Palermo
Sicily's lively capital of markets, street food, Arab-Norman churches and crumbling palaces. Cheap, gritty and fun for solo travelers; traffic, rubbish and petty theft are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,800–2,590Comfortable, one person · €1,600–2,300Details
- Value for money46/100Better value than 45% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 32°CDetails
- Air quality13 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet109 MbpsFixed broadband, Italy medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink, but often chlorinated or hard; many residents drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–135Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundAMAT buses and tramsWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels, shops and many restaurants; cash for markets, street food, small bars and some taxis.Details
Where to stay in Palermo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Politeama–Libertà | Safe, modern, shops and cafés; best for longer stays |
| Kalsa | Old town with bars, galleries and the waterfront |
| Quattro Canti–Vucciria | Central, lively, close to markets and nightlife |
| Ballarò | Market district: cheap, atmospheric, rough at night |
Apps that work in Palermo
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Trenitalia: National rail tickets, delays and strike notices
- Italo: Private high-speed trains, often cheaper
- Taxis: Ride-hailing is not reliable. Use marked white taxis, hail at ranks, or book by phone; agree the fare if the meter is off.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Italy.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels, shops and many restaurants; cash for markets, street food, small bars and some taxis.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (Bancomat), not Euronet machines; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Bills often include coperto (€1–4 per person) or a service charge; round up or leave a few euros for great service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted; tap a bank card at metro gates in Rome and Milan.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Hotels and rentals must register every guest with police, so expect to show your passport at check-in.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F, L · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
TIM, Vodafone and WindTre sell prepaid tourist SIMs at airports and phone shops; passport needed. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Italy
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.