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Art and culture activities in Palermo

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Art and culture activities led by local experts

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Visit Palermo's Palazzo Bonocore with its director

Enter this 16th century palace and immerse yourself in Sicily's food and wine culture. Enter the Palazzo Hear about the building's past and Art Nouveau's wonders. Take a virtual ride Travel in a carriage and see Teatro Massimo being built. Explore the city Learn about Palermo’s urban and architectural evolution. Tempt your tastebuds End with Marsala wine paired with Sicilian delicacies.

5 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviews

Hands-on leatherwork workshop with a Sicilian craftsman

Join me, an expert leather craftsman, in a hands-on discovery of traditional leatherwork techniques to create your own hand-sewn leather item. • We’ll begin with a tour of my artisan workshop in the historical center of Palermo, where I’ll share anecdotes and the history of this unique boutique space. • I’ll teach you the ancient hand-sewing methods used in the Sicilian leather manufacturing tradition, and you’ll practice the techniques. I’ll provide the leather, patterns, and all the additional materials you need. • You’ll create and stitch a one-of-a-kind notebook, book holder, or tobacco pouch, including the processing and application skills you’ve learned. You’ll leave with new skills for traditional Sicilian leatherwork, without the use of any machinery, and take home a gorgeous and unique keepsake.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Discover masterpieces in the palazzos of the Kalsa District

Explore Palazzo Abatellis and Palazzo Butera, two historical landmarks filled with extraordinary art, and discover how the architecture and exhibitions work together to tell a story that bridges centuries. • Begin at Palazzo Abatellis, home of the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia, a masterpiece of exhibition design. We’ll dive into the interplay between ancient art and Gothic-Catalan architecture. • Savor and discuss Renaissance masterpieces as I explain how the space’s historical architecture amplifies the symbolic impact of its artwork. • After a coffee break on an ancient elevated walkway, we’ll explore Palazzo Butera. Learn how bold curatorial choices and the blend of old and new pieces have transformed the palace into a hub for global artistic conversation. You’ll leave with newfound inspiration and a deeper understanding of how curatorial practices can reshape the ways we engage with art. Note: Price does not include total admission of about €21 per person.

4.75 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews

Paint a traditional tambourine in a Sicilian studio

Join me, a Sicilian artist, in painting a traditional Sicilian tambourine, a vibrant symbol of local culture, in this hands-on creative workshop at my Palermo painting studio. • I’ll welcome you and give you a tour of my cozy studio, so you can draw inspiration from the works I’ve created over the past 30-plus years. • You’ll learn how to sketch a personalized pattern onto your tambourine, while sharing insights into the musical instrument’s folklore and significance. • Paint traditional motifs using acrylic watercolors, bringing the design on your tambourine to life as a personal keepsake. Everything you need to create your art is provided. You’ll take home your own unique creation as a lasting memento of your artistic Sicilian adventure, as well as unforgettable memories of our creative practice together.

5 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviews

Step inside a noble palace’s wartime past

Palazzo Castelnuovo holds two sides of history—its noble grandeur and a hidden wartime past. Join me on an intimate journey through this 15th-century palace, where aristocratic elegance and WWII survival stories connect togheter. • We’ll begin in the piano nobile, walking through frescoed halls, neoclassical salons, and a hidden Masonic temple that shaped Sicilian history. • As we explore the 18th-century library, I’ll share the stories of Palermo’s noble families and the secret gatherings that once took place within its walls. • Discover the WWII memories hiden within the walls of this palace. • We’ll end our journey in the palace’s garden, sharing a glass of wine and tasting olive oil from my family’s farm. You’ll leave with a deeper connection to Sicily’s layered legacy and a taste of its enduring traditions.

5 out of 5 average rating, 1 reviews

Make ink by vegetables charcoal, from Sicilian woods

This hands-on charcoal ink-making and drawing workshop at a nature museum puts you in touch with Sicily’s deepest roots. You’ll learn techniques that have been used here for millennia to record history, transmit culture, and express identity. • I’ll discuss the history of Sicilian script and art, including the role of charcoal. Then, using charcoal from Mediterranean plants, you’ll grind and mix your own pigments. • Next, you’ll experiment with natural brushes, reeds, and handmade tools. I’ll guide you through mark-making techniques used in historical and contemporary art on the island, exploring traditional patterns and symbols. • Bind and assemble your own notebook featuring your drawings and words as we reflect on the role of handmade objects in Sicilian artistic and literary history. You’ll leave with your notebook, your bottle of handcrafted ink, and a tangible connection to some of the island’s oldest traditions.

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Wander The Oratory of San Lorenzo with its manager

Marvel at the Baroque decoration and hear the story of the stolen Caravaggio masterpiece. Meet Bernardo Get an overview of the oratory’s history and significance. Admire the Nativity Stop at a Caravaggio reproduction and hear about its theft. Study the details Learn about Serpotta’s intricate stucco work. See the Antioratory Discuss the initiatives commemorating the theft. Go behind the scenes Get exclusive access to Amici dei Musei's private artworks.

5 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviews

Stitch a leather booklet with a Sicilian artisan

Immerse yourself in the art of traditional leather crafting with an artisan bookbinder in my design studio in the heart of Palermo, designing, assembling, and stitching your own leather booklet. • At my atelier, I’ll explain a little about the art of traditional leather crafting. You’ll be using the same tools and materials I use daily. • Select fragments of recycled and upcycled leather to create your booklet, and cut and glue them together under my guidance. We’ll take a break for tea with traditional Sicilian dessert. • Learn the basics of saddle handstitching to create a durable seam and finish your one-of-a-kind piece. You can choose to engrave it with your initials. You’ll leave with a handmade memento of your journey into Sicilian craftsmanship and sustainability, as well as with hand-stitching skills to use further at home.

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Savor African flavors and rhythms in La Vucciria market

Immerse yourself in the rhythms of Africa at Ciwara, a musical restaurant in Palermo’s historic Vucciria market, to savor African flavors before I help you learn to play the djembe. • I’ll show you around the restaurant and introduce you to the instruments we keep in our performance space, sharing a little bit about the growing African community in Sicily. • As you snack on small plates (vegetarian dishes are available) and sip a cocktail, I’ll play some of my music, which celebrates the traditions of Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast. • When you’re ready, join me in a drumming jam session, where I’ll help you learn to play traditional rhythms. Whether you’re tapping out beats, dancing to the drums, or soaking up the energy of the market, you’re sure to deepen your connection to Palermo.

Top-rated art and culture activities

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4.94 out of 5 average rating, 1338 reviews

Walking Tour & Street Food Tour Palermo, History and Food

My name is Domenico Aronica, i'm a professional photographer and official Tour Guide. I'm also the founder of the website: palermowalkingtour(com). My group tour is not just a food tour, but it's a mix of history, culture, architecture, monuments and street food. The MORNING GROUP WALKING TOUR starts at 9.30 am, with me or with my team of official Tour Guides and we will walk for about 3 hours and cover about 4 km. In the first part of the Walking Tour we will visit some important monuments and churches and talk about the history of the city and in the second part of the Walking Tour we will explore the big outdoor food market and we will eat the famous street food of Palermo (food included). At the end of the tour I will give you many suggestions of what you can do on your own in Palermo. You will understand Palermo and its old history! This group tour is not suggested for children under 7 years old, the group tour is in english. Other things to note: Street food tastings like arancini, focaccia, fresh juice, cannoli, etc (it’s like a lunch! food included, no fish) and entrances fees in the churches that we will visit are included. Before book a private tour please send me a message to check my availability. Please book tours led by official tour guides like this, we proudly pay taxes!

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 893 reviews

Discovering the anti-mafia rebellion

You will walk with me or one of my fellow team members through the main roads and the back streets of the picturesque old town. You will learn about the Mafia, its brutal violence and its business, as well as about the people who stood up against the power of the organised crime. We will stop in front of monuments, memorials and shops, each is connected with a particular aspect of our story. Sometimes a small detail, that seems unsignificant at first glance, has a story behind it that is worth to be told. An example: Addiopizzo stickers on the shops windows we will see along the walking tour. They belongs to shopkeepers who have said NO to the protection money! You will also have the chance to support them, just buying a gelato, some local products or a souvenir of Palermo. Other things to note: You can recognize me because at the meeting point I will have a "No Mafia" backpack on my shoulder. IMPORTANT! The tour is offered in English, Italian or French, depending from the dates. Please scroll down this page and choose the correct date/language in the section "SEE MORE DATES".

5 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviews

Palermo Bar Crawl

Join Pub Crawl Palermo for an unforgettable fun night, with good vibes and incredible memories. This is a social pub crawl for everyone, where you can expect to meet some locals. Discover the city through 5 local bars as we explore together on a unique and fun bar-hopping tour. Depending on the group's vibe, we can spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at each bar. We will enjoy venues with great DJs, live music, and relaxed atmospheres. The distance between each bar is no more than a 10-minute walk. We will end the night at a vibrant street party called Vucciria at 2:30. We start at Finch Lounge at 21:30 (Piazzetta Monteleone, 5). We will be there till 22:15 waiting for everyone. If you are running late, let us know, and we will send you the second bar location. What’s included: a free shot at each bar and discounts on drink deals when you show your wristband (from 1€ up to 3,50€). Rated 1#Nightlife in Palermo — Don't miss out - BOOK TODAY !

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 314 reviews

Palermo Bike Tour with Tasting

Discover Palermo like never before with a unique and authentic 3-hour bike tour that will make you fall in love with the city! Ride through streets steeped in history, culture, and vibrant colors, guided by someone who knows and lives Palermo every day. You’ll uncover breathtaking views, hidden gems, and enchanting corners that tell the timeless story of this Mediterranean treasure. Every turn of the pedal brings you closer to the heart and soul of the city, far from the usual tourist paths. But this is more than just a tour – it’s a sensory journey. Along the way, you’ll indulge in Palermo’s famous street food, a burst of flavors that reveals the true essence of the city. Savor every bite as you immerse yourself in the local culinary tradition, because there’s no better way to understand Palermo than through its food. Let the beauty, flavors, and stories of Palermo captivate you. Get ready to create unforgettable memories and experience the city in a way that will stay with you forever. Are you ready to ride?

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 208 reviews

Palermo e la sua storia

Il tour da me proposto farà assaporare ai miei ospiti la città di Palermo fin dalle sue prime origini, ne avranno una piena contezza passeggiando attorno ai suoi monumenti, li guarderanno con meraviglia senza mai assuefarsi. Architetture, vicoli, strade, mercati, folklore saranno il tema portante della passeggiata che sarà via via un crescendo di emozioni. I miei ospiti si sentiranno a loro agio in una città che fa dell'ospitalità il suo biglietto da visita. Altre cose da tenere a mente Eventuali ingressi in edifici storici o monumenti sono esclusi dal costo della prenotazione.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 48 reviews

Palermo Old Town Bike Tour & Tasting

Treat yourself to a bike ride, a perfect introduction to Palermo's old town! Bicycles are the ideal means for this dynamic and comfortable itinerary, in the Historic Center of Palermo, where you can discover much more than on a walking tour. Have fun to see the main attractions and explore the different "mandations" between wonderful squares and magnificent noble palaces, to the evocative tourist port "La Cala". The tour is completed by tasting the street food of Palermo, to get to know the city even through taste!

5 out of 5 average rating, 21 reviews

Trekking sui monti di Palermo fra natura e cibo locale

Condurrò gli ospiti lungo percorsi naturalistici all'interno delle affascinanti riserve naturali che circondano la città di Palermo e non solo. Accompagnerò gli ospiti alla scoperta di sentieri, grotte, cascate e torrenti, percorsi accessibili solo ad una guida esperta. Scopriremo la fauna e la flora, tipica di questi incredibili ecosistemi, veri e propri scrigni di biodiversità. E' possibile scegliere fra 5 itinerari naturalistici diversi che si sviluppano all'interno dei Monti di Palermo e che sceglieremo insieme secondo le vostre necessità e curiosità. L'itinerraio 1) Valle del fiume Oreto è caratterizzato da un percorso che fiancheggia il meraviglioso e fragile ecosistema ripariale e fluviale del fiume Oreto. Ci immergeremo all'interno di una rigogliosa foresta che si estende lungo le sponde del fiume, avendo modo di osservare la tipica e rara ripisilva siciliana. L'itinerario 2) riguarda i Monti di San Martino delle Scale, i monti che sovrastano l'antica città di Monreale. L'itinerario 3) si sviluppa lungo la cresta montuosa delle Serre della Pizzuta riserva naturale tra Altofonte e Piana degli Albanesi. Infine, gli itinerari 4) e 5) comprendono percorsi che si sviluppano all'interno delle riserve naturali orientate di Monte Pellegrino e Monte Gallo, i due sistemi montuosi frapposti fra la città di Palermo e il mare.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 45 reviews

Anti-mafia bike tour in Palermo

We will ride through the pedestrian areas of the old town center of Palermo and along the cycle lanes that connect it with the outskirts, to discover how Palermo is changing 'inside and outside', healing from the wounds inflicted by the violence of the Mafia which reached its peak with the massacres of 1992. This tour is a tribute to the memory of heroes like the prosecutors Falcone and Borsellino, whose murders pushed the Sicilian people to react against the Mafia and inspired collective action of a whole generation of antimafia campaigners. We will ride about 12 km, mainly flat: piece of cake! Other things to note The bike tour is 12 km long. It is easy: you do not need a high training.

Art and culture activities in Palermo

Art and culture activities led by local experts

Browse Italian vintage in an 18th-century palazzo

Visit Palermo's Palazzo Bonocore with its director

Hands-on leatherwork workshop with a Sicilian craftsman

Discover masterpieces in the palazzos of the Kalsa District

Paint a traditional tambourine in a Sicilian studio

Step inside a noble palace’s wartime past

Make ink by vegetables charcoal, from Sicilian woods

Wander The Oratory of San Lorenzo with its manager

Stitch a leather booklet with a Sicilian artisan

Savor African flavors and rhythms in La Vucciria market

Top-rated art and culture activities

Walking Tour & Street Food Tour Palermo, History and Food

Discovering the anti-mafia rebellion

Palermo Bar Crawl

Palermo Bike Tour with Tasting

Palermo e la sua storia

Palermo Old Town Bike Tour & Tasting

Trekking sui monti di Palermo fra natura e cibo locale

Anti-mafia bike tour in Palermo

Discover more activities near Palermo