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Planning a trip to Palermo? You’re in the right place!
This vibrant Sicilian city is a feast for the senses, with bustling markets, sizzling street food, and stunning cathedrals. From UNESCO landmarks to hidden catacombs and coastal escapes, Palermo has something for everyone. But with so much to see, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming!
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best things to do in Palermo, packed with unforgettable tours and experiences. Whether you want to explore historic streets, taste authentic Sicilian flavors, or sail along the Mediterranean, these tours will show you the very best of Palermo – without the stress of planning!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Palermo was this small-group food tour! We visited open-air markets and tasted authentic Sicilian street food and drinks. Our foodie guide was amazing and the food was even better!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Palermo, Sicily
- 1. See all eight UNESCO Sites in Palermo
- 2. Taste Sicily’s famous street food
- 3. Discover the Mafia history of Palermo
- 4. Learn how to cook authentic Sicilian pizza and gelato
- 5. Take a private day trip to the Valley of the Temples and Scala dei Turchi
- 6. Enjoy a day on the water on a private boat excursion
- 7. Explore the Capuchin Catacombs with a guide
- 8. Take a day trip to Celafu
- Where to Stay in Palermo, Sicily
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Renting a Car in Italy
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in Palermo, Sicily
1. See all eight UNESCO Sites in Palermo
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am (dates vary)
- Highlights: Walking tour discovering Palermo’s baroque and Norman-Arabic architecture, stop outside the Palatine Chapel and learn about its mosaics, hear the history of Piazza Pretoria and its marble statues
- Inclusions: Licensed English-speaking guide, marvel (from outside) at the city’s main monuments, entrance to the Cathedral
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Palermo’s chaotic charm makes it easy to get lost, both in the streets and its history. That’s why this walking tour with a passionate local is the best way to get oriented!
Our tour began at Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house. Standing in its shadow, we learned how this grand building became famous not just for its acoustics but also for its role in The Godfather Part III.
From there, we wandered through Palermo’s maze of streets, uncovering centuries of history. One of our favorite stops was Piazza Pretoria, dubbed the “Square of Shame.” Its marble statues were once deemed too revealing for modest eyes. Now, it’s one of Palermo’s most stunning Renaissance landmarks!
A short walk brought us to Quattro Canti, the crossroads of the historic center. Each facade represents a season, and the square is perfectly symmetrical—like stepping into a baroque masterpiece! Then, we reached the Cattedrale di Palermo, built in 1184 to rival Monreale’s cathedral. Blending Norman, Gothic, and Arabic influences, one column even still bears a Koran passage!
Our guide, Simon, was incredibly knowledgeable, pointing out details we never would have noticed, like Arabic inscriptions hidden in the stonework. And just when we thought the tour couldn’t get better, we ended with a Sicilian cannolo—crunchy, creamy, and just sweet enough!
Looking back, we can’t imagine a better way to start a trip to Palermo. This is the tour to take if you want to connect with the city beyond its busy streets!
Discover Palermo’s history one step at a time, and book this walking tour here!
2. Taste Sicily’s famous street food
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 10 am – 12 pm and 5:30-7 pm
- Highlights: Small-group street food tour around Palermo with a foodie guide, visit Sicily’s open-air markets, taste authentic Sicilian street foods and local beverages
- Inclusions: Licensed local guide, snacks, (7+) various street food treats, 3 alcoholic beverages, seasonal dessert
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
Nothing beats eating your way through a city, and Palermo is the perfect place to do just that. From crispy panelle to creamy cannoli, this guided street food tour dives into the heart of Sicily’s best flavors.
Between fresh food stalls, lively markets, and a few unexpected bites (yes, I’m looking at you, spleen sandwich), this was one of our favorite ways to experience the city!
We started at Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house and a scene-stealer in The Godfather: Part III. From there, we headed into Capo Market, where vendors shouted over piles of fresh seafood and produce. It was a sensory overload in the best way!
First up? A crunchy panelle hot off the fryer, followed by crisp arancini stuffed with gooey cheese and rich meat sauce. Each stop came with a side of history as our amazing guide, Vince, explained how Palermo’s food scene has been shaped by Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences.
At Ballarò Market, the energy cranks up! Between sips of Sicilian wine, we decide to be brave and go for pane ca meusa—Palermo’s famous spleen sandwich. It was rich, salty, and surprisingly good! The grand finale was ice cream at the best gelateria downtown to end the day on the sweetest note!
This food tour delivers an unforgettable taste of Palermo, but you don’t want to wait—it’s likely to sell out. Read hundreds of rave reviews here and find out why this tour is so popular!
Book this top-rated food tour here and get ready for a delicious adventure!
3. Discover the Mafia history of Palermo
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am, 10 am, 5 pm (dates vary)
- Highlights: Explore Palermo’s key sights on this small group walking tour, visit popular landmarks like the Palermo Cathedral, Palazzo Pretorio, and Massimo Theater, learn about Palermo’s mafia-related history
- Inclusions: Local guide, solidarity quote: a small contribution to Addiopizzo local NGO
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Palermo’s history with the mafia is no secret, but this walking tour reveals a side of the story that often goes untold. Strolling through the city’s historic streets, we got a firsthand look at how the mafia shaped Palermo and how locals are still fighting back today.
Our guide wasted no time diving into the city’s complex past, starting at Teatro Massimo, the grand opera house made famous by The Godfather III. But beyond the Hollywood connection, we learned how this landmark became a symbol of Palermo’s rebirth after years of mafia control.
From there, we stopped at the Wall of Legality, a 70-meter (230-foot) long mural depicting some of the mafia’s most well-known victims. Seeing their faces up close put real weight behind their stories.
Winding through the noisy stalls of Capo Street Market, we learned how the mafia once controlled businesses there through a system of extortion known as pizzo. But today, shopkeepers are fighting back —those with bright orange Addiopizzo stickers on their windows have refused to pay protection money. Even our gelato stop at Cappadonia Gelati felt like an act of resistance!
This tour was eye-opening in the best way possible! It’s one thing to hear about the mafia’s influence, but walking these streets and meeting those changing Palermo’s future made it unforgettable. If you want to see the Palermo’s past and present collide, this is the tour to take.
Dive into Palermo’s mafia history and secure your spot on this walking tour here!
Related Read: For the best trip at a glance, have a look at our 3-day Palermo itinerary that plans out all the best activities day-by-day!
4. Learn how to cook authentic Sicilian pizza and gelato
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11 am and 6:30 pm
- Highlights: Pizza and gelato group lesson with a local chef, learn the history of Italian classics, enjoy Sicilian wine, savor your creations, and take home a digital recipe book
- Inclusions: Local chef, use of apron and cooking utensils, graduation certificate, digital booklet with recipes, gelato-making demonstration, lunch or dinner, wine or soft drinks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 170+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Dining out in Italy is always a treat, but making our own pizza and gelato was an experience we won’t forget! This hands-on cooking class in Palermo lets you roll up your sleeves and master two of Italy’s most beloved foods while learning time-honored techniques from a local chef.
Lydia, our pizzaiolo for the day, made sure we didn’t just follow a recipe—she taught us why we were doing each step. Why we shouldn’t tear the dough, why folding it just right matters, and why traditional gelato is made differently from ice cream.
Her passion for Sicilian food was contagious, and before we knew it, we were shaping the perfect base for authentic Italian pizza, layering fresh basil, ham, and sliding them into the oven.
While the dough rested, the music turned up, and we got started on dessert! Chocolate gelato stole the show—rich, smooth, and packed with flavor. The whole experience had a relaxed, friendly vibe, more like cooking with friends than a formal class.
A few sips of Sicilian wine later, and we were digging into our own creations, which (not to brag) were some of the best pizzas of the entire trip!
We left with full bellies, a digital recipe booklet, and the confidence to recreate a little taste of Palermo at home. This tour was perfect for a fun, budget-friendly way to experience Sicily’s food culture!
Reserve this popular cooking class here and get free cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Take a private day trip to the Valley of the Temples and Scala dei Turchi
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 7:30 am, 8 am, 8:30 am
- Highlights: Tour the Valley of the Temples, visit Agrigento, stroll down the San Leone promenade, stop at Scala dei Turchi and climb down to the water to snap photos, save hours with private transportation to Agrigento and nearby attractions
- Inclusions: Private driving tour, Italian-English bilingual driver (Italian or French upon request), tour guide (if option selected) pickup to and from hotel/port, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, child seats (upon request)
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Want a day trip blending history, seaside beauty, and the freedom of a private driver? That’s exactly what this private driving tour delivers!
With pickup from our hotel, we skipped the hassle of public transportation and set off for a deep dive into Palermo’s past, starting with the legendary Valley of the Temples.
Opting for the guided tour (which you’ll need to select in advance), we wandered through the sprawling archaeological park, stopping at Doric temples that have stood for over two millennia. The scale of the ruins was incredible, and learning about the gods, myths, and the Greeks who lived here made it even more fascinating! Just keep in mind entrance tickets aren’t included and start at €15.
Next, we headed to San Leone, where palm trees line a breezy promenade by the sea. We grabbed lunch at a local spot with a water view—because seafood this fresh just tastes better when you’re looking at the waves!
The final stop was Scala dei Turchi, a bright white limestone cliff pouring into the sea. We climbed down the natural rock steps as we snapped photos of the panoramic views. With the sun shining off the stone and waves crashing below, it was the perfect way to end the day.
Hopping between ancient ruins, scenic beaches, and stunning coastal cliffs was the ideal mix of culture and relaxation—all without the stress of navigating on our own. This tour is one you don’t want to miss next time you’re in Palermo!
Check availability and book this Palermo sightseeing tour here!
6. Enjoy a day on the water on a private boat excursion
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9:30 am and 3 pm
- Highlights: Snorkel at Queen’s Cave, relax at Mondello Beach, savor a selection of local street food
- Inclusions: Half-day boat tour, aperitif with Palermo street food, water, fresh cannoli, snorkeling equipment, captain will choose between the two boats available based on number of participants
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 180+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Cruising along Palermo’s coastline is already a dream, but add snorkeling in crystal-clear waters and a Sicilian feast, and it becomes an experience you won’t find anywhere else. This half-day boat tour takes you to some of the best snorkeling spots around Palermo, with plenty of time to take in the scenery!
Our first stop was the Queen’s Cave, a hidden gem that felt like our own private slice of the Mediterranean. The moment we dropped anchor, we grabbed snorkeling gear and dove in. With scuba scooters zipping us through the water, we could fully soak in the underwater world!
From there, we cruised to Mondello Beach, a spot locals and visitors flock to for its golden sand and turquoise water. But while the views were stunning, our favorite part was waiting for us on board—a full Sicilian aperitivo, freshly prepared and ready to dig into!
We enjoyed crispy panelle, golden arancine, and fluffy sfincione. Each bite was packed with Palermo’s bold flavors! And just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, out came the cannoli—fresh, crunchy, and stuffed with creamy ricotta. It was the kind of meal that made you want to linger, soak up the sea breeze, and savor every moment before jumping back into the water.
The route can change with sea conditions, but no matter where the captain steers, you’re in for a relaxing day on the water. Don’t miss this chance to snorkel, feast, and soak up Palermo’s coastline!
Experience this incredible half-day boat and food tour by booking your spot here!
7. Explore the Capuchin Catacombs with a guide
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 3:30 pm, 4 pm (dates vary)
- Highlights: Small group tour exploring the catacombs with an expert guide, see one of the world’s best-preserved mummies, learn how monks, nobles, and everyday citizens were laid to rest and preservation techniques
- Inclusions: Authorized tourist guide, entrance ticket,
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This small-group tour of the Capuchin Catacombs was unlike anything else in Palermo! The underground cemetery isn’t just a historic site—it’s a chilling glimpse into centuries of Sicilian burial traditions and social hierarchy.
Walking through dimly lit corridors lined with nearly 8,000 preserved bodies was eerie and fascinating, but our guide, Simon, made all the difference. We couldn’t imagine exploring this place without such an informative guide!
He led our small group of just eight through the Catacombs, explaining the embalming techniques used by the Capuchin friars and the meaning behind the different burial chambers. Some sections were reserved for monks, others for aristocrats, and even children had their own space, including Rosalia Lombardo, Palermo’s famous “Sleeping Beauty.” Seeing her perfectly preserved body up close was both haunting and humbling!
The deeper we went, the more we realized that this wasn’t just a burial site but a record of Sicilian society frozen in time. The expressions, clothing, and arrangement of the mummies told a silent yet powerful story. Without Simon’s insights, we would have missed the meaning behind so many details, from the hand positioning of the corpses to the reasoning behind their elaborate attire.
This tour was an eye-opening look at Palermo’s past, and the small group setting made it easy to absorb all the details. If you’re in the city, this is an experience that will stick with you! But don’t just take our word for it—read glowing reviews here!
Book this tour here for a chilling look inside Palermo’s Capuchin Catacombs!
8. Take a day trip to Celafu
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8:30 am (dates vary)
- Highlights: See the highlights of Cefalù and Castelbuono all in one day, enjoy free time to explore and shop at your leisure, see the Castle of Ventimiglia (ticket not included), visit a local pastry shop
- Inclusions: Private tour of Cefalù and Castelbuono (depending on option selected), professional English-speaking driver, round trip transportation by air-conditioned bus or upgrade to a luxury van, pickup and drop-off to all accommodations in Palermo
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Visiting Castelbuono feels like stepping back in time, while Cefalù offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Sicily. This private tour from Palermo takes you through both, with a personalized touch and stress-free transportation!
After a hotel pickup in Palermo, we arrived in Castelbuono, where cobbled streets buzzed with locals and the Castle of Ventimiglia loomed in the background. Tickets for the castle aren’t included, but it’s totally worth it! Inside, we explored fascinating treasures, including a relic of St. Anna, whose legacy is deeply woven into the town’s history and traditions.
A stop at the Fiasconaro pastry shop felt like a rite of passage! We savored every bite of their famous Sicilian sweets like crispy, cream-filled cannoli, nutty torroni with just the right amount of chew, and buttery panettone that practically melted in our mouths!
Next, the beautiful seaside town of Cefalù welcomed us with its UNESCO-listed Arab-Norman Cathedral. The intricate mosaics and centuries-old craftsmanship were unlike anything we’d ever seen!
We had time to wander the charming streets and browse local shops before making our way to the waterfront, where boats bobbed in the small port and Cefalù’s golden beach stretched along the sea.
Having a knowledgeable driver handle the logistics made the day completely stress-free, letting us fully enjoy two of Sicily’s most beautiful destinations. This private tour is the perfect way to experience Sicily’s history, culture, and coastal charm—all in just one unforgettable day!
Secure your spot here to experience the best of Sicily with stress-free cancellation!
Where to Stay in Palermo, Sicily
Now that your Palermo itinerary is set, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! With plenty of accommodation options, it can be tough to know where to book. To make it easier, I’ve rounded up my top picks for every type of traveler and budget!
Luxury – $$$
The Grand Hotel Wagner is a five-star stay that brings classic elegance to the heart of Palermo. With its grand chandeliers, antique furnishings, and luxurious details, it’s a perfect choice for those looking to stay somewhere refined. Guests can enjoy an on-site fitness center, a stylish bar, and a prime location just steps from the city’s best shopping, dining, and attractions!
Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually start between €160- €200 per night. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Borghi di Belmonte is a charming boutique stay in Palermo’s city center, offering comfortable, soundproof rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, minibars, and tea/coffee makers. Some feature city views or overlook the peaceful courtyard. Guests can relax on the terrace, enjoy private check-in, and use paid private parking. Its prime location puts you within walking distance of Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, and top dining spots.
Prices are usually around €90 – €130 per night, and you can book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Alba Central City offers budget-friendly accommodations in a prime Palermo location. Each unit includes air conditioning, a microwave, a fridge, a coffee machine, a desk, a balcony, and a private bathroom with a bidet. With its central location near major attractions, restaurants, and public transport, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking to explore the city without breaking the bank!
Rooms can start as low as €45 per night. You can reserve your room here on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of the hotels in Palermo here!
Related Read: If this isn’t your only stop in Sicily, our guide on all the best hotels in Sicily is a must-read!
Renting a Car in Italy
Renting a car in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the country beyond the cities—think charming Tuscan villages, dramatic Amalfi Coast drives, and hidden gems in the countryside. While Italy’s roads can be a little chaotic (especially in cities), with the right preparation, renting a car here can be an unforgettable and rewarding experience!
We always use Discover Cars when booking our rentals, and highly recommend them. They compare dozens of providers to find you the best rates, include important filters like “automatic transmission,” and offer affordable full insurance coverage. For more info, you can read our in-depth Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Italy
- Drive on the right: Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Right turns on red are illegal, and you must often yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections.
- Stay alert and confident: Italian driving can feel aggressive in cities—expect assertive drivers, scooters weaving through traffic, and liberal horn use (often just a form of communication). Stay calm and practice defensive driving.
- Insurance is a must: We highly recommend adding full coverage insurance when booking. Minor damage like scratches and dents is common, especially in cities, and Discover Cars’ full protection gives you peace of mind at a low cost!
- Mind the ZTL zones: Many city centers have restricted traffic zones called ZTLs. Entering without a permit can result in a fine. Check with your hotel and use GPS with ZTL alerts.
- Choose the right vehicle: Roads in Italy can be narrow and parking tight, so a compact car is usually best. Most rentals are manual, but if you need an automatic, you can easily filter for one when booking with Discover Cars.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Italy
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- You must be at least 18 years old, but renters under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Italy on your own terms!
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Thanks for reading!
I hope our guide to Palermo, Sicily has you excited for your trip! There are so many amazing things to do here, but these are our highlights. From history to food and a couple of amazing day trips, picking out just a couple of these activities (or doing them all!) will help you see the best of Palermo.
For more helpful travel guides for places around the world, check out our blog here! We cover destinations across Europe as well as many other places. I also picked out a few blogs below for you!
Our 10 Favorite Things We Did in Cefalu
Mariam
Friday 1st of August 2025
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