Things to do in Palermo

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Palermo

Types of activities

Where to stay

Palermo travel guide

Palermo featuring a house and heritage architecture

Palermo featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Palermo featuring heritage architecture and a house

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What to do in Palermo

Popular places to visit

Palermo Harbour

4/5(71 reviews)

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

Palermo showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Teatro Massimo

4.5/5(70 reviews)

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

Palermo Cathedral

4.5/5(100 reviews)

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.

Ballaro Market

4/5(50 reviews)

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

Via Roma

3.5/5(43 reviews)

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

Via Vittorio Emanuele

4/5(26 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Palermo with a visit to Via Vittorio Emanuele. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Politeama Garibaldi Theater

4.5/5(17 reviews)

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

Palace of the Normans

4.5/5(36 reviews)

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

Via Maqueda

4/5(27 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Via Maqueda during your stay in Palermo. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Areas of Palermo

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.

Centro Storico

4/5(11 area reviews)

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

Via Maqueda which includes markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Kalsa

4.5/5(88 area reviews)

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

Castellammare

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

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

Politeama

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

Libertà

If you're spending some time in Libertà, Palermo Harbour and Villa Airoldi Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

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 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.