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What to do today in Palermo

What to do in Palermo today depends on how much time you have and what time it is. Mornings belong to the markets — Ballarò, the Capo and the Vucciria — while the stalls are full. Many churches close in the middle of the day and reopen in the afternoon, while the big museums and Palazzo dei Normanni stay open longer. In the evening the city drifts towards the Vucciria, Piazza Bellini and the Politeama.

Below are the classics not to miss and, further down, the places open right now, sorted by how far they are from you. If you are on a schedule, tell me when you leave: I will plan a walk that respects opening hours and gets you back in time.

The classics to see today

  1. Quattro Canti

    The Baroque crossroads at the heart of the city, where Via Maqueda meets the Cassaro. Almost every walk starts here, and in five minutes you are at the Fontana Pretoria and the Martorana.

  2. Palazzo dei Normanni e Cappella Palatina

    The Cappella Palatina and its gold mosaics: if you see one thing today, make it this. Go early to beat the tour groups.

  3. Cattedrale di Palermo

    Ten minutes from Palazzo dei Normanni along the Cassaro. In good weather, climb to the rooftop terraces for the view over the city.

  4. Mercato di Ballarò

    The liveliest market in the city: fish, fruit and the calls of the stallholders. It is at its best in the morning, and the right place for your first pane con panelle.

  5. Teatro Massimo

    Guided tours last about half an hour and run through the day. If your evening is free, check the programme: an opera here is a fine end to any day.

  6. Vucciria

    By day a shrunken market, by night the heart of the city's nightlife: tiny bars, street grills, and Piazza Caracciolo full of people.

Tell me when you leave: I will line up the stops that are open, with a time for each one and enough time to get back.

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Open now in Palermo

Frequently asked questions

What is open in Palermo right now?

The list below shows the places open at this moment according to our hours. Where hours are not verified we say so: for museums and churches, check before you go.

I only have a few hours: what should I see?

With two hours: Quattro Canti, the Fontana Pretoria, the Martorana and the Cathedral, all on foot. With four, add Palazzo dei Normanni and Ballarò. The planner fits the walk to your times.

What is there to do tonight?

The Vucciria and Piazza Bellini for an aperitivo, the Teatro Massimo or the Politeama for a performance, or a walk along the sea at the Foro Italico.

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