Travel guide · Italy
Palermo: what to see and when to go
Palermo is Sicily's capital, a crossroads of Arab, Norman and Baroque history with some of Italy's best street food. Its markets, golden mosaics and crumbling palazzi make it raw and fascinating, and the beach at Mondello is 20 minutes away.
What to see and do in Palermo
Ballarò and Vucciria markets
Stalls of fish, spices and street food such as panelle and arancine.
Palatine Chapel and Monreale
Arab-Norman golden mosaics, part of a UNESCO route across the city and Monreale.
Cathedral and Quattro Canti
The cathedral's rooftop walk and the Baroque crossroads at the heart of the old town.
Teatro Massimo
Italy's largest opera house, with guided tours during the day.
Mondello and Cefalù
The city's white-sand beach, and a medieval seaside town an hour away by train.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Jun – Sep.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 3 hr | ≈ €180 · See flights |
| New York | 9 hr, 45 min | ≈ €530 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 14 hr, 15 min | ≈ €630 · See flights |
| Dubai | 6 hr | ≈ €350 · See flights |
| Singapore | 13 hr, 15 min | ≈ €610 · See flights |
| Sydney | 21 hr, 30 min | ≈ €800 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €350 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Italy
- Currency
- Euro
- Good for
- food · sea · culture · city
- How long to stay
- 2–3 days
- Where to stay
- The Kalsa or around Via Maqueda to walk everywhere; Politeama for a calmer, more modern base.Find a place to stay in Palermo
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Palermo, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €180 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Palermo (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Palermo and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Jun – Sep. Average highs range from 15° in January to 32° in July.
How many days do you need in Palermo?
2 to 3 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Palermo cost?
Accommodation runs at around €60 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €350 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 3 hr.
Where should you stay in Palermo?
The Kalsa or around Via Maqueda to walk everywhere; Politeama for a calmer, more modern base.
