Palermo, Sicily: Markets, Street Food and the Best Things to Do
The best things to do in Palermo, Sicily: Ballarò and Vucciria markets, street food, the Norman Palace, Monreale, Quattro Canti, the catacombs, Mondello and Cefalù.
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Palermo is a city of layers: Phoenician, Arab, Norman, Spanish and Baroque, all crammed into a chaotic, beautiful port on Sicily's north coast. It has some of Italy's best street food, golden mosaics, noisy markets and a beach just 20 minutes away. Here's how to enjoy it.
Markets and street food
1. Ballarò market
Palermo's oldest market is a feast of sound and colour: vendors shouting prices, fish on ice, mountains of fruit and stalls frying snacks. Go in the morning.
2. Vucciria and Capo
The Vucciria comes alive at night with street food and bars; the Capo market is a good morning alternative.
3. Street food
Try arancine, panelle, crocchè, sfincione and, if you're brave, pani câ meusa. Finish with a cannolo or a brioche filled with granita or gelato. A street food tour is a fun way to taste everything.
History and architecture
4. The Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel
The Palazzo dei Normanni houses the Cappella Palatina, covered in glittering Byzantine mosaics – one of the most beautiful rooms in Italy. Palermo's Arab-Norman monuments are a UNESCO site.
5. Monreale Cathedral
Just above the city, Monreale's cathedral has more than 6,000 square metres of gold mosaics and a beautiful cloister.
6. Quattro Canti and Piazza Pretoria
The Baroque crossroads of Quattro Canti and the nearby Fontana Pretoria, with its naked statues once called the "Fountain of Shame", are at the heart of the old town.
7. Teatro Massimo
Italy's largest opera house featured in The Godfather Part III. Take a guided tour or catch a performance.
8. The Capuchin Catacombs
Not for the faint-hearted: thousands of mummified bodies, dressed in their clothes, line the corridors beneath a Capuchin monastery.
Beaches and day trips
9. Mondello
Palermo's beach suburb has fine white sand and turquoise water, with Art Nouveau villas along the seafront.
10. Cefalù
An hour east by train, Cefalù combines a Norman cathedral, a medieval centre and a sandy beach. See our pick of Italy's hidden gems.
Practical tips
- Getting there: fly to Palermo, or take the overnight train from Rome or a ferry from Naples – see our Naples guide.
- Driving: avoid driving in the centre; parking is difficult.
- Best time: spring and autumn; summer is very hot.
- Nearby islands: ferries and flights connect Sicily with Malta – see our Malta guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Palermo?
Three days covers the historic centre, markets and Monreale, with time for a beach afternoon at Mondello. Add a day for Cefalù.
What food is Palermo famous for?
Street food: arancine (rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters), sfincione (Sicilian pizza), pani câ meusa (spleen sandwich) and cannoli.
Is Palermo safe?
Palermo is generally safe for tourists. Take normal precautions against pickpockets in markets and on buses.
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