Palermo is a fully sensible metropolis to discover in Sicily. It’s a type of cities that’s effectively 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 liked our time within the northern Sicilian metropolis of Palermo and it feels fairly a bit completely 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 will help you get essentially the most out of your time in Palermo, I’ve popped some whole gems that you just don’t wish to miss while 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 kinds 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 just typically see it in Islamic structure and rooms.
Now, the admission value is a bit more than different related sights in Palermo, so hold that in thoughts. Although, I’d all the time say to go, because it’s so pretty to see.
Afterwards, e book this scrumptious road meals 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 liked the tour and the native information is so good.
Simply be sure you e book this meals 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 effectively 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, be sure you take a gander contained in the Church of San Giuseppe dei Padri Teatini. It’s completely attractive and a superb approach to see a few of that Baroque structure that’s so standard in Sicily.
Oh, and don’t overlook that you just’ve acquired the gorgeous Fontana Pretoria that’s just a few steps away. This implies it’s completely straightforward to go to each on the identical time. You’ll like it.
Getting peckish? Get your self over to Osteria Ballarò for dinner that’s simply off the market space. It’s completely pretty and the pasta is without doubt one of the finest within the metropolis. Simply attempt to e book a desk prematurely, particularly on weekends – this place can refill quick.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Catania
3.) Teatro Massimo
The Massimo Theatre is well the most effective issues to do in Palermo if you wish to see a world-class opera efficiency. When you don’t catch a present, the theatre itself is attractive and even value reserving this epic tour to see its grandeur.
The tour itself takes round half-hour and is effectively value becoming a member of in case you love historic buildings.
Earlier than heading for the efficiency, seize a desk at Trattoria Del Massimo. It’s an informal however genuine Sicilian gem that basically is aware of its pasta dishes. Plus, their pizza was scrumptious and completely recent.
4.) Chruch of San Giovanni degli Eremiti
Nestled inside the historic space of Albergaria, San Giovanni degli Eremiti is effectively 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 while you’re already heading to the Norman Palace that’s a brief stroll away.
As soon as inside, ensure to maintain your eyes peeled for the pink domes and all of the Arabesque influences inside the church itself.
Lastly, if you wish to take a look at extra of the attractive chapels and church buildings in Palermo, ensure 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 seem like something vital from the skin, 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 finest issues to do in Palermo in case 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 probably take round an hour and the proper stopping level in case you’re heading to the Botanic Gardens of Palermo (which is beautiful to see, too).
6.) Monte Pellegrino
Now, it’s probably you’ll have seen Monte Pellegrino a number of instances while you’re visiting Palermo. Actually, it’s arduous to overlook!
The views from listed here are spectacular and it’s an important place for a stroll overlooking the northern Sicilian shoreline.
To make issues simpler, e 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 straightforward.
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 the most effective issues to do in Palermo in case 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 great thing about this beautiful spot.
The island itself is ideal for climbing and it’s nice if you wish to see a number of the wild and pure great thing about Italy. It’s a Mediterranean gem.
Simply bear in mind, you’re not going to get the identical opening instances and or choices for eating places or bars on the island. Hold this in thoughts as choices will be extra restricted, particularly in case you eat later within the night.
Learn extra: Finest locations to see in Sicily
8.) Mondello Seaside
Sicilian seashores hit otherwise! We’ve got such a smooth spot for them, particularly when there are some pristine waters to go along with it. Modello Seaside is precisely that.
Actually, it’s the most effective issues to do in Palermo in case you’re fancying a seaside day. Modello Seaside 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 slightly away from the beachside itself however the seafood is value it. They’ve recent catches of the day and it’s so yummy.
When you’re much less of a seaside bum and like the open waters, e book this classic yacht tour across the Sicilian shoreline from Palermo. It’s a five-hour tour and completely tranquil because it takes in Mondello Seaside, too.
Learn extra: Finest locations to see in Sicily
9.) Fontana Pretoria
To be sincere, the entire space round Fontana Pretoria goes to be one thing the place you’ll wish to stroll for an excellent few hours.
Residence to one of the unbelievable fountains and marble statues, it’s in all probability one of many cities most iconic spots.
Plus, proper subsequent door you’ve gotten the likes of; Palazzo Pretorio (the city corridor), the Church of San Cataldo and the Church of St. Nicholas.
To make issues simpler, e book this guided strolling 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 liked it.
10.) Ballaro and Capo Markets
Okay, so Ballaro Market is a hive of exercise at the most effective of instances. It’s busy, loud and completely wonderful to go for a stroll. Actually, I’d go so far as saying it’s the most effective issues to do in Palermo when desirous to expertise the town to its fullest.
Crammed with recent stalls, native produce and trinkets to take dwelling, we completely liked strolling the stalls which might be proper subsequent to the historic centre.
Alternatively, in case you’re close to Carini Gate, ensure to cease by del Capo Market that’s big and has heaps of stalls. I feel we had a number of the finest 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
Typically known as the Royal Palace, ensure to spend a while exploring the complicated of the Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni). We spent an excellent few hours right here and liked each second. It’s simply the most effective issues to do in Palermo and completely value seeing in case you love Italian historical past.
In any case, it was the seat of the King of Sicily and the palace itself dates again effectively over eight hundred years.
Simply be sure you e 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
When you’re venturing slightly away from the historic centre of Palermo, ensure to go to Monreale Cathedral and Abbey. It’s so beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Website has essentially the most wonderful cloister and delightful Mosaics within the apse.
To make issues simpler, e book this half-day tour round Monreale and to Cefalu, too. It’s the most effective issues to do in Palermo, particularly if you wish to discover the broader space of Northern Sicily.
Alternatively, e book this unbelievable 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 might probably appear slightly macabre but it surely’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, ensure to go to Piazza San Domenico. It’s the most effective issues to do in Palmero in case you’re wanting to go to a number of the smaller alleys and streets of the previous centre.
As soon as right here, be sure you take a look at the Colonna dell’Immacolata (that’s proper within the centre). In fact, you’re going to squeeze in yet another church – the Church of Saint Domenico.
Getting peckish? Pop in for a chunk to eat at Trattoria Al Ferro di Cavallo that’s been round Palermo for ages; and with good purpose. Their grilled calamari is scrumptious.
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