Palermo, the capital of the Italian Island of Sicily, has a rich history of art, architecture, culture, music and food. Free walking tours in Palermo offer visitors the ideal opportunity to experience this popular tourist destination with a knowledgeable local guide.

Situated on the Tyrrhenian coast, Palermo is surrounded by a mountain range named after the city itself. Free walking tours provide visitors the chance to appreciate the scenic ocean views while discovering many of the city’s historical landmarks and busy markets.

Below is all you need to know before embarking on a free walking tour, one of the best activities for sightseeing in Palermo.

How do free walking tours in Palermo work?

Free walking tours in Palermo can be booked without paying an upfront fee. These walking tours are run on a “pay-as-you-wish” basis, and as the traveler, you are expected to tip your guide based on what you feel their service is worth.

There is no cost to book a space on a free walking tour online. You will need to bring some cash to tip your guide at the end of the tour.

How much should you tip for a free walking tour in Palermo?

You are free to decide for yourself how much to tip for a free walking tour. Depending on the type of tour and each person’s satisfaction with their experience, tips may range from €5 to €50. However, most people tip between €10 and €15 per person.

What are the best free walking tours in Palermo?

Various free walking tours are available in Palermo. Many of them serve as an introduction to the city and a chance to learn more about the area's rich history. Tours with a specific focus are also offered.

Orientation Walk of Palermo

An orientation walking tour of Palermo is perfect for you if you want to learn about the city and its people. This tour is not only a chance to get an overview of the city center, but also to get useful tips about what to do, where to visit, and the best places to eat in Palermo.

Operated by local guides, these tours show you the city of Palermo through the eyes of a resident.

Itinerary

Most free orientation walking tours begin near the Teatro Massimo. This imposing architectural complex houses one of the largest theatres in Europe and is a fitting start to the tour. Close to the theatre is the Capo market, and you may pay this or one of the other markets a visit if you have booked a morning walk.

Depending on the walking tour you choose, you will have the opportunity to visit the city’s main historical squares, Quattro Canti, the Piazza della Vergogna and Piazza Bellini, pausing to appreciate the Martorana Church.

Walking through the Cassaro – the oldest street in the city, you will learn more about Palermo's history, art and traditions. Some tours will take a detour from the typical tourist routes to give you an idea of everyday Palermo with a visit to the quieter backstreets of the city.

Tours usually end at the Cathedral of Palermo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the Arab-Norman style. If you choose to enter the cathedral after your tour ends, remember that modest dress is required, so no bare shoulders, short pants or dresses.

Ballarò Market Free Food Tour

The Ballarò Market is one of the oldest markets in Palermo. In this free walking food tour, you will be guided through the market for an opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of this historical meeting place.

Itinerary

You will meet your guide on Via Vittorio Emanuele in the late morning. As you enter the market and stroll among the stalls, you will journey back to the middle ages to learn about the market’s past, and how it has evolved into the bustling market it is today.

During the free food tour of Palermo, you will make several stops to sample some of the local delicacies and popular street food. The tour ends at the historical gate of Sant’Agata.

Discover the Norman Arab itinerary

If you are looking for a free walking tour that allows you to see the interior of Palermo’s well-known monuments and learn more about the history of the Normans and their arrival in Muslim Sicily, the Norman Arab walking tour is a perfect choice.

Itinerary

This itinerary begins at the entrance to the Palazzo dei Normanni, a palace built in the 9th century. Inside the palace grounds, you will visit the UNESCO Heritage Site, the Palatine Chapel, which houses 24-carat gold mosaics.

Your guide, who is passionate about art history and archaeology, provides a carefully curated itinerary that concludes with a tour of the Cathedral of Palermo.

Depending on the day of your tour, you will need to pay an entrance fee to the Palazzo dei Normanni of between €10 and €14.50 if you are an adult. Students and people over 65 are charged a reduced entrance fee.

Where access restrictions are imposed by churches during certain times of day, they may be replaced by other monuments en route.

In which languages are free walking tours in Palermo operated?

Free walking tours in Palermo are often operated by multi-lingual guides. Most free walking tours are available exclusively in English and Italian.

Some free walking tours are offered by guides speaking Spanish and Italian or Spanish, Italian and English.

Where do free walking tours in Palermo start?

Most of the free walking tours in Palermo start in the city center.

Sant’Ignazio all’Olivella church, Teatro Massimo and the entrance to Palazzo dei Normanni are all popular meeting points for walking tours.

The Ballarò Market Free Food Tour begins on Via Vittoria Emanuele and concludes at Puerta de Sant’Agata.

All meeting points are within a short distance from bus stops along the Via Roma.

How long do free walking tours in Palermo last?

Most free walking tours in Palermo last from two to two-and-a-half hours. Some tours operate only in the morning, while others can be booked for the late afternoon.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Palermo?

A free walking tour is an ideal way to start your stay in Palermo. Your guide will be able to orientate you within the city and offer suggestions for the remainder of your stay.

If you book a morning tour, you will have the rest of the day free to explore the city at your leisure. Food market tours only take place in the morning.

Should Palermo free walking tours be booked online?

To secure a place on a free walking tour in Palermo, you should book online in advance. Some tours will only operate with a certain number of confirmed participants, so booking online is especially important.

By booking in advance, you will have some idea of your tour itinerary, and you can plan your other sightseeing accordingly.

With online bookings being free of charge, you do not have to worry about any unexpected booking fees. You will know in advance whether you need to pay entrance fees at any of the sites on your tour.

Free Walking Tours in Palermo