One week in Palermo: What to see, do and eat
The 3rd stop of my Sicily trip was Palermo, the capital city of Sicily. As soon as I arrived, I was immediately captivated by the colourful streets, the bustling markets, and the rich history of the city.
One week in Palermo: What to see, do and eat
Palermo is a vibrant and historic city with plenty to offer visitors. With a rich history, beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and stunning coastline, Palermo is a perfect destination for a week-long trip. In this blog post, I will provide my best travel tips for spending one week in Palermo, including some of the city’s highlights and must-visit places.
One week in Palermo: What to see, do and eat
On my first day in Palermo I was lucky enough to meet Chiara. She was excited to show me the beautiful places in Palermo and around Palermo.
We started by strolling through the historic city center, taking in the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. We visited the Quattro Canti, also known as the Four Corners, which is the city’s central square and the meeting point of the four historic districts of Palermo.
From here, we took a walk to the nearby Cathedral of Palermo, a stunning example of Sicilian Baroque architecture.
We spend some days together exploring the city and taking pictures in front of its many landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Palermo, the Palazzo dei Normanni, and the Teatro Massimo.
Top Tip: Take a photography walking tour with Chiara to discover hidden gems and local hotspots. This way, you’ll see more of the city and take better photographs.
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Palermo travel guide
Getting to Palermo
The easiest way to get to Palermo is by flying into the Falcone-Borsellino Airport. It is located around 35 kilometers west of the city. From there, you can take a taxi or the train to get to the city center. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Naples or other Italian cities, which arrive at the Port of Palermo.
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Getting around Palermo
Palermo is a city that’s best explored on foot, but it also has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and trains. Taxis are also readily available, but they can be more expensive than other forms of transportation.
What to see and do in Palermo
Visit the Palermo Cathedral: This stunning cathedral is located in the heart of the historic center and features a mix of architectural styles, including Norman, Gothic, and Baroque.
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One week in Palermo: What to see, do and eat
Explore the Palazzo dei Normanni: This impressive palace was once home to Sicilian royalty and features stunning mosaics and artwork.
Take a stroll through the Quattro Canti: This famous intersection features four stunning Baroque buildings, each representing one of the four seasons.
Visit the Capuchin Catacombs: These eerie catacombs are home to thousands of mummified bodies, making for a unique and somewhat haunting experience.
Take a street food tour: Palermo is known for its delicious street food, and a guided tour is a great way to sample a variety of local specialties.
Visit the markets: Palermo has several vibrant markets, including the Ballarò, Capo, and Vucciria markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handicrafts.
Relax at Mondello Beach: This beautiful beach is located just a short drive from the city center and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Where and what to eat in Palermo
Palermo is known for its delicious cuisine, and there are plenty of options for dining out. Some of the must-try dishes include arancini, panelle, pasta alla Norma, and cannoli.
Best restaurants in Palermo
Basile antica focacceria del Massimo / Cafe del Kassaro / Bisso bistro
Where to find the best ice cream in Palermo: go to Il Signor Carbognano.
Where to find the best best cannoli in Palermo: go to I segreti del chiostro (amazing place)
For the best pizza go to Anica, Quid Gusto siciliano, Cagliostro
Reasons to visit Palermo
Rich history: Palermo has a rich and fascinating history, with many ancient ruins, historic churches, and palaces that are worth exploring. The city’s diverse cultural influences – including Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman – have all left their mark on the city’s architecture and culture.
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Stunning architecture: Palermo is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in Italy, including the Palermo Cathedral, the Quattro Canti, and the Palazzo dei Normanni. These stunning buildings showcase a mix of architectural styles, including Norman, Gothic, and Baroque.
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Delicious cuisine: Sicilian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and unique ingredients, and Palermo is the perfect place to sample it. From street food to fine dining, there are plenty of options for foodies to indulge in local specialties like arancini, cannoli, and panelle.
Vibrant markets: Palermo is known for its vibrant markets, including the Ballarò, Capo, and Vucciria markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handicrafts. These markets are a great place to soak up the local atmosphere and try some of the city’s famous street food.
Beautiful beaches: Palermo is home to several beautiful beaches, including Mondello, which is just a short drive from the city center. These beaches offer a great place to relax, swim, and soak up the sun.
Cultural events: Palermo hosts a range of cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and theater performances. These events are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Day trips from Palermo
Mondello Beach
Chiara brought me by car to Mondello Beach, a popular destination among locals and tourists alike. The beach is famous for its clear waters, soft sand, and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. I spent the day relaxing on the beach and taking pictures of the crystal clear water.
Tip: To capture the perfect beach photo, wake up early in the morning or stay until sunset to get the best lighting.
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Sant’Elia
Chiara also brought me to Sant’ Elia.
Sant’Elia is a small fishing village located on the northern coast of Sicily, just a few kilometers from the town of Cefalù. Despite its small size, Sant’Elia is a hidden gem that offers visitors a glimpse into the authentic lifestyle of the locals, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds.
During my visit to Sant’Elia, I was immediately struck by the stunning natural beauty of the area. The village is nestled between a rugged coastline and lush hills, offering breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The crystal-clear waters and secluded coves make it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, while the nearby hills offer excellent hiking trails for those who love to explore.
We wandered around the village and explored the narrow streets and alleys. The buildings in Sant’Elia are traditional Sicilian architecture, with colourful facades and intricate balconies. I stumbled upon a small square where locals were gathered, chatting and sipping on espresso at a local café. I felt as though I had been transported back in time, to a simpler and more peaceful way of life.
One of the highlights of my visit was the food. Sant’Elia is known for its excellent seafood, and I enjoyed a delicious lunch of freshly caught fish and homemade pasta at a local trattoria. The dishes were simple but bursting with flavour, and I could taste the freshness of the ingredients in every bite.
A visit to Sant’Elia is a must for anyone traveling to Sicily. This hidden gem offers visitors a chance to experience the authentic lifestyle of the locals, away from the tourist crowds. With its stunning natural beauty, bustling fishing industry, and delicious cuisine, Sant’Elia is a true gem that should not be missed.
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Palermo 10 top tips
Here are 10 top tips to help you make the most of your visit to Palermo:
1. Visit the historic landmarks: Palermo has an abundance of historic landmarks to explore, such as the Palermo Cathedral, the Quattro Canti, and the Palazzo dei Normanni.
2. Try the local cuisine: Sicilian cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavours and unique ingredients, so make sure to try dishes such as arancini, pasta alla Norma, and cannoli.
3. Take a street food tour: For an authentic taste of Palermo’s cuisine, join a street food tour to sample a variety of local specialties.
4. Explore the local markets: Palermo’s markets are a feast for the senses, with colorful displays of fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts. The most famous markets are Ballarò, Mercato del Capo, and Vucciria.
5. Visit the beaches: Palermo has several beautiful beaches, such as Mondello, which is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
6. Take a day trip to Sant’Elia: Located just a short drive from Palermo, Sant’Elia is a hidden gem that offers visitors a glimpse into the authentic lifestyle of the locals, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds.
7. Enjoy the nightlife: Palermo has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
8. Take a photography walking tour with Chiara: she will take amazing photos of you and you are going to have lots of fun together! After all, it’s great to meet a local!
9. Relax in a park: Palermo has several beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Villa Giulia and the Giardino Inglese, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
10. Have a drink at the Seven restaurant, the best rooftop in Palermo.
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The famous local markets in Palermo
Palermo is known for its delicious cuisine, so one day should be dedicated to a food tour of the city. Visit the vibrant markets where locals and visitors alike can find everything from fresh produce to unique handicrafts. Here are some of the most famous local markets in Palermo that you shouldn’t miss:
Ballarò Market
Located in the heart of the historic center of Palermo, Ballarò is one of the city’s oldest and most popular markets. Start your food tour by visiting the Ballarò Market to sample some of the city’s street food, such as arancini (fried rice balls) and panelle (chickpea fritters).
Next, visit some of the city’s best restaurants to try some of its traditional dishes, such as pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines) and cannoli (a pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese).
Here, you can find everything from fresh produce to meat, fish, and cheese, as well as clothing, souvenirs, and street food. It’s a bustling and colorful market that’s a feast for the senses.
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Vucciria Market
Once the city’s main market, Vucciria is now a more touristy spot but still worth a visit. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and street food stalls, where you can sample traditional Sicilian dishes like arancine, panelle, and sfincione (a type of pizza).
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Mercato del Capo
Located near the Palermo Cathedral, Mercato del Capo is a bustling market that’s popular with locals and tourists alike. Here, you can find fresh produce, meat, and fish, as well as clothing, shoes, and household items. It’s a great place to experience the vibrant and colourful atmosphere of Palermo’s markets.
No matter which market you choose to visit, be prepared for a lively and chaotic experience that’s quintessentially Palermitano.
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One week in Palermo: What to see, do and eat
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One week in Palermo: What to see, do and eat
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Disclaimers:
Photos of the city are taken and edited by me. Photos of me are taken by Mrs. Chiara Fantauzzi with my own camera and they are selected and edited by me.
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