Palermo in 2 days: what to see day by day
Ready-to-use 2 days itinerary for Palermo: 12 places grouped geographically into walking routes (11 h 50 min of pure visiting time) with opening hours and places to eat along the way.
1 day · 2 days · 3 days · Things to do in Palermo
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Day 1 · 6 h 5 min visiting · approx. 1.5 km walking between stops
- Palermo Cathedral — 1 h 40 min visit. Unlike nearby churches, it is the only temple that houses the tombs of Sicilian kings and Roman emperors, including Frederick II. Hours: Mon–Sun 09:00–17:30.
- Palazzo dei Normanni — 2 h visit (approx. 420 m from previous stop). It is one of the oldest royal palaces in Europe, serving as the seat of the Sicilian parliament since the 9th century. Hours: Mon–Sat 08:15–17:45 · Sun 08:15–13:00.
- Cappella Palatina — 1 h 15 min visit (approx. 40 m from previous stop). Built in the 12th century by King Roger II, it is famous for its dazzling golden mosaics and unique Islamic coffered ceiling.
- Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti — 50 min visit (approx. 180 m from previous stop). Dating from the 12th century, it features five characteristic red domes, originally serving as a mosque before its transformation.
- Quattro Canti — 20 min visit (approx. 900 m from previous stop). Four identical facades adorned with sculptures of seasons, kings, and patronesses create a Baroque intersection of two main streets from the early 17th century.
Where to eat along the route (Day 1)
- Panificio Pensabene Giuseppe — The only place where you can buy freshly baked bread and local sweets to go in the morning, which typical bistros do not offer.
- Focacceria San Giovanni — Specializing in focaccia and other local baked goods, it's an excellent spot for a quick lunch.
Day 2 · 5 h 45 min visiting · approx. 4.9 km walking between stops
- Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele — 1 h 30 min visit. As the largest opera house in Italy, it hosts international productions, ensuring excellent acoustics. Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–15:00.
- Teatro Politeama — 30 min visit (approx. 560 m from previous stop). Its neoclassical facade features a monumental triumphal arch through which a street passes, unique among Palermo's theaters.
- Chiesa di San Cataldo — 20 min visit (approx. 1.3 km from previous stop). It is distinguished by its three red domes, which are an excellent example of 12th-century Arab-Norman architecture.
- Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (La Martorana) — 40 min visit (approx. 40 m from previous stop). This 12th-century Byzantine church is famous for its stunning mosaics depicting Christ, saints, and biblical scenes, rare in Sicily. Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–18:30 · Sun 13:00–18:30.
- Castello della Zisa — 1 h visit (approx. 1.9 km from previous stop). As a former summer residence of kings, it stands out with a harmonious blend of Norman and Arab architecture and a water cooling system. Hours: Mon–Sat 09:00–18:30 · Sun 09:00–13:00.
- Capuchin Catacombs — 1 h 15 min visit (approx. 570 m from previous stop). It houses approximately 8,000 mummified bodies of monks and laypeople, resting here since the 16th century. Hours: Mon–Sun 09:00–12:00, 15:00–17:30.
- Castello della Cuba (Cuba sottana) — 30 min visit (approx. 560 m from previous stop). This former royal palace features rare Islamic-Norman architecture, with a history that deviates from traditional temples.
Where to eat along the route (Day 2)
- Sfrigola — Serves Sicilian fried fast food snacks, for a quick taste of authentic, local flavors.
- Nino ù Ballerino — It is famous for serving traditional "pane ca meusa," an iconic delicacy of Sicilian street food.
Things to do in Palermo — all places with visit times
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