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7 experiences to enjoy in Palermo in winter
7 experiences to enjoy in Palermo in winter

Most of the year, Palermo is a hub for travelers on their way to Sicily’s world-famous beaches. But the Sicilian capital offers plenty to do in winter, when temperatures are milder and crowds have cleared. Embrace the diverse things to do in Palermo in winter, from hiking Mount Pellegrino to wandering the historic Capo Market. The season is filled with winter events and festivals, from Christmas concerts to Carnival parades, and delicious seasonal desserts like buccellato. Discover the best things to do in winter in Palermo with this guide.

Palermo’s best winter activities at a glance

The best winter markets in Palermo: Capo Market, Ballarò Market, and the December pop-up markets at Piazza Castelnuovo and Piazza San Francesco.

The top things to do for kids and families visiting Palermo in winter: A tasting tour of Sicily’s winter treats.

Unique events that take place in Palermo in winter: Christmas music recitals and Carnival parades.

First time in Palermo: Everything you need to know
First time in Palermo: Everything you need to know

With a striking blend of Arabic, Roman, and Norman architecture, charmingly chaotic street markets, and some of Italy’s most distinctive (and delicious) food, Palermo draws visitors from all over the world. If it’s your first time in Palermo, prepare for days spent exploring landmarks like the Cathedral and the Palace of the Normans, and evenings tucking into pasta con le sarde (a signature pasta dish with sardines and anchovies) in intimate restaurants.

From the best neighborhoods to how to get around, this first-timer’s guide covers all the things to know about Palermo.

Our most recommended things to do in Palermo

Palermo: Single bus tickets between Airport and City Center

Palermo: Single bus tickets between Airport and City Center

Travel seamlessly between Palermo Airport and the city center with a convenient and reliable 1-way transfer. Avoid the hassle of negotiating public transport and enjoy an efficient airport shuttle service that departs frequently and regularly. Stow your luggage, relax, and admire the views of Palermo from your seat. Board a modern bus to leave your worries behind, and arrive on time at your destination at the airport, or in the city. Enjoy comfort on board with the cooling ventilation and high-speed WiFi on board. Moreover, pets are allowed as long as they are in boxes or cages of appropriate sizes and that do not bother other passengers. Blind and deaf people can travel with their guide dogs.

Palermo: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24-hour Ticket

Palermo: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24-hour Ticket

Discover Palermo, the chief town of Sicily, on an open-top, hop-on hop-off bus tour! Start from the terminal outside the Politeama Theater, cruise past the Massimo Theatre, and continue towards Piazza Quattro Canti and the nearby Vucciria Market. The tour continues towards the botanical gardens, passing near Palazzo Steri. After a quick glance of the central station, you'll find yourself in the vicinity of the Royal Palace, the Flea Market, and the Cathedral. Then return to the terminal along the ancient via Roma. The second route takes you to the beautiful villas of Palermo. Starting from the terminal outside the Politeama Theatre, admire the gorgeous English Garden and then continue towards Villa Malfitano and the wonderful Zisa Castle. The tour passes near the Mercato del Capo and the Massimo Theatre, towards the port, and then returns to the terminal in Politeama Square. With City Sightseeing Palermo we take you to the beaches of Sicily!

Palermo: NO Mafia Walking Tour

Palermo: NO Mafia Walking Tour

Discover the top sights in Palermo's historic center on a guided walking tour. Learn about the history and everyday realities of the influence of the Mafia, as well as the civic movement against Mafioso power as you explore the city. Meet your guide and begin your mafia-themed adventure through the streets of Palermo. See notable sites like Teatro Massimo, the open-air market Il Capo, and Piazza Della Memoria, which serves as a memorial dedicated to prosecutors and judges killed by the mafia. Along the Cassaro, see shops and businesses with orange stickers on their windows, representing owners that have said no to paying the extortion racket and have subscribed to the ethical consumer campaign titled pago chi non paga (I pay who does not pay).  After strolling by sights like Piazza Beati Paoli, Palermo Cathedral, and the city hall, finish the tour in the heart of Palermo's old town center. Get tips from your guide on how to continue your visit and where to taste the best Sicilian specialties.

Palermo: Teatro Massimo Opera House Guided Tour

Palermo: Teatro Massimo Opera House Guided Tour

Get to know Palermo's famous opera house on this 40 minute guided tour. Explore the stunning auditorium and other rooms of the third largest opera house in Europe. Start your tour in the foyer. Admire the sculptures and bronze-decorated candelabra in this opulent place. Next, move to the auditorium and enjoy the golden stuccoes, wooden decorations, and features in velvet and glass. Visit the stage and see what happens to enable the staging of an opera. Admire the gorgeous royal box, as well as other areas like the Coat of Arms and Pompeian Rooms. Learn fascinating facts about the opera house, and enjoy breathtaking views of Palermo from the building's top.

Palermo: Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples Day Tour

Palermo: Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples Day Tour

Enjoy a scenic drive into the countryside to Agrigento on this full-day excursion from Palmero, with stops to see ancient temples. Visit local Ruins and learn about the country's rich history before being transferred back to Palermo. The excursion includes a short stop for a coffee en route to Agrigento, before arriving at the Valley of the Temples. You can further explore the Hera, Concordia and Apollo temples and Hardcastle villa, with a guidebook that will provide more information about the sites. You’ll have free time to decide on a place for lunch, before your driver takes you to the Scala Dei Turchi Beach. After a photo stop , you'll be driven back to Palermo.

Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

This popular 8-hour itinerary takes you to see the most interesting sites of western Sicily. On This Tour you’ll visit and explore Segesta, a Greek archaeological site. Travel to Nubia and the Salt Pans in Trapani, and admire the Sicilian coast and natural landscapes en route. You’ll also stop at Erice, a medieval hilltop town. Enjoy spectacular views throughout the day. All of the sites are relatively near Palermo, meaning that you’ll have plenty of time to explore each of them. This itinerary is also known as the Elimians's Road, named for the Elimians who were among the first inhabitants of this part of Sicily.

Palermo: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Flowing Wine

Palermo: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Flowing Wine

Step into the culinary heart of Palermo and immerse yourself in Italian cuisine with this pasta and tiramisu cooking class at an authentic restaurant located just 100 meters from Quattro Canti. Learn traditional recipes in a beloved local eatery while enjoying free flowing fine wine. Upon arrival at the meeting point, you'll be greeted with a welcome glass of Prosecco before stepping behind the scenes to discover how a true Italian restaurant operates. Get ready to unlock the secrets of Italian cooking in this authentic Sicilian restaurant. After washing your hands, you will be provided with an apron and begin your culinary journey by creating a delicious tiramisu. As you prepare this classic dessert, you’ll learn about its fascinating history and the secrets behind making the perfect tiramisu. Once you’ve mastered the tiramisu, you’ll move on to your workstation to learn how to make the region’s most famous pasta dishes. Receive step-by-step guidance on preparing the perfect pasta dough, including which type of flour to use and the key differences between pasta fresca and pasta secca. At the end of the class, gather around the table for a delightful lunch or dinner, complemented by a glass of exquisite wine that pairs perfectly with your meal.

Palermo: Shared Tour with Snack and Snorkeling

Palermo: Shared Tour with Snack and Snorkeling

We will depart from the "Molo Trapezoidale" in the center of Palermo and sail along the Palermo coast, where you can admire the crystal clear waters and enjoy the sea breeze, immersing yourself in the tranquility and beautiful scenery that characterizes our area. We will stop at Vergine Maria beach, characterized by golden sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. We will continue towards Addaura and Roosevelt and then arrive in the Gulf of Mondello where, in addition to a swimming stop, you will enjoy a delicious aperitif. The navigation continues along the promontory of Capogallo, revealing a series of breathtaking views until reaching the Grotta dell'Olio, a cave created by the incessant force of the waves. Here you will have the opportunity to explore this unique cave and admire the play of light reflecting off the rock walls and go snorkeling. This corner of paradise will be the perfect place to take a refreshing break: you can swim in the crystal clear waters, explore the seabed, and then enjoy a delicious aperitif on board our boat. Finally, we will return to the port of Palermo with our last stop: Grotta della Regina, one of Palermo's jewels, a fascinating and mysterious place.

Palermo: Street Food Walking Tour at Sunset

Palermo: Street Food Walking Tour at Sunset

Meet your guide near the Quattro Canti Square to start your culinary exploration of Palermo. tour at sunset. Discover the vibrant capital of Sicily, along with its culture, architecture, and delicious street food. Visit some famous squares where Giuseppe Garibaldi with his 1000 army soldiers declared the island part of Italy and see the main spots related to the revolution. Learn about the culinary traditions of Sicily along the way. Taste local specialties like sfincione (dough topped with onion, bread crumbs, tomato, and oregano), crocché (potato croquettes), panelle (fried chickpea flour), arancine (rice balls stuffed with meat or butter) or spleen sandwich. End the tour on a sweet note with a Sicilian dessert.

Palermo: Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine

Palermo: Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine

This pizza making class is a memorable way to spend an afternoon in Palermo, especially if you’re travelling with your family. Guided by a pizzaiolo, first, you’ll stretch the dough and make the base ready for fresh toppings of tomato and mozzarella cheese. And you’ll also discover how to make gelato - both main course and dessert are sorted! Pizza is probably the world’s favourite food, and where better to learn than Italy? As you’re in Palermo, you’ll also see how a traditional “sfincione palermitano”is made. In English, that means thick sponge, so this is a little different to the thin-based traditional Neapolitan pizza you might be used to - not that that makes it any less mouthwatering. Watch your pizzaiolo make the thick, bready dough and pay attention because you’ll pick up plenty of tips that you can use to take home when cooking in your own kitchen! Your pizza chef will show you how to stretch, sauce, bake and slice your creation. But your dough is going to have to rest before you sample your creation. However, we’ve got the time you’d otherwise be waiting filled with two activities. Firstly, anyone over 18 can sample wines. Then, everybody will learn (demostration) how to make chocolate gelato and the cone to put it in. Your chef will also take you through the history of Italian ice cream - perfect! Once everything is ready, you’ll be able to eat your delicious pizza and gelato. However, that’s not the end of the class. You’ll get a souvenir to take home - a digital booklet with recipes so you can make pizza and gelato for your family and friends back home, who are sure to be impressed! An unforgettable afternoon, you’ll learn about Italian culture and its most delicious specialities while enjoying a fun and easy experience with your family.

Frequently asked questions about Palermo

What are the best day trips and excursions from Palermo?

The best day trips and excursions from Palermo are:

See all day trips and excursions from Palermo on GetYourGuide

Other Sightseeing Options in Palermo

Want to discover all there is to do in Palermo? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Palermo

Overall rating
4.6/5
4.6 out of 5 stars
based on 34,366 reviews
Palermo: Street Food and History Walking Tour
5 out of 5 stars
K
Kristina 11/2/2025
Fantastic blend of history and food! (With a few bonuses along the way). Amazing guide. 10/10 would recommend!
Palermo: Cathedral Audioguided Tour & Rooftop Entry Ticket
5 out of 5 stars
K
Khadijetou 11/1/2025
The cathedral of Palermo is absolutely magnificent. The architecture is impressive, with a unique mix of Arab, Norman, and Gothic styles. The interior is just as beautiful, and the view from the roof is really worth seeing. It's a must-visit place in Palermo, full of history and spirituality ✨
Palermo: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Flowing Wine
5 out of 5 stars
C
Claas 10/31/2025
A wonderful experience with delicious food and a great group! The pasta was really good and the tiramisu was just heavenly. The small group made the experience particularly enjoyable, and our guide was great – warm, humorous, and very competent. An all-around successful experience, absolutely recommended!
Palermo: NO Mafia Walking Tour
5 out of 5 stars
R
Robert 10/31/2025
Our tour guide Valeria was absolutely amazing! She is so knowledgeable and a very authentic person talking about the antimafia movement. She is a living Sicilian legend for me. Thank you!
Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour
5 out of 5 stars
C
Céline 10/31/2025
I was met by the friendly guide at Piazza Verdi, we got picked up straight away by the driver and headed to Monreale Cathedral. The guide was excellent and very knowledgeable. Visit of the Cathedral with many interesting explanations and then we went to the catacombs. Very impressive place but maybe not for everyone. The tour was really great and lasted about 3 hours. I would say the price is quite high, especially considering the entry fees are not included.
Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo
5 out of 5 stars
C
Céline 10/31/2025
Trip is worth it, for the experience to be on the Etna and Taormina has incredible views, probably the best in Sicily. What I’ve noticed though is that these ‘tours’ in Sicily are not really tours, they’re more like transportation with some pre-recorded info in multiple languages. Even though they suggest roughly what to see, it’s up to you to organise it once there. Also none of the entry fees are included. Generally I find 2 hours is not enough to see everything properly but also the drive from/to Palermo is long.