Palermo Itinerary – Best things to do in Palermo in 1, 2 and 3 days

Palermo is the capital of the autonomous region of Sicily in Italy and is locted on the Northwest coast of the island It’s a city with a turbulent history and big cultural significance where you will feel the true spirit of Sicily.

Palermo is a loud and lively city with a lot to do! If you’re planning to visit Palermo in Sicily soon, here you’ll find the perfect Palermo itinerary for you, regardless of how many days you have.

.

I spent a summer in Sicily road-tripping around the whole island and visited many different places, including Palermo and its nearby area.

Palermo is the only place in Sicily where you can really experience and feel the mix of European and Arab cultures. The architecture is unique, the vibes are completely different than in some other places in Sicily, and especially from the rest of Italy! 

What and where is Palermo, and why visit

Palermo is the cultural, economic, and tourism capital of Sicily, situated on the northern coast of the island, it overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of mountains and coastline.

Palermo’s history is both fascinating and complex. Founded by Phoenician traders in the 8th century BC, it was later captured by the Romans and then ruled by the Byzantines.

The city flourished as a trade center under Arab control and entered its golden age during Norman rule in the 11th century when many notable landmarks were built. Afterward, it was governed by the Hohenstaufen and Anjou dynasties until it was united with Italy in 1860.

Each ruling family left their mark on the city and visiting Palermo offers an unforgettable experience due to its unique blend of history and culture.

The city showcases stunning architecture, iconic landmarks like Palermo Cathedral and the Norman Palace, vibrant markets, and scenic coastal views, making Palermo a must-see destination in Italy.

How many days in Palermo

You can visit the main attractions in Palermo in just one day, but for the best experience, I recommend spending at least 3 days in Palermo. This will allow you to visit Monreale and its cathedral (this is really a must-see!), and do some of the day tours. 

If you’re visiting in summer, there are many gorgeous beaches close to Palermo on the Tyrrhenian Sea with crystal clear water and beige sand! You’ll definitely want to make some time for these. 

Where to stay in Palermo

The city center is the best place to stay in Palermo, but it’s very important to read the reviews and not book a hotel or apartment where people complain about the noise.

Being based in the city center is great because you will be able to explore Palermo freely. After all, all the main attractions are nearby. With that, I recommend these 3 options for you:

Palermo 4-day itinerary

Day 1 – The Best of Palermo

Day 1 in Palermo is focused on the best things to do in Palermo: from visiting the main sights to trying delicious Sicilian food.

Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel

If there’s only one attraction you absolutely cannot miss in Palermo, that would be the Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel. I already told you how in Palermo you will feel the mix of Europe and North Africa and this palace complex is the best place to experience the turbulent Palermo (and Sicily) history through architecture. 

The Norman Palace was built in the 11th century when Normans conquered Sicily. The Palatine Chapel, part of the Norman Palace complex, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines 3 architectural styles: Byzantine-Norman-Arab. 

It is one of the most beautiful things I have seen on my 10 day road trip through Sicily. It’s also one of my favorite churches ever!

I highly recommend joining this guided tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide you’ll gain valuable insight about the Norman Palace, the oldest royal residence in Europe, and the gorgeous Palatine chapel to truly appreciate their cultural significance. 

Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel guided tour

Villa Bonanno

On your way from Norman Palace to Palermo Cathedral, you will pass by Villa Bonanno. It’s a beautiful city park that consists of a nice garden, Art Nouveau buildings and sculptures. There, you will also find the remains of 2 Roman patrician houses, which is pretty cool! 

Palermo Cathedral

Just a short 5 minute walk from the Norman Palace through the villa is the Palermo Cathedral, another great example of different architectural styles.

From the outside, the cathedral looks stunning and intriguing; however, inside, my experience was somewhat underwhelming, possibly because I visited it right after being awestruck by the Palatine Chapel. Nevertheless, I still wholeheartedly recommend a visit, especially since the entrance is free. Plus, you’ll be left with knowledge from your guided tour of the Norman Palace, so you’d be able to spot different styles of the cathedral pretty easily. 

No Mafia Tour

I highly recommend you join the most popular guided tour in Palermo which is the No Mafia Tour.

You will learn a lot about the history of the Sicilian Mafia, especially in Palermo while sightseeing. For example, during this tour you will visit Palermo Cathedral, Massimo Theater and City Hall, so you can skip visiting the cathedral on your own and do it on this tour to make more time for your lunch break. 

You will notice the No Mafia signs in the city, so learning a bit about the tough history they had in the last century would offer you another perspective on the city and the livelihood of people in Palermo. 

Book this No Mafia Tour

Quattro Canti Square

One way or the other, you will pass by this beautiful Baroque Square at the intersection of two major streets in Palermo, the Via Maqueda and the Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

On each corner there’s a 4-storey building, totalling 4 buildings. Each floor of each building represents something: district, season represented by the fountain, king of Spain and patron saint.

For example, the south-west is constructed like this: 1st floor represents Albergheria district, 2nd floor’s fountain represents spring, 3rd floor has a figure of Charles V and the 4th floor is represented by patron Saint Christina of Bolsena. 

Fontana Pretoria

The Pretoria fountain dominates the piazza on the west flank of the church of Santa Caterina, and is one block south of the intersection of the Quattro Canti.

Did you know that the fountain was originally built in 1544 in Florence by Francesco Camilliani, but was sold, transferred, and reassembled in Palermo in 1574? I love such fun facts! 

Santa Caterina Church

Located next to the Pretoria Fountain, you can’t miss this beautiful church. I’ve seen dozens, if not hundreds of Italian churches, but I was still blown by the beauty of Santa Caterina Church! The baroque sculptures and details are so stunning. It’s a pure work of art. 

Church of the Gesu

And then another 5 min walk is the Church of the Gesu. By now, I was like, yeah, nothing can be that beautiful like Palatine Chapel and Santa Caterina, but I was WRONG.

Church of the Gesu was probably the most beautiful church interior I have ever seen in my life, you HAVE TO go there! Trust me, it’s that beautiful! There’s a gorgeous mural of Hell and Heaven with a Christ figure in the middle. The marble carvings with their figural and ornamental motifs are truly amazing. You can just sit there for hours and admire it. 

Street Food for dinner

What better way to finish your first day in Palermo than joining a Night Street Food Tour!? With this tour, you will get to experience the local life while tasting some of the best Sicilian recipes.

While the main focus of this tour is the culinary experience, you will also pass by some beautiful landmarks in Palermo, such as Teatro Massimo and Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio All’Olivella where your guide will tell you the story of Santa Rosalia, patron saint of Palermo.

Book this Night Street Food Tour of Palermo

Day 2 – Corleone & Monreale

If you ask me, no visit to Palermo is complete without seeing the Monreale Cathedral! Yes, another gorgeous catholic church! 

It’s one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture which was begun in the 12th century by William II of Sicily. After the Arabs took Palermo, the Bishop of Palermo was forced to move his seat, so he chose Monreale. Later, Normans reconquered Palermo, so the bishop returned to Palermo Cathedral. 

Monreale is today a part of Palermo metropolitan region and because of its significance the Cathedral was enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Byzantine mosaics.

However, Monreale is on top of the hill and about 30 min drive from the city center, so you need to have a car to get there, otherwise you’re dependent on the bus which is not that convenient.

The best way to visit Monreale is by joining a guided tour. Not only they will pick you up, but they will also share a lot of insights of the Cathedral and its significance.

I highly recommend the combined tour of Monreale and Corleone. Not only you will visit the Monreale Cathedral which is a must-have, but you will also learn about the Mafia and how it inspired the Godfather trilogy! 

Guided day trips are in general a great way of exploring Sicily while being based out of one location, especially if you’re not renting a car. 

Book your tour of Monreale and Corleone.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Agrigento & Scala dei Turchi

Agrigento, located about a 2-hour drive from Palermo, is home to the famous Valley of the Temples.This expansive archaeological site, dating back to when Sicily was a Greek colony, features a remarkable complex of seven ancient Greek temples. It’s really impressive and I highly recommend visiting. 

Nearby Agrigento, you will find one of the most popular beaches in Sicily, Scala dei Turchi. It’s a rocky cliff of limestone formation in the shape of a staircase, which gives it its name.

Why Turchi (Turks) in the name then? The name derives from the frequent piracy raids by the Saracens during the Middle Ages, and Barbary pirates, called Turks, because the Ottoman Empire also held most parts of North Africa.

To make the most of your time during this day trip, I recommend this guided tour. 

Book this Agrigento & Scala dei Turchi guided tour

Day 4 – Cooking Class & Beach time

After 3 days of action-packed adventures, Day 4 of this Palermo itinerary offers a more relaxed pace.

Start with this cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare signature Sicilian dishes allowing you to recreate the flavors of Sicily from the comfort of your home.

What I really like about this class is that you’ll go to the market to pick up fresh ingredients which will give you a glimpse of local life! You will also learn how to make some of the most popular Sicilian meals like arancini, Pasta con le sarde which is a Palermo classic and much more!

Book your cooking class

If you’re visiting during the summer time, I recommend you hit the beach in the afternoon. The most popular and only 30 min drive is Mondello Beach. The beach has a beautiful white-beige sand with turquoise and crystal clear water. There are beach clubs and restaurants here so you can fuel up and enjoy a cocktail or mocktail at the beach.

Palermo 2 day itinerary

If you only have 2 days in Palermo, I recommend dedicating the first day to exploring the main sights within the city. Then, on the second day, take advantage of some of the best day trips from Palermo to experience the nearby areas as well.

This approach ensures you get a comprehensive taste of both the city’s highlights and its surrounding beauty.

Day 1 – The Best of Palermo

On your first day make sure to explore the main attractions in Palermo. Definitely don’t miss the Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel, Palermo Cathedral, Quattro Canti Square, Fontana Pretoria, Santa Caterina Church and Church of the Gesu.

Day 2 – Monreale Cathedral or Valley of the Temples

After an action packed first day in Palermo it’s time to explore beyond the city and pick your favorite day trip from Palermo.

Personally, I believe visiting Monreale Cathedral is a must do in Palermo, so my preference would be the combined tour of Monreale and Corleone.

If you’re a big ancient history buff (hey there!), then Valley of The Temples is the obvious choice for you. 

1 day in Palermo itinerary

With only 1 day in Palermo, focus on the main sights in the city. I suggest the following itinerary.

Morning – Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel, Palermo Cathedral, Quattro Canti

Start your morning with Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel because this is really the highlight of Palermo.

Then explore the Palermo Cathedral and don’t miss out on the Quattro Canti, a beautiful baroque square. Afterwards, it’s time for lunch. I highly recommend Ristorante La Galleria. They are 5 min walk from the Palermo Cathedral and are one of the best pasta restaurants in Palermo. I still dream of their food…

Afternoon – Fontana Pretoria, Santa Caterina Church & Church of the Gesu

Next to the Quattro Canti is the Fontana Pretoria, initially built for Florence, but moved to Palermo instead! Next to the fountain, you’ll find the Santa Caterina Church and just a 5 min walk away you’ll discover the Church of the Gesu. Trust me, you’ll want to add these 2 churches to your bucket list, you’ll see why when you visit them! 

Evening – Night Street Food Tour of Palermo

Instead of having a traditional dinner, I suggest taking this Night Street Food Tour of Palermo. Palermo gets really lively in the evening (after they’ve had their siesta!), so if you’d like to explore the night markets and taste the local life in the evening, this is a great tour!

You will also pass by some beautiful landmarks in Palermo, such as Teatro Massimo and Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio All’Olivella where your guide will tell you the story of Santa Rosalia, patron saint of Palermo.

Getting to Palermo

By air: You can fly directly to Palermo Airport. The airport is 31 km (19 miles) from Palermo City Centre. You can reach the city center by bus, train, private transfer or car.  

By bus: You can take a bus at the Palermo airport to the Palermo city center. The ride will take about 30 min in an air-conditioned modern bus for a very affordable price. 

By train: Surprisingly, the train is often the cheapest option, but also the longest. On average it will take you about 10 min more to get to Palermo with the train. 

By private transfer: Probably one of the easiest and most convenient options is to book a private transfer. If you’re traveling in a group, you can split the cost. 

By car: Sicily is perfect for road trips, therefore, renting a car is super easy and convenient, especially if you’d like to discover off the beaten places and travel at your own pace. 

Getting around Palermo

Even though Palermo is a city of more than half a million people, its city center is quite small and easily walkable, so once there, you wouldn’t need to use any public transport unless you really want to. But if you base yourself in the city center, you can really walk anywhere, which is my favorite way of exploring.

Best time to visit Palermo

While Palermo is a great destination year-round, my personal favorite time to visit is during the summer, from June to September when you can enjoy the beach.  Palermo is on the Tyrrhenian Sea, which is the most beautiful sea in Sicily. Yes, Sicily is on the three different seas: Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Mediterranean. I swam in all 3 and Thyrrenian had the best beaches and the softest sand. 

Average temperature in summer is 32 celsius (90 F), but it can go as high as 48 celsius (119 F), and as low as 19 C (66) F. Of course both max and min temperatures happen on rare occasions, but just something to keep in mind. Surely, you’ll need to have a high SPF sunscreen there. 

Is Palermo worth visiting?

There are different opinions on the internet and social media, and I heard a lot of people advising against visiting Palermo. I knew I wanted to visit because of its cultural significance and there were a few sights on my bucket list I wanted to tick off. 

So, I decided to ignore this advice and just go and see for myself. This proved to be one of the best decisions, and I am so happy I’ve been there. As mentioned in the beginning, Palermo is a perfect mix of Middle East and Europe, so if you want to have the best of both worlds, you absolutely have to go there. 

The city is really pretty and unique and the history is just amazing. Every corner speaks its own history. You can also notice it on the architecture and it’s actually a fun activity to look for different architectural styles, depending on who ruled at that time.

On top of that, Palermo is close to many other great places in Sicily, which makes it a perfect base for exploring not only the city but its nearby area as well.
So, yes, Palermo is very much worth visiting.