What are some ideas for things to do in Palermo? We are flying in 1 day prior to start of tour, so will have some time to explore on our own, hopefully, activities that are not done while with the tour. Thank you for and suggestions!
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2695 posts
Possibly my favorite tour.
Have you checked the suggestions on the tour page?
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/sicily
Oops
I think there used to be suggestions for early arrivals to a tour.
Most people on the forum aren't familiar with the tours, so won't know what is included in the tour.
I enjoyed the Archaeological museum in Palermo on my pre-tour day.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7887 posts
This is what I’m doing during my five days there. I am traveling independently.
Palermo Cathedral
Norman Palace
Go to at least one of the markets, avoiding the spleen sandwich - LOL!
An opera ticket at the Teatro Massimo
Possibly the Anti-Mafia Tour
The Sicilian Pantry cooking class - market & four homemade dishes; excellent reviews
Tour of the Palazzo Conte Federico
A puppet show
Lots of churches!
A day trip out to Monreale
Possibly a day trip out to Cefalu but probably not
Enjoying the city atmosphere & food. : )
I’m definitely having some authentic cannoli, and I want to have at least one Green Coffee at Casa Stagnitta - espresso, pistachio creme, chopped pistachios & whipped cream.
Posted by
2 posts
We are doing the Culinary Backstreets Palermo tour this June. Did one in Lisbon and loved it. They have one almost every day of the week: https://culinarybackstreets.com/tours-food-tours/tours-palermo/2023/savoring-palermo-in-the-markets-and-beyond-tour/
Posted by
1045 posts
The RS tour actually spends very little time in Palermo. I think it hits Ballaro market and Monreale are kind of the big sights, then you’re off. It’s an understandable choice given how much ground the tour covers, but it really does Palermo a disservice. Palermo is one my favorite cities in Europe. It’s a joy to explore. With just the one day, I wouldn’t do much more than walk around. The city center is greatly pedestrianized between Teatro Massimo and Quattro Canti. Use that as your home base and wander off it. See Piazza Bellini and Santa Caterina church (positively boggling.) The Cathedral is also worth a visit. There are three major markets in Palermo and they each have their own personality, Vucirria is a fun time. Oratario di San Lorenzo is a quick visit, and the Kalsa neighborhood nearby is cool and hip. Also, yes you have to try a spleen sandwich, they’re good! Nni Franco U Vastiddaru makes a good one, and is a good spot for your street food forays.
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
290 posts
Don’t forget to try panelle and arancine!
Also make sure to get gelato with a brioche (it might sound weird but it is a delight). Ciccio near the station can be a nice place to go for it.
The markets are great for the food but also fun to be around the locals and the culture. It’s a whole thing. You’ll see. Really fun!
Agree with other posters that Palermo is a great city! Organized chaos in the best way. A little rough around the edges.
Posted by
usa
9 posts
I was in Palermo last year and took two food tours with Streaty. https://www.streaty.com/city/street-food-tours-in-palermo/
I had a great time on both and learned so much about the city. The street food tour was my favorite.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16135 posts
In Italian but you can use Google to translate or just get the names of the sights and further look them up
It covers it all
Posted by
Western Canada
3515 posts
We also did an evening street food tour with Streaty.
It was great, and the guide had grown up in the area so knew a lot of the people in the different food stops.
There is also the Botanic Garden if you want a calm place to walk.
It’s got some great old glasshouses.