Our guide on the Mistakes to Avoid in Palermo Sicily and how to avoid them for your next trip.
Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is a city bursting with history, culture, and some of the best street food in Italy. With its beautiful architecture, lively markets, and a blend of Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences, it offers an unforgettable experience. However, Palermo can be overwhelming for first-time visitors due to its bustling streets and unique rhythm.
Palermo is a city that rewards those who take the time to dig a little deeper. By avoiding these common mistakes and embracing the city’s vibrant culture, food, and unique history, you’ll be able to experience Palermo’s rich beauty and complex charm to its fullest.
Here’s a guide to the mistakes to avoid when visiting Palermo, along with tips on how to get the most out of your stay in this fascinating city.
Read here How to get from Palermo Airport to city center and how to buy Palermo Airport sim card
Read Here Things to know before visiting Italy and how to buy a sim card in Italy
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Mistakes to Avoid in Palermo
1. Only Sticking to Tourist Spots
Palermo is a city of contrasts, and some of its best experiences lie off the beaten path. Many tourists only visit the main attractions like the Palermo Cathedral and Teatro Massimo, missing out on the authentic charm and hidden gems in lesser-known neighborhoods.
How to Avoid It:
Wander through the historic Kalsa District to see beautiful old buildings and local street art.
Explore the lively Ballarò and Vucciria markets to experience the local food scene and vibrant street life.
Visit the lesser-known Palazzo Abatellis for Renaissance art, or the Oratorio di San Lorenzo to see stunning stuccos by Giacomo Serpotta.
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2. Visiting During the Hottest Months
The summer months in Palermo (July and August) can be uncomfortably hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). The intense heat, combined with high humidity, can make sightseeing exhausting, especially since many historical sites are outdoors.
How to Avoid It:
Visit during the shoulder seasons: April to June or September to October. The weather is more pleasant, and there are fewer tourists.
If you must visit in summer, plan to do most of your sightseeing in the early morning or late afternoon and spend the midday hours relaxing indoors or at a beach.
Seek out Palermo’s many churches and museums, which provide a cool escape from the heat.
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3. Underestimating Traffic and Driving in Palermo
Palermo’s traffic can be chaotic, and the driving style is not for the faint-hearted. The city is known for its narrow streets, aggressive drivers, and limited parking. Many tourists who rent cars find themselves stressed and overwhelmed by the local driving culture.
How to Avoid It:
Avoid driving in Palermo if possible. Use public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing services.
Consider renting a car only for day trips outside the city, such as visiting Monreale or Cefalù.
If you must drive, be patient, remain calm, and follow the flow of traffic, keeping in mind that scooters and motorcycles tend to weave in and out unpredictably.
4. Missing Out on Palermo’s Street Food Scene
Palermo is one of the street food capitals of the world, and skipping its vibrant food stalls would be a mistake. Many visitors opt for sit-down restaurants and miss out on some of the city’s best culinary experiences.
How to Avoid It:
Visit the bustling markets like Ballarò, Vucciria, or Mercato del Capo to sample local specialties such as arancini (fried rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters), and sfincione (Sicilian pizza).
Don’t miss Pane con la Milza (Spleen Sandwich), a local delicacy, from places like Nino U’ Ballerino.
Join a street food tour to explore hidden gems and learn about the history behind each dish.
5. Ignoring Local Customs and Etiquette
Sicily has its own distinct customs and traditions, which can sometimes be different from mainland Italy. Some visitors unintentionally offend locals by not respecting these cultural nuances.
How to Avoid It:
When entering a shop, restaurant, or café, always greet the staff with a “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” depending on the time of day.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
In local markets, haggling is not common. Always ask for the price before purchasing to avoid misunderstandings.
6. Missing a Visit to Monreale
Monreale, a small town just outside of Palermo, is home to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, known for its incredible mosaics. Many visitors skip this gem due to its location slightly outside the city center.
How to Avoid It:
Set aside half a day to visit Monreale Cathedral, which is just a 20-minute bus ride from Palermo.
Admire the stunning golden mosaics and the tranquil Cloisters of Monreale, a masterpiece of Norman architecture.
Combine the trip with a visit to the Duomo di Cefalù, another stunning Norman cathedral located by the sea.
7. Not Taking Safety Precautions
While Palermo is generally safe, like any big city, it has its share of petty crime, particularly in crowded markets and tourist areas. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur, especially in busy areas.
How to Avoid It:
Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics.
Use a cross-body bag with a zipper or a money belt for extra safety.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and stick to well-lit, busy areas.
8. Overlooking Palermo’s Cultural and Historical Mix
Palermo’s unique history is shaped by a mix of Arab, Norman, Byzantine, and Baroque influences. Many visitors rush through the city without appreciating its eclectic architecture and layered history.
How to Avoid It:
Visit the Palatine Chapel and La Martorana, which showcase a stunning blend of Norman and Arab-Norman art.
Explore the Zisa and Cuba Palaces, remnants of Palermo’s Arab history.
Don’t miss the Catacombs of the Capuchins, a fascinating yet eerie site showcasing Palermo’s unique way of preserving the dead.
9. Only Visiting the City Center
Many visitors focus solely on Palermo’s historic center, missing out on the beautiful beaches, nature reserves, and nearby towns that offer a more relaxed vibe.
How to Avoid It:
Take a day trip to Mondello Beach, a beautiful sandy beach just a 15-minute drive from the city center, perfect for a sunny day by the sea.
Visit Monte Pellegrino for a panoramic view of the city and a visit to the Santuario di Santa Rosalia.
Explore the charming seaside town of Cefalù for its beach, medieval streets, and stunning cathedral.
10. Expecting a “Typical” Italian City
Palermo’s unique blend of cultures and its raw, authentic atmosphere can be surprising to those expecting the polished charm of Rome, Florence, or Venice. Some visitors are put off by the city’s slightly chaotic nature.
How to Avoid It:
Embrace Palermo’s rough-around-the-edges charm and focus on its cultural richness and vibrant street life.
Understand that Palermo’s beauty lies in its contrasts: historic grandeur mixed with vibrant street art, bustling markets, and a blend of architectural styles.
Spend time interacting with locals to learn more about the city’s history, resilience, and unique identity.
11. Ignoring the Siesta Hours
Like much of southern Italy, Palermo observes the traditional siesta or riposo hours in the afternoon, typically between 1 pm and 4 pm, when many shops and businesses close. Tourists often find themselves surprised by the sudden quiet in the city during these hours.
How to Avoid It:
Plan your shopping and market visits for the morning or early evening.
Use the siesta hours for a leisurely lunch, visiting major attractions that remain open, or taking a rest during the hottest part of the day.
Restaurants typically open for dinner around 7:30 or 8:00 pm, so adjust your schedule to match the local dining hours.
12. Overlooking Palermo’s Rooftop Views
Many visitors admire Palermo’s landmarks from the ground but miss the opportunity to view the city from above. Climbing to the rooftops of its historic buildings offers spectacular views of the city’s skyline and surrounding mountains.
How to Avoid It:
Climb to the rooftop of Palermo Cathedral for a 360-degree view of the city and its terracotta rooftops.
Visit the San Giuseppe dei Teatini Church or the Santa Caterina Church for stunning views over the Piazza Bellini and beyond.
Explore the Teatro Massimo rooftop for an unforgettable perspective of the city.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.