Getting Around and Staying in Palermo

Given the amount of space to explore and the enormous density of historic sites, it’s unlikely that any tourist will be able to see all of Palermo in one visit. One can, however, arrange one’s stay to ensure that one sees the best of what the city has to offer. There are several hotels located near the city’s center, which is one of the most historically-important areas of the metropolis. Guests may also opt to spend their time in specific districts that are characterized by an abundance of one type of architecture.

Quinto Canto is located in the center of the city. The area around Quattro Canti—the physical ancient crossroads of the city—is rife with historic architecture. Expect to see some buildings which are something of historical mishmashes. It’s not uncommon to see buildings with Gothic windows, Arab archways and medieval portholes all in one. Other areas of the city offer a bit of a different experience. For instance, Villa Igiea is located near the part of the city most notable for the many aristocratic buildings located in the area. The area is rich in numerous architectural styles.

Some of the places to visit include the Zisa and Cuba castles. These were once used for hunting by nobles who ruled over the island of Sicily. The Zisa structure now holds the Islamic Museum. Islamic culture dominated here during the Arab Emirate period and is celebrated in this museum. The Kalsa District is also full of historical places to explore. The NH Palermo hotel is located in this area. Palermo has its own airport and there are busses and other public transportation options from which visitors may choose. Destinations outside the city can be reached via these modes of transit, in many cases.