Palermo-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo

Morning

  • Arrive at Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO)
  • Take a taxi or bus (ALIBUS) to the city center
  • Check-in at Hotel Plaza Opera (via dei Mille, 12 - 90133 Palermo PA), a 4-star hotel in the heart of the city

Afternoon

  • Visit the stunning Palazzo dei Normanni (Norman Palace), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Hours: 9am-7pm (April-October), 9am-5pm (November-March)
    • Admission: €12, free for children under 18
  • Explore the adjacent Cattedrale di Palermo (Palermo Cathedral)

Evening

  • Head to Piazza Politeama, a beautiful square with a stunning baroque theater and plenty of street performers
  • Grab dinner at Antica Focacceria San Francesco (Via dei Mille, 134 - 90133 Palermo PA), a historic bakery serving delicious focaccias and other Sicilian specialties

Things to know:

  • Be prepared for crowded streets and narrow alleys in the city center
  • Don’t miss the lively street performers and musicians that fill the air with music and energy

Day 2: History and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale “Antonio Salinas” (Via del Parlamento, 1 - 90133 Palermo PA), a museum showcasing ancient artifacts from Sicily
    • Hours: 9am-7pm (April-October), 9am-5pm (November-March)
    • Admission: €8, free for children under 18

Afternoon

  • Explore the Mercato di Ballarò, one of the oldest markets in Palermo
    • Hours: 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm (daily)
    • Try some fresh seafood or local produce at a food stall
  • Visit the Chiostro dei Benedettini, a beautiful cloister with a peaceful atmosphere

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at La Kalsa, a restaurant serving modern Sicilian cuisine in a cozy, upscale setting
  • Explore the lively nightlife of Quartiere di La Kalsa, a charming neighborhood with plenty of bars and clubs

Transportation:

  • Use public buses (ALIBUS or AMAT) to get around the city
  • Consider renting a bike for a more relaxed pace

Day 3: Beach Day

Morning

  • Take a short bus ride to Playa di Mondello, a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters and golden sand
    • Hours: 9am-7pm (daily)
    • Admission: free, but parking costs €5-10

Afternoon

  • Relax on the beach or try some water sports like snorkeling or kayaking
  • Grab lunch at La Terrazza, a beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and local specialties

Evening

  • Head back to Palermo and enjoy dinner at Caffè di Giorgio, a historic café with a cozy atmosphere
  • Explore the charming neighborhood of Quartiere di Kalsa in the evening, when it’s less crowded

Tips:

  • Don’t miss the beautiful sunsets at Piazza Politeama
  • Be prepared for crowds and noise in the city center, especially during peak tourist season

Day 4: Street Food and Markets

Morning

  • Visit the famous Ballarò Market, one of the oldest markets in Palermo
    • Hours: 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm (daily)
    • Try some fresh seafood or local produce at a food stall

Afternoon

  • Explore the Mercato di Capo, another historic market with plenty of street food and local specialties
    • Hours: 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm (daily)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Caffè Sicilia, a cozy café serving delicious street food and local cuisine
  • Explore the lively nightlife of Quartiere di Ballarò

Transportation:

  • Use public buses (ALIBUS or AMAT) to get around the city
  • Consider renting a bike for a more relaxed pace

Day 5: Last Day in Palermo

Morning

  • Visit the stunning Basilica del San Francesco di Assisi, a beautiful church with intricate mosaics and stunning architecture
    • Hours: 9am-12pm and 3pm-6pm (daily)

Afternoon

  • Explore the charming neighborhood of Quartiere di La Kalsa in the afternoon, when it’s less crowded
  • Grab lunch at La Piazzetta, a cozy café with delicious street food and local specialties

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Ristorante Il Giardino, a beautiful restaurant serving modern Sicilian cuisine in a peaceful setting
  • Head to the airport or continue your journey from Palermo