Palermo 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Palermo

Morning

  • Arrive at Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) and take a taxi or bus to your accommodation in the city center
  • Check-in to Hotel Ucciardhome or similar, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Palermo
  • Start your day with a traditional Sicilian breakfast at Caffè Internazionale, try their famous cannoli and coffee

Afternoon

  • Visit the Palazzo dei Normanni (Norman Palace), a stunning example of Norman architecture and one of Palermo’s most iconic landmarks
  • Explore the adjacent Cattedrale di Palermo (Palermo Cathedral), a beautiful blend of Arab, Byzantine, and Norman styles
  • Wander through the bustling streets of the Vucciria Market, a historic marketplace offering fresh produce, street food, and souvenirs

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at La Kalsa, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Sicilian cuisine with a modern twist
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Piazza della Vittoria, admiring the beautiful fountain and historic buildings

Things to Know

  • Palermo is known for its vibrant street art, keep an eye out for colorful murals and graffiti throughout the city
  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the markets and streets of Palermo, it’s all part of the charm!

Transportation

  • Taxi: readily available at the airport and around the city
  • Bus: efficient public transportation system with routes covering most areas of the city

Tips

  • Try to avoid visiting during peak summer months (July-August) when temperatures can be extremely high
  • Don’t drink tap water, stick to bottled or filtered water

Day 2: Palermo’s Coastal Charm

Morning

  • Start the day with a scenic walk along the Foro Italico, a picturesque waterfront promenade offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea
  • Visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale “Antonino Salinas”, a museum housing an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts from Sicily and beyond

Afternoon

  • Head to Mondello Beach, a popular beachside neighborhood with a beautiful sandy beach, lively atmosphere, and plenty of seafood restaurants
  • Take a boat tour or simply enjoy the views from the shore at La Gadir (The Gulf), a picturesque bay surrounded by hills and mountains

Evening

  • Dine at Ristorante La Bougainville, serving fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting
  • Enjoy the sunset at Piazza Marina, a charming square with beautiful views of the sea

Things to Know

  • Mondello Beach can get crowded during peak summer months, consider visiting early or later in the day for a more relaxed atmosphere
  • Be sure to try some fresh seafood while in Palermo, it’s a staple of the local cuisine!

Day 3: Historical Landmarks and Street Food

Morning

  • Visit the Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti, a beautiful Norman church with stunning mosaics and a tranquil atmosphere
  • Explore the Palazzo Abatellis, a 15th-century palace housing the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia, featuring an impressive collection of Sicilian art

Afternoon

  • Wander through the historic Ballarò Market, one of Palermo’s oldest and most vibrant markets, offering street food, fresh produce, and souvenirs
  • Sample some of Palermo’s famous street food at Focacceria Manzone, try their delicious panelle (chickpea fritters) or arancini (stuffed rice balls)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Trattoria al Vecchio Club Rosanero, a cozy trattoria serving traditional Sicilian dishes
  • Take in the lively atmosphere of Piazza Castelnuovo, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and street performers

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos at Ballarò Market, it’s all part of the experience!
  • Try to avoid eating at touristy restaurants, instead opt for local trattorias or street food stalls for an authentic taste of Palermo

Day 4: Day Trip to Monreale and Cefalù

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Monreale, a charming hilltop town famous for its stunning Norman cathedral and beautiful mosaics
  • Visit the Duomo di Monreale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sicily’s most breathtaking landmarks

Afternoon

  • Head to Cefalù, a picturesque coastal town with a stunning medieval old town, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere
  • Explore the Cattedrale di Cefalù, a beautiful Norman cathedral with impressive mosaics and stunning views of the sea

Evening

  • Return to Palermo and enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Taverna dei Quattro Cantoni, serving traditional Sicilian cuisine in a cozy setting
  • Take a leisurely stroll through Piazza Bologni, a charming square surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops

Things to Know

  • Monreale and Cefalù can be reached by public transportation or private car, consider hiring a driver for the day for maximum flexibility
  • Be sure to try some of Cefalù’s famous granita (a Sicilian-style slushy) while you’re in town!

Day 5: Markets and Gardens

Morning

  • Visit the Mercato di Capo, one of Palermo’s largest and most vibrant markets, offering fresh produce, seafood, and souvenirs
  • Explore the Orto Botanico di Palermo, a beautiful botanical garden featuring an impressive collection of plants and trees from around the world

Afternoon

  • Wander through the charming streets of the Kalsa neighborhood, known for its historic buildings, quaint shops, and lively atmosphere
  • Visit the Galleria d’Arte Moderna “Empedocle Restivo”, a modern art museum featuring an impressive collection of contemporary Sicilian art

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Ristorante La Casa dei Quattro Venti, serving innovative Sicilian cuisine in an elegant setting
  • Take one last stroll through the streets of Palermo, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and colorful street art

Things to Know

  • Be sure to bargain at the markets, it’s all part of the fun!
  • Consider purchasing some local products, such as olive oil or ceramics, as souvenirs to take back home

I hope you enjoy your trip to Palermo!