Palermo is a fun city known for Mondello Beach, Capuchin Abbey and Catacombs, and the Palatine Chapel. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Palermo and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or relaxing on the beaches.
How much does it cost to travel to Palermo?
You should plan to spend around $124 (€114) per day on your vacation in Palermo. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $55 (€51) on meals
- $6.15 (€5.64) on local transportation
- $123 (€113) on hotels
A one week trip to Palermo for two people costs, on average, $1,739 (€1,596). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$870
€798
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,739
€1,596
-
One Month
Per person
$3,727
€3,420
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,739
€1,596
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,478
€3,192
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,454
€6,840
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Palermo cost?
A one week trip to Palermo usually costs around $870 (€798) for one person and $1,739 (€1,596) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Palermo on average costs around $1,739 (€1,596) for one person and $3,478 (€3,192) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Palermo will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Palermo on average costs around $3,727 (€3,420) for one person and $7,454 (€6,840) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Palermo expensive to visit?
Palermo is a small yet captivating city that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Palermo can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and exploring on foot.
On average, budget travelers spend $56 (€51) per day, mid-range travelers spend $124 (€114) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $218 (€200) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Palermo.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Palermo is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Palermo Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Palermo?
The average Palermo trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Palermo travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Palermo cost?
Palermo on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$27
(€25)
|
$61
(€56)
|
$108
(€99)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$2
(€2.21)
|
$6
(€5.64)
|
$16
(€15)
|
|
Food 2
|
$25
(€23)
|
$55
(€51)
|
$92
(€85)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8
(€6.98)
|
$18
(€17)
|
$39
(€36)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-8
(€2-7)
|
$6-18
(€6-17)
|
$11-34
(€10-31)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Palermo, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $56 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Thankfully, Palermo is home to plenty of hostels, including A casa di Amici Boutique Hostel, Exclusive Dependance, and Ostello Bello Palermo. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited. Food is also a highlight for all types of visitors to Palermo, but budget travelers often dine on street food or cook meals in their hostel, so they may not always experience the delicious cuisine.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Palermo will want to visit Mondello Beach, Capuchin Abbey and Catacombs, or the Palatine Chapel. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $124 per person, per day.
In Palermo, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. 4 Quarti is a fantastic option for families, and Cosmopolitan B&B is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Palermo here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $218 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the city will demand a higher price range. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private transfer from Palermo airport to Cefalù or vice versa - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Palermo
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Palermo can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Palermo in the off-season is $74, but in the peak summer travel season it will average around $138. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Palermo to range from $52 to $226. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Palermo for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $123 (€113). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $61 (€56) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Palermo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Palermo include:
- Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel starting at $125
- Unico Boutique Hotel d'Arte starting at $180
- Grand Hotel et Des Palmes starting at $235
- Hotel Principe di Lampedusa starting at $128
- Politeama Palace Hotel starting at $91
Palermo is a great destination for families, and you'll want to find an apartment or larger accommodation when traveling with kids.
Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding summer will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.
Many people like to explore Palermo on foot, so you'll want to stay in an area that is at the center of everything. This can come at a higher price though.
Transportation Budget in Palermo
Unfortunately, Palermo does not have a reliable public transit network. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.
Visitors who like to explore on foot will enjoy their time here. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $6.15 (€5.64) per person, per day, on local transportation in Palermo. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Palermo is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$6.15
€5.64
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private transfer from Palermo airport to Palermo city or vice versa for $43 details
- Transfer Punta Raisi Airport - Palermo city - Mondello for $64 details
- Private Transfer Palermo Airport to/from San Vito Lo Capo, Macari for $118 details
How much does it cost to go to Palermo? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Palermo will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The typical transit costs in Palermo are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
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Bus to Monreale
€3.00
-
Bus From Airport
€6.00
-
90 Minute Bus Pass
€1.30
-
Short Taxi Ride
€4.35
Food Budget in Palermo
Make sure to enjoy the fantastic food in Palermo by taking the time to savor all the local flavors. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Palermo can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Palermo is $55 (€51) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$55
€51
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Palermo is around $55 (€51) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $92. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Palermo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $17
- Lunch: $8 to $22
- Dinner: $17 to $39
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Food in Sicily is somewhat different from elsewhere in Italy. You should definitely make a point of trying some of the regional specialties. Spaghetti ai ricci is a pasta dish that is prepared with sea urchin. Pasta alle sarde is pasta with anchovies, and arancine is a street food that is essentially a deep fried rice croquette. Also be sure and try the panino con la milza or panelle. These can be found at any of the sandwich stands that are spread throughout the old city center. Being the island's largest city, Palermo is a particularly good city to sample Sicilian food as the options are plentiful and quite diverse. They are also reasonably priced.
Traveling with children? Look for dining spots that have a children's menu. This can lead to significant savings since those meals are often more budget-friendly. Some restaurants might not list these options, so it's wise to ask your waiter before you decide what to order.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
If you want to experience the culture in Palermo, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Cooking class in a villa with Palermo view for $118 details
- Cooking Class Experience in Palermo for $123 details
- True home cooking with Francesca in Palermo for $92 details
Typical prices for food in Palermo are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Palermo. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
-
Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
€32
-
Fast Food Lunch
€5.32
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Palermo
Tourists can't resist Palermo, especially for its well-known food, nightlife, beaches, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Palermo typically cost an average of $18 (€17) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$18
€17
Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:
- Mondello Beach (Free)
- Capuchin Abbey and Catacombs for €5
- The Palatine Chapel for €19
- The Norman Palace for €19
- The Botanical Gardens of Palermo for €7
- The Palermo Archaeological Museum for €7
- Monte Pellegrino (Free)
- Massimo Theater for €12
- The Cathedral of Palermo for €15
Although Palermo is probably not the first city that comes to mind when you plan a trip to Italy, it offers a unique and different perspective on the country. Despite its lack of fame as a tourist destination, there are many historic and impressive sights throughout the city such as Quattro Canti, Catacombe dei Cappuccini, Palazzo dei Normanni, and the Gesu Church. If you want to see some of the city's Art-Nouveau then head to the area of Viale della Liberta Avenue and wander between the Politeama Theater and Piazza Croci. This area is referred to as Palermo's Avenue des Champs-Elysees.
Activities in Palermo include dining at the interesting restaurants, wandering around the city or taking a sailboat cruise. These cruises let you enjoy sightseeing from the water, snorkeling, drinking, eating and soaking up some sun. If you have some spare time while you're in town then they can be a different way to experience Sicily.
Beaches:
Many visitors come to Palermo to relax at the beach. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.
Shopping:
Shopping here is something you definitely shouldn't overlook. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.
A nice way to explore destinations in Palermo is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Anti-Mafia Heroes "Beat the Heat" Evening Walking Tour for $38 details
- Private Gelato, Pastry and Espresso Walking tour for $136 details
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Palermo for $149 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Palermo are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
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Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)
€6.00
-
Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)
€12
-
Theater Tickets (for Two)
€49
Nightlife Budget in Palermo
Active and entertaining, the nightlife in Palermo is a hit with visitors who love spending time at local bars, clubs, and parties. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $12 (€11) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Palermo per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$12
€11
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Palermo. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Small group wine tasting experience from Palermo for $204 details
- Sicily Experience - Wine tasting and food pairing for $53 details
- Eating Evening Food & Wine Tour for $104 details
Typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Palermo are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the drink prices in Palermo. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, how often you drink alcoholic beverages, and how much you order. Keep in mind that if you want to save money on your trip, cutting out alcohol can make one of the biggest impacts on your travel budget.
-
Beer
€2.56
-
Bottle of Quality Wine
€11
Traveling in Palermo
Palermo, Italy
Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.
Palermo has a Mediterranean climate that has hot summers and cool and wet winters. It is actually one of the hottest cities in Europe with an average annual air temperature of 18.5 degrees Celsius. Snow is very rare but not unheard of. The sea is an average temperature of 14 degrees Celsius in the winter and 26 degrees Celsius in the summer.
Neighborhoods & Around
Palermo's layout was established during medieval times. There are three outdoor markets that date back hundreds of years and create the boundaries of the area. There are also four historical districts that are referred to as mandamenti. These areas each have their own historic character.
Notable neighborhoods today include La Kalsa, which was the Arabic headquarters. It still maintains its Arabic character today.
La Vucciria was once at the vibrant heart of the city but today it has mainly butcher shops, fishmongers and old houses. It is a great place to grab a bite to eat.
Il Ballaro was another historic market that is still popular with locals and visitors alike.
Il Capo is a market with a lot of character remaining. There are winding streets and alleyways that give it the feel of a bazaar. Notable sights in this neighborhood include Teatro Massimo, Chiesa di Sant'Agostino and Chiesa dell'Immacolata Concezione.
Albergheria is the fourth mandamenti and it has wandering alleyways, interesting buildings, and some new cafes spread throughout.
Castellammare is named for the castle that once overlooked the sea, but is home today to a handful of sights.
Finally, the New City has many impressive squares, some of the wealthiest parts of the city, and the area where the Art Nouveau movement took over.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.