Free, tip what you liked · ★ 9.3/10 (16,791 reviews) · on Civitatis
Quick answer
Yes. There is 1 free walking tour in Palermo listed here, bookable for free on Civitatis. It is Palermo Free Walking Tour: it meets at Church of Sant'Ignazio all'Olivella, lasts about 2h and is guided in English, rated 9.3/10 from 16,791 reviews.
Start times vary by date and are confirmed when you book.
Palermo has been Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Norman and Spanish, and each period left something standing. The result is a city where a cathedral can carry Arabic inscriptions, a church is covered in Byzantine gold mosaics and a Baroque crossroads marks the centre. The Arab-Norman monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and between them run the markets and the street-food stalls the city is known for.
The free walking tour gives the outline in two hours. From the church of Sant'Ignazio all'Olivella it goes to Piazza Verdi and the Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe, then to the Galleria delle Vittorie, a shopping arcade opened in 1935. It continues to the Quattro Canti, the octagonal crossing of Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele, to Piazza Bellini and the church known as La Martorana, and along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the cathedral.
Plan your visit to Palermo
What to see in Palermo
The Palatine Chapel, inside the Norman Palace, is the high point of Arab-Norman art: a royal chapel lined with gold mosaics under a carved wooden ceiling. Opening times and tickets are on the website of the Federico II Foundation, which manages the palace. The cathedral holds royal tombs, among them those of King Roger II and Emperor Frederick II.
The Teatro Massimo runs guided visits of the auditorium, and its front steps are where the final scenes of The Godfather Part III were filmed. Outside the city, the cathedral of Monreale, on the hill above Palermo, has the largest mosaic cycle of all.
Getting around and when to go
The old town is walkable and largely closed to traffic along Via Maqueda. Spring and autumn are the best seasons; winter is mild and quiet. Travellers working their way up the peninsula often continue to Naples and Rome, both with free walking tours. See the month-by-month guide for timing.
Good to know before you go
One booking covers up to 4 people on this tour. Larger parties need separate arrangements, so check before reserving.
The tour sees the cathedral and La Martorana from outside. Both can be visited afterwards, and the Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace is a short walk beyond the cathedral.
Eat at the markets: Ballarò and Il Capo sell arancine, panelle and sfincione from stalls. Mornings are when they are busiest.
In July and August the afternoons are very hot. Choose a morning tour and keep the beach at Mondello or the cool interiors for later in the day.
Rest those walking legs
Where to stay in Palermo
Well-reviewed stays from our partner Booking.com. Check rates and availability for your dates on their site.
Yes. The Palermo Free Walking Tour on Civitatis covers the Teatro Massimo, the Quattro Canti, Piazza Bellini with La Martorana and the cathedral with an English-speaking guide. You reserve for free and tip at the end.
Where does the Palermo free tour start?
At the entrance of the church of Sant'Ignazio all'Olivella, a few minutes from the Teatro Massimo. The exact point and how to recognise the guide are confirmed in your booking.
How long is the free tour of Palermo?
About two hours, all on foot through the historic centre.
Does the tour go inside the cathedral or the Teatro Massimo?
No. The monuments are explained from outside. The cathedral, the theatre and the Palatine Chapel each have their own visits and tickets.
How much should I tip on a free tour in Palermo?
There is no fixed amount. At the end you give the guide what you think the tour was worth. Our tip calculator shows the usual range for Italy.
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