Palermo is Italy’s 5th largest city, located on the southern island of Sicily. This region of Italy has a unique vibe that differentiates it from the north.
In Palermo, you’ll notice distinct food, Sicilian symbols, and that a different dialect of Italian, called Sicilian, is spoken. These factors make Palermo an exciting city to visit, and well worth your time.
Knowing what not to do in Palermo will set you up for a smooth and memorable experience in this beautiful Italian city.
Read on to find out what not to do in Palermo, including must-know Palermo travel tips, tips for visiting Palermo responsibly, and advice on cultural customs you should know.
- What Not To Do in Palermo: 16 Important Tips To Know
- 1. Don’t Forget To Check Italy’s Entry Requirements
- 2. Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance
- 3. Don’t Spend Less Than Two Days in Palermo
- 4. Don’t Forget to Check the Weather
- 5. Don’t Forget To Pack the Essentials
- 6. Don’t Forget Your Mobile Data
- 7. Don’t Ignore Palermo’s History
- 8. Don’t Be Too Concerned About Safety
- 9. Don’t Bring Lots of Cash
- 10. Don’t Takes Photos or Videos People Without Consent
- 11. Don’t Disrespect Religious Sites
- 12. Don’t Be Afraid to Drink Tap Water in Palermo
- 13. Don’t Forget to Try Local Sicilian Cuisine
- 14. Don’t Skip The No Mafia Walking Tour
- 15. Don’t Shy Away From Using Public Transport
- 16. Don’t Overlook Cultural Norms and Traditions
- Final Thoughts: What Not to Do in Palermo
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What Not To Do in Palermo: 16 Important Tips To Know
Let’s dive into what not to do in Palermo.
1. Don’t Forget To Check Italy’s Entry Requirements
Before entering Italy, check the entry requirements for your nationality. Entry requirements will vary depending on what passport you are traveling on.
For Canadians, travel to Italy is visa-free, because Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. Just note that Canadians can stay a maximum of 90 days, visa-free.
Some nationalities need to have a visa or travel authorization to be eligible for visiting Italy. Be sure to check the requirements for your nationality, well ahead of your trip, so there are no surprises when you arrive in Palermo.
2. Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance
What not to do in Palermo? Visit without travel insurance! Travel insurance is essential to pack for every single trip. Insurance coverage provides support, compensation, and medical care when things go wrong while you’re abroad.
Policies for travel insurance vary, but they can provide support and compensation if your luggage is lost, if you slip and break a bone, or if you need to return home because of an emergency in the family.
Travel insurance is an important financial safety net for your valuables and for emergencies, so don’t forget it when you travel to Palermo.
3. Don’t Spend Less Than Two Days in Palermo
Palermo is Italy’s 5th largest city, and so it deserves at least two days. Although you can see some of the city’s highlights if you have just one or two days, I recommend spending at least three.
With 3 days in Palermo, you can visit the city’s most famous historic sites, like Palermo Cathedral, Quattro Canti, and the Capuchin Catacombs.
You’ll have time to learn about the Sicilian mafia, wander the city’s many neighborhoods, go on at least one Palermo tour, and try lots of local dishes in Palermo’s markets. You’ll also have time to fit in a day trip to somewhere nearby, like Monreale, Cinisi, or Cefalu.
4. Don’t Forget to Check the Weather
When most people think of Sicily, they think of sunny, hot weather. But actually, Sicily can be chilly in the winter! I visited Sicily once in November, and I needed to wear a long sleeve shirt or sweater to be comfortable during the day and the evenings.
The chilliest months in Sicily are November to the end of March. During these months, the weather is mild, with an average high temperature of 17°C (62°F ) and an average low temperature of 7°C (44°F). The sun does shine during winter, but there is the possibility of some rain.
The benefit of visiting Palermo in winter is fewer tourists. There are less crowds, and accommodations and tours are priced a little lower. Plus, when you visit during low season, you help to reduce the impact of overtourism.
April to early June and September to October are generally considered the best times to visit Palermo, weather-wise. During these months, the temperatures aren’t as sweltering as they are in the summer. It’s warm enough for t-shirts and shorts, and it’s typically very sunny.
July and August are the hottest months. They are still a great time to visit, just be warned, you will want to book accommodation that has air conditioning.
5. Don’t Forget To Pack the Essentials
What not to do in Palermo? Pack the wrong things! What you pack will depend on what time of year you are visiting.
In the fall and winter, temperatures in Sicily can drop, so it’s important to pack layers. A light jacket or sweater is often all that’s needed in the fall, while a warmer coat or jacket is necessary in the winter months.
In spring and summer, you’ll want to pack shorts and t-shirts, a hat, and lots of sunscreen. If you plan to visit cathedrals and churches, I recommend bringing a sarong or scarf that you can use to cover your shoulders or legs if need be.
6. Don’t Forget Your Mobile Data
Most hotels and guesthouses in Palermo provide WiFi, but having mobile data available is convenient for when you’re out for the day and don’t have WiFi access.
You have two good options for getting mobile data while in Palermo. Your first option is to purchase a physical SIM card.
To do this, you have to find a vendor selling prepaid local SIM cards, and then go through the process of purchasing and enabling the SIM.
There are shops in the Palermo airport where you can purchase a physical SIM. Tourist SIM cards are affordable and you can select how much mobile data you’d like.
Your second option is to purchase an eSIM. An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that you can load into your device.
With an eSIM, there’s no need for a physical SIM. Esims work exactly like traditional SIM cards, enabling your phone to connect to cellular networks and access mobile data. And eSIMs come with many benefits!
Unlike physical SIMs, eSIMs can be remotely activated, allowing you to easily switch between mobile carriers or plans.
You don’t need to visit a storefront to buy an eSIM, you can purchase them online. The information needed to activate your eSIM is then sent to you over email or via an app.
7. Don’t Ignore Palermo’s History
What not to do in Palermo? Ignore the city’s intense history of mafia conflict.
The Sicilian mafia is a criminal organization that’s known all over the world, in part because of the way it’s been depicted in well-known films like The Godfather.
The term mafia is generic, as it could refer to any criminal organization. Sicily’s mafia therefore has its own name, Cosa Nostra. The organization has been present in Palermo since the early 19th century, and continues to have a presence today.
For over 100 years, Cosa Nostra has caused problems in Palermo. For example, extorting business owners by demanding a protection tax. The 1980s and 1990s were particularly tense, with several violent mafia wars that made the streets unsafe and created fear amongst locals in Palermo.
But in 2003, an organized resistance to the mafia began in Palermo. At that time, 80% of the businesses in the city were paying a protection tax.
The resistance started to encourage business owners to refuse to pay the tax, and booklets were circulated with lists of the businesses that weren’t paying the tax. This way, people could choose to support businesses that were opting out of the tax.
Thanks to the resistance, Palermo today is no longer under such intense mafia control. Most businesses in the historic / touristic center aren’t affiliated with Cosa Nostra, and the city is very safe.
But knowing the history of the city’s struggle, and how it’s been rejuvenated, is an important context that will help you understand social and cultural aspects about Palermo, and Sicily in general.
8. Don’t Be Too Concerned About Safety
Palermo is a safe city. At night, it is recommended to avoid the streets near the city’s central train station and near Ballaro market if you are walking. But aside from those areas, it’s perfectly fine to walk around Palermo.
As with all cities in Italy (and Europe in general), there is a risk of petty theft like pickpocketing – always keep your phone and wallet in your front pockets, and keep your bag or purse in front of you. As with traveling anywhere, keep alert as to what is going on around you.
9. Don’t Bring Lots of Cash
Almost all businesses in Palermo accept debit and credit cards. When I visited Palermo in June 2024, we didn’t need to pay cash for anything.
That said, we took out a small amount of euros – just in case. We used cash to pay for small purchases, like a few bananas in Ballaro Market, or a quick coffee in a cafe.
10. Don’t Takes Photos or Videos People Without Consent
An important thing not to do in Palermo has to do with taking photos and videos. As with traveling anywhere, it’s important to be intentional and respectful when taking pictures.
In Palermo, be sure to ask for permission when taking photos of people. If you plan to share a photo of a person to your social media, or any online platform, it’s important to have explicit consent to do so.
When you meet children, avoid the urge to take photos of them. Young children aren’t able to consent to having their photo taken like an adult is, and it’s inappropriate to take their picture without permission from the child’s parent.
When taking photos of the countryside, beaches, or streets around Palermo, be aware of who might end up in the frame of the photo. Wait a moment until local people are out of the frame before snapping the image.
It’s also important to think about what a photo depicts. Sharing images of poverty, children, or less developed communities for self-gratification is an unfortunate symptom of the White Saviour Industrial Complex.
11. Don’t Disrespect Religious Sites
Throughout Palermo you’ll have the opportunity to visit religious sites like Palermo Cathedral, Monreale Cathedral, and the Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio. What not to do in Palermo? Disrespect these religious sites.
When visiting churches and other religious sites, show respect by wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and wear shoes.
When the weather in Palermo is hot, you may be wearing a tank top or shorts, in which case it’s a good idea to carry a scarf or sarong with you. This way you can cover up if you pop into any churches.
12. Don’t Be Afraid to Drink Tap Water in Palermo
You will notice that in Palermo, locals seem to prefer bottled water, and restaurants always serve bottled water. I always find this a bit strange, because the tap water in Palermo is totally safe to drink.
There’s no need to buy bottled water in Palermo. Instead, bring your own refillable water bottle with you to use during your time in Palermo – which is a great sustainable tourism practice!
Like in the rest of Italy, you’ll find many public fountains in the street where you can refill your water bottle for free. Just keep an eye out for if the public fountain is marked “non-potable.”
13. Don’t Forget to Try Local Sicilian Cuisine
Sicily is famous for its distinctive food. Yes, you can have the Italian staples (pizza and pasta of course) but it’s important to know exactly what to eat in Palermo specifically, because there you’ll find Sicilian dishes that originate from the region.
Here’s what you must eat in Palermo:
Pasta con le sarde
If you enjoy fish, this dish is for you! Pasta con le sarde is pasta served with olive oil, onions, sardines and anchovies. Sometimes wild fennel, saffron, pine nuts, or raisins are added to flavor the dish, and it’s often topped with toasted breadcrumbs.
Arancini
Arancini are a Sicilian food staple: rice balls which are typically coated with bread crumbs and then deep fried. They are always stuffed with something delicious like mozzarella, ham, or peas.
Most cafes and bakeries in Palermo will sell arancini.
The best time to get your arancini is first thing in the morning – they are nice and fresh, and will give you the perfect boost to kick start your day of sightseeing!
Granita
Another dessert that originates in Sicily, granita is semi-frozen and made of ice and sugar. It’s typically flavored with local ingredients, like fresh lemons. The way granita is served varies from city to city in Sicily, but it’s often had with coffee or brioche.
When deciding what to eat in Palermo, of course go for some traditional dishes. But, I can guarantee every meal will be fantastic regardless of what you eat. Some of my best meals in Palermo have come from street food stands in busy markets!
Cannoli
Cannoli are a decadent staple: tube-shaped shells of pastry dough, with a creamy ricotta filling. Small candied fruits, chocolate chips, or pistachios are sometimes mixed into the cheese mixture.
Cannoli originates from Palermo specifically, where it was prepared during Carnevale season as a symbol of fertility. Pop into a bakery to grab a cannoli – Spinnato’s is a good one in Palermo. Or, go to I Segreti del Chiostro, which is across from Fontana Pretoria. They are known for making the best cannoli in the city.
14. Don’t Skip The No Mafia Walking Tour
The No Mafia walking tour is a unique tour that teaches the history of Mafia in Palermo, and the civil Anti-Mafia movement.
While walking through Palermo’s historic center, you’ll learn how the Mafia impacted Palermo over the last few decades – for example, why businesses had to pay protection tax to the Mafia. And, you’ll learn how the city has transformed since the start of the resistance in 2003.
This tour is a must-do in Palermo because it delves into important history that continues to impact Sicily.
The No Mafia tour runs twice a day, in the morning and in the late afternoon, and the tour is 3 hours long. Be sure to book the No Mafia tour in advance, because it fills up fast. When you go on the tour, wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen!
15. Don’t Shy Away From Using Public Transport
There is fantastic public transport infrastructure in Palermo, and so a car isn’t necessary. You can easily get around by walking, free shuttle, or bus.
Walking and free shuttle: The historic center of Palermo is small enough that you can walk to most sites. There is also a free shuttle bus, the ‘Free Centro Storico.’ This free bus operates daily between 6:30 AM and 9:00 PM and stops at many of the key sites of interest.
Public transport in Palermo: Palermo has a network of buses and trams, which are operated by AMAT. In most cases you can purchase tickets on board, but it’s quicker to purchase tickets in advance at a tabaccheria. These are small convenience stores that are recognizable by the big T posted outside. Tickets are €1,40 per trip. Public transport in Palermo works well and you can use Google Maps to plan your routes.
16. Don’t Overlook Cultural Norms and Traditions
Depending on where you’re traveling to Palermo from, you might find that the culture and traditions are different from what you’re used to at home.
Take the time to learn about Sicily’s customs and traditions, and then be respectful of them. For example, in Sicily, people tend to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, rather than a hug or a handshake (which is common where I’m from, Canada).
Another important custom in Palermo is tipping etiquette. When you dine out in Sicily, tipping is neither mandatory nor expected. Most restaurants include a service fee, which you will find on your bill at the end of the meal.
If you are paying cash, it’s a nice gesture to round up. For example, if a bill is €5,75, you can hand the server €6,00 without accepting change.
Final Thoughts: What Not to Do in Palermo
With tourism in Sicily trending upward, Palermo is set to become an increasingly popular city to visit. I wanted to share these tips because I truly believe that being an informed tourist is the best way to be a responsible tourist, particularly in regions that are popular.
I hope these tips for what not to do in Palermo help you plan a worry-free, memorable trip to this beautiful Italian city.
More from Pina Travels:
- How to Spend 3 Days in Palermo: A Complete Itinerary
- 9 of the Best Tours From Palermo, Sicily
- Your Essential Guide to Palermo, Sicily
Erin has been traveling for over a decade, both solo, and with her partner. She’s now traveled to countries across 6 continents, and has lived in 2 countries abroad. Erin also hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism, where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism. Learn more about Erin, and get in touch with her, here.
