Experince Palermo

Experince Palermo

Cecilie Rosengreen
This guide is a culmination of my firsthand experience during my 5-day stay in Palermo. It provides you with recommendations and insights on various aspects of the city, including: ⛪ Attractions, 🍝 Restaurants and Sicilian Street food 🛌 Accommodation.
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Attractions in Palermo

Palermo Cathedral
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When in Palermo, a visit to the Cathedral is an absolute must. You have two options: take a leisurely stroll around the stunning building admiring the marvelous details, or enter inside by paying a 7 euro entrance fee. Either way, the Cathedral promises a memorable experience.
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Teatro Massimo
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At this theater, you have two options to enjoy its offerings. You can purchase tickets for captivating performances such as operas, ballets, and concerts, immersing yourself in a memorable experience. Alternatively, if you're not inclined towards the performances, the theater also provides daily guided tours from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, allowing you to explore its rich history and behind-the-scenes wonders.
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Chiesa del Gesù di Casa Professa
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This is one of the most beautiful churches I have visited. The entrance is free, so take 15 minutes to admire the stunning and breathtaking decorations.
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Via Maqueda - Street
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Welcome to Palermo's main street that stretches across the city. This street guides you through various parts of Palermo, unveiling its distinct charms along the way. As you journey along this street, you'll encounter numerous attractions, shops, and restaurants, making it a hub of activity and a prime location for exploration.
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Quattro Canti
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While strolling along Via Maqueda, Palermo's main street, you'll come across a significant intersection that serves as the heart of the city's historic quarters. This intersection marks the boundaries of all four ancient quarters, making it a noteworthy sight not to be missed during your walk along Via Maqueda.
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Fontana Pretoria
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Located near the Quattro Canti, this fountain is conveniently situated. Therefore, I recommend taking a moment to admire it while you are nearby.
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Norman Palace
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The exterior of this palace is truly stunning. Moreover, you have the opportunity to explore the palace's interior by purchasing tickets priced at 15.5 euros.
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Catacombe dei Cappuccini
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The Catacombe dei Cappuccini is situated at a slightly greater distance from the city center compared to other attractions. Nevertheless, it is conveniently reachable on foot. The entrance fee is 5 euros, and you can expect to spend approximately 30 minutes, depending on your pace, exploring the entire underground area.
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Mondello Beach
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For those seeking relaxation, Mondello beach is conveniently located near Palermo city center. You can easily reach the beach by taking bus 806, which typically takes about 30 minutes, though the travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions. It's worth noting that the bus tends to be quite crowded, with both tourists and locals, especially during the summer season. Therefore, there is a possibility that you might need to wait for the next bus if the current one is already full. However, during my visit, I was fortunate enough to secure a spot on the first bus upon reaching the bus stop. To catch the bus, I departed from Liberta' - Croci, 90143, which happens to be the closest bus stop to the city.
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Restaurants in Palermo

NonnAngé Bakery & Coffee Palermo (S.Agostino)
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If you are craving breakfast that differs from the traditional italian espresso and a croissant, I highly recommend this place. They offer a diverse range of breakfast options, including savory and sweet delights like bagels, toast with eggs, pancakes, waffles, and an array of other delectable dishes.
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Otto Breakfast & Grill
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This place offers both breakfast, lunch and dinner. It tends to be highly frequented during the morning hours but becomes relatively less crowded as the day progresses. I personally visited for breakfast which was a very good experience.
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Biga
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For a quick and satisfying light lunch, this food place offers exceptional food options. You can select and enjoy as many pizza slices as you desire. The café has branches located on both Via Maqueda and Via E. Amari. Personally, I found the latter to be the coziest, as it provides a more intimate dining experience away from the constant flow of people along the main street.
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Antica Focacceria San Francesco
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At this restaurant, you can truly immerse yourself in a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially in their charming outdoor square. It's the perfect place to enjoy a delightful lunch, as they offer a rich variety of Sicilian street food delicacies. Alternatively, you can opt for a memorable dinner experience, savoring a diverse selection of Italian dishes.
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Focacceria dei Mercanti
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Do yourself a favor and try this delightful experience of savoring the most delicious sandwiches at this charming small shop. You have the option to select from their thoughtfully crafted pre-composed sandwiches or customize your own, hand-picking the ingredients that perfectly suit your taste preferences. I highly recommend this place for lunch.
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Caddia condivisioni culinarie
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I had the pleasure of enjoying one of the most exceptional pizzas at this restaurant. While the interior of the restaurant may not be particularly remarkable, the outside provides a cozy atmosphere. It's worth noting that evenings tend to be bustling, so anticipate a wait of approximately 20 minutes in line.
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Ristorante La Galleria
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If you're longing for a delightful evening of delectable pasta and wine, I highly recommend paying a visit to this restaurant. Their extensive wine menu offers a wide selection of Sicilian wines for you to savor. However, it's important to note that due to its popularity, the restaurant tends to fill up quickly. I suggest reserving a table several days in advance to ensure a memorable dining experience.
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Sicilian Street food

Sicily boasts an array of incredible street food options that are a must-try when visiting Palermo. Here are some delectable treats, ranging from general Italian street food to specific Sicilian delicacies:

Aranini:

Fried rice balls with a choice of filling (a personal favorite of mine).

Crocchè:

Mashed potatoes mixed with eggs, mozzarella cheese, and parsley.

Sicilian Cannoli:

Deep-fried pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta, available in various flavors.

Pannelle:

Crispy fritters made from chickpea flour.

Brioche con gelato: 

Ice cream nestled within a soft brioche bun, typically enjoyed for breakfast.

Sfincione: 

Focaccia dough topped with a flavorful garlic and herb-infused tomato sauce, accompanied by various toppings.

Stigghiola: 

Skewered and grilled lamb, goat, or chicken intestines wrapped around onions or leeks.

Hotels in Palermo

When visiting a new city, it can be challenging to determine the best areas for accommodation. To assist you, I have compiled a list of 5 hotels located in the center of Palermo. These hotels typically offer rates around 100 euros per night, though prices may vary depending on the season.

Residenza del Castillo
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This hotel has an amazing location right next to the Norman Palace. By staying here, you'll have the convenience of exploring Palermo and its attractions with just a short walk. The host of the hotel is known for their exceptional hospitality and willingness to provide valuable local tips and advice. Their kindness and helpfulness add an extra touch of warmth to your stay.
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Suk Ballarò
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Situated in the heart of Palermo's historic center, this hotel enjoys a prime location on one of the most charming streets in the city. Next to the hotel, you'll find the vibrant Ballaro market, offering a lively and authentic experience. Just a few blocks away lies the breathtaking Chiesa del Gesù di Casa Professa, a must-visit church. Conveniently, all of Palermo's attractions are within easy reach with just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. Furthermore, the hotel provides the added convenience of free parking nearby, making it an ideal choice if you have a car.
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Politeama Luxury Suites
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While slightly distanced from the historic center, this accommodation is conveniently situated closer to the modern part of Palermo, including the bustling shopping street. Despite the location, what truly sets this place apart is the exceptional host who goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. Their outstanding hospitality and willingness to assist surpass expectations, making your experience truly remarkable.
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Vicolo del vento "stanza scirocco"
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This hotel has a unique advantage of being situated in a tranquil area while still providing easy access to all of Palermo's attractions within walking distance. The rooms are well-appointed and equipped with a variety of amenities, including a coffee machine and a hairdryer. For those arriving by bus from the airport, this hotel is especially convenient, as it is located in close proximity to the airport bus stop, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
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Antica Palermo
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Situated in the heart of the historic center, this apartment offers a prime location near the vibrant Ballaro market. It features a compact tea kitchen, allowing you to prepare light meals and snacks at your convenience. Conveniently, free parking is available nearby, providing the option to bring your own car into the city. The host is known for his warm hospitality, providing valuable advice and recommendations on local attractions and dining experiences.
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