14 must-see things to do in Palermo, Sicily

I ended up in Palermo sort of by chance. My brothers and I have Italian heritage and went on the journey of getting our citizenship. We moved to a small village for a few months as we waited to be recognised as Italian citizens. As we were so close to Palermo, we spent a lot of time there and I grew to love the city.

When I think of Palermo now, all sorts of images come to mind. Arabic-style mosaics on shop fronts, crazy roads full of scooters and donkeys and bustling markets with bursts of colour. On the other hand, I think of the sunny beaches, dreamy views from mountain tops and peaceful gardens far from the city chaos. There is so much to do in this understated city and this is just the start. I have put together these 14 must-see things to do on your trip to Palermo based on my own experience, so trust me when I say, don’t skip any of these.

1. Admire the Teatro Massimo and Piazza Verdi

The famous Teatro Massimo is of course top of the list. This theatre is an epic circular building where the Italian opera takes place. You can take a tour of the theatre for 8 euros, visit an opera or simply enjoy it from the outside. The theatre looks onto Piazza Verdi which is a hub of activity in itself. When I would pass the piazza there was always something going on. From political protests to the carnival celebrations to simply admiring the architecture of the theatre, I enjoyed spending time in this piazza. I’d recommend stopping at Bar Pasticceria Ruvolo Rosario opposite the theatre. It is full of tourists but it has a great atmosphere and the best view of the theatre. We often got an espresso and a pistacchio cornetto (croissant) for breakfast here before starting the day.

2. Take in the views at the Cathedral of Palermo

The cathedral of Palermo cannot be missed. The architecture is so intricate and the building towers above the well-maintained garden in front. The cathedral is a blend of gothic, medieval and Arabic styles and can be admired from just the exterior. Entry is free so go inside and explore the vast inside. There is also the opportunity to visit the terraces and see the architecture up close.

3. Walk around Quattro Canti and Fontana Pretoria

Walk to Quattro Canti along Via Marqueda. Quattro Canti translates to four corners and comprises of four statues at a crossroads. This is the centre of the old town and is always bustling with people. During high-season, we would always see buskers and horse and carriages waiting to ride people through the streets. Just along from the Quattro Canti is the Fontana Pretoria. This fountain features statues of naked gods and goddesses and is situated next to the church of Santa Caterina. It is known to locals as the fountain of shame due to the nuns’ reactions from the church when they saw the nudity. I spent time simply walking around the fountain and Quattro Canti, admiring the unique sculptures and tiny details.

4. Get lost in Ballaró market

Ballaró market is a day out for the senses. The smells, sounds and sights are so vibrant and full of colour. Like all Italians, Sicilians pride themselves on their local cuisine, particularly street food, which can be found for great prices in Ballaró market. Start with a Panelle e Crocche, a bun comprising of fried chickpea and potato fritters, it sounds simple but it’s really delicious and I managed to get one for 1 euro in the market. There are other sandwich dishes, including ‘pane con la milza’ which comprises of veal lung and spleen in a bun. Another food to look out for is Sfincione, with a dough base and tomato sauce it sounds like a pizza, but trust me it’s not. Oranges are everywhere in Palermo (depending on the time of year) so it is a must to try the fresh orange juice when you visit Ballaró market.

6. Try mouth-watering cannoli

Sticking on the topic of food, there are endless sweet treats in Sicily. I would recommend going to a Pasticceria to try some classic Sicilian desserts. Pasticceria Costa stood out for me as it had a huge variety of desserts and the best cannoli! Cannoli are tube-shaped pastry shells filled with ricotta-based cream. They are delicious and one of Sicily’s biggest pride and joys. Also try the cassata cake; with extravagant decoration, you’ll be drawn to buy one. And its worth mentioning again, pistachio cornetti (croissant) for breakfast every time!

7. Escape from the chaos in the Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens are a pocket of serenity amongst the busy city.  I could have spent hours exploring all the different trees, fruits and singing birds. You will see the Moreton Bay Fig tree all around Palermo with the botanical gardens hosting a pretty epic one which I think is worth a visit in itself. There is also a butterfly garden, cacti area, beautiful statues and ponds all over the gardens. I would definitely recommend visiting for a few hours as it is a bit of peace and quiet within the city.

8. Meander along La Cala waterfront

Walk along the marina and waterfront known as La Cala. Palermo has a beautiful coastline with views of the sea and mountains in the distance. You will also spot various statues interesting design features along the waterfront. there is plenty of grass where you’ll find people playing frisbee, having parties and flying kites. I spent a lot of time here reading my book and taking in the views. Its also a great picnic spot!

9.  Hike up Monte Pellegrino to the Santuario di Santa Rosalia

Walk up Monte Pellegrino for incredible views and a bit of a workout. I would recommend starting this walk in the morning as it can get very hot in the summer months. Monte Pellegrino is located just West of Palermo and can be reached easily by bus. It is a beautiful walk up to the top, with views of the sea and the city. At the top, you will find an old church called the Santuario di Santa Rosalia built into the mountainside. I have never seen a church quite like this so I definitely recommend visiting. If you aren’t up for walking, there is a bus you can take directly to the church (bus 812 from Piazzo Sturzo at Politeamo).

10. Soak up the sun in Mondello

Mondello is the neighbouring seaside town of the centre and, taking only 20 minutes by bus, is a must-see when in Palermo. The bus drives through rows of trees and along the side of Monte Pellegrino which is lovely. The only downside to taking the bus is that peak times are very crowded, meaning the bus might not stop. When you reach Mondello, relax on the beach, swim in clear waters or even go for a spot of windsurfing. Afterwards, indulge in some delicious ice cream and fresh seafood pasta.

11. Watch a traditional Puppet show

Go to a puppet show. Puppets, or ‘pupi’ in Sicilian, are part of the rich history of Sicily. We attended a puppet show and it really was like travelling into the past. The puppets were all handcrafted and the music came from an old wind-up box. It is a beautiful craft and I would definitely recommend going to a show. We went to the ‘Opera dei pupi teatro Argento’ in the centre and had a very authentic experience.

12. Find a bar and dance the night away in La Vucciria

If you are looking for some nightlife, visit the Vucciria. By day it’s a small street full of market stands but by night it becomes a hub of activity. Rows of bars and restaurants line the street and it is always bustling with people. If you want some outdoor dancing in the evening, this is the perfect place to go. From African drumming to techno beats, the Vucciria is full of good vibes. Alternatively, for a more cosy atmosphere, visit Max Mixology. The bartenders really know their stuff when it comes to cocktails, creating unique flavours and decorated beautifully. The interior of the bar is very unique, with old masks and tools covering the walls. oh, and they have live music. If you are looking for an edgy bar with great taste, I’d recommend this one.

13. Visit Assud a Santamaria for dinner

In the months I spent in Palermo, Assud a Santamaria was the one pizzeria we kept going back to. The staff were super friendly and informative about their menu, which was reasonably priced. With a unique dough formula, this pizza really is like no other I’ve tasted in Italy. The restaurant is located along a set of steps just off Via Marqueda.

14. Stroll through the beautiful streets

The last thing on the list is to simply go for a walk, get lost and explore the streets of Palermo. I have already mentioned Via Roma and Via Marqueda (both pedestrianised) as two of the main streets on walk around. In these streets you will see so much going on; street performers, buskers, protests, artisanal shops and a whole lot more. I’d also suggest steering off these main streets as you never know what you’ll find.

So, these are my top must-see things to do in Palermo. If you visit all these palces and want to see more, feel free to contact me. And please leave a comment if you have visited any of these places and what you think of them.