Hotels in Palermo

Palermo, Italy is a centre of culture with its rich heritage of art and architecture. The place is full of churches and monuments displaying a beautiful mix of Western, Islamic, and Byzantine styles. Top attractions include the Capella Palatina and the Palazzo dei Normanni.

Beaches also abound the city outskirts for a more relaxing atmosphere. And food! You’ll never get enough of the local delicacies that will make you scream “Mamma mia!” All in all, Palermo will give you the authentic Italian experience without the crowded feeling of Florence, Rome, and Venice.

How to Get There

The Palermo Airport (aka Falcone-Borsellino Airport) is approximately 35 kilometres from the city proper of Palermo. The four-level terminal serves both national and international flights, so expect to arrive at a busy airport.

From the airport, there’s a Prestia e Comande shuttle service to the city. You can also take the Trinacria Express train to get to the city in an hour. Taxi services are available, but not advised as they usually overcharge tourists. A more convenient way is to book a door-to-door transfer from the airport to your accommodation anywhere in Palermo, Italy.

Getting Around

The transportation system in Palermo harmonizes with the city’s antediluvian architecture: it’s prehistoric and outdated. It’s the only major problem you’ll encounter on your tour. The buses are never on time. You’ll need to wake up earlier than usual to make sure you remain on schedule with your plans for the day.

Taxis are more reliable, but they’re usually overpriced. The subway stops only on a few tourist spots in Palermo, Italy, so you still need to take another ride to get to where you want It’s recommended to rent a car for a hassle-free way to get around the city.

Top Things to Do

The city is rife with ancient cathedrals, historic palaces, and grandiose theatres. One of the most important and most visited tourist spots in Palermo, Italy is the Palermo Cathedral. The magnificent Norman architecture was built in 1184 to surpass the Cathedral of Monreale, so just imagine how big and extravagant this place is. Its exterior is as impressive as its interior which is adorned with gold, silver, and ivory. We suggest you go to the terraces at the top to see the city of Palermo in all its glory.

Other notable tourist spots in Palermo, Italy are the Capella Palatina, La Martorana, the San Giovanni Degli Eremiti, the Fontana Pretoria, and the Quattro Canti. Looking for more immersive things to do in Palermo, Italy? Visit the Mondello Beach or the San Vito Lo Capo and feel the relaxing coolness of Mediterranean waters.

Take a stroll at the food markets of Ballaro, Capo, and Vucciria which aren’t far from the main tourist attractions. Street vendors and shop fronts selling cakes, pastries, vegetables, and other local food abound these locations.

Meanwhile, take the beauty of Palermo back with you by learning to cook traditional dishes. Local cooks offer 4 to 6 hours of cooking lessons which start by shopping for fresh ingredients at nearby markets. You won’t instantly become a master chef contender but at least you’ll learn Sicilian culinary secrets you won’t find anywhere.

What to Eat

For snacks, try some Sfincione, Frittola, or Stigghiola. Street vendors sell them all over the city. Of course, you wouldn’t want to miss eating authentic Sicilian pizza. Frida, Perciasacchi, Tredicisette, Graziano, and Ciccio Passami L’olio are the best restaurants to grab a bite. Did we mention that Palermo is a pastry and dessert heaven? The Torta Setteveli, Cassata Siciliana, and Sicilian ice cream will surely satisfy your cravings for sweet food.

But the star here is the famous Sicilian Cannoli – a sumptuous serving of sweetened ricotta cheese squeezed inside a crispy cannolo. Pasticceria Costa and Pasticceria Cappello are two of the best places that serve fresh Sicilian Cannoli, so make sure to make a stop here.

Nightlife

Although an ancient city like Palermo is full of old buildings and historic ruins, it hosts one of the best night activities in all of Italy. In the city proper, you’ll find a slew of bars, clubs, and restaurants still open after sundown. It’s easy to experience a scenic view of the city while enjoying a scoop of ice cream at a posh café.

But if you want to get more acquainted with the city’s culture, head to the Old Town district. You can drink, dance, and let loose amidst the architectural wonders of the area. Craving for a bit more adventure? Brave the bustling alleys of the Vucciria Market and you’ll surely have an unforgettable experience eating street food and drinking from one shop to another.

Where to Stay

Tourists usually visit the Mondello, Old Town, and Politeama/Libertà districts, so its best to look at Palermo, Italy hotels that are near these areas. The Politeama/Libertà area is the safest and most convenient for travellers. The famous tourist spots in Palermo, Italy are walking distance from upscale accommodations here. Alternative modes of transportation are also easier to get here.

The Old Town district houses the cathedrals and monuments in the city. Stay here if you want to immerse in the history and culture of Palermo and wake up to the sight of remnants from an ancient civilization.

If you love seas and sandy beaches, the Mondello district is the place to be. The downside is it’s quite far from the city centre and public transportation is hard to come by. Aside from hotels in Palermo, Italy, there are also B&Bs and furnished apartments that give a homier feel that takes you closer to the culture of the city.

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