One Perfect Day in Palermo: Best Things to Do in 24 Hours!
Palermo was the first stop on my Sicilian adventure—and what a dazzling introduction it was. Before picking up the rental car and hitting the road to explore the island’s sun-drenched coastlines and hilltop towns, I gave myself a few days to immerse myself in the soul of Sicily in Palermo. However, if you’re having only one day in Palermo, I’ve curated this perfect one-day Palermo itinerary as a golden ticket to experience the best of Palermo in just one day.
From Arab-Norman architecture to bustling markets, from sacred silence to rooftop cocktails at sunset, this one-day Palermo itinerary is packed with history, flavor, and just enough serendipity to make it unforgettable. I tailored this itinerary based on my own wanderings through the city, and it’s perfect whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a romantic explorer (or all three, like me).
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Where to Stay in Palermo
For accommodations in Palermo, Italy, you’ve got two very different, but equally wonderful, options:
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Villa Igiea – This iconic Belle Époque hotel is a little removed from the city center, but it offers serene sea views, lush gardens, and an old-world charm that feels like stepping into a vintage film set. It’s perfect if you want a relaxing retreat after a full day of city exploration.
- Budget-friendly: A Casa di Amici – This artsy hostel is warm, welcoming, and right in the heart of Palermo. The vibe is creative and cozy—think shared guitars, art workshops, and a communal kitchen where travelers swap stories over espresso.
One Day in Palermo: My Tried-and-Tested Itinerary
From the awe-inspiring Arab-Norman architecture to the buzz of local markets, from peaceful corners of reflection to clinking glasses at sunset on a rooftop, this one-day Palermo itinerary brings stories, flavors, and some surprises that stay with you long after you leave the capital of Sicily.
8:30 AM – Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel
Start your day where Sicilian history unfolds in gold and glory. The Palatine Chapel is simply breathtaking—every inch covered in shimmering mosaics that narrate centuries of cultural fusion. It’s a perfect reflection of Palermo itself: Arab, Norman, Byzantine, all woven together in intricate beauty. The Norman Palace complex is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is a top attraction in Palermo. Visit the Palatine Chapel, the royal apartments (including the stunning Sala Pompeiana and Sala di Ruggero!), and the royal gardens. Go early in the morning to try to avoid the queues. Consider taking this 1.5-hour guided tour to get expert insights into the palace and chapel.
Working hours: 8.30 am – 4.30 pm (Mon-Sun)
Entrance fee: 14 €
10:00 AM – Porta Nuova & Palermo Cathedral
Just a short walk away, you’ll pass next to the Porta Nuova and land at the massive Palermo Cathedral. Its eclectic style—Norman bones, Gothic flourishes, and Baroque personality—sums up Sicily’s layered identity. The Cathedral’s interior is somewhat blank. But, if you’re up for it, climb to the roof for panoramic views of the city bathing in the Sicilian sun. The fee for climbing to the rooftop is 13 €. It includes a visit to the bishops’ rooms, the archiepiscopal palace, the royal tombs, the crypt, the apses, the treasury, the underground, and the Diocesan museum.
Hours: 9.30 – 7 pm (Mon-Sat), 10 am – 7 pm (Sun)
11:00 AM – Quattro Canti, Gelato Break & Fountain of Shame
Next, head to Quattro Canti, an impressive Baroque square and the theatrical crossroads of the historic center, where four symmetrical facades smile down at the bustling piazza below. The square is known as Palermo’s “Four Corners.” Each facade represents a different season and Spanish king, adorned with fountains and statues.
Then, just a short stroll away, reward yourself with a gelato con brioche at Primo Canto Gelateria—a local favorite. It’s sweet, a little messy, and totally worth it. Sit outside and soak up the street life—this is Palermo come la vita.
While you’re there, check out the nearby Fountain of Shame (Piazza Pretoria), a gorgeous (and scandalous!) 16th-century fountain filled with nude statues—earning it the nickname Fountain of Shame from the prudish nuns of the nearby convent.
11:30 AM – St. Cataldo & La Martorana
Right around the corner are two of Palermo’s most stunning churches: St Cataldo and La Martorana. They are a part of UNESCO’s so-called Norman-Arab Palermo route.
St. Cataldo is known for its trio of red domes—a nod to the city’s Arab past. The church is a striking example of Arab-Norman architecture—simple, geometric, and serene.
La Martorana (officially Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio – the Church of St. Mary of the Admiral ) is a wonder of shimmering gold mosaics. The artistry is jaw-dropping, telling stories from the Bible in intricate detail.
Seeing these two churches side-by-side gives you a real sense of Palermo’s cultural blend: East and West, Islamic and Christian, ancient and medieval—all coexisting. Seeing them is one of the best things to do in Palermo, Italy.
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 €
12:00 PM – Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria & Santa Caterina Bakery
Step inside the Church of St. Catherine (Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria) —one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque. You’ll be hit with baroque drama—ceiling frescoes, gilded altars, and ornate marble. It is one of the most beautiful churches in Palermo. Don’t forget to visit the upper levels for a rooftop view of Piazza Bellini! But don’t leave without stopping at Santa Caterina Bakery (La Dolceria di Santa Caterina), run by the convent. Try a traditional cassatella di sant’Agata or the decadent cannolo—you’ve earned it.
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm (Mon-Sun)
Entrance fee: 10 € , bakery is free to enter
1:00 PM – Lunch Options: Street Food or Historic Charm
Time to refuel! You’ve got two amazing options depending on your mood: Ballarò Market or Antica Focacceria San Francesco.
- Ballarò Market: Dive into Palermo’s gritty, vibrant street food culture. Grab a pane con la milza (spleen sandwich—don’t knock it till you try it!), arancine (stuffed rice balls), sfincione (a thick, fluffy Sicilian-style pizza), or freshly grilled octopus served on a paper plate. Btw, if you love learning about local food as much as I do, you will enjoy this street food tour.
- Antica Focacceria San Francesco: If you prefer something more sit-down and steeped in history, this legendary eatery has been serving Sicilian classics since 1834. I recommend the pasta con le sarde e finocchietto (pasta with sardines and wild fennel), sarde a beccafico (stuffed sardines), or the panelle (chickpea fritters). Check the restaurant and its working hours here!
RELATED READ: The 21 Must-Try Traditional Foods in Palermo
2:30 PM – Capuchin Catacombs
This part isn’t for the faint of heart—but it’s one of the most fascinating stops of the day. Take a short walk or bus from the center to the Capuchin Catacombs, where over 8,000 mummified bodies line the walls—dressed in their Sunday best, frozen in time. It’s haunting but deeply human. These were people who wanted to be remembered—and they still are. These catacombs are a chilling reminder of life’s transience—and Sicily’s complex relationship with death. The catacombs are among the most interesting places to see in one day in Palermo.
Getting there: Take bus 327 from Piazza Indipendenza or walk 15 minutes along Via Cappuccini.
Opening hours: 9 AM–12:10 PM and 3 PM–5:10 PM.
Entry fee: €5.
4:00 PM – Monreale Cathedral & Benedictine Cloister
From the catacombs, hop on bus No. 389 to Monreale. In about 45 minutes, you’ll find yourself in front of one of the most breathtaking churches I’ve ever seen. The Cathedral of Monreale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with 6,000 square meters of golden mosaics. It’s impossible not to feel small in front of that glittering Christ Pantocrator. Next door is the peaceful Benedictine Cloister, a perfect square of columns, each carved with unique biblical and animal scenes.
The Monreale Cathedral is pure mosaic magic, and the Benedictine Cloister is a peaceful garden of sculpted columns and medieval grace. It’s the perfect way to wind down your afternoon.
Tip: If you’re short on time or prefer ease, there’s a 3-hour private tour that includes both the Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale—ideal for history lovers or travelers craving structure.
9:00 PM – Dinner with a View
Back in Palermo, end your day with an unforgettable dinner under the stars. One day in Palermo, I treated myself to a meal at Seven Restaurant & Rooftop Bar—modern Sicilian cuisine, creative cocktails, and dreamy views over Palermo’s rooftops. I recommend the fresh seafood pasta and pistachio-crusted tuna.
If you’re looking for alternatives, check out La Terrazza del Sole (romantic and slightly more casual) or the Rinascente Rooftop Bar (great for cocktails, with panoramic city views). All three offer a delicious way to toast the end of your whirlwind day and raise a glass of local Nero d’Avola to Palermo!
Tips for Visiting Palermo in One Day
- Start early: Many attractions close by early afternoon, so maximize your morning.
- Wear comfy shoes: Palermo is best explored on foot, and the cobblestones are no joke.
- Bring cash: Some spots, especially in markets, still prefer cash over cards.
- Respect dress codes: Churches require covered shoulders, so bring a scarf or light jacket.
- Stay curious: Palermo isn’t polished—it’s raw, bold, and deeply alive. Embrace it all.
One day in Palermo is just a taste—but what a taste it is. Palermo is a city of contradictions: sacred and profane, elegant and raw, ancient and alive. I left Palermo with golden mosaic reflections in my eyes, the taste of brioche con gelato on my lips, and the hum of street vendors echoing in my ears.
If you’re lucky enough to have one day in Palermo—make it unforgettable.
Buon viaggio e buona fortuna, amici!
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