Palermo, Sicily, Italy is the capital of Italy’s main island Sicily. Located on the north-western coast of the island, Palermo has everything any picky traveler requires: cultural attractions, historical sites, art galleries and museums, abundant markets, commercial and business districts, diverse restaurants, luxury hotels, happenings clubs, exceptional views, and magnificent architectural structures. Because it is a busy city frequented by tourists, however, Palermo became notorious for being a hotbed of petty and organized crime.

One of the most important attractions in Palermo is the former royal palace, Palazzo Reale, which is also the seat of the local parliament. Other interesting must-sees include the beautiful Cappela Palatina (a chapel with elegant mosaics), Vucciria market, Teatro Massimo, Museo Archeologico Regionale (archeological museum), Museo delle Marionette (puppet museum), and the Convento dei Cappuccini’s catacombs which are lined with the dead, for a macabre experience.

Accommodations at Palermo range from budget to luxury, although they are not some of the best in Italy. Sicilian cooking is, of course, one of the main things to experience here. Streets are lined up with kiosks and restaurants, which fill the air with seductive aromas of fresh ingredients and spices. For an unforgettable time, I suggest Da Sarrridu, located in Mondello—a beach town just outside the city; it is definitely worth the drive.

Palermo, Sicily, Italy is the capital of Italy’s main island Sicily. Located on the north-western coast of the island, Palermo has everything any picky traveler requires: cultural attractions, historical sites, art galleries and museums, abundant markets, commercial and business districts, diverse restaurants, luxury hotels, happenings clubs, exceptional views, and magnificent architectural structures. Because it is a busy city frequented by tourists, however, Palermo became notorious for being a hotbed of petty and organized crime.

One of the most important attractions in Palermo is the former royal palace, Palazzo Reale, which is also the seat of the local parliament. Other interesting must-sees include the beautiful Cappela Palatina (a chapel with elegant mosaics), Vucciria market, Teatro Massimo, Museo Archeologico Regionale (archeological museum), Museo delle Marionette (puppet museum), and the Convento dei Cappuccini’s catacombs which are lined with the dead, for a macabre experience.

Accommodations at Palermo range from budget to luxury, although they are not some of the best in Italy. Sicilian cooking is, of course, one of the main things to experience here. Streets are lined up with kiosks and restaurants, which fill the air with seductive aromas of fresh ingredients and spices. For an unforgettable time, I suggest Da Sarrridu, located in Mondello—a beach town just outside the city; it is definitely worth the drive.