Planning a trip to Palermo with kids is a great idea. The city offers the perfect mix of culture, history, and family-friendly fun.
With its historic center, lively markets, squares, and parks, Palermo is vibrant and surprising even for younger travelers. In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Palermo with kids, along with practical tips, simple ideas, and suggestions for where families can eat and relax.
Day 1 in Palermo with Kids: Walking Itinerary in the Historic Center
We spent the first two days of our trip to western Sicily exploring Palermo.
On the first day, we chose a walking itinerary through the historic center.
If you only have one day available, you can also read our guide on what to see in Palermo in one day.
Starting from Via Vittorio Emanuele, we walked toward Piazza Villena, better known as Quattro Canti. It’s a grand Baroque intersection with beautifully decorated façades.
The statues are arranged on three levels: the patron saints of the city at the top, Spanish rulers in the middle, and the four seasons at the bottom.
We carefully observed each corner together, looking for small clues—a flower, light clothing, or a symbol of autumn. The kids loved guessing the right season, and at the end we rewarded them with a stop at a gelato shop.
Just a short walk away is the Fontana Pretoria, built with concentric circles and decorated with numerous statues of nymphs, gods, and mythological figures.
Because of the many nude statues—and its proximity to the former monastery of Santa Caterina—it was nicknamed the Fountain of Shame.
The kids had fun counting the animals and spotting small details among the sculptures. It became a spontaneous game that made the visit more engaging.
Visiting churches in Palermo doesn’t have to be boring for kids—especially if you turn the experience into a game.
We created our own little ranking between Arab-Norman churches, such as La Martorana, famous for its mosaics, and Baroque ones like the Church of the Gesù (Casa Professa), located nearby.
For lunch, we changed atmosphere and entered the Ballarò Market. It’s full of colors, sounds, aromas, and street food everywhere.
You should definitely try arancine (in Palermo the name is strictly feminine), panelle made from chickpea flour, and—for the more adventurous—a spleen sandwich.
Palermo also has other historic markets, such as Il Capo and La Vucciria. We were recommended Ballarò, but the others are worth visiting too.
If you’re staying in an apartment and planning to cook dinner at home, remember that market stalls close in the early afternoon. There are also very few grocery stores in the historic center.
From the market, we moved to the peaceful atmosphere of the Monastery of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria. The cloister, with its colorful tiles and plants, feels like a small oasis of calm.
Here you’ll also find the convent pastry shop, famous for Sicilian cannoli and other traditional desserts. It’s a stop everyone enjoys—especially kids.
A Panoramic View of Palermo
At sunset, a visit to Palermo Cathedral is truly unmissable.
Besides the crypts, the treasury, and the royal tombs, the most exciting moment is climbing up to the rooftop terrace. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city.
- Note: On rainy days, access to the roof is not allowed.
Day 2 in Palermo with Kids
Our second day in Palermo with kids began with breakfast featuring cassata and minne, which we had purchased the day before at the pastry shop in the cloister of Santa Caterina.
With the right energy, we joined the line to enter the Palazzo dei Normanni. The wait is absolutely worth it.
The real highlight is the Palatine Chapel, a masterpiece of mosaics and intricate decorations. After visiting it, you can also explore the royal apartments and gardens.
Book a visit to the Palazzo dei Normanni and the Palatine Chapel. Our guide managed to engage the kids as well.
For lunch, we chose the Antica Focacceria San Francesco, a true institution in the city. Here you can enjoy street food as well as dishes like pasta alla Norma and caponata.
You can sit inside or eat outside in the small square under the umbrellas.
In the afternoon, we had a different kind of experience waiting for us: an urban safari with Giana from Palermobimbi.
It turned into a real treasure hunt. We searched for animals hidden in buildings, railings, and fountains. It’s a fun and educational activity designed especially for children.
After a refreshing granita, we said goodbye to Palermo—tired but very happy and ready to continue our trip through western Sicily.
If you have more time, you can add another day in Palermo to visit:
- the Marina district
- the street art around the city
- Parco della Favorita and the Chinese Palace (Palazzina Cinese)
- the Sicilian Puppet Museum and Puppet Theater
Where to Eat in Palermo with Kids
In Palermo, food is part of the travel experience. Even when visiting Palermo with kids, you just need to choose casual and welcoming places.
- Ballarò Market – Perfect for trying Sicilian street food: arancine, panelle, and many different dishes that are great for sharing.
- Antica Focacceria San Francesco – A historic institution in the city. The caponata is excellent, but the baked anelletti pasta timbale is also very popular with kids.
- Trattoria al Vecchio Club Rosanero – A traditional trattoria located on a small street off Via Maqueda. The cuisine is simple and authentic, and we ate really well.
Where to stay in Palermo with kids
We stayed in two different places and had a great time in both.
Just outside the city center, but the Cathedral is about a 5-minute walk away. The room was large and very clean, and the breakfast was excellent, with traditional pastries.
Family apartment right in front of the Duomo. Double bedroom, sofa bed, and the option of a crib. Tastefully furnished and in a truly convenient location.
Also read: Catania with kids and the most beautiful beaches in Sicily for children.
