I’ve been to Palermo (and Sicily) twice — and if you asked me “would you go for a third year in a row?” the answer would always be a resounding yes. So, when you ask “Should I visit Palermo?” The answer would be abso-f*ckin-lutely! Based on my experience being in Sicily twice, here’s why you absolutely should visit Palermo, Sicily.
Before we dive into Palermo, let’s talk about Sicily. Sicily is an island in the Mediterranean that stands at a crossroads between the African/Arab world and the Italian mainland. Sitting on the northern side of the island, Palermo is its capital. The capital has flights from many major European airports (we flew in from Marseille Provence airport) and you can also take a ferry from the Italian mainland.
Sicily’s history is a rich one, and this is felt as one walks through the streets of Palermo, where your senses will be filled with the sights, sounds and smells of this beautiful land. It’s a city that has been influenced by its conquerors: Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman and Spanish. Palermo is a port city that has been at the crossroads of all these cultures — and as a result there is a mixing of people, cultures and even languages, which you can feel as you walk in the streets.
So… Why Is Palermo Worth Visiting?
For some, Palermo will be too gritty, too dirty, not chic enough (when compared to its southern counterpart, and much more touristy, Taormina)… but I’d argue this is where you want to go to see real Italians (ahem, I mean Sicilians) living their beautiful Italian Sicilian lives. You’ll definitely mix with locals, shop where Italians shop, eat where Italians eat… and personally, that is what I love to do when I travel.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Palermo. I will never forget the first bite I took of my first meal in Palermo, at Balata restaurant. It was so amazing, my eyes watered. My husband made fun of me… and then he had a bite and agreed with me.
If you’re into art, you’ll love Palermo, if you’re in the music, Teatro Massimo is one the most beautiful opera houses in Europe (more below)… if you love culture… Palermo has that too. I’ve been to Palermo twice… yes I’m an absolute Palermo fan!
Visit the Markets
There are a few markets in Palermo. These are the ones I visited:
- Bollaró Market
- Capo Market
- Vuccuria Market
You’ll find the fresh fruits and vegetables that you’d expect that will awaken your senses: the bursts of colors, the smells, the textures and tastes… and yes, you’ll probably want to taste all of the things (and I recommend you do!)
At these markets, you’ll not only find food, you’ll also find clothing, odds and ends, fish, meat, bars, fresh pressed juice, alcohol… you name it, you can probably find it!
Each market is unique. Vuccuria, as the folks from Streaty Food Tours explained, has become more of a food hub than a market, where you can find locals enjoying food and drinks in historic places like the oldest bar in Palermo, Taverna Azzurra.
Take a stroll in Giardino Garibaldi
One thing to note is that the summers in Europe are hot and getting hotter (thanks climate change) — we casually stumbled about the Giardino Garibaldi on one of our walks and it was so great to sit under these giant trees, very peaceful in the big city.
See the City from the Dome of The Palermo Cathedral
The Palermo Cathedral, was founded in the 12th century, and continued to be built in the 14th and 15th centuries! It houses the remains of several prominent Italian figures. There are several tickets you can purchase. We purchased the one that included access to the domes. The view is spectacular. You’ll see the city, and the mountains that surround Palermo.
Rooftop Drinks at Il Bar at Rinascente
Rinascente is a multi-level store on Via Roma, which reminded me of Macys in the USA. On the top floors there is a gourmet food shop where you can buy wine, pasta, ceramics, cookbooks and more — and the top level is the bar, which has a nice ambiance and a lovely view of the Piazza San Domenico. It’s a nice place to end an evening out (or to start your evening!) Rinascente is located at Via Roma, 289, 90133 Palermo- entrance to the rooftop is on the side at Piazza Domenico.
Explore the Palazzo dei Normanni (Norman Palace)
Yes the entire Palace is interesting but the start of the show, in my humble opinion is the Palatino Chapel, I mean, check it out below, look at the incredible details!
Visit the Fontana Pretoria
The Fontana Pretoria is a collection of statues from the 16th century. It’s a beautiful sight, located next to St Caterina church.
Take a Streaty Tour Food Tour
If you have limited time in Palermo, I highly recommend taking a Streaty Tour street food tour. We liked it so much, we have taken TWO! The Streaty tours are led by locals — who are highly knowledgable in the history of Palermo and Italy (it turns out, in order to lead these tours, you have to have a degree, and know everything about Italian culture and history).
The tour guides will take you to the best places for arancine (the round not the pointy kind! and they’ll explain the difference!) they’ll bring you to the best gelato places and bring you to the best vendors in the markets!
Fun fact: There are Streaty Tours in other Italian cities too! Visit streatytours.com for more information.
Explore Il Teatro Massimo
The Teatro Massimo serves as a central meeting point for many, and the inside is well worth a visit. It is the largest theater in Italy, boasts perfect acoustics and is the third largest in Europe, after Palais Garnier in Paris and the K.K Hof-Opernhaus in Vienna. If you have time, I would suggest attending a performance!
Stand in the middle of Quattri Canti
Quattro Canti is often considered the center of the center of Palermo. Quattro Canti sits at the intersection of streets, Via Maqueda and the Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Fun fact, In Sicily (and the rest of Italy) there are many many streets are named after Vittorio Emanuele, the first king of a united and independent Italy. He is often called the “father of the fatherland.”
If you’re an art lover, you’ll appreciate the Baroque style of the 17th century (when Sicily was under Spanish rule). It is a lively place, there are often musicians, street vendors and it is simply bustlling with activity- musicians, street vendors and the like.
Palermo is full of the Instagrammable spots
Palermo is full or highly instagrammable windows and doorways, here I am right by Porta Felice at the end of Corso Emmanuelle.
When in Palermo (and all over Sicily, and Europe!) make sure to look up!
Building facades in Europe are really something else! You’ll never know when you find some beautiful sculpture or ornate design on a wall, window or door. As a matter of fact, street art, religious artifacts and statues, ornate doors and windows, even every day life… walk around and soak it all in!
Want to learn more about my trips and see Palermo through my eyes? Make sure to follow me on Instagram and check out highlights here: @ladydeelg
