Paying a visit to the Italian island of Sicily and wondering where to explore? Well, you can’t skip its incredible capital, Palermo, as it’s a busy city buzzing full of flavors, aromas, and experiences just waiting for you.
Palermo is surrounded by the Mediterranean, so you know that the food is going to be spectacular here. Not to mention the immense cultural diversity this vibrant city has on offer. From the grand Palermo Cathedral to the delectable street food, there are so many fantastic things to do in Palermo, Sicily.
This is definitely an underrated city – a melting pot of cultures, contrasting identities, art galleries, and bustling markets. Keep reading to make the best of a trip to this ancient capital, one of the best places to visit in Sicily.
Explore the Historic Center
If you’re looking for what to do in Palermo, you could start by wandering through the ancient city center, which is full of unique and historic buildings.
Quattro Canti / Piazza Vigliena
Standing at the intersection of Palermo’s two most notable streets, Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele, is Piazza Vigliena, a stunning Baroque square. Named after a Spanish Viceroy, this piazza was constructed in 1609, when the city was under Aragonese rule.
It’s also known as Quattro Canti or “four corners”, as each of its corners has an 18th-century palace and a different figure representing the four Spanish kings that ruled over Sicily. This square is definitely worth visiting if you want to learn more about the history of the Sicilian capital. Moreover, it’s also great to appreciate the ornate façades and architectural styles of Quattro Canti.
Piazza Pretoria
Another highlight of visiting Palermo’s historic center is the stunning and inviting Piazza Pretoria. It’s home to many nude statues of mermaids, humans, and Greek gods and the exquisite Fontana Pretoria – a magnificent fountain.
Once known as the “Square of Shame” due to the opinions held by Catholic society at the time for the gratuitous nudity, it’s now a great way to experience Sicilian culture. What’s more, right next to the fountain is Palazzo Pretorio – which houses the mayor’s office. You can tour this historic building for free, which is a terrific opportunity to see its wide collection of artifacts.
Chiesa di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria
If you’re wondering what to see in Palermo for lovers of Baroque art and interior design, then a visit to Chiesa e Monastero di Santa Caterina will satisfy those needs. This picturesque church boasts a grand western-facing façade, Corinthian pilasters, and various frescoes, paintings, and sculptures done by prolific Italian artists. This list includes Filippo Randazzo, Antonello Gagini, and Vito D’Anna.
Built in the early 14th century, the church honors Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who features in several artworks within the building. However, it offers more than just ornate decorations and detailed pieces; it also has a brilliant view over its surrounding piazzas. To access these vistas, go to the convent’s rooftop terrace, where you can look over Piazza Pretoria and Piazza Bellini.
Chiesa del Gesù di Casa Professa
Another spectacular church in the historic city center is Chiesa del Gesù di Casa Professa. Why this? Well, it has some vibrant frescoes, ornate marble finishes, and stunning ceiling details. Decorated in a Baroque style, it’s adorned with marble sculptures, a majestic organ, and extravagant patterns that will make your jaw drop.
Originally constructed between 1564 and 1578 by the Jesuits, this church is full of history. Unfortunately, it suffered some major damage from bombs in World War II, but it remains in fantastic shape and should definitely be on your Palermo sightseeing list.
Botanic Gardens
Take a short walk from Palermo’s Central Train Station, and you’ll reach the Orto Botanico di Palermo, a stunning botanical garden. Visiting Palermo without checking out this stunning collection of rare and unusual plants would be a mistake, as it’s a calming way to slow down after sightseeing.
The garden currently has around 12,000 different species, from endemic trees to tropical plants, and covers over 25 acres. There are also various sections, including medicinal plants, a greenhouse, useful plants, a tropical orchard, and even some historical collections.
So, whether you’re coming here to sit down and enjoy a book or learn more about some groovy plants, it’s a terrific way to detox from the busy city energy.
Tour suggestion: This Historic walking tour of Palermo's Monuments and Markets includes a visit to the Palermo Cathedral and a wander through the ancient Capo market.
Street Food and Local Markets
One of the top things to do in Palermo is to try the delectable Sicilian street food, whether you’re on a food tour or at one of its bustling markets.
Palermo Street Food
This wonderful place in Southern Italy is famed for its exceptional street food stalls and local wines. That said, here are some local specialties that you must try:
Sfincione – This delectable focaccia-like bread is a Sicilian version of pizza. Traditionally, it is covered with tomato sauce flavored with hard cheese, onions, oregano, and anchovies. Cooked in a wood fire oven, it comes out crispy and with a thicker, rounder crust than pizza.
Cannoli – This mouthwatering sweet treat was born in the Sicilian capital and is said to have originated from the Saracens, an ancient Arabic group, who brought sugar cane to the island. It is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with a sweet ricotta mixture. Other common toppings include crushed-up pistachios and chocolate chips.
Arancini – Now, unless you’ve lived under a rock, you’ve most likely heard of arancini. These are rice balls that are often stuffed with mozzarella before being coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Talk about the perfect bite!
Pane e panelle – Another exceptional fried dish is pane e panelle, which is a chickpea flour fritter served in a soft, luscious bread roll. Often, you’ll find these fritters garnished with finely chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
DISCOVER: More on these and other tempting treats in our guide on What to eat in Palermo.
Stigghiola – This street food dish is a must-try for carnivores, as it is lamb innards (most of the time) wrapped around a leek or stuck on a skewer and grilled. Originally made as a dish for those in poverty, now it is celebrated as a charming delicacy.
Polpo bollito – Since Palermo is on an island, it would be weird not to feature some delectable seafood. This dish features boiled octopus topped with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley.
Tour suggestion: On this Palermo Street Food Tour, you get to taste a variety of delicious Sicilian treats and drinks, including Sfincione, Arancina, and of course Sicilian cannoli.
Listen to “The Unmissable Tastes of Sicily” on Spreaker.
Palermo’s Markets
Another terrific way to experience Palermo's street food is by visiting one of its bustling markets. Here are the three main ones:
Ballarò Market – Just a few blocks from the Norman Palace is Palermo’s busiest market. It is packed full of clothing, household goods, and street food stalls and is open all week from 07:00 until 20:00, except Sundays when it closes at lunchtime. It’s a brilliant way to take in the street scenes, smells, and noises of this major European city.
Capo Market – Running along Via Mura di Porta Carini and Via Sant’Agostino, this market has a fantastic atmosphere, where you can get fruit and vegetables, freshly gutted seafood, and locally farmed meat. It’s open all week from 07:00 until 20:00 (except for Wednesdays and Sundays when it closes at 13:00.
Vucciria Market – Found in Piazza Caracciolo and close to Piazza San Domenico, this market is full of energy, from sellers’ cries to echoing music at night. This is perhaps Palermo’s most