Palermo walking tour & city guide

Arab-Norman Palermo

In the 12th century, Norman kings created a unique architectural style that blended Byzantine, Islamic and Western influences. The Palatine Chapel inside the Royal Palace is covered in shimmering gold mosaics beneath a carved wooden Arabic ceiling, and the cathedral combines styles from many centuries. These monuments, together with the cathedral of nearby Monreale, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Quattro Canti, a Baroque crossroads with four decorated facades, marks the center of the old city. Nearby, the Fontana Pretoria is surrounded by marble statues.

Markets and street food

Palermo's markets feel like North African souks. Ballarò, the oldest, Vucciria and Capo are full of vendors calling out prices for fish, fruit, spices and vegetables. They are also the best places to try the city's famous street food, as the food tours show.

Palermo is often called one of the street food capitals of the world: arancine (fried rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters), sfincione (a thick Sicilian pizza) and pani ca meusa (a spleen sandwich) are local favorites.

Visiting tips

Palermo's Teatro Massimo is one of the largest opera houses in Europe. The beach town of Mondello is a short bus ride away, and Cefalù, with its Norman cathedral, is an easy day trip. Spring and autumn are ideal; summers are very hot.