Three Perfect Days in Palermo, Sicily
Best Things to See & Do in Palermo
Palermo is a city full of energy and of contrasts. Centuries-old cathedrals stand next to abandoned buildings covered in graffiti. The markets are busy with colorful produce and crispy fried arancini. And, just beyond the city center, the coastline offers glimpses of run down tuna canneries as well as breathtaking views. This three-day itinerary blends culture, food, wine, and time on the water - offering a balanced, memorable way to explore Sicily’s capital.
Arrival Day
We took a short taxi ride from the Palermo airport to the heart of the city, where we arrived at our Airbnb. It was extremely spacious, centrally located, and nice and cool thanks to air conditioning, which was a bonus in the July heat. Fighting jet lag, we slid into Sicily-mode the best way we know how: by wandering through winding streets and enjoying our first meal of pizza and Sicilian wine at Forno Santa Maria.
DAY 1 - Street Food & Palermo’s History
Morning - Food Tour
As we often do, we began our official first day with a guided food tour, which also included a lot of history about this ancient city. The tour was a good introduction to Palermo, though not the most memorable we’ve done. If you choose a food tour, look for a guide who keeps groups small (8 or fewer), and someone who is local and passionate about the city’s history and food.
What we tasted:
1st Stop: We started at Capo Market (Mercado del Capo), a famous outdoor market that is definitely worth a visit. We feasted on fried calamari, caponata, focaccia, and crispy cheese, a small sampling of the local street food.
2nd Stop: After a lot of walking (thankfully), we got to try the famous arancini. All flavors - ragu, spinach & cheese, ham & béchamel - were delicious.
3rd Stop: We finished at Santa Caterina Bakery, housed inside a centuries-old monastery once home to cloistered nuns (1311–2014). The selection of delicious desserts - tarts, granita, and enormous cannoli - was impossible to pass up even after all we had eaten.
What we saw:
Palermo Cathedral – Originally built in 1184, this cathedral has been modified over centuries. The result is a striking mix of Arab, Norman, and Gothic influences. We didn’t go inside, but tickets are available if you want to tour the building or climb to the roof for panoramic city views.
Fontana Pretoria – One of Palermo’s most iconic landmarks, located in the heart of the historic city center, large enough to fill the Piazza Pretoria. It was built in the 16th century and took nearly 30 years to complete. Although originally designed for the gardens of Peter of Toledo in Florence, the statue was purchased by Sicily. Many people in the city objected to the nude statues, leading to its nickname, “Fountain of Shame”.
Wall of Legality – This mural is a moving tribute to anti-mafia heroes who lost their lives fighting for justice. Included on the wall are the faces of renowned judges Falcone and Borsellino. Words under each image share the individual’s powerful thoughts on confronting organized crime.
Afternoon - Wander & Shop
There are endless shops, restaurants, and bars lining the streets of Palermo, which makes wandering aimlessly a perfect way to spend the afternoon. We strolled around, stopping in many stores along the way, discovering these two favorites:
Nana Aristova - A small beautiful store with unique and affordable handmade jewelry. We bought a few pieces and both were thoughtfully wrapped and included a mini scroll with an inspiring message. (Corso Vittorio Emanuele 314, 90134 )
Il Vecchio Mobile - An amazing consignment store and family-run business that was founded in the 90s and offers a range of antique furniture, crystal, vintage bags, and clothing. (Via Roma, 419, 90139)
Evening - Dinner at Rosario d’Arpa Buffa
See Where to Eat and in Palermo for details.
DAY 2 - A Day on the Sea
Morning/Afternoon - Boat Tour
If we’re staying near the water, you’ll almost always find us on a boat. These days have become some of our favorite memories. We originally booked a private tour, but ended up being paired with a small group. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise—we made new friends, and the day felt relaxed and personal.
There are a range of options - from short site-seeing tours to longer swim/snorkel adventures. We opted for this one and had a wonderful day. Our captain, Giuseppe, was so kind and knowledgeable. He was eager for us to fall in love with his home, which we all did. As we cruised up and down Palermo’s coast, we stopped five times to swim in the warm, clear water, including two caves and the most peaceful, private cove, which was Giuseppe’s spiritual getaway. He packed us sandwiches and provided us with water and prosecco throughout the trip.
Evening - Dinner at Osteria Pane e Alivi + Dessert at Cappadonia Gelati
See Where to Eat and Drink in Palermo for details.
DAY 3 - A Must-Visit Sicilian Winery
Morning - Palermo’s Iconic Sites + Paninis
Palazzo dei Normanni – Discover Sicily’s royal history in one stunning complex.
Teatro Massimo – Tour Italy’s largest opera house and if you’re lucky, catch a live orchestra rehearsal!
Focacceria dei Mercanti – Grab lunch at this favorite spot for local focaccia and stuffed sandwiches.
Afternoon - Sallier de la Tour Winery Visit
Just 35 minutes outside the city, you’ll find Sallier de la Tour, a winery that is part of the Tasca d’Almerita family of estates. They arranged a car service for us, making the visit very easy. We opted for a tasting that showcased wines from all five of their Sicilian properties, each one a reflection of the island’s diverse climates and soils. From coastal whites to bold reds grown on volcanic slopes, every wine had a unique story. Our guide, Federico, was fantastic - knowledgeable and warm, creating an experience that was a favorite for our whole family. You can read more about our visit here.
Evening - Dinner at Pizza at Funnaco
See Where to Eat and Drink in Palermo for details.
Final Thoughts
Palermo may be a little rough around the edges, but that’s part of its charm. From food tours and winery visits to captivating architecture and seaside adventures, this city delivers delicious flavors and unforgettable memories.
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