Things to do in Palermo

Activities, attractions and tours

Palermo
Aerial view of Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Palermo, Italy, September 19, 2019: views of a lonely street with plants and a bicycle with the church in the background
Palermo, Italy, September 19, 2019: Square with a fountain, a parked motorbike, plants and shops around with awnings and facades of buildings in poor condition
Piazza Marina and street with residential buildings in Palermo. Sicily, Italy
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Most popular experiences in Palermo

Tours & day trips

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City Sightseeing Palermo Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Palermo Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
6.8 out of 10 with 37 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,060 per adult
City Sightseeing Palermo Hop-on Hop-off Bus TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

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Palermo Walking Tour and Street Food

Palermo Walking Tour and Street Food

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 238 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,533 per adult*
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Private & custom tours

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Palermo : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Palermo : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 80 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 5,652 per adult*
Palermo : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local GuideOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 57 activities
Sicilian Cooking Class

Sicilian Cooking Class

Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 62 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 6,924 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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East Palermo: boat tour among caves and breathtaking landscapes

East Palermo: boat tour among caves and breathtaking landscapes

Activity duration is 5 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 5,582 per adult
East Palermo: boat tour among caves and breathtaking landscapesOpens in new tab

What to do in Palermo

Popular places to visit

the skyline of palermo, sicily

Palermo Harbour

Explore the waterfront in Borgo Vecchio with a trip to Palermo Harbour. Wander around the gardens or enjoy the area's bars.

Palermo Harbour
Teatro Massimo

Teatro Massimo

Enjoy a show at Teatro Massimo, a theater with a story to tell in Palermo. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Teatro Massimo
Via Roma

Via Roma

During your visit to Palermo, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Via Roma. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Via Roma
Ballaro Market

Ballaro Market

Buy freshly caught fish, eat Sicilian specialties and search for vintage clothes at a market that has been serving Palermo's residents for centuries.

Ballaro Market
M8720P Palermo, Italy - August 10, 2017: Facade of the Politeama Garibaldi Theatre with the statue of Ruggero Settimo in the center of Palermo in Sicily, Ita

Politeama Garibaldi Theater

Enjoy a performance at Politeama Garibaldi Theater, a theater with a story to tell in Palermo. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Politeama Garibaldi Theater
Via Vittorio Emanuele

Via Vittorio Emanuele

You can find out about the history of Palermo when you stop by Via Vittorio Emanuele. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Via Vittorio Emanuele
Cathedral of Palermo during sunset, Sicily island, Italy

Palermo Cathedral

You can learn about the history of Palermo with a stop at Palermo Cathedral. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Palermo Cathedral
Music stage in the Foro Italico in Palermo, Sicily

Foro Italico

Explore the great outdoors at Foro Italico, a lovely green space in Palermo. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Foro Italico
Palermo, Italy. View Norman Palace from the roof of the Cathedral. To the right is the leaning tower of Pisa; Shutterstock ID 762157141

Palace of the Normans

You can learn about the history of Palermo when you stop by Palace of the Normans. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Palace of the Normans

Areas of Palermo

Night view of the cathedral of Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Palermo Historical Center

Palermo Historical Center is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Palermo Harbour and Piazza Pretoria, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Palermo.

Palermo Historical Center
Centro Storico

Centro Storico

While visiting Centro Storico, you might make a stop by sights like Palermo Harbour and Via Vittorio Emanuele.

Centro Storico
Kalsa

Kalsa

Historic sites, museums, and gardens are some highlights of Kalsa. Make a stop by Palermo Harbour or Regional Gallery while you're exploring.

Kalsa
Sicilian Coastline in the morning. Deep blue sea; Shutterstock ID 341459549

Castellammare

Castellammare is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Palermo Harbour and Via Roma.

Castellammare
Politeama

Politeama

While visiting Politeama, you might make a stop by sights like Palermo Harbour and Piazza Ruggero Settimo.

Politeama
Ruggero Settimo

Ruggero Settimo

Unique features of Ruggero Settimo include the historic sites and theaters. Make a stop by Piazza Ruggero Settimo or Politeama Garibaldi Theater while you're exploring the area.

Ruggero Settimo
Port and beach at Mondello, Sicily.

Mondello

Frequently asked questions

Is Palermo worth visiting?
Palermo has an interesting mix of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into nature, history or traditional food, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Palermo?
After you've visited key attractions like Mondello Beach and Palace of the Normans, spend the rest of your day exploring Palermo's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palermo?
You can't leave without visiting Mondello Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Palermo.
Is three days enough to stay in Palermo?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Teatro Massimo, Cathedral of Monreale and Palace of the Normans with a three-day getaway in Palermo. On average, most travelers plan three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Cinisi.
Is Palermo a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Palermo, such as Teatro Massimo and Palace of the Normans, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometers from the city center of Palermo is Ruggero Settimo and Kalsa is 0.64 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Palermo with kids?
Planning what to do in Palermo with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're vacationing with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Palermo for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Palermo, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Via Vittorio Emanuele or Via Roma.
Are there free things to do in Palermo?
In Palermo, Cathedral of Monreale is a top spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Palermo.

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