An Open-Air Museum

Unique in its charm and eclecticism, the Sicilian capital has been home to many peoples. Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims, as well as Normans and Spaniards—all have left their mark on the city, including magnificent architectural treasures.

Palermo is full of exceptional architecture: 295 churches, 70 convents, numerous palaces, oratories, libraries… In recent years, many of these once closed or abandoned sites have reopened. Most of these buildings are in ruins, but time has given them a beautiful patina and enhanced their charm.

Despite busy traffic and the constant flow of scooters, wandering through the dark, lively alleys of Palermo is a pleasure. You soak in its somewhat chaotic atmosphere, typical of southern cities. Laundry hangs from balconies, and the Mediterranean sea air mixes with the smells of garlic, fish, and spices wafting from the colorful, bustling markets so dear to the city.

MUST-SEE IN PALERMO

Palace of the Normans
You can’t leave Palermo without admiring the stunning mosaics of the Palatine Chapel. Built in the 12th century, this masterpiece combines the different styles of the peoples who conquered Sicily: Romanesque, Byzantine, and Arab.

Monreale Cathedral
Another marvel of Norman architecture, a spectacular basilica famous for its cloister and Byzantine mosaics.

Palermo Cathedral
Not to be missed for its incredible panoramic view over the city.

Fontana Pretoria
In the heart of Palermo, a monumental Baroque marble fountain. The statues represent the gods of Olympus and the rivers of Palermo (Oreto, Papireto, Maredolce, and Gabriele).

Next to it is Piazza Bellini with its 3 churches:
Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, San Cataldo, and Santa Caterina Cathedral.

Convent of Santa Caterina Church
Terracotta tiles, colorful cement tiles, and patinated ceilings and walls give a gentle and joyful soul to this building – see the photo series. At the end of the visit, treat yourself to a sweet delight at the pastry workshop “I segreti del Chiostro.”

Capuchin Catacombs
Not for the faint-hearted…

Puppet Museum
Housed in the former palace of a marquis, the Antonio Pasqualino Museum now holds over 3,000 pieces: puppets, shadows, sets, and small theaters… A wonderful and unique place.

PALERME GOURMANDE

In Palermo, you take your time — between visits, on a sunny piazza — to savor an espresso or a handcrafted gelato, Sicilian specialties done to perfection. The city is famous for its rich gastronomy, flavored by Arab, Greek, and Spanish influences, but it’s especially for its street food scene that Palermo truly stands out.

No visit to Palermo is complete without exploring the lively markets of El Capo, Ballarò, or La Vucciria, centuries-old bazaars full of life.

Amid colorful vegetable stands and gleaming fresh fish stalls, you indulge in local specialties prepared by lively Sicilians at their smoky food stalls: arancini (stuffed rice balls), panelle (flat chickpea flour fritters, brought by the Arabs), sfincione (Sicilian-style thick, spongy pizza topped with tomatoes, anchovies, onions, and cheese), and cazzilli (potato fritters).

At lunchtime, diners gather in makeshift eateries — on plastic chairs or upcycled furniture, right in the street or in old converted garages. Here you’ll find generous, delicious market-style dishes with strong maritime flavors: plates of pasta with mussels, shrimp, clams, grilled fish, and seafood... all for just a few dozen euros.

In the evening, locals head to the historic quarters of La Kalsa and La Vucciria, where numerous bars and lively groups of partygoers create a festive atmosphere. On Fridays, the vibe is especially vibrant, with some venues even offering the famous aperitivo — a delicious appetizer buffet served to accompany your drinks.

adresses

Palermo Markets :

• El Capo / Via Cappuccinelle

• La Vucciria / Via dei Frangiai, 50

• Ballarò / Via Ballarò, 1

Restaurants :

• Buatta Cucina Popolana
  Located in a former shop, Buatta is an ideal place to discover Sicilian gastronomy with great value for money. The restaurant follows a Slow Food philosophy: fresh, local, seasonal products, and traditional flavors. Nice selection of natural wines.
  Via Vittorio Emanuele, 176

• Ciccio Passami l’Olio
  Arguably one of the best pizzerias in Palermo, offering quality pizzas at very fair prices. You can even choose the type of dough: Tumminia, Perciasacchi or Kamut — ancient local wheats with low gluten.
  Via Castrofilippo, 4

• Antica Focacceria San Francesco
  An institution in Palermo since 1834, serving “cucina popolare,” popular traditional Sicilian cuisine. Their star dish is the pani ca meusa — an ancient street snack made of bread, veal spleen, ricotta, and parmesan. Think of it as the local hamburger with a very bold flavor.
  Via Alessandro Paternostro, 58

Sweet Break

• Casa Stagnitta
  A perfect spot for breakfast on the terrace. Coffee is roasted on site, and they serve gelato, brioche, croissants filled with hazelnut or pistachio, fresh juices, and granite (Italian shaved ice).
  Vicenza Stagnitta s.a.s, Discesa dei Giudici, 42

• Cappadonia
  Undoubtedly the best gelato in town. The flavor menu is short because artisan gelato maker Antonio Cappadonia only uses seasonal, carefully selected ingredients to create authentic natural tastes. The lemon sorbet and pistachio gelato from Bronte (world-renowned) are exceptional. For extra indulgence, try them with traditional Sicilian brioche — soft and light.
  Via Vittorio Emanuele, 401 and Piazzetta Francesco Bagnasco, 29

• I Segreti del Chiostro
  Nestled in a wing of the Sainte-Catherine monastery, this Sicilian pastry workshop is a cultural project aimed at reviving traditional Sicilian desserts. Find an incredible selection of classic sweets: cannoli, cassata siciliana, sussameli, maria struada…
  Piazza Bellini, 1

Drinks & Nightlife

• Botteghe Colletti
  Set in a former haberdashery in the historic center of Palermo, this charming cocktail bar looks like it’s straight out of an old movie: antique chandelier, heavy red curtains, shakers shaking by candlelight… The bar offers an excellent cocktail menu and a great selection of Sicilian wines. Special mention for the ambiance, warm welcome, and the delicious antipasti buffet.
  Open from 5:30 pm to 2 am.
  Via Alessandro Paternostro, 79

• Taverna Azzurra
  Located in a narrow street in La Vucciria, this is the liveliest neighborhood bar in town. You’ll find locals, students, tourists, and passersby here. The atmosphere is festive and joyful, the staff friendly, and the prices very low. A must-visit for Palermo nightlife.
  Via Maccherronai, 15