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Things to do in Palermo

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Visit Palermo's Palazzo Bonocore with its director

Enter this 16th century palace and immerse yourself in Sicily's food and wine culture. Enter the Palazzo Hear about the building's past and Art Nouveau's wonders. Take a virtual ride Travel in a carriage and see Teatro Massimo being built. Explore the city Learn about Palermo’s urban and architectural evolution. Tempt your tastebuds End with Marsala wine paired with Sicilian delicacies.

4.8 out of 5 average rating, 5 reviews

Pair Sicilian wine and food with a sommelier

Explore the art of food and wine pairing with me, the sommelier at Locanda del Gusto, in a tasting experience that matches traditional Sicilian cuisine with local wines. You’ll learn how to transform a meal into a sensory adventure. • I’ll welcome you and discuss six distinct grape varieties, highlighting their flavors, origins, and characteristics. • Hear insights into Sicilian cuisine, its rich traditions, and the stories behind the dishes and wines we’ll enjoy. • Taste the food and wine pairings, exploring the harmony between flavors and aromas, and linger for a relaxed conversation where I’ll answer any questions you have. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Sicily’s rich culinary heritage, as well as pairing skills to apply to future meals.

5 out of 5 average rating, 5 reviews

Practice Yoga At Palermo’s Botanical Garden

This open-level yoga class balances movement and stillness, effort and ease, in one of the city’s most enchanting natural spaces, the University of Palermo’s botanical garden. • Reconnect with your body, breath, and being in a soulful yoga flow against the backdrop of gently rustling leaves and birdsong. • After our practice, enjoy a refreshing seasonal fruit smoothie at the garden’s restaurant, offering space for reflection, conversation, and connection. • Explore the garden’s centuries-old trees, serene fountains, a bamboo forest, a lotus grove, citrus orchards, a botanical museum, and art gallery. Whether you’re a seasoned yoga practitioner or just starting out, you’ll leave feeling grounded and re-energized after your time in one of Palermo’s most peaceful places. Please note that you will need to get your own ticket to enter the Botanical Garden, which is not included in the price of the experience. After entering, please come and find me near the in-house cafe Talea, where the session will take place.

5 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviews

Olive oil tasting with a sommelier in a botanical garden

Join Alex, your host, who is on a mission to boost your sense from nature to paradise in the heart of Palermo. Come and learn more about olive oil, its multiple tastes and uses, in one of the most important botanical garden in Europe. Alex is a seventh-generation olive oil producer and certified sommelier. Discover the award-winning Santa Barbara extra-virgin olive oils and gain expert insights into premium olive oil. • Learn how to read olive oil labels, spot adulterated oils, and store olive oil properly. I’ll share tips on how to enhance your cooking with premium oils. • Taste three varieties of Santa Barbara extra-virgin olive oil, exploring their unique flavors and aromas. Enjoy seasonal pairings like tomatoes, fennel, bread, and mozzarella, complemented by a glass of wine. NOTE: price does not include admission to the Botanical Garden which is approx. 7 € per person. No smoking is allowed on the premises and no animals are permitted.

5 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviews

Hands-on leatherwork workshop with a Sicilian craftsman

Join me, an expert leather craftsman, in a hands-on discovery of traditional leatherwork techniques to create your own hand-sewn leather item. • We’ll begin with a tour of my artisan workshop in the historical center of Palermo, where I’ll share anecdotes and the history of this unique boutique space. • I’ll teach you the ancient hand-sewing methods used in the Sicilian leather manufacturing tradition, and you’ll practice the techniques. I’ll provide the leather, patterns, and all the additional materials you need. • You’ll create and stitch a one-of-a-kind notebook, book holder, or tobacco pouch, including the processing and application skills you’ve learned. You’ll leave with new skills for traditional Sicilian leatherwork, without the use of any machinery, and take home a gorgeous and unique keepsake.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Discover masterpieces in the palazzos of the Kalsa District

Explore Palazzo Abatellis and Palazzo Butera, two historical landmarks filled with extraordinary art, and discover how the architecture and exhibitions work together to tell a story that bridges centuries. • Begin at Palazzo Abatellis, home of the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia, a masterpiece of exhibition design. We’ll dive into the interplay between ancient art and Gothic-Catalan architecture. • Savor and discuss Renaissance masterpieces as I explain how the space’s historical architecture amplifies the symbolic impact of its artwork. • After a coffee break on an ancient elevated walkway, we’ll explore Palazzo Butera. Learn how bold curatorial choices and the blend of old and new pieces have transformed the palace into a hub for global artistic conversation. You’ll leave with newfound inspiration and a deeper understanding of how curatorial practices can reshape the ways we engage with art. Note: Price does not include total admission of about €21 per person.

5 out of 5 average rating, 6 reviews

Discover Palermo's spiritual heritage with an anthropologist

Join me, an anthropologist and ethnologist, on a journey through Palermo’s spiritual heritage. We’ll dive deep into the city’s devotional iconography as we explore traditional markets and ancient, tiny chapels. • We’ll start at the entrance of the vibrant and historic Il Capo market, a place deeply woven into my own upbringing. Here, you’ll experience the warm energy and hospitality of the market’s vendors. • I’ll introduce you to the traditional ways Sicilians honor specific Madonnas and holy women such as Santa Rosalia, along with figures who carry a more mystical significance in the local devotion. • As we navigate through the market and its surroundings, we’ll visit lesser-known churches and devotional spots cherished by the local community. Highlights include Madonna della Miccè, Madonna del Lume, Sant’Onofrio. • We’ll stop in a small shop for coffee, and fresh pomegranate juice, which carries important devotional symbology. You will not receive historical or architectural information from me, but the church guides or the community of "confratelli" will do it. What I will share with you is the spiritual meaning of symbols and syncresies, the metalanguage, and our way of addressing our prayers to the Saints. You’ll walk away with firsthand experience of Palermo’s spiritual traditions and the people who keep them alive.

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 6 reviews

Sicilian coffee and cannoli with an award-winning barista

Start your day the Sicilian way, at coffee school in Palermo. Here, you’ll learn to make the perfect Italian coffee and fresh ricotta cannoli, and immerse yourself in the secrets of a dessert (or, in this case, breakfast) cherished across the globe. • Inside Palermo’s celebrated Bar Vabres, we’ll explore the cannoli’s deep Sicilian roots and how its blend of sweet creamy ricotta and crunchy shell has become a symbol of Sicilian identity and Italy's most celebrated artisanal pastry export. • Tapping into my expertise as one of Italy’s top baristas, this hands-on class will also walk you though different coffee making techniques and how each yields a unique intensity and flavor. • Enjoy your own creations for a final unforgettable caffe’ e cannolo breakfast in this authentic culinary experience that will leave you energized for the rest of your trip. Bring home the skill of preparing your best coffees ever—a lasting souvenir that won’t take up precious luggage space!

4.75 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews

Paint a traditional tambourine in a Sicilian studio

Join me, a Sicilian artist, in painting a traditional Sicilian tambourine, a vibrant symbol of local culture, in this hands-on creative workshop at my Palermo painting studio. • I’ll welcome you and give you a tour of my cozy studio, so you can draw inspiration from the works I’ve created over the past 30-plus years. • You’ll learn how to sketch a personalized pattern onto your tambourine, while sharing insights into the musical instrument’s folklore and significance. • Paint traditional motifs using acrylic watercolors, bringing the design on your tambourine to life as a personal keepsake. Everything you need to create your art is provided. You’ll take home your own unique creation as a lasting memento of your artistic Sicilian adventure, as well as unforgettable memories of our creative practice together.

5 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviews

Step inside a noble palace’s wartime past

Palazzo Castelnuovo holds two sides of history—its noble grandeur and a hidden wartime past. Join me on an intimate journey through this 15th-century palace, where aristocratic elegance and WWII survival stories connect togheter. • We’ll begin in the piano nobile, walking through frescoed halls, neoclassical salons, and a hidden Masonic temple that shaped Sicilian history. • As we explore the 18th-century library, I’ll share the stories of Palermo’s noble families and the secret gatherings that once took place within its walls. • Discover the WWII memories hiden within the walls of this palace. • We’ll end our journey in the palace’s garden, sharing a glass of wine and tasting olive oil from my family’s farm. You’ll leave with a deeper connection to Sicily’s layered legacy and a taste of its enduring traditions.

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4.93 out of 5 average rating, 2003 reviews

Palermo Unfiltered Street Food Tour and Market Exploration

If you want to taste authentic Sicilian street food and catch the real soul of Palermo, this is the right choice! We will walk you around the Capo and Vucciria markets to enjoy the best local street food. In the morning you will try the original arancini recipe at the only place that still makes it! We will take you to family-run bakeries, delis and old inns to sample traditional street food and sip some regional wine. We will unveil the secrets of Sicilian cuisine, and discuss the history of local recipes. You'll meet market vendors and funny street characters. Try this out if you want to experience real Palermo and leave your comfort zone. Not only food! During the walk, we will also discuss other topics like history, traditions and social issues (eg. mafia). We will also share with you the best tips to enjoy the rest of your stay like a real local. MUST KNOW: traditional street food is super tasty and regulated by the "3 F" rule: Fried, Fat, Full of carbs. MORNING TOUR: explore the local markets of Capo and Vucciria. Choose the morning option to experience the colorful and lively markets. EVENING TOUR: let us take you around the intricate alleys of the modern port of La Cala and the busy nightlife area of La Vucciria. Choose the night tour to skip summer heat and try some unique night-time bites. If there are any vegetarians or pescatarians, please inform us previously.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 91 reviews

Palermo Street Food Adventure: A Tasty Small Group Tour

ALL FOOD IS INCLUDED! At least 5 food stops (food choice depending on season and availability): - Sfincione: it’s made with a pizza-like dough covered with fresh tomato salsa, anchovies paste and onion. - Sandwich with panelle and crocchè: this is the beating heart of Palermo street food. It’s a sesame bread stuffed with crocchè, potato croquettes, and panelle, a chickpeas omelette. - Rice arancina: this is a rice ball famous all around the world. - Panino ca meuza: only if you’re a true food experimenter :) - Sicilian cannoli: It is filled with a sweet and creamy paste made with ricotta cheese, candied fruit, crunchy pistachios or dark chocolate drops. - Sicilian granita: it’s the best way to end a rich meal. Fresh fruit, sugar and ice are its simple ingredients. What this tour IS about: - Great Food - Great company with a local - Curiosities and anecdotes - Nice walk in the historical center - Fun and smiles - New friends from all around the world What this tour is NOT about: - An historical tour - Boring long speeches PLEASE NOTICE THAT THE TOUR WILL BE HELD IN ITALIAN/ENGLISH. CONTACT US FOR OTHER LANGUAGES CONTACT US FOR PRIVATE EXPERIENCE Thank you for the shared value you help generate. By purchasing this experience, you contribute to enhancing the area in which we operate, providing employment, income for small businesses and support for local charities.

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 892 reviews

Discovering the anti-mafia rebellion

You will walk with me or one of my fellow team members through the main roads and the back streets of the picturesque old town. You will learn about the Mafia, its brutal violence and its business, as well as about the people who stood up against the power of the organised crime. We will stop in front of monuments, memorials and shops, each is connected with a particular aspect of our story. Sometimes a small detail, that seems unsignificant at first glance, has a story behind it that is worth to be told. An example: Addiopizzo stickers on the shops windows we will see along the walking tour. They belongs to shopkeepers who have said NO to the protection money! You will also have the chance to support them, just buying a gelato, some local products or a souvenir of Palermo. Other things to note: You can recognize me because at the meeting point I will have a "No Mafia" backpack on my shoulder. IMPORTANT! The tour is offered in English, Italian or French, depending from the dates. Please scroll down this page and choose the correct date/language in the section "SEE MORE DATES".

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 1337 reviews

Walking Tour & Street Food Tour Palermo, History and Food

My name is Domenico Aronica, i'm a professional photographer and official Tour Guide. I'm also the founder of the website: palermowalkingtour(com). My group tour is not just a food tour, but it's a mix of history, culture, architecture, monuments and street food. The MORNING GROUP WALKING TOUR starts at 9.30 am, with me or with my team of official Tour Guides and we will walk for about 3 hours and cover about 4 km. In the first part of the Walking Tour we will visit some important monuments and churches and talk about the history of the city and in the second part of the Walking Tour we will explore the big outdoor food market and we will eat the famous street food of Palermo (food included). At the end of the tour I will give you many suggestions of what you can do on your own in Palermo. You will understand Palermo and its old history! This group tour is not suggested for children under 7 years old, the group tour is in english. Other things to note: Street food tastings like arancini, focaccia, fresh juice, cannoli, etc (it’s like a lunch! food included, no fish) and entrances fees in the churches that we will visit are included. Before book a private tour please send me a message to check my availability. Please book tours led by official tour guides like this, we proudly pay taxes!

5 out of 5 average rating, 12 reviews

Palermo Bar Crawl

Join Pub Crawl Palermo for an unforgettable fun night, with good vibes and incredible memories. This is a social pub crawl for everyone, where you can expect to meet some locals. Discover the city through 5 local bars as we explore together on a unique and fun bar-hopping tour. Depending on the group's vibe, we can spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at each bar. We will enjoy venues with great DJs, live music, and relaxed atmospheres. The distance between each bar is no more than a 10-minute walk. We will end the night at a vibrant street party called Vucciria at 2:30. We start at Finch Lounge at 21:30 (Piazzetta Monteleone, 5). We will be there till 22:15 waiting for everyone. If you are running late, let us know, and we will send you the second bar location. What’s included: a free shot at each bar and discounts on drink deals when you show your wristband (from 1€ up to 3,50€). Rated 1#Nightlife in Palermo — Don't miss out - BOOK TODAY !

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 406 reviews

Sailing tour in Palermo

Mondello or Cape Zafferano EXPERIENCE Our experience begins at 10 am with an appointment at the pier at the Marina Galizzi in via Filippo Patti in Palermo, after a small welcome juice, we will begin sailing towards the Gulf of Mondello or towards Cape Zafferano. Leaving the port we could mount the sails and the captain will give you the basics of sailing. During sailing almost at the foot of Monte Pellegrino near the port of Acquasanta or alternatively we will go towards Cape Zafferano, guests can have a unique experience and admire our wonderful coastlines. Arriving in the crystal clear sea, near the Cape Gallo reserve, guests will be able to swim and then taste our local cuisine. After a little relaxation you will jump back to the boardwalk where we will arrive around 6 pm. During our experience it will be possible to fish on the boat thanks to the equipment. In the event that sea weather conditions are severe, the excursion will be postponed to a future date or fully refunded.

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 315 reviews

Palermo Street Food Tour, Eat Like A Local

We will take you on a journey through the flavors and aromas of Sicilian cuisine, starting with a visit to the local food market (open only during AM tour) Strolling through the market stalls we will introduce you to local vendors and show you how to select the best ingredients for our traditional recipes. After exploring the market we will continue our tour with several street food tastings and will end with a delicious dessert. During the PM tour you will taste the same local delicacies while strolling through famous squares where Giuseppe Garibaldi with his 1000 army soldiers declared Sicily the part of Italy and visit some main spots related to the Revolution. This is not just a street food tour, we will also share with you the local history, stories and anecdotes. Join us for this unforgettable gastronomic tour to experience the true flavors of Sicily and to connect with the local culture! POINTS OF INTEREST FOR AM TOUR: Teatro Massimo - Local Food Market - Cathedral - Quattro Canti Square - Fontana Pretoria (the last stop) POINTS OF INTEREST FOR PM TOUR: Quattro Canti Square - Fontana Pretoria - Piazza Sant'Anna - Piazza Rivoluzione - Piazza Marina - Harbour / Cala di Palermo (the last stop)

5 out of 5 average rating, 39 reviews

Sicilian cooking class in the heart of Palermo

What better way to discover a city and a culture like Palermo than through the flavors of its authentic cuisine in a local home? During your stay in Palermo, we offer unique gastronomic experiences in a cozy and familiar location -located in the heart of Palermo and right in front of the Opera House- to curious tourists who want to dive into authentic Sicilian cuisine! Putting your hands in the dough mixing and matching the most local, fresh, and simple ingredients, and following the most preserved Nonna’s recipes, full of souvenirs and stories never told will make you feel like having always been part of that Sicilian family. Perfumes of Casa Massimo offers hands-on cooking lessons where you will learn how to prepare a 3-course Sicilian menù from scratch. A hands-on cooking lesson where you will learn how to prepare a Sicilian starter, a First course of fresh Sicilian pasta, and a traditional dessert. At the end of the class, we will sit down and enjoy these dishes for lunch or dinner. The menu is based on the seasonality of the ingredients, regional specialties, and family recipes. Planning a menu according to your food preferences, allergies, and restrictions is possible. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 623 reviews

The Sicilian Pantry - Cooking Class & Market Tour

On a typical lesson day we meet in the morning at one of Palermo’s oldest markets, shop around for any items we will need for the lesson and then stroll to the air-conditioned kitchen in The Sicilian Pantry cookery school where we prepare a 4 course Sicilian meal, learning the techniques and tricks needed to recreate it when you return home. Meals are made up of a starter, pasta course, main course and desert (changes can be made for individuals with specific dietary requirements where appropriate). After the lesson we can sit down together to enjoy the fruits of our labour along with a selection of Sicilian wines rounded off with some homemade liqueurs and coffee. We believe that the true expression of Sicilian cuisine comes from the quality of its fresh seasonal produce so we strive to always ensure that we have the best of what Sicily has to offer in order to share this with our guests. This is an entertaining and informative day out, recommended for cooks of all levels. Other things to note Please let us know as soon as possible if you (or any in your party) have any dietary requirements, intolerances etc.

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 314 reviews

Palermo Bike Tour with Tasting

Discover Palermo like never before with a unique and authentic 3-hour bike tour that will make you fall in love with the city! Ride through streets steeped in history, culture, and vibrant colors, guided by someone who knows and lives Palermo every day. You’ll uncover breathtaking views, hidden gems, and enchanting corners that tell the timeless story of this Mediterranean treasure. Every turn of the pedal brings you closer to the heart and soul of the city, far from the usual tourist paths. But this is more than just a tour – it’s a sensory journey. Along the way, you’ll indulge in Palermo’s famous street food, a burst of flavors that reveals the true essence of the city. Savor every bite as you immerse yourself in the local culinary tradition, because there’s no better way to understand Palermo than through its food. Let the beauty, flavors, and stories of Palermo captivate you. Get ready to create unforgettable memories and experience the city in a way that will stay with you forever. Are you ready to ride?

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