Things to do in Palermo

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with historic buildings, a prominent church with a dome, and mountains in the background.
A coastal cityscape with historic buildings, domed churches, and mountains in the background.
A historic cathedral with intricate architecture, a large dome, and a bell tower.
A historic building with a central archway and statues on top, surrounded by other buildings.
A grand historic building with a dome and columns, a flag, and a paved square.

Things to do

Palermo Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local

Palermo Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local

RM32
per adult
Palermo Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local
Palermo: Fun Pizza & Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine

Palermo: Fun Pizza & Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine

RM319
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Palermo: Fun Pizza & Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine
Syracuse: Bus Transfer to/from Palermo Bus station

Syracuse: Bus Transfer to/from Palermo Bus station

RM70
per adult
Syracuse: Bus Transfer to/from Palermo Bus station
Palermo: Norman Palace Ticket & Audio App Downloadable

Palermo: Norman Palace Ticket & Audio App Downloadable

RM91
per adult
Palermo: Norman Palace Ticket & Audio App Downloadable
Palermo: Walking Tour Unesco Highlights Small Group

Palermo: Walking Tour Unesco Highlights Small Group

RM185
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Palermo: Walking Tour Unesco Highlights Small Group
Palermo by Sea: Relaxing Boat Tour with Aperitif

Palermo by Sea: Relaxing Boat Tour with Aperitif

RM417
per adult
Palermo by Sea: Relaxing Boat Tour with Aperitif
Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

RM324
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo
Sicilian Mafia History: Corleone & Ficuzza Private Experience

Sicilian Mafia History: Corleone & Ficuzza Private Experience

RM1,851
per traveller
Sicilian Mafia History: Corleone & Ficuzza Private Experience
Palermo : Mondello and Capo Gallo Boat Tour with Snacks and Drinks

Palermo : Mondello and Capo Gallo Boat Tour with Snacks and Drinks

RM412
per adult
Palermo : Mondello and Capo Gallo Boat Tour with Snacks and Drinks
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What to do in Palermo

Stay near popular Palermo attractions

A grand historic building with a dome and columns, a flag, and a paved square.

Teatro Massimo

9.2/10 (1,904 reviews)
Italy's largest opera house captivates with neoclassical grandeur and world-renowned acoustics. Book a morning guided tour to explore the opulent interiors and discover the theater's rich cultural legacy.
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Where to stay in Palermo

Find the best Palermo areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Palermo
Learn more about Palermo
A historic cathedral with intricate architecture, including a large dome and multiple towers.
Photo by Michael Karavanov
Open Photo by Michael Karavanov

Centro Storico

If you're spending some time in Centro Storico, Via Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Pretoria are top sights worth seeing.

A historic plaza with a fountain, statues, and a domed building.
Photo by José Luiz
Open Photo by José Luiz

Kalsa

Historical sites, museums and gardens are some highlights of Kalsa. Make a stop by Piazza Marina or Via Lincoln while you're exploring.

A historic building with a large arched entrance, a statue in front, and a palm tree nearby.

Politeama

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

A street lined with historic buildings, a pedestrian crossing, and a blue barrier with a cartoon character.
Photo by Samantha B.
Open Photo by Samantha B.

Castellammare Vucciria

Unique features of Castellammare Vucciria include the historical sites and coffee shops. Make a stop by Vucciria Market or Via Roma while you're exploring the area.

A historic cathedral with a large dome and twin towers, surrounded by a plaza with palm trees and a fountain.

Palermo Historical Center

Travellers to Palermo Historical Center praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Piazza Pretoria and Via Maqueda.

A beach with a wooden walkway lined with blue and white beach huts, a clear blue sea, and a rocky cliff in the background.

Mondello

A coastal town with a beach, clear turquoise waters, and a rocky shoreline.

Capaci

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from the city centre of Palermo is Ruggero Settimo and Kalsa is 0.64 kilometres 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 holidaying 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 neighbourhoods, 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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