Palermo Packed: The Ultimate 3-Day Budget Trip

Experience the charm of Palermo on a budget without compromising on adventure.

21 June 2023

Palermo is a historic city located in Southern Italy that offers visitors a unique blend of ancient architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. On a limited budget, travelers can enjoy the local street food and explore the city's many landmarks, including the stunning Palermo Cathedral and the Norman Palace. Accommodations in hostels or budget-friendly hotels can be found throughout the city, making Palermo an affordable and unforgettable destination.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Historic Center

  • Stay at Hotel Regina, a budget-friendly option in the heart of the city.
  • Start with a visit to the stunning Palermo Cathedral, a true sight to behold.
  • Take a stroll through the colorful food market La Vucciria and haggle with the vendors over the fresh local produce.
  • Explore the 12th-century Palazzo dei Normanni, official residence of the Sicilian kings, and marvel at the breathtaking Arabic-Norman architecture.
  • Take a break at Antica Focacceria San Francesco and indulge in some local street food favorites like arancini and panelle.
  • End the day with a walk down Corso Vittorio Emanuele, soaking up the lively atmosphere of the city streets.
Day 2

A Day in the Sun

  • Start the day at Sicily Beach Hostel, a budget-friendly hostel that's perfect for beach lovers.
  • Head to the sandy shores of Mondello Beach, just a short bus ride away from the city center.
  • Rent a kayak and paddle out to the crystal-clear waters of Cala del Cimitero, surrounded by stunning cliffs.
  • After working up an appetite, stop by Ristorante Al Gabbiano for some fresh seafood and local wine.
  • Take a relaxing walk through the charming gardens of Villa Giulia and enjoy the stunning sea views.
  • Sample some of the best gelato in town at the famous Il Profumo dei Dolci and let your taste buds do the talking.
Day 3

Discovering Hidden Gems

  • Spend the third day exploring some of Palermo's lesser-known treasures.
  • Begin with a visit to the stunning Oratorio di Santa Cita, home to some of the most beautiful baroque art in the city.
  • Take a walk to the Palazzo Abatellis, a stunning Gothic building that houses the Sicilian Gallery and its impressive collection of artwork.
  • Discover the hidden alleyways of the ancient Arab marketplace, Ballarò, and get a taste of authentic Sicilian street life.
  • Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Trattoria Biondo, a charming family-run restaurant that serves up some of the city's best traditional dishes.
  • End your day with a visit to Piazza Politeama, one of the city's most popular squares, and soak up the buzzing atmosphere of Palermo at night.

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

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