Palermo
City Travel Guide

Palermo Guide

Explore the best of Palermo, Sicily, including attractions, local neighborhoods, transportation options, and travel tips to help you plan a smoother trip.

Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) Palermo, Sicily, Italy 2 Live Events Next 90 days

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What are the top attractions in Palermo?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
All on Viator →

Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Palermo, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.

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Palermo CathedralAttraction
★ 4.7
Palermo Cathedral
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 490, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →49,330 reviews
Cattedrale di MonrealeAttraction
★ 4.8
Cattedrale di Monreale
Piazza Guglielmo II, 90046 Monreale PA, Italy
Explore →28,918 reviews
Quattro CantiAttraction
★ 4.6
Quattro Canti
Piazza Villena, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →30,046 reviews
Palazzo dei NormanniAttraction
★ 4.5
Palazzo dei Normanni
Piazza del Parlamento, 1, 90129 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →27,467 reviews
Royal Palace and Palatine ChapelAttraction
★ 4.7
Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel
Piazza del Parlamento, 1, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →11,674 reviews
Sanctuary of Santa RosaliaAttraction
★ 4.7
Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia
Via Bonanno Pietro, 90142 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →8,208 reviews
Catacombe dei Cappuccini di PalermoAttraction
★ 4.3
Catacombe dei Cappuccini di Palermo
Piazza Cappuccini, 1, 90129 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →15,475 reviews
Church of Jesus of Casa ProfessaAttraction
★ 4.8
Church of Jesus of Casa Professa
Piazza Casa Professa, 21, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →5,446 reviews
Fontana PretoriaAttraction
★ 4.6
Fontana Pretoria
Piazza Pretoria, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →7,786 reviews
Foro ItalicoAttraction
★ 4.4
Foro Italico
Foro Italico Umberto I, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →11,135 reviews
Church of Saint Mary 'dell'Ammiraglio'Attraction
★ 4.7
Church of Saint Mary 'dell'Ammiraglio'
P.za Bellini, 3, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →5,339 reviews
Orto Botanico di PalermoAttraction
★ 4.3
Orto Botanico di Palermo
Via Lincoln, 2, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →9,303 reviews
Molo trapezoidaleAttraction
★ 4.6
Molo trapezoidale
Via Filippo Patti, 30, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →2,845 reviews
Chiesa e Monastero di Santa Caterina d'AlessandriaAttraction
★ 4.7
Chiesa e Monastero di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria
P.za Bellini, 1, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →2,100 reviews
Porta NuovaAttraction
★ 4.6
Porta Nuova
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →2,100 reviews
Zisa PalaceAttraction
★ 4.0
Zisa Palace
Piazza Zisa, 90138 Palermo PA, Italy
Explore →6,331 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Palermo?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
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Quick answer Top tour formats in Palermo include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.

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Where can I shop in Palermo?
Malls, markets, and retail districts

Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Palermo from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.

What events are happening in Palermo?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
All events →

Quick answer 2 upcoming events in Palermo across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.

Music / Pop / Italian Pop
JUL
22
Angelina Mango - Nina canta nei Teatri d’Estate
Viale del Fante, 39
Music / Hip-Hop/Rap / Hip-Hop/Rap
AUG
22
Capo Plaza - Summer Tour - Dream Pop Festival
Velodromo Paolo Borsellino
Frequently asked questions about Palermo
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Palermo?
Palermo offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Palermo?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Palermo, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Palermo?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO).
When is the best time to visit Palermo?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Palermo?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Palermo?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.

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