Planning to spend one day in Palermo? Here’s how to make the most of your 24 hours in Sicily’s vibrant capital – from baroque churches to secret cannoli and sunset walks by the sea.
Highlights of one day in Palermo:
- Start your morning with a traditional Sicilian breakfast at Pasticceria La Martorana (try brioche with granita).
- Visit Teatro Massimo and stroll along Via Maqueda, one of Palermo’s main streets.
- Taste the famous secret cannoli near Quattro Canti, then explore Piazza Pretoria and nearby churches.
- Step inside the breathtaking Church of the Gesù (Casa Professa).
- Dive into the chaos of Ballarò Market for lunch – bring cash!
- Visit the Palermo Cathedral and climb to the rooftop for city views.
- End your day with a walk along Foro Italico at sunset, then enjoy dinner and live music back in the city center.
More details and tips follow below to help you plan the perfect one day in Palermo itinerary. We’ve also added a map at the end of the blog to help you find everything easily!
👉 Want to go deeper into the city? We also created a full list of the 17 best things to do in Palermo – perfect if you’re adding an extra day.
👉 And looking for more adventures outside the city? Check out our guide to 7 unforgettable day trips from Palermo for the best spots to explore around Sicily.”
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Breakfast at Pasticceria La Martorana
We started our morning at Pasticceria La Martorana – one of our favourite spots in Palermo for breakfast. The pastry display is pure heaven: flaky croissants, pistachio-filled brioches, mini tarts, marzipan fruits, and colourful sweets that look almost too pretty to eat.
If you want to do it the local way, try the classic Sicilian breakfast – a brioche with granita. It might sound unusual, but trust us, the combo of soft, buttery brioche dipped into cold, fruity granita (especially lemon or almond flavour) is the ultimate summer treat. Add a cappuccino or espresso, and you’re officially starting your day like a true Palermitano.
Grab a table outside if you can – the morning buzz of the city feels so alive here.
Tip: Go early (around 8–9 AM) before it gets too busy and everything’s freshly baked
Walk Along Via Maqueda & Stop by Teatro Massimo
After breakfast, we walked along Via Maqueda, the lively pedestrian street that cuts through the heart of Palermo. It’s full of energy – street musicians, tiny boutiques, and locals chatting over espresso.
Just a few minutes away is Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth a quick stop for photos – the steps in front are iconic (you might recognize them from The Godfather Part III).
Tip: If you have time, join a short guided tour inside – it’s only around €12, and the interior is breathtaking.
Try the Famous Secret Cannoli at Santa Caterina Convent
Our next stop was Santa Caterina Monastery, hidden just behind Piazza Pretoria. The bakery is run by nuns who prepare everything by hand – from cassata to cannoli – following recipes passed down for generations.
We waited around 30 minutes in line, but it was so worth it. Their cannoli are crispy, creamy, and not too sweet – the best we had in Sicily. Plus, the view from the convent terrace over Piazza Pretoria and its famous fountain is beautiful.
Tip: Go mid-morning (around 10–11 AM). Try the classic ricotta filling at any cost!
Visit Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria & the Golden Churches
Just a few steps away, you’ll reach Quattro Canti, Palermo’s iconic baroque crossroads. All four corners are covered with statues and fountains – it’s like standing inside a giant open-air theatre.
A minute further is Piazza Pretoria, home to the stunning Fontana Pretoria. Its white marble statues, flowing water, and golden light make it one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
While you’re there, don’t miss La Martorana and San Cataldo, two beautiful churches side by side near Piazza Bellini. Their Arab-Norman architecture and golden mosaics are simply breathtaking.
Tip: Visit these spots before noon for the best light for photos.
Visit the Church of Jesus (Casa Professa)
After the main square, head towards Casa Professa, one of Palermo’s most jaw-dropping churches. From the outside, it looks pretty modest – but the moment you step inside, your jaw will drop. Every inch of the walls and ceiling is covered with marble, carvings, and bright baroque details.
It’s one of those places that doesn’t feel real. We spent a good 20 minutes just staring at the ceiling.
Practical info: Entry is only €1, but bring coins.
Lunch at Ballarò Market
From Casa Professa, it’s a short walk to Ballarò Market, Palermo’s loud, chaotic, wonderful soul. Vendors shout prices, scooters buzz through the alleys, and everything smells like fried food and citrus.
It’s the perfect place for a casual lunch – try arancine, panelle, and sfincione (Palermo’s thick pizza). Grab a mix of snacks and maybe a cold beer or juice to go.
Tip: Bring cash – most vendors don’t accept cards. Go around 1 PM for the best atmosphere.
Visit Palermo Cathedral & Wander the Old Streets
After lunch, walk to Palermo Cathedral, one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. The mix of architectural styles – Arab, Norman, Gothic – tells the story of Sicily’s history in one building.
Climb to the rooftop (tickets around €7) for a stunning panoramic view of the city surrounded by mountains.
Afterwards, just wander the old streets around the cathedral. This part of Palermo feels timeless – colourful balconies, laundry hanging out to dry, and that special Sicilian chaos that’s somehow peaceful too.
Tip: You can buy the rooftop ticket online – we didn’t find a ticket office when we visited!
Sunset at Foro Italico
When your feet need a break, head towards the sea. Foro Italico is Palermo’s long seaside promenade where locals come to walk, jog, or sit with friends. The sea breeze feels amazing after a full day of sightseeing.
Grab a drink or just sit by the rocks to watch the sunset – the light over the water is magical.
Tip: Bring a small towel or sarong if you want to sit comfortably by the sea wall.
Dinner in the City Center
After sunset, head back toward Via Maqueda for dinner. Palermo has endless options, but here are our favourites:
- Ciurma Maqueda – cozy seafood place with fresh daily specials.
- Capocollo – street food platter for €16 pp + cocktail – amazing value!
- BIGA Genio e Farina – for pizza lovers.
- Vucìa – Cucina Siciliana – a more traditional Sicilian restaurant with a romantic vibe.
Tip: Avoid Taverna Canti – even when it is the most rated one, we got tricked into paying double the menu price just because a dish was listed as a specialty. Lesson learned!
Evening Drinks & Dessert
For a fun night out, you can either:
- head to Quattro Canti again – it’s full of street artists and local musicians after dark, or
- go for cocktails and live music at Mak Mixology, one of our favourite bars in Palermo.
And if you’re still craving something sweet (we always are), grab dessert at Cannoli Pastry Shop – they have mini cannoli with different flavours like pistachio, orange, and chocolate.
Here’s a handy map with all the spots mentioned in this guide. You can also click the top right corner to open it directly in Google Maps and use it on the go.
Final Thoughts
One day in Palermo might sound short, but it’s enough to fall in love with this city. It’s a place that feels wild yet warm, full of contrasts – loud markets next to peaceful churches, chaotic streets ending by the calm sea.
We left with full bellies, hundreds of photos, and a promise to come back. Because once you taste Palermo, you’ll definitely want seconds.
