Palermo is a crossroads of civilisations: Arabs, Normans, Spanish and Greeks have left their mark in every palace and every dish. The historic centre is a mosaic of noisy markets, Baroque churches and crumbling palaces.
📅 Best time to visit
Spring and autumn. Summer is hot but perfect for the beach.
🏛️ Why visit Palermo
🍽️ Local cuisine
Palermo has Italy's best street food: pane con la milza, arancine, panelle, sfincione and Sicilian cannoli. The Ballarò market is an unmissable culinary experience.
🗺️ Neighbourhoods to explore
Ballarò and Vucciria for historic markets. La Kalsa for churches and galleries. Mondello for the beach. La Zisa for Arab-Norman architecture.
✈️ How to get there
Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO), bus to centre in 50 minutes.
💡 Practical tips
- Visit markets early morning for the authentic atmosphere.
- Take the Arab-Norman UNESCO circuit tour.
- Try a guided street food tour: cheap and full of hidden gems.