Palermo in 3 days: what to see day by day
Ready-to-use 3 days itinerary for Palermo: 18 places grouped geographically into walking routes (15 h 45 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 25 min visiting · approx. 1.6 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.
- Porta Nuova — 20 min visit (approx. 380 m from previous stop). At the top of this sixteenth-century gate, there is a viewing terrace offering a panorama of the city.
- Palazzo dei Normanni — 2 h visit (approx. 120 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 del Gesù (Casa Professa) — 50 min visit (approx. 740 m from previous stop). Its exceptionally rich and ornate interior with marble inlays is much more expressive than in Cappella Palatina or La Martorana.
- Quattro Canti — 20 min visit (approx. 310 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 50 min visiting · approx. 3.1 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.
- Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas — 1 h 30 min visit (approx. 330 m from previous stop). Gathers the most important artifacts from prehistory, antiquity, and Roman times, offering a deep dive into Sicily's ancient history. Hours: Tue–Sat 09:00–19:00 · Sun 09:00–13:00 · Mon closed.
- Teatro Politeama — 30 min visit (approx. 590 m from previous stop). Its neoclassical facade features a monumental triumphal arch through which a street passes, unique among Palermo's theaters.
- Piazza Pretoria — 30 min visit (approx. 1.2 km from previous stop). It is the only square in the city where a monumental fountain with nude sculptures dominates the surrounding palace architecture.
- Chiesa di San Cataldo — 20 min visit (approx. 90 m 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.
- Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti — 50 min visit (approx. 920 m from previous stop). Dating from the 12th century, it features five characteristic red domes, originally serving as a mosque before its transformation.
Where to eat along the route (Day 2)
- Pedro’s Coffee & Food — It provides a versatile combination of a cafe and restaurant, offering both coffee and a variety of dishes for lunch or dinner.
- Bisso bistrot — It offers informal meals of local cuisine at affordable prices, allowing you to feel the urban buzz.
Day 3 · 3 h 30 min visiting · approx. 5.9 km walking between stops
- Capuchin Catacombs — 1 h 15 min visit. 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.
- Castello della Zisa — 1 h visit (approx. 1 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.
- Chiesa del Santo Spirito — 25 min visit (approx. 2.7 km from previous stop). Its simple Norman architecture conceals immense historical significance, being the starting point of the famous Sicilian Vespers.
- Chiesa di San Giovanni dei Lebbrosi — 20 min visit (approx. 1.6 km from previous stop). Its simple, Norman architecture and beautiful garden create an intimate escape from the city bustle.
Where to eat along the route (Day 3)
Things to do in Palermo — all places with visit times
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