What to See & Do in Palermo, Sicily: The Best Sights & Activities

The 12th-century Palatine Chapel is an exquisite example of Palermo’s Arab-Norman history. It features Byzantine mosaics, an Islamic muqarnas ceiling, and Latin symbols, reflecting the city’s cultural diversity during the Middle Ages. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed chapel is located in the Royal Palace of Palermo, now home to Sicily’s regional parliament, where you can view the royal apartments. The chapel is filled with intricate details, so it’s worth visiting on a guided tour to appreciate its significance.

Located just outside Palermo, the Monreale Cathedral was built in the 12th century by King William II. It’s one of the most important and beautiful cultural sites in all of Sicily. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral is renowned for its massive golden mosaics featuring scenes from the Bible that cover over 6,000 square meters. You can do a guided tour of the Cattedrale di Monreale here.

The Arab-Norman cathedral of Palermo, first constructed in the early 12th century, has been altered over the centuries by the city’s numerous foreign rulers. Its grand exterior is its best feature. Don’t miss the rooftop, where you can see the details of the top part of the cathedral and beautiful views of the city.

Chiesa del Gesù is one of Palermo’s most ornate Baroque churches. Every inch of its stunning interior is covered in incredibly detailed marble inlays, stucco depicting life-like theatrical scenes, and frescoes. You could spend hours photographing it. Don’t miss the guided tour included in the price of the ticket.

This privately owned palace is still home to descendants of the noble Federico family, who lead the tour of their house themselves! Parts of the building date back to the 12th century and include Norman, Gothic, and Baroque features. You tour rooms filled with antique furniture, weapons, paintings, and frescoes. It’s a unique and fascinating glimpse into the history of Palermo and its noble class.

Teatro Massimo is the largest opera house in Italy and the third-largest in Europe. Opened in 1897, it’s known for its grand neoclassical design and excellent acoustics. The interior is incredibly lavish, with a stunning dome and ornate decorations. The epic finale of The Godfather Part III was shot there! If there’s a performance happening while you’re in Palermo (there wasn’t when I was there, sadly), don’t miss the opportunity to see it at Teatro Massimo. It’s one of the best experiences you can have in the city.

Fontana Pretoria is a massive 16th-century Renaissance fountain in the heart of the old city. It was built in Florence for a wealthy family but was later relocated to Palermo. It’s decorated with large marble statues of gods, nymphs, monsters, and animals. Locals called it the Fountain of Shame, possibly because of the statues’ nudity. When I visited in June 2025, the fountain was closed off for renovation.

Porta Nuova is a striking 16th-century arched city gate at the entrance to the old city, next to the Royal Palace of Palermo (Palazzo dei Normanni). It’s spectacular! The statues represent the Moors whom the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V defeated when he captured Tunis from the Ottoman Empire in the 1530s.

Quattro Canti (Four Corners) is a piazza where two of Palermo’s main streets intersect in the center of the old city. Designed in the early 1600s, each corner of the square has a curved façade with statues representing the four seasons, Spanish kings, and Palermo’s female patron saints. It’s a bit crowded with some street vendors and lots of traffic, so I found it hard to really enjoy, but you still shouldn’t miss it.

Near the port, a large mural by Maurizio Giulio ‘Rosk’ Gebbia and Mirko ‘Loste’ Cavalletto honors anti-mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, who were assassinated in 1992. The black-and-white portrait is based on a photo of them. It’s a powerful symbol of hope and remembrance in Palermo.