As the capital of Sicily, and the heart of the island economically and culturally, there is a lot to see in Palermo. You could easily spend a week getting lost in the little streets, popping into hidden churches, and eating your way through the city. Not to mention the vibrant nightlife! But don’t fret, you can still get a feel for the city in a half day (or even three hours). Luckily, while the city is big, the main historic tourist attractions are relatively close together. Keep reading for how to make the most of your short time, with our guide on how to spend 3 hours in Palermo, Sicily.

History of Palermo

Before we dive in, let’s talk about a little history. Located on the Northwestern coast of the island, Palermo was originally named “Panoramus” and founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century. It went on to be taken over by the Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Germans, French, and Spanish. (A LOT of empires as you can tell). It eventually was captured by Giuseppe Garibaldi and quickly became part of Italy. As you tour the city, you’ll likely feel a sense of confusion. It’s like no place you’ve never been – and that’s because over the course of the centuries each group left its mark on the architecture, language, and cuisine.

Getting downtown Palermo & Getting Around the Historic Center

Getting to the historic area:

From the train station: ~10 min walk. Note: the walk from the station to the historic area really isn’t the prettiest. There’s a lot of trash and graffiti. Via Roma was historically a beautiful shopping area but many shops have closed over the years. During the day it’s pretty safe, but always keep an eye out!
From the airport: ~50 minutes by bus, ~15 minutes by car. While I generally avoid taxis in Palermo, if time is of the essence driving into the historic center is a must.

Getting around the historic area:

There are 3 main ways that visitors get around the historic area of Palermo – by foot, by horse, or by Lambretta taxi.

By Foot – You’re going to have to do some walking, but I would save that for the last part of your time in Palermo.
By Horse – As you walk around, you’ll notice horse drawn carriages. Growing up, I loved this way of getting around the historic center as the guides would talk about the buildings and you’d see a lot in a little bit of time. However, in the past few years there have been some issues with the treatment of the horses. I personally would skip this one as two horses recently died from dehydration.
By Lambretta Taxi – This is something somewhat new on the scene and my number one recommendation for your 3 hours in Palermo. A Lambretta is a type of scooter, and you might see them around Sicily filled with fruits and vegetables. In this case, they’ve been converted to taxis! A similar concept to the horse (without the animal issues) this is the best way to see the main attractions in a few hours!

PS: Don’t forget to negotiate your tour – you can always get a little discount.

3 Hours in Palermo: Main Attractions

With only 3 hours in Palermo, you’ll want to focus on the historic center. The Lambretta taxi will give you a guided tour of the main spots and you’ll even have time to hop out and take a few photos. Tours usually last around 1 hour, which gives you a few hours to explore on your own!

Below are a few of my personal favorite spots. Not everything is on the below list. This article has a more conclusive list.

Piazza San Domenico

If you’re walking from the Palermo Train Station, Piazza San Domenico is the first major point of interest you’ll run into.

The Piazza gets its name after the Church of San Domenico which is worth popping into for a few minutes if it happens to be open. You can also grab a quick coffee or snack at the cafe located on the Piazza.

Pro Tip: Palermo has some amazing high-end jewelry stores with unique pieces. If you keep walking past the church, you’ll end up in a bit of a jewelry district that you can check out. These spots have a mix of antique and new pieces.

Piazza Pretoria also known as “Piazza Della Vergogna”

Piazza Pretoria, which locals call “Piazza della Vergogna” (square of shame in English), gets its name from the 16 nude statues of a mix of humans, nymphs, and other supernatural creatures. The nickname is also said to represent the corruption of the government during the 1800s.

Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Padri Teatini

Located directly across from Piazza Pretoria is the Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Padri Teatini was completed in 1617. It’s hard to pick a favorite church in Palermo (because there are just so many), but this one might be my favorite. The art is so intricate that everywhere you look there’s something to see. It is also the perfect example of the Sicilian Baroque style.

Piazza Vigliena also known as the “Quattro Chianti”

Quattro Chianti Palermo — One of the four Quattro Canti

Another 30 second walk from the Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Padri Teatini is the Quattro Canti which is considered the center of the historic area. It’s official name is Piazza Vigliena and it is the cross between the two main streets of Palermo Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

The Piazza gets its nickname as the “Quattro Canti” (Four Corners) as each corner represents a different season and the four Spanish Kings of Sicily.

Pro Tip: to get the best photos of the Quattro Canti, you’ll want to arrive early in the morning. Also, if by this point you haven’t found a Lambretta taxi, you’ll definitely find them here.

Cattedrale di Palermo

The Cathedral was built in 1184 and has a very interesting history. It started as a Christian church and then became a Mosque in the 9th century, before eventually returning to a church. The architecture is a mix of Arab, medieval, gothic, and Norman.

Admission into the Cathedral is free, but it’s worth spending the 7 euros to visit the crypts, terraces, tombs, and treasury.

Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele

The Teatro Massimo opera house is one of the largest opera houses in Europe (and the largest one in Italy). Named after King Vittorio Emanuele II, it opened in 1897. For information on shows, check out their site here.

Walk along Via Maqueda

Usually tours will end along Via Maqueda which makes for the perfect spot to walk, buy some souvenirs, and enjoy the afternoon. I personally would avoid eating on this street (mainly because it’s super touristy) but it works when you’re tight on time!

Palermo’s Hidden Attractions

If you have some extra time before you leave Palermo, below are a few hidden gems to check out.

Museo del Carretto Franco Bertolino

I stumbled upon the Museo del Carretto Franco Bertolino by accident while walking behind the Cathedral of Palermo. Located down a tiny little alley, this is an absolute must-stop if you have even 10 minutes. The artist (Franco Bertolino) has a gorgeous collection of Carretti Siciliani that he hand painted, as well as other artifacts that are centuries old from Sicilian culture. Fun fact: the lambrettas above were featured in the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show!

Address: Via Simone di Bologna, 15, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy

Admission: Free – but they operate on a donation basis.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for lunch spot at this point, stop by La Galleria (next door in the alley). This off the beaten path spot serves Sicilian seafood, pasta, and meat dishes in a rustic trattoria setting.

Mercato delle Pulci

Okay so, a visit to the Mercato delle Pulci might be a little ambitious with only 3 hours in Palermo. However, if you’re a lover of antiques, this unique market is a must-stop. The shops are built into the trees (which that alone is so cool). I personally love picking up souvenirs when I travel at antique markets as they’re one of a kind. If you have time, this could be a fun spot to pick up a print, or some Sicilian pottery.

Address: Piazza Domenico Peranni, 2, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy

Hours: Daily 8:30AM – 6PM