9 Top Things to do in Palermo, Sicily

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a city full of character, history and culture. It has a different vibe from the cities I’ve visited in mainland Italy. Its ancient centre has a raw, authentic charm that feels untouched by time.

With stunning architecture, incredible food, and scenic views at every turn, Palermo is a city that buzzes with life. It’s totally unique and well worth the adventure to uncover its beauty.

We visited Palermo during a stop on our Marella Mediterranean cruise and spent a full day exploring. We were surprised at just how much we managed to see and how easily walkable the city is.

Here are my top recommendations for places to visit in Palermo…

Palermo Cathedral and Rooftops

If you visit only one place in Palermo, make it this. Palermo Cathedral, the heart of the city's Roman Catholic Archdiocese, is a masterpiece of mixed architectural styles, making it one of the most stunning landmarks in Sicily.

We entered through a charming little garden with arched walkways leading to the grand entrance. The main section of the cathedral is free to explore, but I highly recommend purchasing a ticket to access the rooftop which cost only €7 per person. It's worth it for the breathtaking panoramic views of the city!

Bell Tower of Palermo Cathedral

View from Palermo Cathedral Rooftop

Quattro Canti

A trip to Palermo wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Quattro Canti. This iconic Baroque square sits at the crossroads of Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo’s oldest street, and Via Maqueda, right in the heart of the historic centre.

When we arrived, an opera busker was performing, adding a magical touch to the bustling atmosphere. If you've seen photos of Quattro Canti on social media, you’ll recognize the perfect symmetry of the four façades framing the sky. To capture that Instagram-worthy shot, stand at the centre of the intersection, look up, and zoom out to include all the details of the stunning buildings.

Quattro Canti

Quattro Canti

Casa Professa

A true hidden gem, Chiesa del Gesù, better known as Casa Professa, might just be the most breathtaking church I’ve ever seen. From the outside, it looks unassuming, but step inside, and you'll be amazed by its dazzling Baroque interior.

The walls are intricately carved with marble, and the ceiling is covered in stunning frescoes. I could’ve spent hours admiring the colours and details. Entry costs €2 for the church alone or €5 if you want to explore the museum and crypt as well. We visited around midday and found it surprisingly peaceful, with only a handful of visitors.

Inside Casa Professa

Casa Professa Ceiling

Pretoria Fountain

Just steps away from Quattro Canti, the Pretoria Fountain is one of Palermo’s most striking landmarks and it comes with an intriguing history. Standing proudly in the middle of Piazza Pretoria, the fountain features a grand central column surrounded by cascading water basins, staircases, and Renaissance-style statues of deities and nymphs.

While the sculptures seem elegant today, they were quite scandalous when unveiled. In fact, the fountain was once nicknamed "The Fountain of Shame" because the people of Palermo found the nude figures shocking!

Many granita stalls are set up on the street next to Pretoria fountain in the summer so why not grab a refreshing iced drink in the heat of Palermo.

Via Maqueda

Via Maqueda, also known as Strada Nuova (New Street), is a lively pedestrian street that runs past Piazza Pretoria and Quattro Canti, making it easy to combine these stops in one visit. What stood out to me the most were the endless street food stalls and cosy bars lining the street. This is the place to sample authentic Sicilian food!

You can't visit Palermo without trying arancini, Sicily’s famous fried rice balls. We stopped by Sfrigola, one of the best places in town, offering lots of different flavours at a reasonable price. Tip: Do get there early as by the time we arrived, some of the most popular flavours had sold out.

Via Maqueda

Arancini at Pretoria Fountain

Cassaro Bottega Alimentare

A mix of supermarket, deli and café, Cassaro Bottega Alimentare is a great place to pick up snacks, a quick lunch or souvenirs. Located between Quattro Canti and Palermo Cathedral, it’s a convenient stop during your sightseeing.

At the back of the shop, there is a hidden courtyard café where you can sit in the sun and enjoy food and drinks. We grabbed some fresh cannoli from the deli- the pistachio and orange were delicious! They also have two speciality shops nearby, one dedicated to pistachio-based products and the other, limoncello.

Marina La Cala

Once Palermo’s ancient port, La Cala is now a scenic marina where you will find many sailboats docked. Located not far from the modern-day port, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a meal by the water. From here, you also get great views of Mount Pellegrino in the distance.

Just a short walk from La Cala, inside Palermo Marina Yachting Park, you’ll find Fontana Palermo, Italy’s largest musical dancing fountain. It comes to life in the evening with an amazing water and light show, so if you’re in Palermo at night, make sure to check it out!

Cannolis at Cassaro Bottega Alimentare

Marina La Cala

Other places to visit:
As we only spent one day in Palermo, we had to prioritise the attractions we wanted to visit. Here are a couple more that are on my list for next time…

Teatro Massimo

Palermo’s Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele is Italy’s largest opera house and the second largest in Europe. Known for its perfect acoustics, it’s an architectural gem that took over 20 years to complete.

Located just a 10-minute walk from Palermo Cathedral, this neoclassical masterpiece features stunning golden details, red velvet seats, and the breathtaking "Symbolic Wheel" painted on its ceiling. Although we didn’t get the chance to visit this time, it’s at the top of my list for next time! If you’re interested, you can take a guided tour for as little as €12.

Modello Beach

If you’re craving a beach day, Mondello Beach is the closest to Palermo’s city centre. With soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect place to unwind.

Since we were short on time, we didn’t make it to Mondello Beach, but if you have an extra day in Palermo, it’s a great option. Keep in mind that unlike the city centre, the beach is not within walking distance from the port. Your best bet is to take a taxi (20-minute ride) or a bus (around an hour’s journey).

FAQ’s

How long should I spend in Palermo?

Whether you’re on a city break or exploring Sicily, Palermo is a must-visit. We managed to see a lot in one day, but I’d recommend at least three days to truly soak up the atmosphere, explore at a relaxed pace, and enjoy the food and culture properly. Our brief visit definitely left me wanting more!

When is the best time of year to visit Palermo?

To avoid extreme heat and crowds, I’d suggest visiting in spring (April-June) or autumn (September-October). The weather is comfortably warm, and you’ll miss the peak summer rush.

For reference, we visited in early June, and while it was very warm, it was still manageable. The morning started off slightly cloudy, but by the afternoon, we had clear blue skies.

How can I get from Palermo to Cefalù?

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get to Cefalù from Palermo is by train. The journey from Palermo Centrale to Cefalù takes around 50 minutes and cost between €5- €13. Alternatively, you can take a bus for €6- €8, which takes 1hr 35 mins.