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Gay Guide • PALERMO | What to See, Where to Stay, Best Gay Bars and Restaurants | LGBT Guide


GAY PALERMO

Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers

 

What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in PALERMO ?

Find it out with the World Mappers !



 

LGBT PALERMO

Palermo, with its unique mix of cultures and traditions, is an increasingly open and welcoming city for the LGBTQ+ community. The city's gay scene is developing rapidly, with gay-friendly bars and clubs concentrated mainly in the historic centre, particularly in the Piazza Sant'Anna and Vucciria areas. Palermo also hosts Sicily Pride, an event that attracts participants from across the region. With its thousand-year history, delicious cuisine and inclusive atmosphere, Palermo is an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic and warm experience in the heart of Sicily.

WHAT TO SEE in PALERMO?

10 THINGS TO SEE in PALERMO

Palermo Cathedral

Architectural jewel of Sicily, it reflects a mix of styles including Arabic, Norman, Gothic and Baroque. Founded in 1185, it is dedicated to Maria Santissima Assunta. It houses the royal tombs of the Norman kings, including that of Frederick II. Its interior houses works of art and religious treasures.

Palatine Chapel and Norman Palace

The Palatine Chapel is located inside the Norman Palace and is a masterpiece of Norman, Arab and Byzantine art. It is famous for its splendid golden mosaics and carved wooden ceiling. The Norman Palace, an ancient royal residence, is today the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly.

Church of Martorana and San Cataldo

The Martorana Church is famous for its spectacular Byzantine mosaics. San Cataldo is characterized by its three red domes and the austere simplicity of the interior, reflecting Arab influences. These buildings represent the cultural richness and fusion of architectural styles in Palermo.

Pretoria Fountain in Palermo

The fountain is decorated with numerous statues of mythological deities, allegorical figures and animals. Located in Piazza Pretoria, between the Praetorian Palace and the Church of Santa Caterina, it is known for its beauty and for being nicknamed "Fountain of Shame" due to its naked figures.

The Quattro Canti of Palermo

The Quattro Canti of Palermo, or "Teatro del Sole", is a 17th century baroque crossroads, located between via Maqueda and Vittorio Emanuele. Every corner is decorated with statues of saints, symbols of the seasons and the Spanish kings of Sicily. This central point is a historical and artistic symbol of the city.

Saint John of the Hermits

San Giovanni degli Eremiti is a medieval church famous for its characteristic red domes of Arab inspiration. It represents an example of fusion between Byzantine, Islamic and Norman architectural styles. The complex includes a suggestive cloister and a garden.

Catacombs of the Capuchins of Palermo

The Capuchin Catacombs are famous for hosting thousands of mummified bodies, arranged along underground corridors. This place offers a fascinating and macabre look at ancient funerary practices and the culture of death in Palermo.

Palermo Markets: Vucciria, Ballarò, Capo and Borgo Vecchio

The markets of Palermo, such as Vucciria, Ballarò, Capo and Borgo Vecchio, are lively and colorful centers of city life. These historic markets offer a wide range of fresh products, including fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, as well as typical Sicilian street food. Each market has a unique atmosphere, reflecting Palermo's rich tradition and popular culture.


Teatro Massimo in Palermo

The Teatro Massimo in Palermo, inaugurated in 1897, is the largest opera house in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. With over 1,300 seats, it is famous for its excellent acoustics and impressive neoclassical architecture, with a grandiose facade and dome. It represents a cultural and musical reference point of the city.

Mondello Beach

Mondello is a renowned seaside resort in Palermo, famous for its splendid white sand beach and crystal clear waters. Located a few kilometers from the city center, it offers a mix of elegance and liveliness, with restaurants, cafes and Art Nouveau villas. It is a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and recreation near the sea.

 

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:

(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)

 

5 BEST EXCURSIONS from PALERMO

We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide

Erice & Segesta

Agrigento

Monreale & Mondello

Cefalù

Riserva dello Zingaro

 

Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs

to find them on the Map or visit their Website

 

WHERE TO SLEEP in PALERMO?

10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in PALERMO

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La Masseria Rainbow Hotel - Adults Only **** ® Tested by World Mappers (Outside Palermo - Campofelice di Roccella) - Discount 10% with Code "WORLDMAPPERSRAINBOW") 

 

WHERE TO EAT in PALERMO?

10 BEST RESTAURANTS in PALERMO Quality / Price

€€€€ - Le Cattive

€€€ - Frida Pizzeria

€€€ - Osteria Ballarò

€€€ - Il Baro

€€€ - Al 59

€€€ - Il Mirto e La Rosa

 

GAY NIGHTLIFE in PALERMO

BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in PALERMO

EXIT10&LOVE (Gay Bar) Fabric Rise Up (Gay Club) Vanity Night Club (Gay Club)

 

TRAVEL TIPS about PALERMO by World Mappers

  • Don't miss the Cathedral of Monreale, a spectacular jewel of 12th-century Norman art. Famous for its golden mosaics depicting biblical scenes, it is a UNESCO site with an elegant and richly decorated cloister.

  • Don't forget to visit Cuba Castle and Zisa Castle. These are two masterpieces of Norman architecture. The Cuba, built in the 12th century, was a summer residence with Islamic influences, while the Zisa, also Norman, served as a royal summer palace, with stunning decorations and gardens.

  • Unmissable is the Church of Santa Maria dello Spasimo: an unfinished Renaissance church, famous for its large cloister and its fascinating state of ruin. The structure, although not finished, hosts cultural events and offers a suggestive historical atmosphere.

  • Visit the Abatellis Palace and the Regional Gallery of Sicily: the Palace houses the Regional Gallery of Sicily, a prestigious art museum. The building, a masterpiece of 15th-century Catalan Gothic architecture, houses a vast collection of Sicilian works of art, including the famous "Triumph of Death" by Antonello da Messina.

  • Also explore the Stanze al Genio, a unique museum in Palermo that displays an extraordinary collection of Sicilian majolica. Located in a historic building, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of ceramic art, featuring rare pieces and intricate decorations.

  • Be sure to visit the Casa Professa or Chiesa del Gesù in Palermo: it is a baroque masterpiece built by the Jesuits in the 17th century. Famous for its frescoes and sumptuous decorations, it has an imposing façade and richly decorated interiors, a symbol of Sicilian baroque art.

  • Take the opportunity to visit Palazzo Valguarnera-Gangi (Palazzo del Gattopardo), an elegant Baroque building famous for its sumptuous interiors and magnificent frescoed hall: it is an extraordinary example of Sicilian aristocratic architecture and furnishings.

  • Don't miss the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, located on Monte Pellegrino and dedicated to the city's patron saint. With a breathtaking panoramic view, it hosts simple but evocative architecture, a destination for pilgrimages and a symbol of devotion and spirituality.

"SECRET PALERMO"

Unusual and Particular Places to See in Palermo

Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Palermo" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 5 Things and Places to See in Palermo (and Surroundings):

  1. Palazzo Branciforte - is an elegant baroque palace recently restored, which houses a museum and a library. Its internal courtyard and frescoed rooms offer a refined and little-known atmosphere.

  2. Villa Bonanno - it is a historic garden located near the Palazzo dei Normanni, which often goes unnoticed. It offers a quiet and well-kept green space, ideal for a relaxing walk.

  3. Museo delle Marionette - this is a unique museum that houses a large collection of traditional Sicilian and theatrical puppets.

  4. Villa Giulia - is a little-known botanical park, with historic gardens and panoramic sea views, ideal for peaceful walks.

  5. Mercato delle Pulci - is an open-air market where you can find vintage objects, antiques and curiosities, with a lively and colorful atmosphere.

INSTAGRAMMABLE PALERMO

Instagrammable Places to See in Palermo

Don't miss the best instagrammable places in Palermo, here are our favorites:

 

GAY TOURS in PALERMO

Do you want to discover the city and enjoy one of Best Gay Tours in Palermo? We recommend the following local operator(s):

MyGayTour.com - Tour Operator offering tours and excursions dedicated to the LGBT+ community Worldwide. Special Tours and Gay & Lesbian Friendly Guides ready to make you discover the beauties of this destination.

5% Discount Code for MyGayTour Following The World Mappers "WORLD5"

Info & Booking: info@MyGayTour.com - Check all Prices here: www.MyGayTour.com

 

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