What To See In Palermo Italy In One Day

Palermo is a city of striking architecture, pulsating markets and fascinating cultural heritage. To help you squeeze as much as possible out of a one-day visit, here’s what to see and do in the capital of Sicily.

Want to spend a little longer on the island? Join Culture Trip’s expertly curated 10-day trip to Sicily. Led by our Local Insider, you’ll join a small group of culturally curious travellers on an epic adventure, visiting seaside towns, Aeolian islands and the most active volcano in Europe.

Morning

1. Buy fresh produce at Mercato del Capo

Farmers' Market, Street Food

Three boys walk between food stalls in an alleyway at Mercato del Capo in Palermo, Sicily

The markets of Palermo are known for their chaos and noise. Dive in and experience Sicily at its loudest and most frenzied with a morning visit to the Mercato del Capo. Wind your way through stalls piled with local produce, including ruby red tomatoes and types of squash you’ve probably never seen before. For food on the go, have a slab of sfincione (thick-crust Sicilian pizza), or a sandwich filled with salty panelle fritters, made with chickpea flour.

2. Enjoy a coffee break at Casa Stagnitta

Bar, Cafe, Pastries, Italian, Pub Grub

Casa Stagnitta is one of many historic cafes in Palermo and one of the top coffee houses in Sicily. Opened in 1928, it now specialises in expertly brewed, single-origin coffees. It occupies prime real estate in the middle of the historic centre and has a lovely outside seating space – a perfect spot to watch the city wake up. If you’re still feeling peckish after your Mercato del Capo visit, treat yourself to one of the home-made cakes or perhaps a vanilla brioche.

Afternoon

3. Admire the architecture of Palermo Cathedral

Cathedral, Church

A view towards Palermo Cathedral, Sicily, focusing on a statue, clock tower and a basilica

Next, it’s time to visit one of the most renowned buildings in Sicily: Palermo Cathedral. The grand structure was built by the Normans in 1184, but has been augmented over the centuries, resulting in an intriguing mix of architectural styles. First admire the enormous dome, columns and arches on the outside, then head in. It’s free to enter the church, but there’s a small fee to visit the tombs, treasury, crypts and terraces.

4. Get spooked at the Catacombe dei Cappuccini

Museum

Macabre, yes, but a visit to the Catacombe dei Cappuccini (Capuchin Catacombs) provides a fascinating – and spooky – insight into the history of the city. You’ll come face to skull with long-departed friars who served at the connected church of Santa Maria della Pace. The first mummy here was Fra Silvestro da Gubbio, who was interred on 16 October 1599 (per the sign strapped to his chest), but there are now more than 1,250 who call the catacombs home.

Evening

5. Sip seaside cocktails at Mondello Beach

Natural Feature

A view towards Charleston pier from sandy Mondello Beach in Palermo, Sicily, as the tide rolls in

A short bus ride from the town centre is Mondello Beach, a long, sandy stretch with a promenade filled with cafes and restaurants. Find a table with a view and a sea breeze, and order a glass of wine or a spritz while you wait for the sun to set.

6. Take a late-night 'passeggiata' around Quattro Canti

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

End your day in Palermo with an after-dinner stroll – the Italians call it a passeggiata – in the area around Quattro Canti, a crossroads officially called the Piazza Vigliena. Here, the two main roads in Palermo, Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele, intersect. There are also four buildings on each corner, each with a fountain representing one of the four seasons, and a statue of one of the Spanish kings of Sicily.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.