Fall in Love with Palermo
"Palermo is an absolutely beautiful city full of history, culture and fun. Your experience in Italy will not be complete without a long visit here! It can be touristy, but if you go in Spring or Fall it'll be less so...and you'll pay less for accommodations. Here are my favorite things to do, places to go, and things to eat when in Palermo.
Culture/History:
Take a guided tour, if you can, to learn the fascinating history of Palermo, and to see the Cattedrale, San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Palazzo dei Normani, and Teatro Massimo. If you get a chance, go up to Monreale and to any of the several art & archeological museums in Palermo. Go ahead and go to Mondello. Even if you're not a beach person, it'll remind you of a '60's movie, and the restaurants serve the best seafood...not the gaudy Charleston, but the restaurants or food stands on the beach. It's so cool at night seeing the fishermen just off the beach in their dinghies with lanterns over the water, fishing for octopus.
Food:
In spring and summer, be sure to get a "brioche con gelato e panna": a yeast roll cut nearly in half, filled with your favorite flavor of ice cream (mine is nocciola), with a spatula of real whipped cream on top. Get one before lunch, then another in the evening — they're that good! If you're into status gelaterie, go to Stancampiano's after dark, when it's hopping with "gente che puo'."
In fall and winter, warm arancini and panelle sold everywhere are other Sicilian treats, not to be passed up.
Shopping:
Hugony in Via Ruggero Settimo is the Bergdorf's of Palermo, and Fiorentino its Tiffany. For less jewelry selection but incredible handmade creations, go to Matranga. All are near Piazza Politeama. You'll also find Armani, Gucci, Fendi, and stores of other Italian style icons in the area. Down a side street nearby is one of the original Desimone Pottery shops.
Safety:
Be careful and quick crossing the street, as all Palermitan drivers believe they're running Formula 1. As in any large city, keep your purse, wallet, packages, etc. close.
Remember to smile and look people in the eye. Although the Mafia is alive and well, you probably won't encounter it first-hand. Sicilians are warm people, just like U.S. southerners, and you'll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
...Let me know if you need a porter/interpreter!
