Things to do in Palermo

Activities, attractions and tours

Palermo showing a house and heritage architecture
Palermo featuring a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Mount Etna showing mountains
Palermo featuring heritage architecture and a house
Palermo showing street scenes
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Most popular experiences in Palermo

Tours & day trips

See all 209 activities
City Sightseeing Palermo Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Palermo Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
6.8 out of 10 with 37 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$137 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 103 activities
Private Boat Tour on the Palermo Coast

Private Boat Tour on the Palermo Coast

Activity duration is 5 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$1,272 per adult*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 19 activities
3-hours Street Food Bike Tour in Palermo

3-hours Street Food Bike Tour in Palermo

Activity duration is 2 hours and 50 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$503 per adult
3-hours Street Food Bike Tour in PalermoOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 7 activities
Palermo: Mondello and Capo Gallo Reserve Boat Tour

Palermo: Mondello and Capo Gallo Reserve Boat Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$4,574 per traveller*
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Water activities

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Palermo: Mondello and Capo Gallo Reserve Boat Tour

Palermo: Mondello and Capo Gallo Reserve Boat Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$4,574 per traveller*
Palermo: Mondello and Capo Gallo Reserve Boat TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Palermo

Popular places to visit

Palermo Harbour

Palermo Harbour

Explore the waterfront in Borgo Vecchio with a trip to Palermo Harbour. Wander around the gardens or enjoy the area's bars.

Palermo Harbour
Palermo showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Teatro Massimo

Enjoy a show at Teatro Massimo, a theatre with a story to tell in Palermo. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Teatro Massimo
Palermo Cathedral

Palermo Cathedral

You can learn about the history of Palermo with a stop at Palermo Cathedral. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Palermo Cathedral
Via Roma

Via Roma

During your visit to Palermo, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Via Roma. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Via Roma
Ballaro Market showing food, markets and street scenes

Ballaro Market

Buy freshly caught fish, eat Sicilian specialties and search for vintage clothes at a market that has been serving Palermo's residents for centuries.

Ballaro Market
Via Vittorio Emanuele

Via Vittorio Emanuele

You can find out about the history of Palermo with a visit to Via Vittorio Emanuele. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Via Vittorio Emanuele
Politeama Garibaldi Theater

Politeama Garibaldi Theater

Enjoy a performance at Politeama Garibaldi Theater, a theatre with a story to tell in Palermo. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Politeama Garibaldi Theater
Palace of the Normans

Palace of the Normans

You can learn about the history of Palermo with a visit to Palace of the Normans. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Palace of the Normans
Via Maqueda which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

Via Maqueda

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Via Maqueda during your stay in Palermo. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Via Maqueda

Areas of Palermo

Palermo showing a house and heritage architecture

Palermo Historical Center

Travellers to Palermo Historical Center praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Piazza Pretoria and Via Maqueda.

Palermo Historical Center
Palermo showing a house and heritage architecture

Centro Storico

4/5(11 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Centro Storico, Via Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Pretoria are top sights worth seeing.

Centro Storico
Via Maqueda showing markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Kalsa

4.5/5(88 area reviews)

Historical sites, museums and gardens are some highlights of Kalsa. Make a stop by Regional Gallery or Piazza Marina while you're exploring.

Kalsa
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Castellammare

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Castellammare is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Via Roma and Vucciria Market.

Castellammare
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Libertà

If you're spending some time in Libertà, Villa Airoldi Golf Club and Palermo Harbour are top sights worth seeing.

Libertà
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Politeama

While visiting Politeama, you might make a stop by sights like Piazza Ruggero Settimo and Politeama Garibaldi Theater.

Politeama
Monreale showing a fountain

Monreale

Mondello

Mondello

Photo "Sferracavallo" by Jorge Franganillo (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Jorge Franganillo (CC BY)

Sferracavallo

Frequently asked questions

Is Palermo worth visiting?
Palermo has an interesting mix of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into nature, history or traditional food, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Palermo?
After you've visited key attractions like Mondello Beach and Palace of the Normans, spend the rest of your day exploring Palermo's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palermo?
You can't leave without visiting Mondello Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Palermo.
Is three days enough to stay in Palermo?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Teatro Massimo, Cathedral of Monreale and Palace of the Normans with a three-day getaway in Palermo. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Cinisi.
Is Palermo a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Palermo, such as Teatro Massimo and Palace of the Normans, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from the city centre of Palermo is Ruggero Settimo and Kalsa is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Palermo with kids?
Planning what to do in Palermo with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're holidaying with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Palermo for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Palermo, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Via Vittorio Emanuele or Via Roma.
Are there free things to do in Palermo?
In Palermo, Cathedral of Monreale is a top spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Palermo.

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