Heres everything you gotta know about planning a trip to Palermo, Italy.
Elena Pueyo/Getty Images
The capital of Sicily, Palermo defies expectations.
Palermos reawakening culminated in it being named Italys 2018 Capital of Culture.
Fountain Fontana della Vergogna in Palermo, Italy.Credit:Elena Pueyo/Getty Images
Its revival by Rocco Forte Hotels was celebrated as a triumph for the city.
Well-equipped kitchens and washing machines make them great for families.
Also known as the Royal Palace, thePalazzo dei Normanniis the oldest royal residence in Europe.
Palermo Cathedral and Massimo Palermo Theatre.Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
The Cappella Palatina inside it glitters from top to bottom with gold Byzantine mosaics.
Admire the Church of Santa Caterina and sample the nuns pastries.
Admire hand-painted tiles at the Museo della Maiolica.
Ceramicando store in Palermo, Italy.Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
Explore the citys legendary outdoor markets.
She also leads two-hourtours of the marketcomplete with street food tastings.
See a performance at the Teatro Massimo.
Busy nightlife street in Palermo, Italy.Gary Yeowell/Getty Images
Alternatively, you could take a guided tour and get a behind-the-scenes peek backstage.
The bestseller is thechenisier, a shirt dress in pure silk.
Her work is inspired by traditional Sicilian motifs and colors, but with a modern twist.
Florio restaurant at Villa Igiea.Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
The name refers to the fact that this used to be a family-run hardware store.
Mismatched vintage chairs, neon lights, and eclectic decorations give this place quirky, bohemian vibes.
Check their Instagram for announcements about pop-ups with artists and makers.
Coastline of Palermo, Italy.Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure
Leave the wine pairings to Orazio Corona, Spatafora adds.
Florio Restaurant
For an elegant but unfussy dinner, book a table at thesignature restaurantinside Villa Igiea.
Public transit:AMAT Palermo runs the citys buses and trams, as well as bike and car sharing.
Plaza in Palermo, Italy.Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure
Tickets on the buses and trams cost 1.40 and are valid for 90 minutes.
Palermo also has a metro operated by Trenitalia with stops near the Palazzo dei Normanni and Mondello.
Expect a taxi from the airport to cost around 50 plus possible surcharges for luggage.
Tram in Palermo, Italy.wsfurlan/Getty Images
you might also use theItTaxiapp to hail a taxi.
