Best things to do in Palermo

Palermo's Absolute Essentials

Palermo’s core is defined by its UNESCO-listed Arab-Norman architecture, exemplified by the intricate gold mosaics of Monreale Cathedral and the multi-styled Palermo Cathedral. Historic markets like Ballarò and Vucciria offer a sensory dive into Sicilian street food culture, while the Baroque grandeur of Quattro Canti and Piazza Pretoria anchors the city center. Beyond the stone walls, the 18th-century Botanical Garden and the coastal promenade of Foro Italico provide green space, leading eventually to the white sands of Mondello Beach.

Palermo's Absolute Essentials — Map

Effems / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Palermo Cathedral

Historic cathedral featuring a mix of Norman, Arab, Baroque, and Neoclassical architectural styles, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Leandro Neumann Ciuffo / CC BY 2.0

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Monreale Cathedral

Monreale Cathedral is a Catholic church in Monreale, Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy.

Fabio P. / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio

The Church of St. Mary of the Admiral, also called Martorana, is the seat of the Parish of San Nicolò dei Greci, overlooking the Piazza…

Leandro Neumann Ciuffo / CC BY 2.0

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Quatro Cantti

Quattro Canti, officially known as Piazza Vigliena, is a Baroque square in Palermo, region of Sicily, Italy; it is considered the center of…

M2m / Public domain

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Pretoria Square

Historic square featuring a monumental baroque fountain surrounded by notable architecture and sculptures.

Alessandro Cataldo / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Ballaro Market

The traditional market of Palermo offers fresh fish and produce from Sicily. Packed with tourists but locals still shop there.

Dedda71 / CC BY 3.0

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Vucciria Market

La or a Vuccirìa is an ancient, large market or bazaar area and neighborhood, with shops and tables selling products, produce, and…

Group of the Hoplite-Leaving-Home,… / CC BY 2.5

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Regional Archaeological Museum

The Antonino Salinas Regional Archeological Museum is a museum in Palermo, Italy.

Antoine Pitrou / FAL

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Mirto Palace

The Palazzo Filangeri-Cutò is a Baroque-style aristocratic palace located on via Maqueda 26 in the ancient quarter of Albergheria of…

Effems / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Chiaramonte Palace

Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri is a Gothic-style palace located on via Piazza Marina, facing the Giardino Garibaldi in the ancient quarter of…

Tango7174 / GFDL

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Church of Jesus Palermo

Historic Baroque Roman Catholic church notable for its architectural and artistic interior and religious significance.

Σπάρτακος / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Church of San Cataldo

The Church of San Cataldo is a Catholic church located at Piazza Bellini, in central Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

tato grasso / CC BY-SA 2.5

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Botanical Garden of Palermo

The Orto Botanico di Palermo is both a botanical garden and a research and educational institution of the Department of Botany of the…

Dedda71 / CC BY 3.0

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Foro Italico, Palermo

The Foro Italico is a pedestrian path and park along the seafront of Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

Dedda71 / CC BY 3.0

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Mondello Beach

This amazing beach with white sand and gentle slope is a popular place for the residents of Palermo and for the tourists as well.

Other Lists

Palermo's Sacred Architecture Palermo's Architectural Wonders Palermo's Parks and Gardens Palermo Museums & Galleries