10 Best Things to Do and See in Palermo
Exploring Palermo on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Palermo, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Palermo. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Palermo Cathedral
Palermo Cathedral, in the heart of the city, is one of Sicily’s most iconic landmarks. This vast building impresses with its blend of architectural styles, visible in its facade, towers, and decorative details that reflect the different periods of its history. Inside, visitors find a solemn space, chapels, tombs, and an atmosphere of quiet reflection. From the surroundings, you can also enjoy lovely views over Palermo’s historic center, making it a must-see visit to understand the city’s identity.
2. Quattro Canti
In the heart of Palerme, the Quattro Canti is an iconic Baroque crossroads where two main axes of the historic center meet. Also known as Piazza Vigliena, it draws visitors with its richly decorated symmetrical facades, statues, and carved niches that give the whole square a striking visual harmony. A stop here lets you discover one of the city’s most famous landmarks, perfect for admiring the architecture, watching the lively urban scene, and starting a walk through Palerme’s old streets.
3. Palace of the Normans
The Norman Palace, in Palerme, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for discovering Sicilian heritage. This vast palace, now linked to regional institutions, captivates visitors with its architecture blending multiple influences and its remarkable historic spaces. Visitors can explore ceremonial halls, inner courtyards, and a prestigious artistic collection, with refined decorations that reflect Sicily’s rich past. Located in the historic center, it also offers a striking glimpse into the history and identity of Palerme.
4. Capuchin Catacombs
In Palerme, the Capuchin Catacombs offer a visit that is as unusual as it is striking, in the heart of a vast underground network linked to the former Capuchin convent. Visitors discover corridors lined with human remains, carefully arranged and clothed, bearing witness to local funerary practices and the importance given to remembering the dead. The whole site, both silent and highly distinctive, immerses visitors in an atmosphere of reflection and unease, while revealing a remarkable part of the city’s historical and cultural heritage.
5. Palatine Chapel of Palermo
The Palatine Chapel of Palermo is one of the most remarkable places to visit in the city's historic center. This Catholic church captivates visitors with its solemn atmosphere and richly decorated interior, where shimmering mosaics, fine woodwork and varied artistic influences come together. Inside, you can admire a refined, light-filled setting that reflects the prestige and craftsmanship of the artisans of the time. The visit also reveals the beauty of the architecture and the harmony between styles that make this monument so distinctive.
6. Foro Italico
The Foro Italico in Palerme is a vast seafront promenade, appreciated for its open spaces, views over the gulf, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors will find a long green area ideal for walking, relaxing, and enjoying outdoor activities, with shaded paths, lawns, and benches facing the sea. It is a pleasant place to take a break close to the coastline, admire the coastal scenery, and enjoy a simple, airy setting that is popular with both locals and visitors.
7. Botanical Garden of Palermo
The Palerme Botanical Garden is a vast green space where visitors can discover a wide variety of plants from around the world, displayed along peaceful, well-kept paths. Located in the city, it offers a pleasant stroll among palms, cacti, tropical plants and Mediterranean species, with beautiful viewpoints to admire its botanical richness. It is a popular place to relax, learn to identify different plant families and enjoy a calm setting just a short walk from Palerme city center.
8. Pretoria Fountain
The Pretoria Fountain in Palerme is one of the city’s most famous fountains and a true point of interest for visitors. Set on a lively square in the historic center, it stands out for its many marble sculptures, its series of basins, and its richly ornate design. Here, visitors can admire an elegant and spectacular setting, where the water, decorative figures, and surrounding architecture create a unique atmosphere. It is an ideal place to appreciate Palerme’s artistic heritage and take a break in the heart of the city.
9. Piersanti Mattarella Park (English Garden)
Piersanti Mattarella Park, better known as Giardino Inglese, is a pleasant public park in Palerme where visitors come to enjoy a peaceful green break right in the heart of the city. It features wide shaded paths, lawns, mature trees and flower beds that create a tranquil setting for a walk, a rest or a family outing. The park also offers benches, pleasant viewpoints and a typically urban atmosphere, blending nature and local life. It is a popular place to relax away from the bustle of the nearby streets.
10. Zisa Palace
The Zisa Palace, in Palerme, is one of the most emblematic monuments of Arab-Norman architecture in Sicily. As you discover it, you can admire its elegant façade, harmonious proportions, and decorative features that reflect the island’s blend of cultural influences. Inside, visitors can explore historic rooms and a museum area that offer a better understanding of the lifestyle and refinement of this former residence. The palace also offers a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of a historic urban district.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
