Best places to visit in Palermo, Sicily

The city of Palermo is a testament to its medieval origins and the influence of different cultures arriving in Sicily over the centuries.

There are four historic districts within the city, but over time, significant events have complicated matters. Boundaries have become blurred, and as a result, the whole city is a fascinating destination to explore.

From the old town to the new, from where people live to where castles overlook the sea, this is a place of contrasts and texture, which you can discover with our guide to Palermo’s best neighborhoods.

We’ve left no stone unturned when it comes to giving you all the fun, exciting, relaxing and calming things areas to explore here in Palermo. Whether you’re wondering where to grab a bite to eat or looking to fill your itinerary with must-see landmarks, our guide to this fascinating city is one every traveler should read.

Vecchio Centro

Those blurred boundaries could be seen as a tad confusing – is this part of town called Vecchio Centro or Borgo Vecchio? Where does it begin and end? Who decides these things? However, this is one of the pleasures of discovering Palermo – you can fall in love with the patchwork history of this hidden gem in Sicily's crown.

Palermo was heavily bombed during World War II, and some areas are still in the throes of redevelopment. These re-emerging neighborhoods are part of Palermo’s rich tapestry as much as the Baroque palaces and grand piazzas the city has become famous for.

You’ll see numerous tempting trattoria in this part of the city,  where you can stop for lunch or dinner – and brilliant gelato places for a refreshing snack on sunny days.

After a tasty bite to eat, possibly soaking up the incredible views, head to the Ballaro market. This diverse street market, selling fresh, local produce and delicacies, is located on the south side of the city and is the most famous market here in Palermo.

Castellammare

Another part of the historic center that endured extensive bombing during World War II is  Castellammare. This district takes its name from the fortress that once stood here – nicknamed the ‘castle in the sea’. It was demolished in 1922 when the city wanted to expand its port. Despite the extensive remodeling over the past century, this part of the city is still packed with ancient buildings, resilient against the onslaught of time.

Stroll down the street close to Piazza San Domenico to see the bustling Vucciria market. Early risers will be rewarded since the market is already trading fresh seafood by 4am. It’s heaving with people only a few hours later, as both visitors and locals alike fill the colorful market and vendor booths. The range on offer is incredible, and if you’re confident enough, haggling is a tradition that has been long-established during the market’s 700-year history. If you’re self-catering, this is the place to get wonderful meat, pungent porcini, and earthy vegetables.

Before leaving, dip into some of the medieval churches, like the Santa Maria La Nova and San Giorgio dei Genovesi. The stucco sculptures of the Oratorio del Rosario di Santa Cita may be the highlight. Famed Italian sculptor Giacomo Serpotta carved the ornate cupids and angels in the late 17^th and early 18^th centuries – a wonderful gift from the past.

New City

While Palermo’s new city has crumbling sections, there’s a clear separation between the lovingly muddled cobbled streets of the old city and the wider boulevards of this more modern district. If you were to choose a spot that marks the end of one and the start of the other, it would probably be Teatro Massimo, the opera house on Piazza Verdi.

If you look closely enough on Piazza Verdi and Piazza Castelnuovo, you’ll find haunting remnants of how elegant this neighborhood truly was before redevelopment.

The new area still has swagger though, especially on Viale della Liberta. If you’re planning on shopping for Italian classics and designer labels, this is the best part of town to be. Plus, it boasts a plentiful choice of cafes to relax at, too.

Il Capo

As a section of the historic center, Il Capo has its own bustling market where locals and tourists can sample the best of Palermo’s delicacies. Mercato del Capo runs along Via Sant’Agostino. Along with the sparkling fish, fragrant olives and aroma of freshly baked bread, you’ll also find household goods that make it a local magnet. It’s a market with roots deep in the past, a place for trading back when the Arabs held Palermo, and once again after the Normans ousted them.

The Teatro Massimo sits at the junction between Il Capo and the new town. If you’re an opera or classical music fan, you should book ahead to see a show in this grand building.

Alternatively, step into two more of the neighborhood’s highlights – the Chiesa dell’Immacolata Concezione and the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino. The latter church was built in the 13th-century, with additions in the 17^th, including notable stuccowork by Giacomo Serpotta.

If hunger calls, grab some arancini or chickpea fritters, known as panelle, from the street food stalls in the market.

La Kalsa

Once a rundown neighborhood with a distinctly Arabian feel stretching back a thousand years, in the last decade La Kalsa has been revived and gentrified. Not beyond recognition, however. It retains the rough and ready charm that the Palermitani are known for – but enough to make it a great place to explore and hang out.

There are several Palazzos in the area, of varying age, splendor, and condition, including the Palazzo Abatellis, where you’ll find the exceptional Galleria Regionale della Sicilia.

The market here on Via Lattarini is distinct from the others in Palermo, having once been a souk and then a spice market. Now, it has taken on a more Sicilian feel, with plenty of clothing stalls mixed in with the food and spices. If that’s got your mouth watering, sit street-side at Trattoria da Salvo on Via Torremuzza and enjoy a plate of barbecued seafood straight from the market. Here in the heart of ancient Palermo, it just won’t do to get too modern.

The Port of Palermo

When in Palermo, a trip to the main port and marina is definitely worth it. Seafood-lovers can rejoice, as the area is lined with Sicilian restaurants serving fresh shellfish dishes along the waterfront.

After a bite to eat, soak up the atmosphere with a relaxing walk along the docks. You can even check out some of the local water sports and activities on offer, including sailing, fishing and coastal hikes.

Ready to explore more of Palermo’s neighborhoods? Get inspired for your trip with our guide to three perfect days in Palermo.