Ultimate 3-Day Palermo Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Begin your journey at the iconic Palermo Cathedral, a stunning blend of architectural styles and a UNESCO World Heritage site that has watched over the city for centuries.

Palermo Cathedral

Take a short stroll to Quattro Canti, the theatrical Baroque crossroads that form the symbolic heart of the city.

Quattro Canti

Immerse yourself in local life at Ballarò Market, Palermo’s oldest and most colorful street market, famed for its fresh produce and authentic street food.

Ballarò Market

Grab lunch at Antica Focacceria San Francesco, a historic eatery serving beloved Sicilian classics like panelle and arancine since 1834.

Antica Focacceria San Francesco

Catch the golden hour at Piazza Marina, a leafy square lined with grand palazzi and the magnificent Garibaldi Garden.

Piazza Marina

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Osteria dei Vespri, a refined spot in the historic Kalsa district known for modern Sicilian cuisine and an extensive wine list.

Osteria dei Vespri

Marvel at the mosaic masterpieces inside Palazzo dei Normanni (Norman Palace), home to the dazzling Palatine Chapel and centuries of Sicilian history.

Palazzo dei Normanni

Wander to San Giovanni degli Eremiti, a 12th-century church famed for its distinctive red domes and peaceful cloister gardens.

San Giovanni degli Eremiti

Explore the lively Vucciria Market, where the spirit of old Palermo thrives among seafood stalls, local bars, and colorful murals.

Vucciria Market

Enjoy lunch at Trattoria al Vecchio Club Rosanero, a much-loved local spot for traditional Sicilian dishes and a football-themed flair.

Trattoria al Vecchio Club Rosanero

Unwind at Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house—join a guided tour or catch a mesmerizing evening performance if available.

Teatro Massimo

Enjoy a nightcap at Bar Garibaldi, a hip bar with vintage décor and a superb selection of Sicilian craft beers and liqueurs.

Bar Garibaldi

Admire world-class collections at the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia di Palazzo Abatellis, where Renaissance art and Gothic architecture meet in a tranquil setting.

Galleria Regionale della Sicilia di Palazzo Abatellis

Step into the dreamy, fresco-filled Oratorio di San Giovanni degli Agostiniani, a hidden gem with remarkable stuccoes by Serpotta.

Oratorio di San Giovanni degli Agostiniani

Head up to Monte Pellegrino for panoramic views across Palermo and the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea—don’t miss the sanctuary of Santa Rosalia at the summit.

Monte Pellegrino

Descend for a seafood lunch at Trattoria da Enzo near Mondello Beach, a local favorite for fresh catch and seaside ambiance.

Trattoria da Enzo

Relax by the turquoise waters of Mondello Beach, Palermo’s beloved seaside escape, perfect for a sunset stroll or gelato.

Mondello Beach

Finish your Palermo adventure with dinner at Bye Bye Blues, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Mondello specializing in innovative takes on Sicilian seafood.

Bye Bye Blues