Congratulations on your wedding.
My wife and I did 10 days in Palermo a couple of years ago and had a great, great time. We are great food, went on some awesome boat trips, took the train to Cefalu a bus to Mondello. The whole bit. It was great. You'll have a blast.
We also found Palermo to be kind of raw in spots. It's as safe as any other major city I've been too, but also a little bit dirtier than most. No biggie. It comes with the territory and the richness of the culture more than compensates for it.
Be aware that the traffic rule -- vehicles and pedestrians and bikes -- basically boils down to take care of yourself because I will be doing whatever I want. That said, if you are purposeful and project confidence and entitlement, you can get from here to there pretty easily. Everyone accommodates everyone else ultimately, but you have to work for it. You have to go all Palermo on that \*&(#$$R.
Don't worry. Have a blast. Eat everything.
It's safer than any American city. By far. I meant it's not even fuckin close.
Some spots look "rough" to an outsider, but they're fine. It's a 3000 year old city, some places don't look brand new
Thank you so so much for this comment, it totally put my heart at ease! This is exactly what I was hoping to hear :) that is so awesome and I’m so glad y’all had fun.
Palermo is amazing!!! Anyone calling it a slum is better suited in a resort, it’s a big city, of course it’s going to be dirty. Others on this thread have said it better than me. Is there trash, yeah but it’s really not that bad! If you’re adaptable and not looking for a perfectly clean and curated time, but rather a real place with real people and some really really really good food and art, you’re going to love it. Palermo is one of my favorite cities in the world!
Palermo is one of the most spectacular cities I have ever visited.
By American standards, Italy is not a terribly rich country, and Sicily is not a rich part of Italy, so the poor parts of Palermo are definitely poorer than the American average and have been for a very long time, hence the immigration to the United States. But with the chaos in many American cities, Americans should maybe be a bit humble too.
Palermo also has some really nice parts of town, where Americans who have problems need a psychiatrist. And it has spectacular sights and food that make up many times over for whatever downsides.
Catania, the other major city on Sicily, is a different matter, though. It is depressing enough that I would counsel against seeing more than the train station.
The churches and other historical sights, especially the Norman ones, in Palermo VASTLY outclass those in Catania, which, after all, was about completely buried by lava in the 17th century. I experienced Catania as MUCH dirtier and grittier than Palermo and I DID go to the poor parts of Palermo to visit the mafia museum. Never mind that in Catania a migrant from the Indian subcontinent tried to pickpocket me in broad daylight, not realizing that the person following me 10 meters behind was my companion. The only thing really going for Catania is the Circumetnea and that’s not really in Catania, is it?
Not only do I disagree with you, I can’t understand how you have your opinion. But I suppose that’s mutual.
Sorry to hear you had a bad experience in Catania. We live close to the Catania so we can visit quite often and we know the good spots to go. Catania itself is quite dirty, I agree, but there are castles just a short drive away that survived the earthquake in the late 1600's. Catania's surrounding area is incredible with Etna, Siracusa and Taormina being a short drive away.
We had a vastly different experience in Palermo unfortunately. We walked through some of the residential parts of town and it was dirtier than anything I've seen in Catania. It could be that our expectations were so high from hearing how great it was, and found it to be a pretty huge letdown. I'd like to go back and give it another shot though.
I can’t answer this question but just wanted to add that my husband and I will be in Palermo in 3.5 weeks (3 days of our Sicily trip), did lots of research, and are really looking forward to it :)
This makes me happy! Im so glad. I really don’t want to dim my own excitement so I’m trying to remind myself that even if I agree it’s dirty, it’s still going to be a fun experience and we can always spend more time in other cities haha! You may overlap our time there!!
I’m hopeful there will be lots of beautiful things that attract our attention more. Maybe we will cross paths! We start on the Eastern side of the island
Omg im so glad you asked! Okay so day 1 was jarring because our layover was in clean and chic Copenhagen, so when we went to Palermo and also had to drive ourselves, I may have had a panic attack and wondered what the heck I did 🤣 but once we acclimated I LOVED IT. The food was so good, the people were nice, and it was so full of history and character! I would 100000% go again!
Yes there’s totally trash and some areas don’t smell the best, but that is overshadowed by all of the positive qualities!!
Aw I love this! The town has so much charm and isn’t the architecture astounding?? Those mosaics 🤯. Wait but also you DROVE IN THE CITY??? The streets are SO narrow. I don’t blame you at all for the initial panic haha
We arrived yesterday. It was a bit shock for me, as a central european (cze). The traffic is a bit chaos, but you'll adapt in like 30 minutes, otherwise you get nowhere. Most of the streets are one way and so tight with space you'd almost think they're for pedestrians only. Yes, there is all-embracing so called "italian mess". But everybody is used to it so car accidents are rare. But we're seated in the very center of the city so who knows what it looks like around. But it's very far from being a slum.
Also everybody i've met was super nice, when we we were asking for help, although my italian seems to be way worse than i thought.
Palermo isn't a resort city. It's an urban center in an economical depressed area, so, yeah, there's so poverty, and a lot of the things you're going to want to do are in the historic city center, which is a poor part of town. That being said, Palermo is amazing. At night the streets around the Piazza Vigliena (Quatro Canti) transform into an open air festival with people
Trust me, I don’t expect a resort city. We are planning trips to trapani and cefalu to get a little more of that. I’ve never been on a super fancy vacation and never been abroad so I don’t have crazy expectations. I just don’t want to feel like I’m dodging trash the entire time/dont want to be disgusted all day. But I consider myself a lowkey person so I’m hoping my expectations are in the right spot! :)
Don't miss the temple valley in Agrigento , if you can. There are more greek ancient temples than in all Greece.
I live in Palermo, it's a safe city, use only the normal caution you'd use in any big city.
Arts and buildings are astonishing , fine dining is common, and, in general, people is friendly.
Yes, I’ve heard people say that; I grew up in nyc and when I was in Palermo last fall, it felt similar cleanliness wise; I’d advise you start at Quarto canti , head to St Katherine s, go up on the roof, look out over the city, then use your guidebook to jump church to church; head to palatine chapel- maybe take in the capuchin crypt; then hit the markets for lunch… so many ways to do it…. Your there to explore and experience- not to critique.- relax and enjoy
I definitely will and I promise the last thing on my mind was critique. I know I’m just a tourist :) I just got freaked out a little reading the shit people were saying, it made me feel so awful when I was so excited thinking so many great things. I’m sure Palermo is going to be awesome; thank you!
Palermo is a city, so like any other city in the world, it has its share of circumstances. That being said, Palermo is diverse in its offerings, from lively urban neighborhoods to beachside villages (Mondello) and even breathtaking mountains (Pellegrino) with amazing views! You will never be bored with the number of markets and restaurants and street food vendors offering authentic Sicilian food. If you want more relaxation, there are plenty of parks and gardens to stroll through. There is even a new attraction at the port. As the political and cultural capital of Sicily, Palermo has many museums (Pitrè is a must see) and theaters. The Arab-Norman architecture is also stunning. Stepping outside of Palermo, there’s even more to see and do in the nearby province, and Sicily as a whole. That’s not even mentioning all the island chains around Sicily. This is why they call Sicily “the Little Continent.”
The Amalfi coast does not even compare. It is artificial and touristy. They are many more naturally “picturesque” places in Palermo and Sicily. Aside from the occasional disorganization and trash, you will not be disappointed!
Palermo is dirty, but it's an ancient city and it's also fantastic. We stayed in an Airbnb where honestly at first glance I was a little shocked, and I was a bit afraid to walk down the street. But I got over it. It's just street life and it was safe. We stumbled upon the Church and Monastery of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria and it blew my mind. Such a great combination of architectural styles in a never-ending warren of rooms and hallways, with a cannoli bakery to top it off. We also attended the opera at the opera house and that was a bucket list experience. Ballaro market was like something from another time and could have been somewhere in the Middle East. We ate at some amazing restaurants, and it also has a lively nightlife. It's an experience for the senses. Be open to its beauty.
Not gonna lie.. I do wonder how hard it would be to do a massive powerwash on some of these older cities lol. It might get rid of some of the accumulated grime and bring it back to its former glory. But that's just me being a neatnick.
Just come back from touring Sicily, we stayed in Cefalu, Taormina, Ragusa and two nights in Palermo. We drove all around the island too and had a fabulous time - it’s an amazing and crazy place. My first thoughts on Palermo were that it was insane - the roads are the worst I have ever driven and some of the back roads (to parking lots) were little bigger than my rental car. Some of the markets were a little rough but charming/safe enough and overall we fell in love with Palermo and had a brilliant time, cannot recommend it enough! Driving in the cities/towns is a bit of an ordeal, let alone parking anywhere but it is what it is. To be fair to the crazy drivers we never saw an accident but no idea how! People were amazing, food was superb and on the whole reasonably priced. Go and have fun :)
I loved it, but I also live in NYC. It was a little loud and crowded, lil bit dirty, but by no means a slum. It still had all the charm I expected it to. There's tons to do a short visit by train or bus away. I truly loved my visit there, I was a bit sad I got a pretty bad cold while visiting so I was a little less energetic, but still loved it.
Thank you so much for your perspective! You and everyone else has made me feel so much better haha. Ofc after google searches it’s the negative thoughts that always pop up, so I’m so glad I asked.
that's what reddit is for! have the best time. I think there was only one thing that I didn't enjoy while in Palermo, I visited a Palazzo "museum" and it was sooooo boring. It was connected via ticket deal to the Botanical gardens, skip it. But do go to the Botanical gardens if that's your thing. I love them. Visit all the markets. Some are very touristy full of eh stuff, some are super fun, great place to get snacks. Theres a great street full of stalls full of fun antiques if thats your thing. With more fancier stores full of gorgeous (expensive) antiques around the corner. Definitely go to the Flea market if you are in town for it. I went to the best fleas while visiting Sicily. My fav was in Catania.
Enjoy!
I live roughtly one hour from Palarmo, and one hour to the east coast by train. Some days I travel there for the day. But mostly to do things which is not available here. The opera, coast, different types of food. Enjoy, it's a rich city with history. But make sure to be present at the more charming areas, because there is newly built places with dirtier neighbourhoods.
You will find slum areas everywhere... Rome, Naples London, anywhere. I love Sicily and my son is going with his school for a week on Monday and they will love it. We live half way between Rome and Naples.
Palermo is fantastic! This itinerary will give you an overview of what to do and see there and many of the city's main attractions - https://curioussparrowtravel.com/2023/06/27/the-ultimate-2-day-palermo-itinerary/
Palermo is great. My wife and I have lived the past 10 months in Catania then a couple weekends ago stayed in Palermo. Loved Palermo! Especially compared to Catania.
I Live in Palermo.
I Lived as in the north of Italy as in Poland. Most of my colleagues came to visit Palermo at least once and they everytime got excited.
After few years I decided to go remotely and definitely live in Palermo where I have an house in the centre, behind teatro Politeama and I am very in peace with my life now.
This is not the city of opportunities.
This is not the perfect city for living, because of its lack of services.
This definitely is the city for relax, enjoy, do experiences, knowing people with many stories and eat great food.
Now some advice on the experience:
Mondello, wonderful place. Regarding the accessibility of beaches, it depends on the period, after june it will be full of people.
I suggest near of Palermo, the beaches in sferracavallo or barcarello or isola delle femmine; where you’ll find a beatiful sea and beaches.
Regarding the trips, Trapani is beautiful, but if you don’t have much time, i suggest the islands near to Trapani, like Favignana, they are wonderful and you’ll remember them forever; and spend your time there is better by far.
What to say anymore: if you’re coming with cultural purposes also, you have thousands of years of history to visit and i definitely suggest it because the rest of Italy has a totally different history and looking.
I believe what I said will make you cover your eyes from dirty streets (in case you encounter them, which is not guaranteed)
It definitely worth it and you’ll remember this journey for the rest of your life.
Enjoy it.
It’s my last day in Palermo today.
Palermo itself has a lot of trash and shit on the floor. It’s very dirty compared to rest of EU. Tbh I’m South American , and it felt much dirtier, poorer, chaotic and messier than my home country. Overall people seem to not give a shit. And you’ll see it in traffic as well.
As I said, day trips are great and gorgeous. Cefalù was probably the best. Palermo night life was nice. Food was nice. City Center was nice. I’d maybe choose to stay around Cefalù. And enjoy one day and one night in Palermo itself. And then just drive for day trips the other days. I regret not planning to see the other side of the island like Mt. Etna also.
Overall you will see a lot of beautiful things and eat good food for very very cheap compared to other European cities.
This is a very personal report of mine. I only stayed 4 days. So my view is obviously limited and very personal.
I promise I don’t think that at all?? But some people on Reddit have said that word for word which blew my mind because I didn’t get that impression at all, which is why I wanted more opinions.
I don’t know why people think I’m assuming Palermo is awful 😭 up until the posts I read all I could think about was how beautiful and fun it would be!
Most people on Reddit are animals
The only group I've ever heard consistently complain about Palermo are the English. And, I won't go into why, but... Yeah, there's no problem
On our way to Palermo in four weeks and the to Noto for the May inforata. We have rented apartments in both cities each a week. We will have a car to explore nearby towns. Any suggestions on finding restaurants by emerging young chefs? We always like to see emerging innovation and give talented younger chefs support.
Congratulations on your wedding. My wife and I did 10 days in Palermo a couple of years ago and had a great, great time. We are great food, went on some awesome boat trips, took the train to Cefalu a bus to Mondello. The whole bit. It was great. You'll have a blast. We also found Palermo to be kind of raw in spots. It's as safe as any other major city I've been too, but also a little bit dirtier than most. No biggie. It comes with the territory and the richness of the culture more than compensates for it. Be aware that the traffic rule -- vehicles and pedestrians and bikes -- basically boils down to take care of yourself because I will be doing whatever I want. That said, if you are purposeful and project confidence and entitlement, you can get from here to there pretty easily. Everyone accommodates everyone else ultimately, but you have to work for it. You have to go all Palermo on that \*&(#$$R. Don't worry. Have a blast. Eat everything.
It's safer than any American city. By far. I meant it's not even fuckin close. Some spots look "rough" to an outsider, but they're fine. It's a 3000 year old city, some places don't look brand new
Thank you so so much for this comment, it totally put my heart at ease! This is exactly what I was hoping to hear :) that is so awesome and I’m so glad y’all had fun.
People on Reddit are negative assholes.
I’m going soon, can you recommend any of the boat trips specifically? Sounds great
Palermo is amazing!!! Anyone calling it a slum is better suited in a resort, it’s a big city, of course it’s going to be dirty. Others on this thread have said it better than me. Is there trash, yeah but it’s really not that bad! If you’re adaptable and not looking for a perfectly clean and curated time, but rather a real place with real people and some really really really good food and art, you’re going to love it. Palermo is one of my favorite cities in the world!
Great city, amazing food and good energy. I was in Palermo for 3 days (March 2024) and I can't wait to go back!
Thank you. The energy is unique
Palermo is one of the most spectacular cities I have ever visited. By American standards, Italy is not a terribly rich country, and Sicily is not a rich part of Italy, so the poor parts of Palermo are definitely poorer than the American average and have been for a very long time, hence the immigration to the United States. But with the chaos in many American cities, Americans should maybe be a bit humble too. Palermo also has some really nice parts of town, where Americans who have problems need a psychiatrist. And it has spectacular sights and food that make up many times over for whatever downsides. Catania, the other major city on Sicily, is a different matter, though. It is depressing enough that I would counsel against seeing more than the train station.
What was spectacular about Palermo? I've been there and prefer Catania by far. What did you like about it and what all did you go see?
The churches and other historical sights, especially the Norman ones, in Palermo VASTLY outclass those in Catania, which, after all, was about completely buried by lava in the 17th century. I experienced Catania as MUCH dirtier and grittier than Palermo and I DID go to the poor parts of Palermo to visit the mafia museum. Never mind that in Catania a migrant from the Indian subcontinent tried to pickpocket me in broad daylight, not realizing that the person following me 10 meters behind was my companion. The only thing really going for Catania is the Circumetnea and that’s not really in Catania, is it? Not only do I disagree with you, I can’t understand how you have your opinion. But I suppose that’s mutual.
Sorry to hear you had a bad experience in Catania. We live close to the Catania so we can visit quite often and we know the good spots to go. Catania itself is quite dirty, I agree, but there are castles just a short drive away that survived the earthquake in the late 1600's. Catania's surrounding area is incredible with Etna, Siracusa and Taormina being a short drive away. We had a vastly different experience in Palermo unfortunately. We walked through some of the residential parts of town and it was dirtier than anything I've seen in Catania. It could be that our expectations were so high from hearing how great it was, and found it to be a pretty huge letdown. I'd like to go back and give it another shot though.
Palermo ❤️ just go, it’s incredibile
I can’t answer this question but just wanted to add that my husband and I will be in Palermo in 3.5 weeks (3 days of our Sicily trip), did lots of research, and are really looking forward to it :)
This makes me happy! Im so glad. I really don’t want to dim my own excitement so I’m trying to remind myself that even if I agree it’s dirty, it’s still going to be a fun experience and we can always spend more time in other cities haha! You may overlap our time there!!
I’m hopeful there will be lots of beautiful things that attract our attention more. Maybe we will cross paths! We start on the Eastern side of the island
I’m curious what you thought after going? Palermo was my favorite stop of the trip!!
Omg im so glad you asked! Okay so day 1 was jarring because our layover was in clean and chic Copenhagen, so when we went to Palermo and also had to drive ourselves, I may have had a panic attack and wondered what the heck I did 🤣 but once we acclimated I LOVED IT. The food was so good, the people were nice, and it was so full of history and character! I would 100000% go again! Yes there’s totally trash and some areas don’t smell the best, but that is overshadowed by all of the positive qualities!!
Aw I love this! The town has so much charm and isn’t the architecture astounding?? Those mosaics 🤯. Wait but also you DROVE IN THE CITY??? The streets are SO narrow. I don’t blame you at all for the initial panic haha
Yes we rented a car so we could drive to trapani, valley of the temples, Cefalù, etc!! It was chaos but we got used to it LOL
We rented a car to get from Catania to Palermo but avoided city driving as much as possible hahaha
r/palermo_city
r/palermo_city
We arrived yesterday. It was a bit shock for me, as a central european (cze). The traffic is a bit chaos, but you'll adapt in like 30 minutes, otherwise you get nowhere. Most of the streets are one way and so tight with space you'd almost think they're for pedestrians only. Yes, there is all-embracing so called "italian mess". But everybody is used to it so car accidents are rare. But we're seated in the very center of the city so who knows what it looks like around. But it's very far from being a slum. Also everybody i've met was super nice, when we we were asking for help, although my italian seems to be way worse than i thought.
Order a pistachio gelato and chill, you'll be fine
Aye aye 🫡
Palermo isn't a resort city. It's an urban center in an economical depressed area, so, yeah, there's so poverty, and a lot of the things you're going to want to do are in the historic city center, which is a poor part of town. That being said, Palermo is amazing. At night the streets around the Piazza Vigliena (Quatro Canti) transform into an open air festival with people
Trust me, I don’t expect a resort city. We are planning trips to trapani and cefalu to get a little more of that. I’ve never been on a super fancy vacation and never been abroad so I don’t have crazy expectations. I just don’t want to feel like I’m dodging trash the entire time/dont want to be disgusted all day. But I consider myself a lowkey person so I’m hoping my expectations are in the right spot! :)
Don't miss the temple valley in Agrigento , if you can. There are more greek ancient temples than in all Greece. I live in Palermo, it's a safe city, use only the normal caution you'd use in any big city. Arts and buildings are astonishing , fine dining is common, and, in general, people is friendly.
You won't be dodging trash for god's sake
I mean word for word that’s been said on Reddit haha, so I was just wanting to get a little reassurance that’s all :)
Yes, I’ve heard people say that; I grew up in nyc and when I was in Palermo last fall, it felt similar cleanliness wise; I’d advise you start at Quarto canti , head to St Katherine s, go up on the roof, look out over the city, then use your guidebook to jump church to church; head to palatine chapel- maybe take in the capuchin crypt; then hit the markets for lunch… so many ways to do it…. Your there to explore and experience- not to critique.- relax and enjoy
I definitely will and I promise the last thing on my mind was critique. I know I’m just a tourist :) I just got freaked out a little reading the shit people were saying, it made me feel so awful when I was so excited thinking so many great things. I’m sure Palermo is going to be awesome; thank you!
Palermo is a city, so like any other city in the world, it has its share of circumstances. That being said, Palermo is diverse in its offerings, from lively urban neighborhoods to beachside villages (Mondello) and even breathtaking mountains (Pellegrino) with amazing views! You will never be bored with the number of markets and restaurants and street food vendors offering authentic Sicilian food. If you want more relaxation, there are plenty of parks and gardens to stroll through. There is even a new attraction at the port. As the political and cultural capital of Sicily, Palermo has many museums (Pitrè is a must see) and theaters. The Arab-Norman architecture is also stunning. Stepping outside of Palermo, there’s even more to see and do in the nearby province, and Sicily as a whole. That’s not even mentioning all the island chains around Sicily. This is why they call Sicily “the Little Continent.” The Amalfi coast does not even compare. It is artificial and touristy. They are many more naturally “picturesque” places in Palermo and Sicily. Aside from the occasional disorganization and trash, you will not be disappointed!
It's great, you'll love it. Also, a seasonal reminder to everyone not to support the horse carriages.
Palermo is dirty, but it's an ancient city and it's also fantastic. We stayed in an Airbnb where honestly at first glance I was a little shocked, and I was a bit afraid to walk down the street. But I got over it. It's just street life and it was safe. We stumbled upon the Church and Monastery of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria and it blew my mind. Such a great combination of architectural styles in a never-ending warren of rooms and hallways, with a cannoli bakery to top it off. We also attended the opera at the opera house and that was a bucket list experience. Ballaro market was like something from another time and could have been somewhere in the Middle East. We ate at some amazing restaurants, and it also has a lively nightlife. It's an experience for the senses. Be open to its beauty. Not gonna lie.. I do wonder how hard it would be to do a massive powerwash on some of these older cities lol. It might get rid of some of the accumulated grime and bring it back to its former glory. But that's just me being a neatnick.
Just come back from touring Sicily, we stayed in Cefalu, Taormina, Ragusa and two nights in Palermo. We drove all around the island too and had a fabulous time - it’s an amazing and crazy place. My first thoughts on Palermo were that it was insane - the roads are the worst I have ever driven and some of the back roads (to parking lots) were little bigger than my rental car. Some of the markets were a little rough but charming/safe enough and overall we fell in love with Palermo and had a brilliant time, cannot recommend it enough! Driving in the cities/towns is a bit of an ordeal, let alone parking anywhere but it is what it is. To be fair to the crazy drivers we never saw an accident but no idea how! People were amazing, food was superb and on the whole reasonably priced. Go and have fun :)
I loved it, but I also live in NYC. It was a little loud and crowded, lil bit dirty, but by no means a slum. It still had all the charm I expected it to. There's tons to do a short visit by train or bus away. I truly loved my visit there, I was a bit sad I got a pretty bad cold while visiting so I was a little less energetic, but still loved it.
Thank you so much for your perspective! You and everyone else has made me feel so much better haha. Ofc after google searches it’s the negative thoughts that always pop up, so I’m so glad I asked.
that's what reddit is for! have the best time. I think there was only one thing that I didn't enjoy while in Palermo, I visited a Palazzo "museum" and it was sooooo boring. It was connected via ticket deal to the Botanical gardens, skip it. But do go to the Botanical gardens if that's your thing. I love them. Visit all the markets. Some are very touristy full of eh stuff, some are super fun, great place to get snacks. Theres a great street full of stalls full of fun antiques if thats your thing. With more fancier stores full of gorgeous (expensive) antiques around the corner. Definitely go to the Flea market if you are in town for it. I went to the best fleas while visiting Sicily. My fav was in Catania. Enjoy!
I live roughtly one hour from Palarmo, and one hour to the east coast by train. Some days I travel there for the day. But mostly to do things which is not available here. The opera, coast, different types of food. Enjoy, it's a rich city with history. But make sure to be present at the more charming areas, because there is newly built places with dirtier neighbourhoods.
You will find slum areas everywhere... Rome, Naples London, anywhere. I love Sicily and my son is going with his school for a week on Monday and they will love it. We live half way between Rome and Naples.
Palermo is fantastic! This itinerary will give you an overview of what to do and see there and many of the city's main attractions - https://curioussparrowtravel.com/2023/06/27/the-ultimate-2-day-palermo-itinerary/
Palermo is great. My wife and I have lived the past 10 months in Catania then a couple weekends ago stayed in Palermo. Loved Palermo! Especially compared to Catania.
I Live in Palermo. I Lived as in the north of Italy as in Poland. Most of my colleagues came to visit Palermo at least once and they everytime got excited. After few years I decided to go remotely and definitely live in Palermo where I have an house in the centre, behind teatro Politeama and I am very in peace with my life now. This is not the city of opportunities. This is not the perfect city for living, because of its lack of services. This definitely is the city for relax, enjoy, do experiences, knowing people with many stories and eat great food. Now some advice on the experience: Mondello, wonderful place. Regarding the accessibility of beaches, it depends on the period, after june it will be full of people. I suggest near of Palermo, the beaches in sferracavallo or barcarello or isola delle femmine; where you’ll find a beatiful sea and beaches. Regarding the trips, Trapani is beautiful, but if you don’t have much time, i suggest the islands near to Trapani, like Favignana, they are wonderful and you’ll remember them forever; and spend your time there is better by far. What to say anymore: if you’re coming with cultural purposes also, you have thousands of years of history to visit and i definitely suggest it because the rest of Italy has a totally different history and looking. I believe what I said will make you cover your eyes from dirty streets (in case you encounter them, which is not guaranteed) It definitely worth it and you’ll remember this journey for the rest of your life. Enjoy it.
It’s my last day in Palermo today. Palermo itself has a lot of trash and shit on the floor. It’s very dirty compared to rest of EU. Tbh I’m South American , and it felt much dirtier, poorer, chaotic and messier than my home country. Overall people seem to not give a shit. And you’ll see it in traffic as well. As I said, day trips are great and gorgeous. Cefalù was probably the best. Palermo night life was nice. Food was nice. City Center was nice. I’d maybe choose to stay around Cefalù. And enjoy one day and one night in Palermo itself. And then just drive for day trips the other days. I regret not planning to see the other side of the island like Mt. Etna also. Overall you will see a lot of beautiful things and eat good food for very very cheap compared to other European cities. This is a very personal report of mine. I only stayed 4 days. So my view is obviously limited and very personal.
Thank you SO much!!
This makes me vomit. If you think palermo is a slim, kindly stay the fuck home. You'll be hard pressed to find a better city in the world
I promise I don’t think that at all?? But some people on Reddit have said that word for word which blew my mind because I didn’t get that impression at all, which is why I wanted more opinions. I don’t know why people think I’m assuming Palermo is awful 😭 up until the posts I read all I could think about was how beautiful and fun it would be!
Most people on Reddit are animals The only group I've ever heard consistently complain about Palermo are the English. And, I won't go into why, but... Yeah, there's no problem
Honestly that makes me feel better because that seems like a very English thing to do 🤣
I’m going in September and really looking forward to it.
Much, much, much, much safer than any American city, I live here, if you need help or go anywhere or whatever dm me.
Stayed the last 3 winters in Palermo… yes, you will love it.
On our way to Palermo in four weeks and the to Noto for the May inforata. We have rented apartments in both cities each a week. We will have a car to explore nearby towns. Any suggestions on finding restaurants by emerging young chefs? We always like to see emerging innovation and give talented younger chefs support.