Palermo 7 Day Itinerary

Palermo 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Centre

Morning

  • Arrive at Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) and take a taxi or bus to your accommodation
  • Check-in to your hotel or B&B in the city centre, such as Hotel Plaza Opera or B&B Palermo Centro

Afternoon

  • Visit Palazzo dei Normanni ( Norman Palace), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal palace
  • Explore the adjacent Cattedrale di Palermo (Palermo Cathedral)
  • Wander through the vibrant streets of the historic centre, taking in the sights and sounds of the city

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Sicilian cuisine at Antica Focacceria Manzone, a historic bakery and restaurant
  • Take an evening stroll along Via Maqueda, one of Palermo’s main shopping streets

Day 2: Markets and Street Food

Morning

  • Visit the bustling Ballarò Market, one of Palermo’s oldest and most famous markets
  • Try some street food, such as arancini (stuffed rice balls) or pani ca’ meusa (sandwiches filled with anchovies and caciocavallo cheese)

Afternoon

  • Explore the charming Kalsa neighbourhood, known for its narrow streets and picturesque piazzas
  • Visit the Museo Internazionale delle Marionette (International Puppet Museum), showcasing Sicilian puppetry traditions

Evening

  • Dine at La Kalsa, a restaurant serving modern Sicilian cuisine in a historic setting
  • Enjoy a drink at Caffè Sicilia, a popular spot for coffee and people-watching

Day 3: Beach Day and Mondello

Morning

  • Take bus number 806 from Palermo city centre to Mondello, a nearby beach town (approximately 30 minutes)
  • Relax on Mondello’s sandy beach, surrounded by picturesque villas and lush gardens

Afternoon

  • Visit the stunning Villa Igiea, a historic villa turned hotel with beautiful gardens
  • Enjoy lunch at Ristorante La Bougainville, serving seafood dishes in a scenic setting

Evening

  • Return to Palermo city centre and enjoy dinner at La Rosanera, offering modern Sicilian cuisine
  • Take an evening stroll along the Foro Italico, a scenic waterfront promenade

Day 4: Monreale and Cefalù

Morning

  • Take bus number 389 from Palermo city centre to Monreale (approximately 30 minutes)
  • Visit the stunning Duomo di Monreale (Monreale Cathedral), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its golden mosaics

Afternoon

  • Continue to Cefalù, a charming coastal town approximately 1 hour from Monreale by car or bus
  • Explore Cefalù’s historic centre, featuring narrow streets and picturesque piazzas

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Galleria, serving seafood dishes in a scenic setting
  • Return to Palermo city centre by car or bus (approximately 1 hour)

Day 5: Nature and Wine

Morning

  • Visit the Orto Botanico di Palermo (Palermo Botanical Garden), featuring over 12,000 plant species
  • Explore the scenic Parco della Favorita, a large public park with gardens and walking trails

Afternoon

  • Take a wine tour at Cantina Firdaus, a local winery producing high-quality Sicilian wines
  • Enjoy lunch at the winery, featuring traditional Sicilian dishes paired with their wines

Evening

  • Dine at Ristorante Il Galeone, serving modern Sicilian cuisine in a historic setting
  • Take an evening stroll along Via Libertà, one of Palermo’s main shopping streets

Day 6: Sferracavallo and Ustica

Morning

  • Take bus number 806 from Palermo city centre to Sferracavallo (approximately 30 minutes)
  • Visit the charming fishing village, featuring colourful houses and a picturesque harbour

Afternoon

  • Take a ferry from Sferracavallo to Ustica, a small island approximately 2 hours away
  • Explore Ustica’s scenic coastal paths, beaches, and historic centre

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Pescheria, serving seafood dishes in a scenic setting
  • Return to Palermo city centre by ferry (approximately 2 hours)

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights
  • Check-out of your accommodation and take a taxi or bus to Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) for your departure flight

Things to Know

  • Palermo is a city with a rich history, so be prepared for cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks.
  • The city can be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
  • Sicilian cuisine is famous for its bold flavours and ingredients, such as anchovies, eggplant, and ricotta cheese.

Transportation

  • Palermo has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trams.
  • Taxis are also widely available, but be sure to agree on a fare beforehand.
  • Renting a car is not necessary for exploring Palermo city centre, but may be useful for day trips to nearby towns.

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist attractions.
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak summer months (July-August) if you prefer smaller crowds.
  • Don’t forget to try some of Palermo’s famous street food, such as arancini and cannoli!

Accommodation

  • Hotel Plaza Opera: a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Palermo city centre
  • B&B Palermo Centro: a charming bed-and-breakfast with cozy rooms and a central location

Restaurants

  • Antica Focacceria Manzone: a historic bakery and restaurant serving traditional Sicilian cuisine
  • La Kalsa: a modern restaurant offering creative takes on classic Sicilian dishes
  • Ristorante Il Galeone: a historic restaurant serving modern Sicilian cuisine in a scenic setting