What to do in Palermo?

1. Palermo Cathedral

Category: Cultural

Description:Impossible to visit Palermo without passing by the mythical Cathedral, in Arab-Norman style. It is moreover one of the oldest monuments (dating from 1185) and having best resisted during time. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be blown away by the robust architecture of this singular edifice that resembles few other monuments you might have seen in your life, but also the magnificent baroque paintings on the ceiling that will make you dream, when night falls. During your visit, you will learn more about the era in question, and why this decision to build the cathedral. Not to mention that it will be an opportunity for you to discover some tombs of Norman kings who once ruled Sicily. If you wish to go there, go to "Via Vittorio Emanuele", the cathedral is open every day from 7am to 7pm, except on Sunday where it opens from 8am.

2. The Norman Palace

Category: €€/Cultural

Description:After the cathedral, it's the turn of the Norman Palace to be honored, one of the oldest royal palaces in all of Europe. This one stands proudly on the bridge of the city, and thus dominates Palermo by its mixed architecture, with Arab-Norman inspiration. Due to the turbulent history of the city, and taking into account all the periods of domination it has suffered over the centuries, in each era, several "transformations and modifications" have been made on this monument with a thousand facets. Thus, this makes it particularly unique. It will also be for you the magnificent opportunity to visit the "Palatine Chapel of Palermo", which harmoniously brings together Roman, Byzantine and Arab style: you will realize this very quickly by admiring the marble drawings and Byzantine mosaics. The fortress dating from the 9th century, is today a royal residence, but especially the political center of the country. Located at "Piazza del Parlamento", the Norman Palace is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm every day, except Sunday, from 8:30am to 9:30am and from 11:30am to 12:30pm.

3. Stroll through the city... And get to know Palermo's street food

Category: €€/Gastronomic/Sports

Description: Sometimes, you have to know how to put aside the car, and go wandering on foot to discover the city in question, where you have chosen to drop your suitcases for a time. Walking in Palermo? There is no more beautiful activity to better discover it! It will be the time for you to take your most beautiful photos, on the most beautiful buildings, in front of the most beautiful landscapes. Moreover, the city has many pedestrian streets, which will facilitate the task, and allow you to feel safe. Why not rent a bike, and go explore with the family? It's an activity that generally pleases children a lot, and allows you to practice a sports activity, while learning more about the place where you are. Not to mention that around noon, you can take a little break and take a tour in the street-food places, which offer local sweet and savory specialties. Wouldn't it be wonderful to taste arancini, while admiring the landscape that offers itself to you?

4. The Capuchin Catacombs

Category: €€/Unusual/Cultural

Description: Located just 20 minutes from Palermo cathedral, in the "Capuchin" quarter, stands a place more or less... Fascinating. There are only the most courageous who will have the will and necessary curiosity to venture into these places: the Capuchin Catacombs. In general, it is especially groups of friends passing through Palermo and looking to practice an "uncommon" activity in order to spice up their stay, who venture there. This attraction takes you to the depths of the city's underground, discovering mummies displayed along the corridors. In total, there are at least 3,000 skeletons there, needless to say this is the largest collection of mummies in the world! During your guided tour, you will notice that the bodies have been arranged precisely, particularly according to their social status and their profession, it is a place where the aura is heavy, and "strange". But visitors are always inclined to visit it, and generally come out of it certainly a little shaken, but having learned many things about the very ancient history of the city.

5. Spend an afternoon at the beach

Category: €€/Sports

Description: After an activity as special as visiting the catacombs, why not then opt for something softer? Palermo is known for its seductive beaches, you will be happy as a fish in water. We highly recommend you go to "Mondello", which offers not only a heavenly setting, but also serene calm. White sand and crystal clear water, enhanced with fresh and purifying air... What more could you ask for? You can go there after lunch, and set up your parasol and beach towel. You will love practicing different water activities around, like windsurfing for example. It's a perfect place to take a little break in your discovery of the city, and thus really take a little time for you and your family. A beautiful moment to share, isn't it? Stay well until sunset, its warm rays pierce the water in a sumptuous spectacle, and caress your face in the gentlest way possible.

6. Go to Teatro Massimo

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Visiting Palermo is also tasting Italian art in all its splendor. And for that, nothing better than visiting the largest opera house in all of Italy: Teatro Massimo. Located on "Giuseppe Verdi" square, it is open from 9:30am to 5pm every day. You will find presentation halls, and grandiose staircases leading to almost unbelievable galleries. Depending on the period when you go to Palermo, you can attend numerous concerts, ballets and operas, all highlighting art in its purest essence and in the most dignified way. Isn't that captivating? This is the moment for you to put on your most beautiful outfit and go to one of the most chic and sophisticated places in all of Europe! A beautiful evening in prospect...