Palermo on a Budget: A Day of Sicilian Adventure

Experience the magic of Palermo without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Palermo, Italy on a limited budget can be a thrilling and worthwhile experience. Explore the stunning architecture of the Norman Palace, visit the colorful markets and taste delicious Sicilian cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the historic district of Caccamo and visit Piazza Pretoria, the heart of the city.

Day trip plan

Getting latest place information
Day

Exploring the Heart of Palermo

  • Start with a typical Italian breakfast of a croissant and cappuccino at Caffe del Corso.
  • Visit the awe-inspiring Palermo Cathedral and marvel at its intricate architecture.
  • Walk around the vibrant streets of Ballarò Market, selling everything from fresh produce to unique souvenirs.
  • Head to the nearby Vucciria Market to sample some traditional street food like pane con la milza (spleen sandwich) or panelle (chickpea fritters).
  • Take a relaxing stroll in the charming Botanical Garden of Palermo.
  • End your day with a delicious and affordable dinner at Antico Caffè Spinnato or Trattoria del Gusto.
  • Palermo may be a small city, but it is packed with experiences that will make your stay unforgettable. Start your day with a typical Italian breakfast in one of Palermo's charming cafes. The Palermo Cathedral is a must-visit to witness its extraordinary architecture. The markets of Ballarò and Vucciria are bustling with energy and offer anything from fresh produce to street food. Amongst the beautiful palms, aromatic herbs, and striking statues at Palermo's Botanical Garden, you'll forget you’re in a city. End your day with a delightful, reasonably-priced dinner served at one of Palermo's several trattorias.

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.

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