Palermo is a fully good metropolis to discover in Sicily. It’s a type of cities that’s nicely value visiting in its personal proper or as a part of a wider cease to see all the gorgeous locations in Sicily. That being stated, there are heaps of the most effective issues to do in Palermo in its personal proper.
We cherished our time within the northern Sicilian metropolis of Palermo and it feels fairly a bit totally different from different cities in Sicily like Catania. We stayed three nights on our final go to to Palermo and it was completely epic.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time in Palermo, I’ve popped some complete gems that you simply don’t need to miss whenever you go to. Have the most effective time in Italy.
1.) Palatine Chapel
One of many issues that make Palatine Chapel so particular is that it varieties a part of the royal palace and dates again nearly 1,000 years. It’s beautiful and the Muqarnas ceilings are simply one thing else. It’s so spectacular and influenced by Fatimid artwork that you simply typically see it in Islamic structure and rooms.
Now, the admission value is a bit more than different comparable sights in Palermo, so hold that in thoughts. Although, I’d at all times say to go, because it’s so beautiful to see.
Afterwards, book this delicious street food tour in Palermo that takes place within the early night. It’s an effective way to search out native eateries and check out native produce that typically will get neglected. We cherished the tour and the native information is so good.
Simply make sure to book this food tour prematurely as locations do fill quick.
Learn extra: Finest locations to see in Sicily
2.) Quattro Canti (Piazza Vigliena)
Okay, so Quattro Canti is a typical piazza space in Palermo to go to. It’s proper within the coronary heart of the historic centre and nicely value passing by way of as you ramble the bustling streets of the town.
Historical past-wise, Quattro Canti dates all the way in which again to 1608. Sculptures of collectible figurines are arrange across the courtyard. And admire the work by Pietro Novello.
While right here, make sure to take a gander contained in the Church of San Giuseppe dei Padri Teatini. It’s completely attractive and an excellent solution to see a few of that Baroque structure that’s so fashionable in Sicily.
Oh, and don’t neglect that you simply’ve bought the gorgeous Fontana Pretoria that’s just a few steps away. This implies it’s completely simple to go to each on the similar time. You’ll adore it.
Getting peckish? Get your self over to Osteria Ballarò for dinner that’s simply off the market space. It’s completely beautiful and the pasta is without doubt one of the greatest within the metropolis. Simply attempt to e book a desk prematurely, particularly on weekends – this place can replenish quick.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Catania
3.) Teatro Massimo
The Massimo Theatre is well probably the greatest issues to do in Palermo if you wish to see a world-class opera efficiency. If you happen to don’t catch a present, the theatre itself is attractive and even value booking this epic tour to see its grandeur.
The tour itself takes round half-hour and is nicely value becoming a member of when you love historic buildings.
Earlier than heading for the efficiency, seize a desk at Trattoria Del Massimo. It’s an off-the-cuff however genuine Sicilian gem that actually is aware of its pasta dishes. Plus, their pizza was scrumptious and completely contemporary.
4.) Chruch of San Giovanni degli Eremiti
Nestled inside the historic space of Albergaria, San Giovanni degli Eremiti is nicely value seeing while in Palermo.
Courting all the way in which again to the twelfth century, it’s a very easy place to go to whenever you’re already heading to the Norman Palace that’s a brief stroll away.
As soon as inside, make sure that to maintain your eyes peeled for the purple domes and all of the Arabesque influences inside the church itself.
Lastly, if you wish to try extra of the attractive chapels and church buildings in Palermo, make sure that to see the church of St. Mary of the Admiral (Martorana).
Hankering for a gelato? Get your self over to Dolce Capo.
Now, it doesn’t appear to be something important from the surface, however this place is aware of good gelato. We went again right here time and time once more. Attempt the hazelnut flavour, it’s divine.
5.) Palazzo Abatellis
Afterwards, head to Palazzo Abatellis within the historic space of the town.
Visiting is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Palermo when you’re taken with artwork historical past. Inside, you’ll get to see the Virgin Annunciate, which was created by Antonello da Messina. It’s world-renowned and one of the well-known work in all of Sicily. Plus, you’ll get to see Moses by Pietro Novelli.
Now, a go to will seemingly take round an hour and the proper stopping level when you’re heading to the Botanic Gardens of Palermo (which is gorgeous to see, too).
6.) Monte Pellegrino
Now, it’s seemingly you’ll have seen Monte Pellegrino a number of occasions while you’re visiting Palermo. The truth is, it’s laborious to overlook!
The views from listed below are spectacular and it’s an awesome place for a stroll overlooking the northern Sicilian shoreline.
To make issues simpler, book this Monte Pellegrino tour that’ll take you to all of the viewpoints and see the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia that’s embedded inside the rock itself.
It’s so value it and makes the entire journey tremendous simple.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Catania
7.) Ustica Island
Fancy just a few days away (or an extended day journey) from the bustling streets of Palermo? Then get your self over to Istica Island. Round 50km from the shores of Sicily, it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Palermo when you’re fancying a quieter expertise away from the crowds.
Now, to get right here you will have to board a ferry, with Siremar or Liberty Strains, over to the island and chill within the pure fantastic thing about this beautiful spot.
The island itself is ideal for mountaineering and it’s nice if you wish to see a few of the wild and pure fantastic thing about Italy. It’s a Mediterranean gem.
Simply bear in mind, you’re not going to get the identical opening occasions and or choices for eating places or bars on the island. Maintain this in thoughts as choices could be extra restricted, particularly when you eat later within the night.
Learn extra: Finest locations to see in Sicily
8.) Mondello Seashore
Sicilian seashores hit otherwise! We’ve got such a gentle spot for them, particularly when there are some pristine waters to go along with it. Modello Seashore is strictly that.
Actually, it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Palermo when you’re fancying a seaside day. Modello Seashore is round 4 kilometres from the historic centre of Palermo and fairly attractive for a day journey.
If all that sea air has made you hungry, e book a dinner at Le Antiche Mura. Sure, it’s a little bit away from the beachside itself however the seafood is value it. They’ve contemporary catches of the day and it’s so yummy.
If you happen to’re much less of a seaside bum and like the open waters, book this vintage yacht tour across the Sicilian shoreline from Palermo. It’s a five-hour tour and completely tranquil because it takes in Mondello Seashore, too.
Learn extra: Finest locations to see in Sicily
9.) Fontana Pretoria
To be trustworthy, the entire space round Fontana Pretoria goes to be one thing the place you’ll need to stroll for few hours.
House to one of the unimaginable fountains and marble statues, it’s in all probability one of many cities most iconic spots.
Plus, proper subsequent door you’ve the likes of; Palazzo Pretorio (the city corridor), the Church of San Cataldo and the Church of St. Nicholas.
To make issues simpler, book this guided walking tour of Palermo. Not solely will you get to see the primary sight of the town, however you’ll additionally get to style so many native bites, too. We cherished it.
10.) Ballaro and Capo Markets
Okay, so Ballaro Market is a hive of exercise at the most effective of occasions. It’s busy, loud and completely wonderful to go for a stroll. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Palermo when eager to expertise the town to its fullest.
Stuffed with contemporary stalls, native produce and trinkets to take residence, we completely cherished strolling the stalls which are proper subsequent to the historic centre.
Alternatively, when you’re close to Carini Gate, make sure that to cease by del Capo Market that’s big and has heaps of stalls. I believe we had a few of the greatest strawberries we’ve ever tasted from right here.
Simply bear in mind, this space will get actually busy across the weekends. If you wish to keep away from the crowds, go to early within the morning.
11.) Norman Palace
Generally known as the Royal Palace, make sure that to spend a while exploring the advanced of the Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni). We spent few hours right here and cherished each second. It’s simply probably the greatest issues to do in Palermo and completely value seeing when you love Italian historical past.
In any case, it was the seat of the King of Sicily and the palace itself dates again nicely over eight hundred years.
Simply make sure to book these Norman Palace tickets prematurely. With these tickets, you’ll get to skip the road and get proper contained in the Royal Palatine Chapel, too.
Afterwards, take a wander across the Outdated Cloister of Saint John in Palermo (Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti) and the church of the Gesu that’s inside the historic space of Palermo.
They’re each so spectacular.
12.) Monreale Cathedral
If you happen to’re venturing a little bit away from the historic centre of Palermo, make sure that to go to Monreale Cathedral and Abbey. It’s so beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Web site has essentially the most wonderful cloister and delightful Mosaics within the apse.
To make issues simpler, book this half-day tour round Monreale and to Cefalu, too. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Palermo, particularly if you wish to discover the broader space of Northern Sicily.
Alternatively, book this incredible tour of Monreale the Capuchin Catacombs are completely surreal to see. As soon as right here, you’ll get to see a whole bunch of mummies and preserved members of excessive society inside the crypts themselves.
Sure, it may possibly appear a little bit macabre however it’s a part of Palermo’s historical past and one spot value studying extra about.
13.) Piazza San Domenico
As you stroll across the historic centre of Palermo, make sure that to go to Piazza San Domenico. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Palmero when you’re wanting to go to a few of the smaller alleys and streets of the outdated centre.
As soon as right here, make sure to try the Colonna dell’Immacolata (that’s proper within the centre). After all, you’re going to squeeze in yet another church – the Church of Saint Domenico.
Getting peckish? Pop in for a chew to eat at Trattoria Al Ferro di Cavallo that’s been round Palermo for ages; and with good motive. Their grilled calamari is scrumptious.
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