Top Palermo Culture

Palermo is a city rich in culture and art with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But, if you don’t know where to go, there’s a risk you might leave with the wrong impression. So opt for a Palermo walking tour with a passionate local guide, and orient yourself around the city’s historical attractions such as La Martorana church and Palermo Cathedral. Even better: a Sicilian cannolo or granita is included.

Snack your way through the streets of Palermo on this Sicilian food tour. Explore backstreet markets and food stalls specializing in local delicacies such as stuffed rice balls and chickpea fritters as your guide fills you in on local history and culture. Find eateries you’d probably miss going alone. Plus, this small-group tour has a limited number of participants for a more personalized experience.

Palazzo Conte Federico is one of the oldest buildings in the city of Palermo and filled with museum-worthy relics. But, unlike a typical museum, the prestigious palazzo is still inhabited by the aristocratic descendants of its original owner, Count Federico who lead private tours of their home for a unparalleled personal experience.

Palermo’s lively streets and rich Sicilian heritage can sometimes feel overwhelming. Take the mystery out of your visit by exploring with a local on a private walking tour. This personalized tour allows you to discover the exterior of monuments, including museums, while learning about the city’s history and culture. If you wish to include a museum visit, your guide can customize the itinerary to fit your interests—just let us know in advance. Your guide contacts you beforehand to understand your preferences, ensuring you see the places you truly want to experience. Ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples, this tour reveals Palermo’s hidden gems and traditions.

Palermo's cathedral started as a church, became an Arab mosque, then returned to a cathedral — and a Quranic verse carved into one of its columns survived the Inquisition untouched. This self-guided audio walking tour takes you along the Cassaro, one of Europe's oldest streets, from the Teatro Massimo opera house to the sea. You'll hear how a Caravaggio was stolen by the Mafia and possibly eaten by pigs, taste street food with thousand-year-old Arab roots, and stand inside a chapel where three civilisations built a single ceiling together. Start whenever suits you, pause for markets and sfincione, resume when you're ready — no group, no schedule. Works offline. Over 20,000 travelers have used our self-guided tours, and a full refund guarantee means no risk. If you want a Palermo walking tour that lets you go at your own pace and actually understand what you're looking at, this is it.

Palermo is a fascinating city with almost 3,000 years of history. Explore its glorious past and delve into its vibrant present with this walking tour that takes in the city’s sumptuous churches and squares, as well as the bustling landmark markets where locals still shop today. Admire A-list sights like the Teatro Massimo, cathedral, and Piazza Pretorio and stroll down lively Via Vittorio Emanuele and through Mercato del Capo.

One of the most delightful museums in Sicily, the International Museum of Marionettes Antonio Pasqualino offers a behind-the-scenes look at the island’s rich puppeteering culture and history. Avoid a delay at the entrance with this pre-booked ticket and dedicate your time to the fascinating collection of Sicilian and international marionettes inside. Take in the three floors of the museum housing puppets, a book and video library, theater, and bookshop.

Palermo’s old town is known for its splendid architecture and fabulous food scene. Experience both in a single tour with this foodie stroll that takes in the A-list sights plus the city’s liveliest market. Join your guide on a walk through the historic center to marvel at its sumptuous churches, palaces, and squares. Then head to the landmark Ballarò market, stopping for a number of tastings at the busy stalls.

Step away from Palermo for a day to discover two of Sicily’s unsung attractions on the island’s west side. This day-long tour visits the medieval hill town of Erice where views cascade down to the sea, and the town of Marsala, famous for its sweet wine and salt plains. Lunch and wine are included mid-tour, and you’ll get the lowdown on the Sicilian towns from an attentive driver-guide.

Designed specifically for cruise passengers, this full-day shore excursion lets you explore Monreale, Cefalù, and Palermo with complete peace of mind and a guaranteed on-time return to your ship. Your day begins at the Palermo Cruise Terminal, where your professional Tour Leader welcomes you aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. You will first head up to Monreale, a hilltop town overlooking the Conca d'Oro valley, where you will have free time to visit its famous UNESCO-listed Cathedral and breathtaking golden Byzantine mosaics. Next, travel along the stunning Tyrrhenian coast to Cefalù, one of Italy's most charming seaside villages. Enjoy free time to stroll through medieval alleyways, admire the grand Norman Cathedral, or relax by the sea. Finally, return to Palermo ending directly steps away from your cruise ship.

Reserve reliable private transportation in Italy with this transfer from Palermo City to Palermo Airport by minivan. Get picked up at your chosen address and receive help with your luggage. Travel comfortably in a spacious minivan and arrive on time. Skip the hassle of waiting for a taxi in Sicily and maximize time with a private transfer.

Discover the origins of The Godfather and see one of Sicily's great religious sites during this day-long tour. Taking in sites linked to real-life mafia events and sites based on the Francis Ford Coppola movies, the tour gives you the lowdown on Sicily’s gangster history. In the village of Corleone, visit the historic center and the Anti-Mafia Museum (own expense). After checking out the Bosco della Ficuzza Nature Reserve, visit Monreale, a Cathedral overlooking Palermo with famed golden mosaics.

Indulge all your senses on a walking tour of Palermo's rich street food traditions. Join a knowledgeable guide for a walk through the historic part of the city and its vibrant outdoor markets. Start at one of Palermo's puppet theaters and visit a street market, a street food shop, and landmarks in the historic center. Watch the lively scenes around you, observing what seems like another time.

Discover one of Palermo’s most fun and instagrammable experiences with immersive illusion rooms, interactive exhibits and mind-bending optical effects perfect for families, couples and friends.

the tour was organized to admire the beauty of the western part of Sicily, the wonderful medieval village of Erice, the archaeological site of Segesta and to taste the real Sicilian cannoli produced by local people

Spend a day exploring the ancient sights of the Valley of the Temples with this day trip from Palermo. Travel to Agrigento for a quick coffee break (own expense) before visiting the fascinating site for a 1-hour tour. See the temples of Hera, Concordia and Apollo. Take a midday break for lunch (own expense) before stopping at the archaeology museum for a 1-hour self-guided visit.

Dig deep into Palermo’s history on this guided tour of Palermo Royal Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni) and its Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina). With a guide helping you navigate, you’ll enter one of Europe’s oldest royal residences, which was once home to the Kings of Sicily, and then explore the chapel with its mix of mosaics and architecture. Entry to the palace gardens is also included.

Discover the magical city of Palermo at your own pace with this guided tour With a tour of more than 2 hours, you can explore iconic attractions such as the Duomo, Piazza Pretoria or Palazzo Comitini. This option without schedules or groups allows you to enjoy the city flexibly, including recommendations on gastronomy and family activities. Available in six languages, this experience is ideal for those looking for hassle-free personalized tourism. - 2h self-guided tour with + 15 points of interest - Access to information in 6 languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, Italian and German Explore iconic attractions and receive food recommendations. - No groups or schedules, ideal for traveling at your own pace.

Spend time exploring the glorious Duomo of Monreale, Cathedral and Cloister and the Medieval town of Cefalù during this half-day trip from Palermo. Travel to Monreale for a 1-hour Duomo tour. Next, travel to charming Cefalù for a tour that includes the Duomo, Medieval lavatory, Mandralisca Museum and more.

The 3 hours walking tour will be an eye-opening experience to discover a different face of Palermo, a city which is rebelling against the Mafia.Guided by locals, you will deepen your knowledge of the notorious Sicilian mob and learn about the anti-mafia movement. The Teatro Massimo, the open-air market "Il Capo", the Memorial dedicated to prosecutors and judges killed by the Mafia), the Cathedral, the City Hall and Piazza Pretoria: every stop is a cause for reflection, a chance to mull over the realities of the Mafia and consider the civic movement against Mafioso power.

See two of northern Sicily’s most characterful destinations when you embark on this private tour from Palermo. In the morning, your guide picks you up from your accommodation; board an air-conditioned minivan and head to the medieval village of Castelbuono, located in the Madonie Mountains. See the Castle of Ventimiglia and visit a local pastry shop before continuing to Cefalù, home to a UNESCO-listed cathedral and impeccable seaside views.

Visit two Sicilian towns in one day on this full-day tour from Palermo. Explore the hilltop town of Castelbuono, with its atmospheric medieval lanes and historic Castle of Ventimiglia. After a typical Sicilian lunch (own expense), continue to the seafront town of Cefalu, with its magnificent cathedral and beautiful sandy beach.

Optimize your time in Sicily with this driving tour that includes pickup in Palermo and hassle-free transport to three of the top sights on the island: the Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, and the Scala dei Turchi beach. Enjoy free time to explore the Greek ruins in the “Valle dei Templi”, then sightsee in Agrigento. End with a photo op at the dramatic Scala dei Turchi coastline.