Are you looking for a destination full of historic sights, vibrant culture and irresistible culinary delights?
Look no further, because Palermo, the capital of Sicily, has it all to offer. Whether you’re a lover of ancient temples, medieval towns, delicious food or adventurous bike tours, Palermo certainly won’t disappoint you. In this blog you’ll discover the absolute things to do in Palermo tips, so you can make the most of your stay.
One of the most impressive bezienswaardigheden in Palermo that you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Palermo is the Valley of the Temples. Here you’ll immerse yourself in ancient Greek history as you walk past majestic temples.
Besides the Valley of the Temples, Palermo also offers the opportunity to discover much more, such as seeing all the highlights of the city during the Palermo fietstour: de Highlights. If you’re curious about more tips, read on…
Things to do in Palermo: dive into the ancient world at the Valley of the Temples
A visit to the Valley of the Temples in Palermo is an unmissable experience for any history lover. This place is more than a collection of historic monuments – it’s a living witness to ancient Greek civilization, making it a must-see on your ‘things to do in Palermo’ list.
Located in Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage site that takes you on a fascinating journey through time. As you walk through this amazing archaeological site, you have the opportunity to:
- Behold the grandeur of the Temple of Concordia
- Admire the impressive architecture of the Temple of Juno
- Discover the charm and mystery of countless other ancient monuments
A unique experience in Palermo
What makes a visit to the Valley of the Temples truly unforgettable? It’s the chance to not only see the beautiful ruins, but also to immerse yourself in the history of this place. Experience the stories, legends and events that bring these monuments to life.
So get your walking shoes ready and add the Valley of the Temples to your ‘things to do in Palermo’ list. Let yourself be enchanted by the grandeur of these historic treasures and experience an adventure you won’t soon forget. With the Valley of the Temples in Palermo, you’ll make a journey that will stay with you forever.
Tickets: Buy online
Temple of Juno
Take a day trip to Erice
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure full of tasty discoveries in Palermo? A day trip to Erice offers the perfect combination of enchanting landscapes, culinary delights and a unique experience on the Salt Route. Let yourself be surprised and treat your taste buds during this special journey.
See windmills and more on the beautiful salt route of Marsala during a full-day small group tour from Palermo. Enjoy an extensive Sicilian lunch with incredible views and enjoy the spectacular views from the hilltop village of Erice. Taste the famous Granita with an expert food and drink guide who’s happy to share his favorite beverages with you.
Wander through the narrow streets and discover the charming courtyards. Look out for the viewpoints, which offer vistas all the way to the Egadi Islands and over the city of Trapani.
Does this sound like music to your ears? Then below is the opportunity to buy tickets!
Tickets: Buy online
Visit the vibrant markets of Palermo
In the bustling city of Palermo, the streets come alive with colorful markets that offer a treasure trove of delicious products and local delicacies. These markets aren’t just a place to shop, but also a true sensory experience that immerses you in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Palermo’s markets are known for their authentic charm and abundance of fresh produce. From colorful vegetables and fruit to fragrant herbs and spices, from delicious cheeses and cold cuts to fresh fish and seafood – these markets have it all. Let’s take a look at some of Palermo’s most famous markets:
Mercato di Ballarò
As the first market, located in Via Ballarò, is the Mercato di Ballarò. This is one of the oldest and most vibrant markets in Palermo. Here you’ll find an extensive selection of fresh produce, local cold cuts and fish straight from the Mediterranean Sea.
The Capo market, located in Via Porta Carini, is another popular destination for lovers of fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese and herbs. It’s a colorful and fragrant place where you can breathe in the essence of Sicilian cuisine.
At the Mercato di Ballarò in Palermo, I discovered a bustling world of fresh fish, with an abundance of colorful varieties that tickled my taste buds and enriched my culinary adventure.
The Borgo Vecchio
As second on the list we have the Borgo Vecchio. This is a true paradise for lovers of fresh fish and seafood. This market attracts a large number of locals and visitors daily who are looking for the best catch of the day.
As you enter the market, you’re immediately greeted by the hustle and bustle and the buzzing sound of traders promoting their fish and seafood. Here you’ll find an extensive selection of fresh fish species, including sea bass, tuna, swordfish, anchovies and much more. You can also discover a variety of shellfish and crustaceans, such as shrimp, mussels, squid and crab.
What makes the Borgo Vecchio Market so special is that you have the opportunity to buy the fish directly from the fishermen themselves. You can see the fishermen coming in with their catch and selling it directly at the stalls. This creates a unique experience and assures you of the highest quality and freshness of the fish.
The Vucciria Market
Moreover, there’s also The Vucciria Market, this is one of Palermo’s most iconic markets and is known for its lively evening atmosphere. This market, located in Via Coltellieri, transforms on Friday and Saturday evenings into a bustling place full of street food, snacks and souvenirs.
As evening falls, the Vucciria Market comes alive with colorful stalls offering a wide range of culinary delights. Here you can taste local specialties, such as panelle (chickpea fritters), arancine (stuffed rice balls) and sfincione (Sicilian pizza). The fragrant aromas and tempting flavors make you want to work your way through the market and try everything on offer.
The Capo market
Next up is the Capo market, a lively and bustling market located on Via Porta Carini. It’s a favorite destination for lovers of fresh produce and local delicacies. Daily, except on Sundays, this market comes alive with colorful stalls filled with vegetables, fruit, cheese, herbs and much more.
Upon entering the Capo market, you’re greeted by an abundance of aromas and colors. The stalls are filled with a variety of fresh and seasonal produce, all locally grown and straight from the farmers. You can enjoy an array of juicy and ripe fruits, crispy vegetables and aromatic herbs that tantalize your senses.
The Mercato del Borgo
Finally, the Mercato del Borgo, located on Via Sant’Agostino, is a unique market in Palermo known for its organic products and local crafts. Every morning, except on Sundays, you can find a range of fresh, healthy and sustainable products here, as well as beautiful artisanal creations.
The Mercato del Borgo is a paradise for organic food lovers. You’ll find a wide assortment of organically grown vegetables, fruit and herbs, sourced directly from local farms. These products are carefully cultivated without the use of chemical pesticides or artificial additives. It’s a wonderful place to do your healthy shopping and enjoy nutritious and flavorful ingredients.
| Market | Location | Opening hours | Offerings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercato di Ballarò | Via Ballarò | Daily, except Sunday | Fresh produce, fish, cured meats |
| Capo market | Via Porta Carini | Daily, except Sunday | Vegetables, fruit, cheese, herbs |
| Vucciria market | Via Coltellieri | Friday and Saturday evenings | Street food, snacks, souvenirs |
| Borgo Vecchio market | Via Cassari | Daily, except Sunday | Fresh fish, seafood |
| Mercato del Borgo | Via Sant’Agostino | Every morning, except Sunday | Organic products, local crafts |
Join the Palermo bike tour: the highlights!
Come explore with us on this amazing Palermo bike tour. The Sicilian capital is a bustling city with a rich past. You’ll notice this through the many churches and cathedrals from the 13th and 17th centuries, the Norman and Arab palaces and the numerous squares with beautiful fountains.
Despite being a busy city, cycling here is safe and fun. We stay in the old part of the city and also ride along the harbor. In the old center, several roads are closed off, making it a very safe and enjoyable bike tour. There are various bike paths and the city is quite flat.
In just 3 hours you’ll see all the sights of Palermo. Book now the Palermo bike tour: the highlights!
