One Day in Palermo: Everything You Need to See and Do

Let's just ignore the fact it's a UNESCO World Heritage site and is blessed with glorious Mediterranean sunshine, shall we?

It's also:

• One of the best street food cities in Italy; Palermo is full of markets selling delicious arancine, panelle, sfincione and pane ca meusa. There’s no airs, no graces, just proper tasty food.
• It’s full of Arab-Norman architecture; The city’s cathedrals, palazzos and chapels have a unique blend of Arab, Norman and Byzantine influences that make it one of the most interesting and beautiful places to explore in Europe.
• It’s steeped in history; Palermo might be one of the most conquered cities in history. Founded by Phoenicians in the 8th century it has been ruled by Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and even the Spanish. Each have left their mark on it and make it a hotspot for historians who are looking to explore it.
• It has the largest opera house in Italy; Palermo is home to the Teatro Massimo which is the biggest opera house in Italy and the setting of the steps scene in The Godfather: Part 3.
• A paradise for those who have a sweet tooth; You’ll come to Sicily for the culture, but you’ll stay for the Cannoli and Cassata.

It's really a city that has a little bit of something for everyone. Love history and culture? Check. Want to mooch around markets and gorge yourself on food? Yep. Fancy doing very little other than sitting in a sunny piazza with a cannolo? Not just allowed, it's encouraged. Palermo doesn't ask you to choose, it just hands you the lot. 

There are plenty of things to do in Palermo, as you have probably guessed by now. So, we’ve put together the perfect itinerary for one whole day, so you don’t have to.

Morning - start at Palermo Cathedral

After fuelling up with brioche con gelato and an espresso, just like the locals, head straight to the Palermo Cathedral, the city’s headline landmark that has stood for nearly one thousand years. Completed in 1184 on the site of a former mosque, it’s a mash-up of Norman and Arab styles.

Entry to the main cathedral is free, but you'll need a ticket to access the roof which provides wonderful views of the city. The crypts and the royal tombs cost a little extra too. To escape the heat and beat the crowds, visiting first thing in the morning is the best time to go – especially as the Cathedral sits right on Via Vittorio Emanuele, the pedestrianised spine of the old town.  

Mid-morning – Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel

Just a five-minute walk away, you’ll come across the single most jaw-dropping interior in the city. The Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni) and the Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina).

The Palatine Chapel, which sits inside the Norman Palace, blends Byzantine, Norman and Arab art under one roof, with golden mosaics lining the walls from floor to ceiling. This is where Sicilian kings were once crowned, it's UNESCO-listed and one of the best-preserved examples of Arab-Norman art anywhere.  

If that's whet your appetite for Arab-Norman architecture and you've a craving for more, then you can quickly squeeze in the nearby San Giovanni deglie Eremiti. It's a former monastic church with red, Arab-style domes, Romanesque cloister ruins and picturesque gardens.

Quick heads up: The Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel are closed to visitors when the Sicilian Parliament is in session (Tuesday-Thursday).  

Late morning — Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria & Teatro Massimo

You’ve worked up an appetite and the smell of arancine is tempting you, but if you hold off lunch for a little bit longer you can get in a collection of showpiece squares and landmarks.

Start in Quattro Canti, the Baroque crossroads where Palermo's four historic quarters meet, before wandering to Piazza Pretoria to admire its striking 16th-century Fountain of Shame. Round things off at Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house, famous for its grand architecture and starring role in The Godfather: Part III. Travelling with little ones? The spacious piazzas are perfect for exploring, with plenty of room to roam while they spot the fountain's famous statues.

Lunch — Dive into the street food markets

Stomachs are rumbling, mouths are watering and everyone is getting a little more irritable. Thankfully we've got the perfect cure for that. Head straight for the city's famous street markets. Ballarò is the biggest and most authentic, Capo is perfect for grazing your way between stalls, while Vucciria transforms into one of Palermo's liveliest spots after dark.

Fill up on golden arancine, crispy panelle, thick slices of sfincione and the sweet-and-sour flavours of caponata. If you're feeling brave, try the city's iconic pane c’a meusa (spleen sandwich).

Afternoon — Choose your unusual detour

Where's the spontaneity in having every minute of the day mapped out for you? There is none.So why not give yourself the gift of choice in the afternoon and pick between a couple of options below.

First up is the Capuchin Catacombs. Not one for the squeamish, it's an underground passage that's lined with more than 8,000 mummified and skeletal bodies from the 16th - 19th centuries. It’s a little macabre, a bit dark, but definitely an unforgettable experience.

If that doesn't sound like your bag, then you can go to the Kalsa quarter with its crumbling Baroque facades and backstreets filled with seafood, perfect for just mooching around in.

Or if you're not all cultured out from your morning exploits, then a visit to La Zisa is the perfect early afternoon option. A 12th-century Arab-Norman palace with cooling fountains and Islamic architecture, it’s a little gem that people often overlook.

Late afternoon — Sea air at Mondello (or a view from Monte Pellegrino)

Nothing quite wraps up a day of exploring better than taking a moment to bask in the breathtaking views of Palermo.

The perfect spot to do this is at Monte Pellegrino, the headland looms over the city (almost 2,000 ft) and is home to the Sanctuary of Saint Rosalia, Palermo's patron saint. Reachable by car or bus, this spot is famous for glorious panoramic views over the Bay of Palermo and the surrounding landscape.

Quick tip: if the day's running short, this is the easiest stop to swap out.

Evening — Aperitivo & dinner

The curtains are nearly closed on an unforgettable day. The city is cooling down. Your feet are throbbing and you've got the glow that only comes from a day of hard exploring. Only one thing is needed at this point. An aperitivo. Followed closely by a slap-up meal.  

Kalsa and the city centre’s squares are the perfect places for a quick Aperol, and there are plenty of restaurant options for you.

Once you're done with your dinner, nothing rounds off a day in Palermo quite like a trip to a Pasticceria shop. The Pasticceria Costa or the monastery pastry shop at Santa Caterina are some of our favourites for one last sweet treat. 

Palermo, for all its history and landmarks, has plenty to offer for families too. Shallow, calm and sandy, Mondello Beach is a real crowd-pleaser. Puppet shows, market grazing and gelato shops keep little ones entertained for hours within the city – if Sicilian kids eat brioche con gelato, I'm sure yours will love it too!

A quick heads up, though. The historic centre of Palermo is walkable but has cobbled streets and frequent traffic, so comfy shoes are advised, and it can sometimes cause you a few issues if you're taking the buggy with you. So be prepared to do a bit of carrying throughout the day.

So, Sicily's in the calendar. You're probably thinking, what should I do to prepare for a day trip to Palermo? Good thing we've got some top tips so you can navigate the city with little fuss.

• Explore on foot: Although there are a lot of things to do in Palermo, its historic centre is surprisingly compact, with many of the main sights connected by pedestrian-friendly streets.
• Beat the queues: Planning to visit the Palatine Chapel or the Capuchin Catacombs? Book your tickets in advance to spend less time waiting and more time exploring.
• Take it easy in the heat: Sicily can get seriously hot, especially in summer. Take a water bottle, seek out shady piazzas and don't feel guilty about stopping for a gelato or coffee.
• Use the usual common sense: Palermo is about as safe as any major European city. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas and you'll be free to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
• Pick the right season: Spring and early autumn are ideal for wandering the city's streets and markets, while summer rewards early starts, long lunches and plenty of shade. 

After a busy day roaming Sicily's capital city, what better way to recoup and rejuvenate than relaxing at a Beach Club? Especially if it's your base for the week. Palermo, only an hour and a half drive away, means you can easily explore what the spectacular city has to offer in one day.

Neilson x Mangia's Torre del Barone Resort in Sciacca is our first Beach Club to include all three racket sports – tennis, padel and pickleball – alongside road cycling, mountain biking, sailing, paddle boarding, e-foiling and so much more. So, if a combination of culture, history, sports and scenery is up your street, you know where to book.

Palermo is one of those cities that lingers long after you've left. One day is enough to fall for its energy, history and incredible food, but it'll almost certainly leave you wanting more. Pair a day exploring Sicily's vibrant capital with a week at Neilson x Mangia's Torre del Barone Resort, and you'll experience two very different sides of this remarkable island. Whenever you're ready, discover our Sicily holidays and see where they could take you.

Looking for more content on Sicily? Check out our posts on the best things to do in Sicily, Cycling in Sicily -  a complete guide, Sicily in May – the best things to do and the must try Sicilian dishes.