Palermo

1. Cattedrale di Palermo (Palermo Cathedral)

Cattedrale di Palermo (Palermo Cathedral) is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palermo and is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Originally constructed in 1185, the cathedral has been shaped by different cultures through the ages, giving it an exciting array of features and styles ranging from Baroque and Moorish to Gothic.

Signature features of the building include a tall Renaissance clock tower, a beautiful central basilica, a mosque, and a crypt that houses the tomb of Emperor Frederick II and several artifacts from different periods of the church.

Via Vittorio Emanuele, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy, Phone: +39-0-91-33-43-73

2. Mercati di Palermo

Palermo has several food markets (Mercati di Palermo), which are a fantastic way to sample local life, meet the local people, and get a real feel for the city.

The main food markets include Ballaro, Cap and Vucciria, which can be found in the center of the town and sell a wealth of fresh fruit, vegetables, farm produce, meats, cheeses, dairy products, and homemade cakes, pastries, cookies, sweets and more. Ensconced by a myriad of enticing aromas and vibrant colors, the food markets draw both tourists and locals tend to do their weekly shopping at them due to the low prices. The food markets are open every day throughout the year, from dawn until dusk.

Adiacenze Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo, Sicily, Italy

3. Mondello

Mondello is a charming coastal suburb just outside the city with a bustling vibe that is named for its beautiful, long white sandy beach.

A vintage Art Nouveau pavilion at the end of the pier takes center stage in this vibrant area, and the beach is lined with seasonal street-food stalls, gourmet eateries, sidewalk cafés, and buzzing beach bars. Lapped by the warm Mediterranean waters, the gorgeous beach attracts both locals and tourists alike, wanting to take a break from sight-seeing and relax or swim in the crystal-clear waters of the bay. The nearby Capo Gallo Reserve offers several excellent hiking trails and panoramic sea views.

Mondello, Palermo

4. Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele

Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele or simply known as Teatro Massimo is a beautifully preserved opera house and opera company in the heart of Palermo and one of the most important opera houses in Italy.

Located on the Piazza Verdi, the opera house was opened in 1897 and is world-renowned renowned for its perfect acoustic qualities and deep cultural significance. Dedicated to King Victor Emanuel II, the opulent building boasts a palatial-like exterior and breathtaking interiors, and visitors can enjoy guided tours daily led by multilingual guides who share the rich history and architectural importance of the structure.

Piazza Verdi, Palermo, Italy, Phone: +39-09-16-05-35-21

5. Castello Utveggio

Castello Utveggio is located on the top of Mount Pellegrino and boasts breathtaking panoramic views over Palermo, the northern Sicilian coastline, and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Standing sentry high on the hill above the city, the castle was built in 1928 and is famous for its unusual architectural design, which was very different to the other palaces of the period, and its characteristic pink hues. The castle fell into disrepair after being occupied during the Second World War and was later restored to its former glory to become the home of the Cerisdi, Research, and Management Studies Center.

90142 Palermo, Province of Palermo, Italy, Phone: +39-09-16-39-11-11

6. Chiesa della Martorana (Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio)

The Norman church Chiesa della Martorana (Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio) was founded in 1141 by George of Antioch and later renamed Chiesa della Martorana for Eloisa Martorana, who founded a nearby Benedictine convent.

The beautifully preserved 12th-century Byzantine church is the seat of the parish of San Nicolò dei Greci and is famous for its breathtaking interiors featuring stunning gold mosaics and frescoes on the ceiling. The cathedral also features a variety of architectural elements that highlight the different cultural influences over the centuries and is right next to the tiny Chiesa di San Cataldo with red Moorish domes and a stone interior dating back to the Middle Ages.

Piazza Bellini, 3, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy, Phone: +3934-58-28-82-31

7. Villa Trabia

Villa Trabia , also known as Casena di Trabia alla Terre Rosse, is a beautifully appointed historic villa in the center of Palermo surrounded by exquisitely manicured gardens and grounds.

Dating back to the 18th century, the villa is a superb example of the luxurious life in Palermo at the turn of the century, and features striking architectural details such as a grand staircase and an ornate a library with spacious reading rooms.

The park surrounding the villa is laid out like a botanical garden filled with Mediterranean plants, Ficus trees, fountains, and sculptures and makes for a picturesque backdrop for festivals and cultural events. The villa is open daily to the public and offers guided tours.

3 Via Antonino Salinas, Palermo, Sicilia, 90141, Italy, Phone: +39-09-17-40-59-05

8. Osteria Ballaro

Osteria Ballaro is an elegant restaurant-wine bar that celebrates the richness of Sicilian culture and its culinary traditions in a stylish and sophisticated setting in the heart of Palermo.

Located within the former stables of Palazzo Cattolica and featuring exposed brick walls, bare stone columns, and vaulted ceilings, the beautifully appointed restaurant-wine bar exudes an evocative and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for romantic celebrations.

Inspired by the Slow Food movement, the creative menu celebrates fresh island produce and traditional cooking with dishes like antipasti of salumi (charcuterie) and artisan cheeses, along with typical Sicilian dishes like canazzo and caponata, crudite di pesce (local sashimi), and seafood primi and mouthwatering Sicilian dolci (sweets). The food is accompanied by a good selection of quality local wines, and reservations are recommended. Osteria Ballarò is open for lunch and dinner, daily.

25 Via Calascibetta, Palermo, Sicilia, 90133, Italy, Phone: +39-0-91-32-64-88