October, Palermo time
Golden hour
from 17:31
about an hour before sunset
Sea, Gulf of Palermo
26.6°C
NOAA OISST value of 27 September

Weather data from MET Norway (Locationforecast 2.0 and Sunrise 3.0, Norwegian Meteorological Institute), under NLOD 2.0 / CC BY 4.0. A forecast-model value for the grid point at the Quattro Canti, not a thermometer reading. Sea temperature: NOAA OISST (NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, daily 0.25 degree analysis), Gulf of Palermo, as last published.

Palermo Italy Travel Guide To Day Trips: Monreale, Cefalù, Segesta

Monreale, Cefalu, Mount Etna and Agrigento are the classic destinations within reach of Palermo by bus, train or organised excursion.

A large Norman cathedral between two towers with a tiered apse above a green valleyMosaics

Monreale

This six-hour half-day trip from Palermo pairs Monreale with Cefalù, covering two of the region's cathedral towns in one outing.

4-hour tour · 4.7 from 274 reviews · from $45Check availability
A seaside town with a twin-towered stone cathedral, terracotta roofs and a rocky headland behind a curve of beachSeaside Town

Cefalù

Cefalù sits on this six-hour half-day trip from Palermo that also takes in Monreale, with its cathedral free to enter.

4.9 from 72 reviews · from $297Check availability
A tawny Doric temple of tall columns standing alone on a green hillside under a wide skyGreek Temple

Segesta

A twelve-hour full-day excursion from Palermo pairing Mount Etna with Taormina, with long travel time each way.

8-hour tour · 4.3 from 2,273 reviews · from $78Check availability
A broad black volcanic cone with a thin plume of steam above dark ash and lava rockVolcano

Mount Etna

An eight-hour day tour from Palermo to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO site inscribed in 1997.

12-hour tour · 4.1 from 1,099 reviews · from $128Check availability
Ancient Greek temple columns on a limestone ridge among almond and olive trees in warm lightGreek Temples

Agrigento And The Valley Of The Temples

Greek temples at Agrigento, a UNESCO site since 1997: 129 km and about 2 hours 16 minutes by road from Palermo, on tours of about 8 hours.

8-hour tour · 4.2 from 2,072 reviews · from $70Check availability

All Palermo Day Trips

Palermo Italy Travel Guide, Month By Month

Month by month temperatures and rainfall in Palermo, based on 1991 to 2020 climate normals, so travellers can judge the best time to visit.

October is Palermo's wettest month at 81 mm and July the driest at 7 mm, 11.6 times less, in a year of about 626 mm.

Jan: 11.3℃Feb: 11.2℃Mar: 13℃Apr: 15.3℃May: 19.1℃Jun: 23.4℃Jul: 26.2℃Aug: 26.8℃Sep: 23.4℃Oct: 20.1℃Nov: 16.1℃Dec: 12.8℃ 050100 5°20°35° JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec Rain mm Temp ℃
  • Monthly rainfall (mm)
  • Mean temperature (°C)
ERA5 reanalysis (Copernicus, ECMWF), Palermo, 1991-2020 monthly averages: August is warmest at 26.8°C average, February coldest at 11.2°C, October wettest at 81 mm and July driest at 7 mm, 626 mm across the year.
MonthMean tempMean highMean lowRainfallRain days
January11.3°C14°C8.8°C69 mm10.5
February11.2°C14°C8.5°C73 mm10.8
March13°C16.3°C9.9°C67 mm10.6
April15.3°C18.7°C11.9°C59 mm9.4
May19.1°C22.6°C15.5°C36 mm6.2
June23.4°C27°C19.5°C15 mm3.5
July26.2°C29.8°C22.3°C7 mm1.8
August26.8°C30.4°C23.2°C19 mm3.3
September23.4°C26.7°C20.5°C61 mm9
October20.1°C23.2°C17.3°C81 mm9.9
November16.1°C18.8°C13.6°C67 mm10.5
December12.8°C15.2°C10.5°C72 mm12

Data: ERA5 reanalysis (Copernicus Climate Change Service, ECMWF), Palermo monthly normals 1991-2020, ERA5 reanalysis, Palermo monthly normals 1991-2020.

Palermo Italy Travel Guide To Where To Stay

Three areas of Palermo cover most visitor needs, and each link below goes to a booking site for that area.

A small palazzo courtyard with an old wooden door and a balcony with potted plants

Centro Storico And Kalsa

Best For A First Visit

The old centre and Kalsa put the cathedral, Quattro Canti, Ballaro market and Teatro Massimo within an easy walk of small boutique hotels.

Where To Stay In Palermo
A residential boulevard of tall apartment buildings with iron balconies and palm trees

Politeama And Libertà

Best For Wide Streets And Shops

Around Politeama and Libertà, 1.1 km from the old centre, historic and larger hotels sit by the theatres, gardens and shopping streets.

Where To Stay In Palermo
A quiet seaside street of low white villas with shutters and bougainvillea, the sea glimpsed at the end

Mondello

Best For Beach Time

Mondello, 10 km straight line from the old centre, offers seaside hotels by the beach, a bus or drive from central Palermo.

Where To Stay In Palermo

Palermo Italy Travel Guide From The Airport

1

35 Km By Road

About 35 km from Quattro Canti by road, roughly 51 minutes without traffic.

2

The Airport Bus

Prestia e Comande runs every 30 minutes, about 50 minutes to Stazione Centrale, EUR 6 one way when booked online.

3

Where It Stops

Stops include Politeama, Via Roma and Stazione Centrale, so most of the old centre is a short walk from one of them.

4

Fixed Taxi Fares

Three zones for up to four passengers with luggage, reported at EUR 39, EUR 44 and EUR 50 on the 2025 tariff.

5

The Airport Train

A regional line runs to Palermo Centrale in about an hour. Check the current fare with Trenitalia.

6

Allow Time

The airport advises arriving 2 hours before Schengen flights and 3 hours before non-Schengen ones.

Palermo Planning Guides

Palermo Airport To City Centre Best Time To Visit Palermo How Many Days In Palermo Getting Around Palermo Is Palermo Safe Palermo Street Food

What Visitors Say

“The place is very easy to find from the airport, after the "arrivals" exit on the right. Convenient transportation with stops along the way.”

Ventsislava, Verified traveller review of Airport Bus, Single Ticket

“It was a fabulous night of pizza and gelato making. Our chef Lidia was fantastic. She was knowledgeable and skilled. She made of feel like family.”

Sue_H, Verified traveller review of Pizza Gelato Class, Meal and Wine

“A really cool tour with insights into the structures of Palermo from the past to the present. It was very interesting and entertaining.”

Franz, Verified traveller review of No Mafia Walk, 3 Hours

“Emma was fantastic! She was friendly, knowledgeable, flexible, and overall very pleasant. I would highly recommend when visiting Palermo.”

Marine_D, Verified traveller review of Food Tour, 10+ Tastings

“Hop-on hop-off is always ideal for getting an overview and getting to know the city. The staff are helpful and friendly. Excellent.”

Thomas, Verified traveller review of Hop-On Bus, 24-Hour Ticket

“It was amazing and also entertaining. It was so much fun to learn how make pasta and tiramisu and then eat what we made.”

Deniseyp1, Verified traveller review of Cooking Italy Pasta Tiramisu Class

“Pabio was wonderful. He was professional, calm, and pleasant. He explaned along the way and gave us tips at the places we stopped yaffa guterman”

David, Verified traveller review of Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans

“Lovely and agreable tour in a family owned palace, having the present count as a guide. Attentively guided through the rooms and centuries.”

George_O, Verified traveller review of Palazzo Conte Federico Entry

“Very good. We got to know the theater in detail. As an extra, we went backstage, and it was a remarkable experience. Highly recommended.”

Horacio, Verified traveller review of Teatro Massimo Guided Tour

“Fabrizio was a good guide, the walk had some interesting sights, and we got a sampling of different street foods. I enjoyed it and recommend it.”

Shawn_P, Verified traveller review of Walk Plus Street Food, 3 Hours

“Fantastic trip if you want to tick off 2 great sights in Sicily. The trip was well organised and easy to follow. Would definitely recommend!!”

Veselina, Verified traveller review of Agrigento Temples, 8-Hour Day Trip

“Laura was a wonderful guide to Palermo. Very knowledgeable not only about the history but about the people of Palermo. Would highly recommend.”

Jennifer_W, Verified traveller review of 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walk

Verified traveller reviews, reproduced word for word including the reviewer's own wording.

49 tours compared by price and rating · from $749 tours · from $7 Compare Tours →