Palermo Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Palermo

I caught Palermo on a terrible weekend so I\'m pretty sure the weather isnt bad like it was while I was there. I got I\'m sure a rare 3 days straight worth of rain while in Palermo. There didn\'t seem much to do in terms of anything touristy if that is what you are going for, go...more I caught Palermo on a terrible weekend so I\'m pretty sure the weather isnt bad like it was while I was there. I got I\'m sure a rare 3 days straight worth of rain while in Palermo. There didn\'t seem much to do in terms of anything touristy if that is what you are going for, go to venice or rome or somewhere. If you want some pure Italian culture, Palermo is your place. Thanksclose

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by batatroe7182 – posted on Nov 15, 2007

2

generally very beautiful city,and you can find your way around very quickly as city centre is pretty small. lots of local small resturants, pretty colorful at night time,when all bars and cafes are packed with locals, fairly clean although you can find some messy streets. BUT overall my...more generally very beautiful city,and you can find your way around very quickly as city centre is pretty small. lots of local small resturants, pretty colorful at night time,when all bars and cafes are packed with locals, fairly clean although you can find some messy streets. BUT overall my impression wasn't so good. very crowded streets with constat traffic, where not one driver is respecting rules like red lights can make corrsing street pretty scary adventure. as a touristic attraction for one day with guide it would be perfect, not longer as loudness and rush of surranding "city life" makes me feel scared of going back :)close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by michal – posted on Oct 15, 2007

19

Palermo mixes the best parts of the countless civilisations that have settled there to come up with a blend that is truly its own. It has all of the style and sophistication of a European capital city, yet combines this with a certain rustic charm. Worth a visit for the food alone, which...more Palermo mixes the best parts of the countless civilisations that have settled there to come up with a blend that is truly its own. It has all of the style and sophistication of a European capital city, yet combines this with a certain rustic charm. Worth a visit for the food alone, which combines the simplicity made necessary by the poverty of centuries ago, with the north African influences brought on by years of invasions, with top-quality ingredients, which can be sourced from any of the city\'s many markets. The \"old town\" is going through a phase of regeneration and the seedy/downright dangerous underbelly is much less prevalent than ten years ago. Well worth a few days here - would recommend to anyone!close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by tompatrick6282 – posted on Jul 14, 2007

3

Palermo is a pretty nice city. Very noisy and busy during the day (watch out for traffic!) and a bit sketchy after dark I found. There is quite a lot to do around the city and many cheap places to eat. There are some nice places to sit and walk around on the water front and very pretty landscape...more Palermo is a pretty nice city. Very noisy and busy during the day (watch out for traffic!) and a bit sketchy after dark I found. There is quite a lot to do around the city and many cheap places to eat. There are some nice places to sit and walk around on the water front and very pretty landscape surrounding the area.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by FionaCaitlin – posted on Nov 15, 2006

22

While a beautiful city, this is completely spoilt by the Italians love of letting traffic do what ever it wants. It feels like you take your life in your hands stepping out the door, and driving is guaranteed to bring more adrenaline highs than any adventure holiday. Having said that, the city is...more While a beautiful city, this is completely spoilt by the Italians love of letting traffic do what ever it wants. It feels like you take your life in your hands stepping out the door, and driving is guaranteed to bring more adrenaline highs than any adventure holiday. Having said that, the city is beatuful and the architecture is stunning. There are also some great out of town excursions to be had within an hours radius.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by myron1843 – posted on Oct 1, 2006

4

palermos lovely - was expecting something hectic and fair enough a lot of loud bikes but nice compact size - did all the main attractions in one day then out to Mondello beach the following day (half an hour on bus no 806 from politeam) place is very beautiful and quaint and found the Italiens a...more palermos lovely - was expecting something hectic and fair enough a lot of loud bikes but nice compact size - did all the main attractions in one day then out to Mondello beach the following day (half an hour on bus no 806 from politeam) place is very beautiful and quaint and found the Italiens a lot more accomodating and laid back than those on the mainland - not that touristy which was nice - they eat seafood like fastfood - was in my element! the bus tour's handy to get your bearings then stroll around after - lots to see- get an audio tour if you go to the palace cos the guided tour's only in Italien-really nice port with promenade and lotsa boats- lovely for lunch - the smaller restaurants tend to be more atmospheric - the Sicilian wine really hits the spot! careful if travelling around middle of August cos all the Italiens head back north after hols and all the trains book out really quickly-had to stand for 9hrs on a train from messina to rome! recommend either flying into or out of palermo - if you have time - lots of other places in siciliy to visit- Catania;s meant to be lovely- near Mt Etne on the other side of the island - ENJOY!!close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by shrn62 – posted on Aug 22, 2006

3

I was shocked at how dirty and messy Palermo was. I was expecting a cute little fishing village where you could go swimming and relax. But no. The port was gross, the city was chaotic, and there weren't many nice and clean looking places to eat. The closest swimming venue was a 30min bus ride...more I was shocked at how dirty and messy Palermo was. I was expecting a cute little fishing village where you could go swimming and relax. But no. The port was gross, the city was chaotic, and there weren't many nice and clean looking places to eat. The closest swimming venue was a 30min bus ride away. Some of the sights were nice though, the cathedrals and some of the fountains and piazzas but I didn't get to see any mosaics which is what palermo is famous for. Shame.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by mckenned – posted on Jul 12, 2006

5

We found that Palermo and Mondello were great for eating and relaxing on the beach. The prices are very reasonable for everything. There's not much of a party scene. The scenery and history is absolutely beautiful and the city is just charming. I would definately go back and even think about...more We found that Palermo and Mondello were great for eating and relaxing on the beach. The prices are very reasonable for everything. There's not much of a party scene. The scenery and history is absolutely beautiful and the city is just charming. I would definately go back and even think about living there for a while.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by ashleyj2562 – posted on Jun 22, 2006

3

It was not an easy place to visit. It was beautiful but we had the most difficulty communicating here in this city out of all other cities in 7 countries and 9 weeks. Accomodations are EXPENSIVE, but it is a lovely funky run-down little city that I would reccomend to everyone. We will be back....more It was not an easy place to visit. It was beautiful but we had the most difficulty communicating here in this city out of all other cities in 7 countries and 9 weeks. Accomodations are EXPENSIVE, but it is a lovely funky run-down little city that I would reccomend to everyone. We will be back. The public transportation was complicated, mainly buses and noone wanted to speak English with us or even respond to our Italian attempts. Great gelato and pastries......close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by kembabsine – posted on Apr 12, 2006

3

I had no idea what Palermo was about. I still don't feel like I do, but I would think about going back and exploring more of Sicily. It's kind of a rough town. I had trouble finding information about transportation. It was dumb luck that I found my way to and from the airport....more I had no idea what Palermo was about. I still don't feel like I do, but I would think about going back and exploring more of Sicily. It's kind of a rough town. I had trouble finding information about transportation. It was dumb luck that I found my way to and from the airport. Check it out. Tops on my list is the mix of architecture there.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by colleenosullivan – posted on Mar 5, 2004

16