THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Palermo (2025) - Must-See Attractions
Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Things to Do in Palermo
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Cattedrale di Palermo, Norman Palace, Walking Tours, Flea & Street Markets. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Cattedrale di Palermo, Norman Palace, Walking Tours, Flea & Street Markets. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Powered by AI
BETA
Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Palermo.
Private and Luxuryfrom£56per adult£45
Cooking Classesfromper adult£84- fromper adult£30
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)£39- fromper adult (price varies by group size)£299
Sailingfromper adult£77
Culinary Toursfromper adult£59
Castle Toursfromper adult£13
Half-day Toursfrom£102per adult£82
Wine Tastingsfromper adult (price varies by group size)£75
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic cathedral showcasing diverse architectural styles, serene interiors, and a crypt with valuable relics. Enjoy panoramic rooftop views and tranquil gardens.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Historic Sites
Historic palace complex showcasing ornate mosaics, royal apartments, and a decorated chapel with Byzantine influences. Features serene gardens and classical music ambiance.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Theatres
Historic opera house in the old town with a grand interior and notable for its role in a famous film. Features guided tours, art exhibits, and occasional orchestra rehearsals.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Flea & Street Markets
Vibrant street market showcases an array of fresh produce, seafood, and authentic local street food. Immerse in the chaotic charm and rich scents amid lively vendors.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Historic Sites
Beaches
Serene beach flanked by mountains, featuring clear turquoise waters and white sands, with pathways for leisurely strolls and swimming spots.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Architectural Buildings
Admission tickets from £14
Churches & Cathedrals
Majestic church displaying a blend of Byzantine, Arab, and Baroque styles with intricate mosaics and frescoes. Rich in history and cultural significance, hosting diverse religious services.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Churches & Cathedrals
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historical square at the intersection of two central streets, with baroque facades and Renaissance fountains. Each corner depicts a season and story, complemented by street musicians.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Fountains
Historic Renaissance fountain with over 50 white marble statues, known for its detailed depictions of seasons and mythological figures, nestled in Piazza Pretoria.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Architectural Buildings
Baroque church and monastery with intricate marble designs and rooftop city views. Traditional bakery on-site serves pastries using ancient nunnery recipes.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Other Top Attractions around Palermo
Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
What travellers are saying
- Dimitris LSydney, Australia54,497 contributionsCattedrale di Palermo is one of the most astonishing buildings anywhere. It dates back to the 12th century and it has had many influences as the building shows. It is just an incredibly beautiful sight. We could not but be absolutely amazed with this stupendous work of art, inside and outside. It has to be seen to be truly appreciated. A majestic experience.Written 22 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Falkirkbairn70Edinburgh, UK142 contributionsWe nearly did not visit due to some poor reviews however we visited around 2pm on a Saturday and there were no queues for any part of the palace. All areas were also open, I wonder if the Parliament sitting makes a difference to what’s available or not.
The chapel was a real highlight, absolutely stunning.Written 27 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SydneysideSydney, Australia804 contributionsWe were blown away by the beauty of this building. It really is a grand building in a vibrant city. The people sitting on the steps enjoying the afternoon was nice to see.Written 9 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AlbertSalichsManresa, Spain24,422 contributions.eecaro Di Ballaro is an authentic market located in the center of Palermo, the main city in Sicily Island. It is a food market, where you can see a lot of things. It is a very nice place to walk and see all the shops. We walked and did a brunch in one of the shops: white wine, breaded squids and a mix of vegetables. We sit in a square, where we are surrounded by market shops and a church. After we decided to eat a cannolis, a local dessert. Very nice, very interesting. However, the place is a bit degraded and you can see some strange people, sicilian-style.Written 28 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tammy MOttawa, Canada79 contributionsWent to check out the Catacombs today to see if it is worth it for Donna and Pam who are coming to visit since it is a bit of a walk. This was an unusual visit and one unlikely to forget but you cannot take any pictures. The other good thing is it is not like Paris so no worries if you are claustrophobic. The Catacombs mainly consist of lines and lines of dead bodies. The atmosphere was hushed and respectful while visitors tried to take in what they were looking at. The saddest part was the infants and children. I found it interesting to see the 19th century clothing on the bodies, although faded and dusty you could make out some of it. It was very disappointing that there was no guided tour and there were no explanations to read about the bodies in the catacombs but you can scan a QR code that tells you the whole history. This is not for everyone! Don't bring young children here. Also, don't leave before checking out the cemetery, that was the highlight for me. Huge and stunning. It is work the $5 EU.Written 8 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dream6055139202432 contributionsNot sure why there are bad reviews for this beach. We found clean soft sand and clear water with lovely views. It was easy to get to on the 806 autobus which only cost €1.40 and took under 40mins from Palermo. We got off the first bus stop at Mondello and did find all the fenced off sections confusing, with small strips of public beach, but if you keep walking down Viale Regina Elenia there is a much wider open public section to the beach. If you are struggling to find this, search “Mondello MIA spiaggia accessible” as a location to get directions to. We went in the “ Mondello MIA” branded section next to this and rented 2 beds and a parasol for a reasonable €25. There was an accessible pathway to the beach here for wheelchair users, and a public toilet located behind the shopfront which costs 50cents. Overall a great place to relax on a sunny day.Written 3 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ros0604London, UK283 contributionsThis was a fascinating visit - really interesting history and building, filled with lovely things. Excellent tour. Wonderful that it is still a home, lived in and loved. Highly recommend this visit. Allow time to find it - fairly neat the cathedral but in the backstreetsWritten 23 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jef-grrGrand Rapids, MI412 contributionsNot to be missed, especially if you have any interest in Byzantium or eastern Christianity. This is a fabulous example of Byzantine mosaic in Italy.Written 26 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dimitris LSydney, Australia54,497 contributionsChiesa Del Gesu is an exceptionally beautiful church. It was built sometime in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The outside of the building is nothing like the inside. It looks like a normal church from the street, but as soon as you enter you are transported into another, completely different world. The decoration of this place is nothing short of extraordinary. It is astounding. There is no space inside that has not been covered in some sort of painting or mosaic or sculpture or something! This has to be seen to be truly appreciated.Written 30 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AlbertSalichsManresa, Spain24,422 contributionsQuattro Canti is a square located in the historical Palermo, the main city in Sicily Island. It is a square, where you can see a Renaissance fountain on each side (Quattro Canti = four sides, in English)
It is a very nice place, always full of people, where you can see these fountains and some monuments, which are in the surroundings, especially churches. Very beautiful area to walk and see the city.Written 30 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Dimitris LSydney, Australia54,497 contributionsFontana della Vergogna is a rather large monumental fountain that dominates Piazza Pretoria in Palermo. Interestingly it was originally made in Florence in the mid-16th century, but was later moved to Palermo, where it was re-assembled,, apparently in payment for some sort of debt. The fountain features many nude statues of nymphs, humans, mermaids and satyrs. Sometime ii the 18th century many people were offended by the nudity displayed in the fountain and it was named by some Fontana della Vergogna, or Fountain of shame! How times change! The fountain's name was Pretorian Fountain (as it was located in Piazza Pretoria) but the other name seems to have stuck. It is a really wonderful sculpture and it adds to the beauty of the area.Written 28 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Scalea05Pittsburgh, PA250 contributionsThe church and monastery are amazing sites to see. I would recommend skipping everything else except these. The "bakery" hasn't seen a nun since around 2014. Alledgedly they use the nuns' recipes. Sweets were OVERPRIDCED, overly surgary and not worth it.Written 1 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Related Stories
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.