So as mentioned in other blog posts, my love language is planning big international group trips for my best friends every other year. Why every other year? Because it feels a bit unreasonable to expect 10+ people to use their vacation time on your trips every year- as fantastic as those vacations may be. (I am wildly un-modest about my planning skills). But I cannot wait two years in between getting my passport stamped.

This year, I got a wild hair about going back to Italy. I’d gone once before, when I was in high school, but hadn’t yet been as an adult. As much as I would have loved to return to the Amalfi coast, I am a sucker for an old city with tons of history and culture. After spinning my mental globe, I landed on Palermo. I have wanted to see Sicily since I fell in love with The Godfather movies as a kid- they were something I shared with my mom, and I knew I’d love a solo trip there, with no agenda other than exploring.

A curved Baroque-style building in the city of Palermo. — Quattro Canti, the Baroque square in the heart of Palermo.

First, I found the Airbnb- linked here. The views were stunning, and the interior was equally so- perfect for 1-2 people. It is on the third floor of a nineteenth-century building, with the most perfect blend of modern updates and historical accents. (The only issue being, old buildings tend not to have elevators- but the exercise from lugging my overpacked suitcases up the marble stairs was a good warm-up for wandering the city for hours every day). There were also fireworks multiple nights I was there- which was incredible to see over the historic city.

A beautiful sunset over an old city. There is a mountain in the background. — One of many incredible sunsets I got to see over the city of Palermo.

A woman taking a selfie in a large mirror in an old building. — This mirror in the entryway of my Airbnb was basically made for chic Euro-selfies!

A sunset with vibrant colors over an old city. There is a mountain in the background. — Another jaw-dropping sunset!

Now, for the restaurants and attractions that stood out- it’s mostly everything.

The best pizza I have ever had (and probably will ever have) in my life. Osteria Pizzeria Da Carlo- pin it, book it, love it. I ate there three times in the week I was there- ordered the D’Orleans every time. A base of pistachio cream, with buffalo mozzarella, speck, toasted almonds, cherry tomatoes, chopped pistachios, and burrata. And the kind of crust only Italy can deliver. It is actual heaven.

Photo of a pizza with meat and pistachio and burrata on top. — I dream of this pizza.

MEC Restaurant: This was my “fancy splurge” meal. The concept is super interesting- the restaurant itself is a museum to the digital conquest of Apple products, with interesting placards on the walls and vintage Apple computers and products on display behind glass, all in a late 16th-century Palazzo. I ordered the tasting menu, and everything was spectacular- even things I might not usually order. Having an open mind to new foods and experiences is super important to me, especially while traveling. Risk nothing, gain nothing!

A table and chairs in a restaurant. There are photos of Steve Jobs and computers on the walls, and an old computer sits in a display case. — Such a unique concept for a restaurant!

Le Angeliche- Delicious spot for dinner set in a beautiful garden, with twinkle lights and set back from the busy streets. If you’re a fan of whimsy and seafood, this is your spot!

A dish of pasta with tomato sauce, bread crumbs, and anchovies, on a green and orange speckled dish. — Homemade pasta with anchovies and herbed breadcrumbs!

Teatro Massimo: Obviously no trip to Palermo for a fan of The Godfather would be complete without a visit to the iconic opera house. Any show would be great there- just for the experience. They have a cute garden patio for a pre-show cocktail or glass of wine, and your girl loves any opportunity to dress up.

A woman stands in front of a mirror wearing a bronze gown. — A moment for this dress!

The interior of an opera house, with red curtains and gold interior. — The famous opera house- just as stunning in person as it was in The Godfather 3!

Palazzo dei Normanni: The royal palace of Palermo- most of the rooms were closed for a private meeting, but the Palatine Chapel (built in 1132!) was open- the mosaics and architecture were stunning! I paid extra to tour the palace gardens, where I had a snack and a cappuccino at the little bistro.

Interior of a historic chapel with an arched ceiling and artwork. — The gorgeous Palantine Chapel

The interior of a chapel with a book on a stand and wall murals. — Again- the architecture and artwork was stunning!

A Moreton Bay fig tree with dramatic buttress roots. — Moreton Bay fig tree, so gorgeous!

Palazzo Conte Federico: To be totally honest, I loved this more than the Normanni. They do guided tours every day (except Wednesdays) from 11-noon. The building, rooms, and furnishings are all gorgeous, with parts of it dating back to the 12th century. Even more interesting, the palace is still inhabited by Count Alessandro Federico and his family, who also run the tours. (It didn’t hurt that the tour guide, Nicolo Federico, was quite handsome, which allowed me to briefly fantasize that we would fall in love during my tour and I could live in the palace. Didn’t happen, but a girl’s gotta dream).

A room in a palace with opulent decor and a blue velvet circular sofa. — I need to live in this palace just for access to this sofa.

A ceiling in a palace with a flour de lis meant to look three-dimensional, and a white electric chandelier. — This painting technique is incredible, meant to look 3-D and so stunning!

Capuchin Catacombs Palermo: A beautiful (albeit a bit macabre) spot to check out- it takes very little time to get through, and is a great way to beat the heat for a bit! They were established in 1599 and contain around 8000 mummified bodies and skeletons. You’re welcome for not including a photo. (Did I make sure to cleanse myself afterwards with my travel sage? Sure did.)

Nauto at Porto Borbonico: This is a cute little beach with a bar, perfect for relaxing a bit by the water after sightseeing with your favorite book.

A book with tables in the background on a beach, there is a body of water in the background. — Could have spent all day here! I love a gloomy beach day.

Mercato de Ballarò: Grab an aperol spritz at one of many vendors in a “to-go” cup, and wander the market- the sounds, the smells, the fresh produce, spices, and homemade wares available for purchase- a quintessentially Italian way to spend a few hours! Grabbing a snack is optional, but highly recommended.

A busy market with stalls on either side, vendors, and crowds of people. There are red awnings overhead. — Archipenzolo, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Honestly, you can’t go wrong in a city this full of culture and history. I never felt unsafe even being there alone, so it’s great for solo travel (though of course, always be aware of your surroundings)! The food, the wine, the architecture- it’s all next level.

Pro tip: The people there are so kind, but it’s definitely key to at least try to speak Italian. I recommend learning a few key phrases before you go, and then keeping a translator on hand. This is not a destination that bends over backwards for tourists- to me, that’s part of the charm. You can truly experience the area like a local if you choose to. Being respectful and making an effort go a long way to dispel that "obnoxious tourist” preconception.

Tag us in your Palermo posts- we’d love to know if you go to any of these places, or want to share spots of your own!!

Solo in Sicily- My Palermo Travel Recommendations!

Solo Road Tripping: UK Edition

Morocco