Palermo tours

Things to do in Palermo

Palermo is a city that moves to its own lively beat, where the vibrancy of life is palpable in its bustling streets. The aroma of freshly baked cannoli mixes with the salty Mediterranean air, creating a sensory experience that's uniquely Sicilian. With a local guide, you'll delve into the city's rich tapestry, going beyond the sunlit facades to hear the stories whispered through its ancient alleys. Whether you're biting into an arancino on a food tour or navigating the lively Vucciria Market, your guide ensures that you see Palermo in all its authenticity. With the advantage of skipping the queues at the city's hidden gems, Palermo tours become a memorable journey into the heart of this singular city. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Palermo. Explore Palermo your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Palermo tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Palermo for every interest, including: History tours: See the mosaics of the Cappella Palatina inside the Palazzo dei Normanni with timed entry set up by your guide, then follow the historic core from Quattro Canti to the Cathedral and its royal tombs. Add Monreale’s golden apse or the Capuchin Catacombs for a deeper dive into the city’s past. Food and Drink tours: Snack through Mercato del Capo or Ballarò with hot panelle, sfincione, and arancine, then finish with a cannolo filled to order and a caffè. In the evening, settle into a neighbourhood enoteca to taste Sicilian wines like Nero d’Avola and Grillo, or sip a local amaro with street bites around Vucciria. Layover tours: On a tight clock, build a 3–4 hour loop with quick photos at Quattro Canti and the Pretoria Fountain, a guided visit to the Cappella Palatina, and a street‑food stop, then return to the cruise pier or Palermo Centrale on time. If you need airport coordination, your guide can plan pick‑up and drop‑off around your flight. The historic centre is very walkable, and buses, trams, and the airport train cover longer legs, though traffic can slow things down. For tight schedules or trips to Monreale or Mondello, ask about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation to save time. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Palermo inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Palermo on a private walking tour with a local guide and discover vibrant neighborhoods you won't want to miss. There's no better way to understand the heartbeat of the city than with someone who knows it inside out. - Ballarò Market: Dive into the bustling energy of Palermo’s oldest street market. Ideal for food enthusiasts, you can sample delicious Sicilian street food while soaking up the lively atmosphere. - La Kalsa: Wander through a district rich in history and culture. Perfect for those interested in architecture and art, explore its ancient churches and contemporary art galleries that showcase the city's diverse heritage. - Mondello: If you’re traveling with family, head to this seaside neighborhood. Enjoy its beautiful beach, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a day in the sun, just a short distance from the city center. Day trip ideas from Palermo Use Palermo as your base, then head out on simple day trips to coastal towns, hilltop villages, and ancient sites that match your interests, with your tour arranged around the time you want in each place. - Monreale: The cathedral’s gold mosaics and quiet cloister shine, and the hilltop view back to Palermo adds a clean finish, ideal if you like art, architecture, and short drives. - Cefalù: Sandy beach, a Norman cathedral, and tight medieval lanes make an easy mix, so you can swim, climb for views, or keep it low key with gelato and seaside walks. - Segesta: A well‑kept Doric temple and a theatre on a ridge bring ancient Sicily into focus, great for simple archaeology and wide landscapes without long hikes. - Erice: Stone streets, cool air, and wide views over the coast suit you if you like slower towns, pastry stops, and small workshops, and it pairs well with a coastal drive. - Bagheria: Baroque villas and quirky statuary at Villa Palagonia show a different side of the island’s story, while nearby seaside spots offer a relaxed lunch and a short shoreline walk. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Palermo most travellers miss.