Italy · Region
Palermo
Palermo is a city of layered empires—Norman cathedrals, Arab-influenced markets, and Baroque palaces crowd together along chaotic, sun-bleached streets that open onto the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its energy comes as much from the sizzle of street-food stalls in the Ballarò and Vucciria markets as from the mosaics and monuments left by two thousand years of Mediterranean rule.
Top attractions
attraction Giardino Garibaldi: Palermo Travel Guide (4.5★)
Giardino Garibaldi is the small fenced park on Piazza Marina in Palermo's Kalsa district, open daily 7am to 8pm and free to enter. 4.5★ (5,847 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Palermo Cathedral: Travel Guide (4.7★)
Palermo Cathedral, on Via Vittorio Emanuele in the heart of the old city, is open daily from 7am to 7pm. 4.7★ (50,906 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Palazzo dei Normanni: Palermo Travel Guide (4.5★)
Palazzo dei Normanni sits at the top of Palermo's Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and the two things every visitor is chasing are the Cappella Palatina's gold mosaics and a same-day ticket. 4.5★ (28,492 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Quattro Canti: Palermo Travel Guide (4.7★)
Quattro Canti sits at the exact crossing of Palermo's two oldest main streets, Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele, right where the four historic quarters of the old city meet. 4.7★ (31,280 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Top-rated things to do in Palermo
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Where to stay in Palermo
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Frequently asked questions about Palermo
How do I get to Palermo?
Most travellers arrive via Palermo Airport (PMO), also known as Falcone-Borsellino, about 35km northwest of the city; the Trinacria Express train runs from the airport's own station directly to Palermo Centrale in ~50 minutes, with regional buses offering a similar direct route into the centre.
How many days should I spend in Palermo?
Plan on ~2-3 days to cover the historic centre's markets, churches, and palaces, with an extra day if adding a side trip to nearby Monreale or the coast.
What is Palermo known for?
Palermo is a city of layered empires—Norman cathedrals, Arab-influenced markets, and Baroque palaces crowd together along chaotic, sun-bleached streets that open onto the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its energy comes as much from the sizzle of street-food stalls in the Ballarò and Vucciria markets as from the mosaics and monuments left by two thousand years of Mediterranean rule.