Palermo on a Budget: History, Art & Food.

Experience the beauty and charm of Palermo, without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Palermo is a vibrant city that offers a unique combination of history, art, and cuisine. For those on a limited budget, it is possible to explore the city's main attractions without breaking the bank. From visiting historic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Palermo to indulging in street food, there are plenty of budget-friendly activities to enjoy in Palermo.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Historic Palermo

  • Start the day with a cup of strong coffee and a cannolo at the renowned Pasticceria Cappello.
  • Walk to La Martorana, a Byzantine church with gorgeous mosaics.
  • Visit the Palermo Cathedral, where the tombs of the Kings of Sicily lie.
  • Indulge in a street food feast at Mercato Ballarò, trying local specialities like arancini and pane e panelle.
  • End the day at Quattro Canti, the baroque square with beautiful fountains.
  • Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Alessandra, an affordable hotel in the heart of Palermo.
Day 2

The Artistic Side of Palermo

  • Start at the street art district of Borgo Vecchio, admiring the unique installations and murals.
  • Visit the Palazzo dei Normanni, the beautiful palace dating back to the ninth century.
  • Head to the Cappella Palatina for its stunning artwork, including golden mosaics.
  • Take a stroll in the gardens of Villa Giulia, a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city.
  • Have a delicious seafood dinner at La Cambusa, a restaurant specialised in fresh fish.
  • Note: Don't forget to try the local dessert, cassata, made with ricotta and fruit for a sweet end to your meal.
  • Palermo is a charmingly chaotic city, filled with rich history, cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and stunning art. Two days is not enough to explore everything, but this itinerary will give you a taste of what this vibrant city has to offer.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Palermo, Italy by plane is to fly directly to Falcone-Borsellino Airport which is located 35 kilometers west of the city centre. There are many international and domestic airlines that operate flights to and from Palermo including Alitalia, Ryanair, and EasyJet.

Car

If you are driving to Palermo, Italy it is best to take the A19 motorway which connects the city with the national road network. The journey time from Naples is about 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Train

You can take a train to Palermo, Italy and the best way to do so is to arrive at Palermo Centrale railway station, which is the main train station in the city. The station is served by many national and international trains, and has connections to all major Italian cities.

Boat

The best way to get to Palermo, Italy by boat is to take a ferry from Naples. The journey takes about 10 hours and there are several companies that operate this route including Grimaldi Lines and Tirrenia. The ferry arrives at the port of Palermo which is located in the city centre.

Bus

The best way to get to Palermo, Italy by bus is to take the bus from the central bus station in Naples. The bus ride takes about 12 hours and there are several bus companies that operate this route including Autolinee Federico, Sicilbus, and Sais Autolinee.

Destination

Palermo

Welcome to the city that's so chaotic, it makes rush hour traffic look like a stroll through the park. Get ready for scooters, street food and more gelato than you can possibly handle!

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

A Blissful 5-Day Romantic Getaway to Palermo

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Palermo Unveiled: A Family-Friendly Adventure on a Budget

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Pizzazz in Palermo: Your 4-Day Adventure

Palermo is a beautiful city in Italy that can be visited on a limited budget. You can explore its rich cultural heritage by visiting street-side markets, historic churches, and museums. Foodies can enjoy the delicious Sicilian cuisine at affordable prices in local restaurants.