Palermo, the jewel of Sicily, enchants every visitor with its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine. My dad was born and raised just outside this vibrant city, and I’m thrilled to share my guide to Palermo with you.
History and Architecture
Begin your journey at La Cattedrale di Palermo for a taste of the city’s religious and architectural grandeur. Don’t miss I Quattro Canti e Quinto Canto a stunning Baroque square, and the majestic Palazzo dei Normanni. For a cultural treat, the iconic Teatro Massimo is a must-visit.
Street Food Heaven
Palermo's street food scene is legendary. Here are the must-try items:
- Sfincione: A thick, spongy pizza that's a local favorite.
- Panelle: Crispy chickpea fritters. Trust me, you won't stop at one—they're addictive!
- Pani ca' Meusa: Spleen sandwiches for the adventurous eater.
- Arancini: Golden, fried rice balls you can't miss.
- Stigghiola: Grilled gut meats found roadside, one of my absolute favorites.
Savor the Markets
To truly feel the pulse of Palermo, wander through its bustling markets. Vucciria and Capo offer a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. For the best street food, head to Mercato Ballarò, the city’s oldest and most vibrant market. Located around Via Ballarò, it’s a Sicilian cornucopia: from swordfish heads to red shrimp, pistachios, nougat, spices, beef cuts, olives, and more. Street food here reigns supreme, offering everything from fried fish to the bold flavors of cow spleen sandwiches—a true Sicilian delicacy.
Dining in Palermo
For a sit-down meal, Osteria Mangia e Bevi and Osteria Pane e Alivi offer authentic Palermitan cuisine in a cozy setting. Ristorante Sapori Perduti is perfect for savoring traditional dishes with a modern twist. The couple who run it also have a no-frills, cozy hotel called Hotel Alma, which I usually stay at for its central location.
Sweet Treats
No trip to Palermo is complete without indulging in its pastries. These are my favorite of the sicilian desserts: Cannolo, Cassata, Brioche con Gelato, Granita and Frutta Matoranna
- Pasticceria Cappello is a top spot for cannoli, cassata, and other sweet delights that will have you coming back for more.
- A special shoutout to Pasticceria Bondi—my cousin’s bakery! If you visit, give them a big hug from me.
- Son’t miss Segreti del Chiostro in Santa Caterina, a historic bakery offering traditional Sicilian sweets crafted from ancient recipes, giving you a taste of Palermo’s storied past.
- For award-winning gelato, try BarConi by Antonio Cappadonia, supporting a noble mission to employ migrants and refugees.
Palermo is a city that celebrates life through its food, culture, and history. Whether you’re exploring its historic sites or indulging in a culinary adventure, Palermo will leave you with memories to cherish. Buon viaggio e buon appetito!
For a deeper dive into Palermo, check out my full guide on Appetito Magazine