About Palermo

Palermo is a city of a thousand faces, a crossroads of cultures that is reflected in its architecture, lively markets and unique cuisine.

Walking through the streets of the historic center, you can admire splendid noble palaces such as Palazzo dei Normanni and the Palatine Chapel, the majestic Cathedral and the Pretoria Fountain, also called 'delle Vergogne'.

Getting lost among the colorful stalls of the markets of Ballarò, Vucciria and Capo is an unmissable sensory experience, a dive into the true popular soul of Palermo. Palermo is also art, with its numerous museums and theaters, and an ideal starting point for exploring the natural and historical beauties of Western Sicily.

View Palermo Map
Cattedrale di Palermo
Cattedrale di Palermo
Teatro Massimo
Teatro Massimo
Palazzo dei Normanni
Palazzo Normanni
Cappella Palatina
Cappella Palatina
Chiesa del Carmine Maggiore
Chiesa del Carmine

Things to do

Palermo offers a wide range of activities for all tastes. History and art lovers can visit museums, churches and palaces rich in charm. Those who want to immerse themselves in local life can't miss the experience of historic markets, a true spectacle of colors, sounds and flavors. Nature lovers can enjoy beautiful beaches nearby (Mondello, Sferracavallo) and the possibility of hiking in the mountains (Mount Pellegrino). Don't forget to taste the delicious Palermitan cuisine with its iconic street food and traditional dishes.

💡Click on the cards to visit the official websites

Seasonal Events

Discover the special events that make Palermo even more fascinating during your stay:

🎇

Festino di Santa Rosalia

📅July 14th

The most important event of the year in Palermo, awarded among the best events in the world. A spectacular celebration of the city's patron saint with processions, fireworks and festivities that involve all of Palermo

🎵

Mercurio Festival

📅August - September

Summer festival of music and theater that animates Palermo with shows, concerts and artistic performances in evocative city locations. An unmissable cultural event to experience Palermo's summer

🎭

Ballarò Buskers

📅October

Annual street artists festival held every October just steps away from DorMimmo. A magical event that transforms the neighborhood into an open-air stage with music, shows and artistic performances

🏛️

Le Vie dei Tesori

📅October - November

Cultural festival held between October and November, allowing access to places usually closed to the public: historic palaces, churches, convents, libraries and secret gardens of the city

🏺

Piazza Marina Flea Market

📅Every Sunday 7:00-13:00

Every Sunday from 7 AM to 1 PM, Piazza Marina transforms into a fascinating flea market where you can discover antique objects, curiosities and vintage treasures. An authentic experience for antique lovers

Local Gems

Special places that only true Palermo connoisseurs appreciate:

🍃
Fai Da The
Local Gem
A special tea shop run by a young man who discovers fine teas around the world and brings them to Palermo. Don't miss their Gin Tea, a unique and delicious creation!
📍 Via Maletto, 3 (P.zza San Francesco) 90133 - Palermo
🍽️
Nino u Ballerinu
🏆Street Food
A famous Palermo street food institution, a reference point for those who want to taste authentic traditional street food. Specialties: pane con la meusa, pane e panelle, crocchè. An institution for locals and a must-stop for visitors!
📍 C.so Calatafimi, 90134 Palermo PA or Corso Finocchiaro Aprile 76/78
🍰
Pasticceria Cappello
👑Pastry Shop
One of Palermo's most renowned pastry shops, famous for its Sette Veli, considered among the best in the city! Here you can enjoy many other delicious sweets from Sicilian tradition.
📍 Via Colonna Rotta, 68, 90134 Palermo PA
🏛️
I Segreti del Chiostro
Monastery
A magical place where nuns inside a monastery create traditional sweets made with heart. Their cannoli are the house specialty, prepared according to ancient recipes passed down through generations.
📍 Via Santa Chiara, 60, 90134 Palermo PA

Main Attractions

The iconic places that make Palermo a unique city in the world

Norman Palace

Norman Palace

A historic palace that represents the historic heart of Palermo

Palatine Chapel

Palatine Chapel

The royal imperial Palatine Chapel is a Sicilian-Norman style basilica, consecrated in 1140 by King Roger II of Sicily

Cathedral

Cathedral

Duomo or Cathedral of Palermo, is the main Catholic place of worship in the city of Palermo

Massimo Theatre

Massimo Theatre

The Massimo Theatre, the second largest in Europe, is located in the historic center of Palermo, offering a wide range of shows and cultural events

Chiesa del Carmine Maggiore

Chiesa del Carmine Maggiore

A baroque masterpiece in the heart of Palermo with the opportunity to climb the bell tower to admire ancient statues and enjoy a spectacular view of the city

La Martorana Church

La Martorana Church

Splendid example of Norman and Byzantine art in Palermo's historic center. Its golden mosaics are among the most beautiful in the world and testify to the fusion of cultures that characterizes the city

Duomo of Monreale

Duomo of Monreale

The mosaics that decorate this extraordinary cathedral literally leave you breathless! A masterpiece of Norman art and UNESCO heritage, with over 6,000 square meters of golden mosaics telling biblical stories

Palermo - Things to do | DorMimmo