So, you’re coming to Palermo for two days and wondering what to do? Excellent choice! The Sicilian capital is embedded in the island’s northwest coast; it exudes an authentic Italian charm you won’t find anywhere else in the country and has some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
As a Sicilian myself, I always recommend that visitors spend 2 days in Palermo. It’s the perfect amount of time to get lost in the squares like Piazza Vigliena, marvel at the Palermo Cathedral, and chow down on some sfincione at the Farmer’s Market.
Visiting a city like Palermo for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know your way around. That’s why I’ve made this 48-hour itinerary, so you can tick off all the city’s bucket list experiences steadily with minimum stress.
Let’s show you what Palermo has to offer!
Day 1 in Palermo
Go and See the Palermo Cathedral
I think every 2-day Palermo itinerary should start with a stop at the Palermo Cathedral. It’s one of Sicily’s finest examples of Norman architecture, which dates back to 1184. What’s fascinating about this site is that it was constructed on top of a site that belonged to an old Mosque.
Even after the number of times I have seen the Palermo Cathedral, I still get goosebumps from it. Between the blend of Medieval and Arabic features and the fabulous marble structures, it’s like stepping into a world other than the Sicily I know.
Visitors don’t have to pay anything for the church area. However, I would recommend the €7.00 fee to see the golden artefacts of the treasury and the terrace, where you’ll be treated to an awe-inspiring view of Palermo.
Check out the Capuchin Catacombs
If you’re brave enough, I advise you to check out Capuchin Catacombs. It’s one of the most unique activities in Palermo, where you can experience the weird relationship we Siclians have with the dead.
As you step through the front door, you’ll be met by the remains of over 8000 bodies hung up on the walls and rammed on top of shelves. I was fascinated to learn that some of these bodies included revered religious individuals, doctors, women and children.
What’s left of these bodies would be what I would describe as mummies. They’ve lasted so long because of how dry the room is. I could even feel it when I walked inside during my visit. A staff member told me that when all the body fluids leaked out of them, they would be cleaned and dressed in their best clothes to make them look good.
You should expect to pay 5 euros for tickets to the Capuchin Catacombs.
Gaze at the Duomo Monreale
Next up on my list of things to do in 48 hours in Palermo is a visit to the Duomo Monreale. While the charming architectural work outside this incredible Unesco World Heritage Site deserves a lot of praise, the detailed Byzantine mosaics on the inside do it for me.
The Gigantic portrayals of biblical narratives adorning the walls will surely blow you away. As will the golden interiors throughout the whole cathedral.
Another great thing I love about the Duomo of Monreale, it’s absolutely free to enter the church part, which is great if you’re on a budget.
Grab Some Food at the Farmer’s Market
Situated at the Porta Carini, a walk through Palermos’ Farmer’s Market promises an attack on your senses. You’ll encounter vendors screaming for your attention in their harsh Sicilian tongue and locals zooming past for their morning shop on their motorbikes.
I love heading to the Farmer’s Market to pick up some snacks while I’m in Palermo. They’ve got everything on offer here, from fresh colored fruits and veggies to little souvenir stands where you can pick up some last-minute trinkets to bring home.
If you want to indulge in Sicilian cuisine, there’s no better place than the Farmer’s Market. Arancini and Sfincione; you name it, they serve it!
End Your First Day With a Visit to Piazza Pretoria
Piazza Pretoria is the heart of Palermo’s Old Town. I still laugh at the nickname its nickname ‘the Square of Shame,’ but there’s an actual meaning behind this. As you walk around, you’ll immediately notice the sheer number of naked sculptures dotted around the Pretoria Fountain.
The nude statues aren’t the only thing that will catch your eye at Piazza Pretoria. Wait until you see the gorgeous churches and grand palaces that surround the square.
As soon as darkness falls, this place comes alive at night with locals meeting for catchups and gelato and workers pacing through to get home after their 9-5.
Day 2 in Palermo
Rise for a Sunset at the Top of Mount Pellegrino
There’s nothing like starting the second day of your 2 days in Palermo than catching the sunset at the top of Mount Pellegrino.
While most tourists only see this towering peak from afar, little do they know they’re missing out on a totally different world than Palermo city centre.
This revered summit was the chosen retreat for groups of monks from the Upper Palaeolithic period. They withdrew into the caves up here, and what they left behind was a true sight to behold. Some of the carvings that they left behind are still visible today inside the nearby Addaura Caves.
Another stopping point I always make it my mission to check out when I’m here is the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia. This is a small church built into another cave and is a popular pilgrimage among locals and believers.
Spend Some Time on Mondello Beach
If you’re like me and would jump at the chance to visit a beach whenever I can, I’m sure you’ll enjoy spending some time at Mondello Beach.
Mondello Beach is a lush white stretch of coastline only a short bus ride from the Historic Centre. The scenes here are truly beautiful, with azure waters crashing against the sand and the rugged mountaintops sitting peacefully in the background.
There are plenty of lovely haunts out there for some breakfast, including one of my favourites called Scimone. Their coffees and pastries are divine!
Stop by the Church of Martorana
If you’re wondering what to see in Palermo in two days, the Church of Martorana should be on your radar. Dating back to the 12th century, this religious site reminds you of the good times when Palermo was Western Europe’s richest port.
The Church of Martorana is a fantastic example of how different cultures have had a massive impact on how Sicilian society has been shaped over the years. The grounds are full of Byzantine, Romanesque, Islamic, and Baroque evidence.
I have to laugh at people’s reactions when I take them to see the Church of Martorana because, on the outside, it’s nothing special compared to some of the others in the centre. However, when you go inside, it’s a shrine with all the luxurious gold work and religious illustrations all over the ceiling and the walls.
Catch a Show at the Massimo Theatre
People flock from all over the country on day trips and weekend visits to catch a show at the Massimo Theatre. It’s the largest opera house in all of Italy, and it was built in the 19th century, and it still exudes its old world-charm to this day.
I have to say, I was never a huge fan of opera until some time back, one of my friends dragged me along to a show here, and I’ve been hooked ever since. While the shows here are impressive in their own right, the building alone is worth a visit, even if you don’t like opera. I don’t know whether it’s the impressive stairways or sophisticated exhibition halls, but this place is so special to me.
Shows are hosted here all the time, and the best way to stay on top of the schedule is through the Massimo Theatre’s website. If you’re unlucky enough to be in Palermo when there’s no show on, don’t worry—you can take a guided tour of the theatre. You can avail of lots of packages that cater to your needs, whether you’d like a backstage tour to see all the goings on behind the scenes or a cocktail where you can sip a nice apertivo in the Royal Box’s sitting room.
Start Planning Your 2 Days in Palermo Today!
If you’ve been scratching your head asking yourself, ‘Is Palermo worth visiting,’ I think you know the answer to that question by now.
I consider myself an expert when it comes to travel in Sicily, and I always say 2 days in Palermo is great for first-time visitors. This is the city where you can get a taste of Sicily, uncover the history of the island, and grasp the mindset of everyday Sicilians. Not to mention that it’s the culinary capital of Sicily, too.
So, what are you waiting for? Come on, it’s time to spend 2 days in Palermo.