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Free time in Palermo

Posted by michaelsnolan (Lafayette, Indiana) on 08/15/26 02:31 PM

We are on a Rick Steve's tour of Sicily in October. The tour officially begins at 3pm on Tuesday, Oct 06 with a short walking intro to Palermo, a house tour and then dinner. The itinerary states that we spend part of the next day (Wednesday afternoon) in Palermo as well.

We will be arriving at the ferry port in Palermo about 7am on Tuesday after taking the overnight ferry from Naples. We will travel to the hotel, drop off our luggage, have some breakfast, then will have 4-5 hours to wander Palermo before we meet the tour group at 3pm. As stated above, we will also have the next afternoon to wander Naples as well.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to see and do in thar fairly limited time period? We will be staying at the Hotel Ambasciatori right in the historic city center.

I look forward to your ideas. Thanks in advance

Posted by TheOrdinaryRebecca

Michigan

08/15/26 04:19 PM

644 posts

The Capuchin Catacombs

The Palermo Opera House (Teatro Massimo)

There is a sizeable waterfront area with some good restaurants, and the walk down through shopping neighborhoods is fun.

Via Maqueda (?) is a fun street as well. Get some arancini at Ke Palle!

Posted by Jean

Idaho, USA

08/15/26 04:45 PM

10024 posts

Hi, several of us commented on a very similar question. Here’s the link to our responses. Have a great time in Palermo & your tour!

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tours/sicily-before-the-tour

Posted by Roberto da Firenze ⚜

San Francisco Bay Area (USA)

08/15/26 07:39 PM

18092 posts

Below is a good source of info by a local.

https://wearepalermo.com/

Posted by Chris

Minnesota

08/16/26 01:48 PM

1156 posts

If memory serves, the RS tour doesn't include the Capuchin Catacombs so that is definitely a popular option. I guess I'm glad I did it but I did honestly feel a bit like an intruder/voyeur which made me a little uncomfortable.

The prison cells at the Palazzo Chiaramonte are also pretty cool. It's a bit of a walk from the core; near the small boat harbor maybe 3/4 mile east of where your ferry drops off. I don't know if these are on the RS tour.

The Anti-Mafia museum is well worth an hour and fits in as part of a ramble around downtown on either free day.

You're gonna see the Opera on your tour so maybe don't do that.

Posted by awrzesinski

08/17/26 04:04 PM

1452 posts

I get this is how tours work, but I’m always a little surprised with how little of it gets spent in Palermo itself. I’m happy you have some extra time. If I recall correctly, they kind of do a pass over Pizza Bellini, but I’m not sure they go inside Santa Caterina church which is pretty spectacular. Oratorio di San Lorenzo is cool too, and an easy, quick visit. This is near the Kalsa neighborhood, which is worth a wander.

The tour takes you through Ballaro market, but I think all three markets are worth checking out especially Vucciria. The other sites folks mentioned are totally worthwhile, but I never got tired of walking around Palermo. A few hours just exploring will go fast.

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