How to Spend 2 Epic Days in Palermo: A Guide to Palermo Palaces, Churches, Catacombs, Food Markets, Mafia History, Rooftop Dining & Beaches
Ciao amici!
Palermo was the first stop on my recent road trip through Sicily, and honestly, I can’t imagine a better place to start. This city is loud, gritty, beautiful, chaotic — and completely unforgettable. I’d already written guides on the best things to do in Palermo, where and what to eat in Palermo, and even how to make the most of a single day in Palermo. But if you want to really get to know Palermo, I can’t recommend enough spending at least two full days in the city.
Why 2 days in Palermo? Palermo is not a city you can rush through. Palermo doesn’t reveal itself all at once. It takes time to understand its rhythm. Two days in Palermo gives you enough time to not just see the city—but to feel it. With eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant street markets, a buzzing nightlife scene, and a food culture that will completely spoil your taste buds—it deserves your time and full attention. So if you’re heading to Sicily, I highly recommend giving yourself at least 48 hours in Palermo, Italy.
Thus, let me take you through a perfect 2-day Palermo itinerary. It’s filled with the perfect mix of history, food, beach time, and soul.
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Where to Stay for 2 Days in Palermo
Whether you’re a luxury lover or on a budget, Palermo has great places to stay.
- For luxury & old-world charm: Stay at Grand Hotel Villa Igiea. It’s a dreamy historical villa with sea views that feels like stepping into a Sicilian movie.
- For budget & vibes: Check out A Casa di Amici. It’s cozy, artistic, and super welcoming—plus, they sometimes host live music events!
What to Do in Palermo in 2 Days: A Perfect 2-Day Palermo Itinerary
Get ready for an unforgettable two-day adventure through the heart of Sicily’s vibrant capital. This 2 days in Palermo itinerary blends grand palaces, stunning mosaics, centuries-old churches, and eerie catacombs with a deep dive into Palermo’s rich culinary scene and resilient spirit. From sun-soaked beaches to bustling food markets, and a powerful no-mafia walking tour to panoramic rooftop dinners, you’ll experience the many layers that make Palermo one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating cities.
2 Days in Palermo: Day 1 — Palaces, Churches & the Beach
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel
Begin your day at one of Palermo’s most iconic monuments. The Norman Palace is the oldest royal residence in Europe still in use and showcases centuries of Sicilian power and artistry. Inside the palace lies the Palatine Chapel, a breathtaking example of Arab-Norman-Byzantine architecture. Its golden mosaics, intricate wooden ceiling, and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the city’s most visited sights. Don/t forget to visit the royal apartments (including the stunning Sala Pompeiana and Sala di Ruggero!), and the royal gardens. Visit the Norman Palace with the Palatine Chapel early in the morning to avoid the queues. They are Palermo’s top tourist attractions! Consider taking this 1.5-hour guided tour. The tour is time-efficient and highly informative!
Working hours: 8.30 am – 4.30 pm (Mon-Sun)
Entrance fee: 14 €
10:10 AM – 11:00 AM: Palermo Cathedral
Just a short walk away, the Palermo Cathedral presents an impressive mix of Gothic, Moorish, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. This architectural fusion reflects the island’s layered history. The cathedral is home to the royal tombs of Norman kings and offers a panoramic rooftop walk, accessible during select hours, that provides sweeping views over the city and nearby hills. The cathedral’s interior might not be so impressive, though. But what the interior lacks, its exterior and rooftop views make up for! Palermo Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel, the Church of San Cataldo, the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Zisa Castle, and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale. If you love visiting UNESCO sites, you might love this UNESCO World Heritage Sites walking tour in Palermo.
Hours: 9.30 – 7 pm (Mon-Sat), 10 am – 7 pm (Sun)
Entrance fee: free, 13 € (the Bishops’ Rooms, the Archiepiscopal Palace, the Diocesan Museum, the Royal Tombs, the Crypt, the Apses, the Treasury, and the Underground)
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM: Street Food Tour at Il Capo & Vucciria Markets
Join a guided street food tour through Palermo’s historic markets to experience the city through its flavors. Il Capo and Vucciria Markets are full of life, color, and aromas—from sizzling panelle and deep-fried arancine to freshly baked sfincione and citrus fruits. A knowledgeable guide will explain the cultural significance behind each dish and introduce you to some of the city’s beloved street food vendors. You will have a fabulous time eating local street food and learning about Palermo’s food culture.
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Quattro Canti, Fountain of Shame & Piazza Bellini Churches
Continue the afternoon with a leisurely stroll through the historic heart of Palermo. Start at Quattro Canti, the dramatic Baroque crossroads of the city, where four nearly identical facades represent the four seasons, four kings, and four saints. Nearby, Fontana Pretoria, known locally as the “Fountain of Shame,” stands in the center of Piazza Pretoria, adorned with a collection of expressive nude statues of ancient Greek gods and goddesses. Just around the corner is Piazza Bellini, home to three remarkable churches. La Martorana and San Cataldo are famous for their dazzling mosaics and distinctive red domes, while St. Catherine of Alexandria offers a rich Baroque interior and a charming hidden bakery run by nuns.
La Martorana:
Hours: 9.30 am – 10 pm (Mon-Sat), closed (Sun)
Entrance fee: 2 €
San Cataldo:
Hours: 10 am – 2 pm and 2.30 pm – 6 pm (Mon-Sun)
Entrance fee: 1 €
Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm (Mon-Sun)
Entrance fee: 10 € , bakery is free to enter
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Mondello Beach
Escape the city and enjoy the white sands and turquoise waters of Mondello Beach, just 10 kilometers from the center. Take bus 806 from Libertà Croci bus station for an easy 25-minute ride. Mondello’s promenade offers gelaterias and beach bars, while its 2-kilometer stretch of coastline is perfect for a relaxing walk or a refreshing swim.
8:00 PM: Dinner at Seven Restaurant, Hotel Ambasciatori
End the day with a sunset dinner at Seven Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, located on the rooftop of Hotel Ambasciatori. The view over Palermo’s rooftops and domes is especially beautiful at golden hour. The menu features modern takes on traditional Sicilian cuisine and a well-curated wine list—ideal for winding down after a full day of sightseeing.
2 Days in Palermo: Day 2 — Resistance, Skeletons & Mosaics
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: NO MAFIA Tour
Start your second day with the powerful 3-hour long NO MAFIA Tour, a guided walk through Palermo’s city center that explores the city’s history of organized crime and its ongoing cultural revolution. The tour begins at Teatro Massimo and includes stops at key landmarks and memorials, offering a deep and moving look at how Palermo is reclaiming its future. The guides are well-informed and passionate, and their stories highlight the resilience and activism of the local community.
12:30 PM: Lunch at Antica Focacceria San Francesco or Ballarò Market
For lunch, head to the historic Antica Focacceria San Francesco, a Palermo institution since 1834. This atmospheric restaurant specializes in traditional Sicilian dishes like focaccia maritata and pane con panelle. Alternatively, explore the vibrant Ballarò Market, the largest food market in Palermo, where you can sample more street food or pick up fresh ingredients for a picnic.
3:00 PM: Capuchin Catacombs
A short walk or bus ride from the city center leads to the Capuchin Catacombs, one of Palermo’s most unusual and unforgettable sites. These underground burial chambers house the mummified remains of thousands of people, arranged by profession, gender, and even social status.
Yes, it’s eerie—but also deeply human. You’ll see people dressed in their finest clothes, some still with hair and expressions. It’s a haunting reminder of mortality—and a unique part of Palermo’s cultural legacy. The atmosphere is solemn but fascinating, offering a glimpse into Sicilian attitudes toward death and remembrance.
Opening hours: 9 AM–12:10 PM and 3 PM–5:10 PM.
Entry fee: €5.
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Monreale Cathedral & Benedictine Cloister
From the Catacombs, take bus 389 to the hilltop town of Monreale, known for its awe-inspiring Cathedral of Monreale. The interior is adorned with one of the largest and most spectacular collections of Byzantine mosaics in the world, including a monumental image of Christ Pantocrator in the apse. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Benedictine Cloister, a peaceful oasis with finely carved columns and a serene central garden. The views from Monreale stretch across Palermo and out to the sea—an unforgettable way to conclude your exploration of the city’s religious and artistic heritage.
To avoid public traffic and to learn about the catacombs, Monreale Cathedral, and the history of Sicily, take this 3-hour private tour of the Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale.
Monreal Cathedral opening hours: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Mon-Sat), closed for tourist visits on Sunday
Entry fee: €12
9:00 PM: Dinner at La Terrazze del Sole or Il Bar at Rinascente
Enjoy your final meal in Palermo at La Terrazze del Sole, a rooftop restaurant offering a refined menu and a romantic setting overlooking the old city. The restaurant is open from 6 pm until midnight, 7 days a week. For a more casual yet stylish option, head to Il Bar on the rooftop of the Rinascente department store. With panoramic views and a lively atmosphere, it’s a favorite among locals for aperitivo and light dinner with a view. The bar is open until 10.30 pm, from Monday to Sunday.
Final Tips for Visiting Palermo in 2 Days
Palermo is a city best explored on foot, so bring comfortable shoes and be ready to wander. Be mindful that many shops and attractions close for a few hours in the early afternoon—use this time to relax over a long lunch or escape to the beach. If you’re visiting in summer, the midday sun can be intense, so start early and enjoy the cooler evenings. Cash is still preferred in markets and small cafés, though credit cards are widely accepted elsewhere.
While 2 days in Palermo will give you a solid introduction to the city, don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a return. With its blend of beauty, complexity, and character, Palermo has a way of staying with you long after you’ve left.
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