Palermo
Quick Reference Guide:
Where to Stay:
Villa Igiea - ($$$$) gorgeous chateau on the water (feels like you're staying in a castle)
Grand Hotel Wagner - ($$$$) central location between the beach and the town
Palazzo Sovrana - ($$) great view of the Teatro Massimo
Porta Di Castro Boutique Hotel - ($$) pool and spa
Where to Eat:
Chiosco - ($$) aperitivo , casual
Buatta - ($$) traditional, light , Michelin star chef
Gagini - ($$$) fine dining contemporary, Michelin star chef
Solemar - ($$$) trendy, beach club
Al Pontile - ($$) outside of Palermo - Isola delle Femmine
Osteria Mangia e Bevi - ($$) casual small dishes
Lo Strascino - ($$) traditional , casual
Baia Del Corallo - ($$) trendy beach club
Things To Do/See:
Mercato Ballarò – Palermo’s oldest food market—ideal for local street food and atmosphere
La Vucciria Market – A lively night‑time market/bar scene, celebrated as one of the top food hotspots
Palermo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Palermo) – A breathtaking fusion of Arab‑Norman, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, housing royal sarcophagi and a sun meridian line
Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel (Palazzo dei Normanni & Cappella Palatina) – Once the seat of Sicilian kings, boasting stunning Byzantine mosaics
Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele – Italy’s largest opera house with impeccable acoustics; tours and performances available
Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti & San Cataldo – Characteristic red domes reflecting Palermo’s Islamic influences
La Martorana (Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio) – Famous for its opulent mosaics in the Arab‑Norman style
Quattro Canti & Piazza Pretoria – Baroque squares adorned with statues and the elaborate “Fountain of Shame”
Regional Archaeological Museum (Museo Antonino Salinas)
– Premier art gallery in a beautiful 15th‑century palace
Capuchin Catacombs (Catacombe dei Cappuccini) – Macabre yet fascinating display of mummified monks and nobles
Orto Botanico di Palermo & Villa Giulia – Lush green spaces with exotic plants and peacocks
Foro Italico & Piazza Marina – Seafront promenade and charming squares like the ficus‑lined Marina
Must Try Foods:
Arancine / Pane e Panelle
Panino ca' meusa -Try spleen sandwiches, organ skewers, and unique local delicacies
Sfincione
Cannoli - Pasticceria Cappello and Antico Caffè Spinnato