Palermo 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Palermo

Morning:

  • Breakfast at La Buvette del Borgo Vecchio: Located in the heart of Palermo’s old town, this charming cafe serves traditional Sicilian pastries and coffee. (Via Maqueda 136)
  • Visit Capella Palatina: A stunning Norman-style chapel adorned with golden mosaics. It’s one of the most important examples of the Arab-Norman architecture in Palermo. (Piazza Zagarella, 2)
  • Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella della Vergine Adormita: The Royal Palace of Palermo houses the Palatine Chapel and the office of the President of the Italian Republic when they are in Sicily. (Piazza Indipendenza)

Lunch:

  • Ai Malavoglia: A popular restaurant that serves traditional Sicilian dishes, such as caponata, arancini, and seafood pasta. (Via Vittorio Emanuele)

Afternoon:

  • Teatro Massimo: Visit the largest opera house in Italy and take a tour to discover its history and stunning architecture. (Piazza Verdi)
  • Quattro Canti: Admire the Baroque façades of four palaces on the intersection of two main roads, known as the “Four Corners.” (Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 619)
  • Vucciria Market: Wander through this bustling market to experience the local life and try some street food. (Via Vittorio Emanuele, 350/A)

Dinner:

  • Osteria del Sole: A historic restaurant in the heart of Palermo, known for its traditional Sicilian cuisine and warm atmosphere. (Via Maqueda 169)

Day 2: Discovering Palermo’s Art, Culture, and Beaches

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Pasticceria Bottaro: Try the famous Sicilian cannoli or a croissant filled with ricotta cheese. (Via Maqueda 61)
  • Monreale Cathedral and Cloister: Take a short trip to Monreale to visit one of the most impressive examples of Norman architecture in Europe, with its stunning golden mosaics and intricate cloister. (Piazza Duomo, Monreale)

Lunch:

  • Trattoria A Lumi di Luna: Enjoy a lunch with a view at this restaurant located on the rooftop of Palazzo Gangi in the historic center. (Via Vittorio Emanuele 402/A, 3rd floor)

Afternoon:

  • Galleria Regionale della Sicilia: Visit this art gallery to see works by famous artists such as Caravaggio and Raphael. (Piazza Sant’Oronzo)
  • Palermo Zoo: Spend some time at the zoo to see a variety of animals from around the world. (Viale della Libertà, 817)
  • Focal Point Beach: If you have time in the late afternoon, relax on this beautiful beach located just outside Palermo. (Via del Mare, 269/A)

Dinner:

  • Ballaro Vineria e Cucina: This restaurant offers a modern take on Sicilian cuisine and has an extensive wine list. (Via Ballarò 103)

Transportation:

Palermo’s public transportation system includes buses, trams, and the metro. You can also rent bikes or scooters to explore the city more easily. Taxis are also readily available. Keep in mind that driving in Palermo can be hectic, so it might be best to avoid this option if you’re not familiar with Sicilian roads.

Things to Know:

  • Sicily uses the Euro as its currency.
  • Sicilian Arabic is still spoken in some parts of Palermo, and you may hear it when shopping or eating out.
  • Sicily has a rich history and culture, influenced by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, French, and Italians, so there’s much to discover!

Tips:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting churches or religious sites.
  • Try some street food like arancini, panelle, and cazzilli during your visit.
  • Bargaining is common in markets, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices!

Enjoy your trip to Palermo, and remember to take plenty of pictures to capture the city’s beauty and charm!