10 things to do in Palermo

"Just a few minutes' walk from the Grand Hotel Wagner, there's plenty to do and see. Discover our selection of iconic spots from which to begin exploring the soul of Palermo, at your own pace!"

The 10 best things to do in Palermo, just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel. A selection of iconic spots from which to begin discovering the soul of this city.

Soak up the spirit of our city with the itinerary we’ve put together for visiting Palermo on foot: it’s a one-day tour starting and ending at the Grand Hotel Wagner.

So let’s not delay any longer and set off together on this journey through the history and culture of our beloved city. We’ll start with one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, an unmissable stop for anyone looking for things to do and see on holiday in Palermo:

1. Teatro Massimo

Just 500 metres from our hotel, you’ll find Piazza Verdi – known to the people of Palermo as “Piazza Massimo” – home to the monumental Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy and the third largest in Europe after those in Paris and Vienna.

The Grand Hotel Wagner has a history inextricably linked to the Teatro Massimo. In fact, before becoming a hotel, this building housed the theatre’s costume department.

2. Via Maqueda and the Quattro Canti

Dating back to the 17th century, Via Maqueda will enchant you with its succession of churches and historic buildings, leading you to the Quattro Canti, which divide the old town into four districts. It is also known as the “octagon”, due to the shape of the square, or more commonly as the “Theatre of the Sun”, because on every day of the year at least one of the four corners is bathed in sunlight.

Each of the four corners features a particular symbol , linked to the city’s ancient history, but we’ll have a chance to tell you all about that when we meet at the hotel.

3. Palermo Cathedral

Part of the wonderful “Arab-Norman itinerary”, it is one of the city’s architectural and cultural landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that will captivate your gaze, transporting you back to ancient times. Here, the Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles that have shaped the history of these places come together.

Here lie the royal tombs of the ancient rulers of Sicily. Are you ready to uncover their mysteries?

4. Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel

Have you ever heard of the Cortile Maquenada or the Sala di Ercole? Two masterpieces set within this gem dating from 1100 AD. An ideal place to spend an afternoon in the city.

Your visit should include the Palatine Chapel, home to unmissable mosaics dating back to the 12th century.

5. Martorana Church

Another of the city’s 8 UNESCO sites. In the heart of Palermo, a treasure trove of Byzantine art.

Step inside, look up and let the play of light captivate your eyes.

6. Casa Professa

Our guide to the 10 things to do in Palermo continues with a marvellous Baroque gem in the city’s historic centre. Adorned with exquisite marble reliefs, it is situated just outside the famous Ballarò Market.

Its chapels are veritable treasure troves of art, housing splendid works of inestimable value.

Dating back to 1578, it is an absolute must-see before visiting the next recommended spot.

7. Ballarò Market

One of the city’s three historic markets, a place that embodies the most authentic Palermo where you can lose yourself, enveloped by the scent of spices, or stop to enjoy a mixed fry amidst the vendors’ cries.

Discover the real Palermo street food here: from panelle to arancine and much more.

8. Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi

Immerse yourself in a historic setting, a celebration of the Baroque.

The setting for the most famous scenes of Luchino Visconti’s masterpiece: “The Leopard”.

A place of timeless charm that is an absolute must on your itinerary. Here, history, art and the noble spirit of this city come together.

9. Piazza Marina and Palazzo Abatellis

Continuing along the route, you will reach Piazza Marina, also known as Giardino Garibaldi, home to the largest tree in Europe, a ficus standing over 30 metres tall.

This is the site of Palazzo Abatellis, home to the regional gallery. One of the most important museums in Palermo, housing numerous masterpieces including the famous “Annunciation” by Antonello da Messina and the mysterious “Triumph of Death” dating back to the 1300s.

10. Piazza Politeama

In the area around Via Libertà and Piazza Politeama, just a short walk from our hotel, you’ll find Palermo’s main shopping streets.

This is the perfect place to round off the day, relaxing in one of the many cafés in the pedestrianised area of Via Principe di Belmonte, right next to the Grand Hotel Wagner.