What no one tells you about Palermo

Palermo is the beautiful capital city of Sicily but there are some things that travel agents in particular, won't tell you about Palermo. In this video, I share those with you.
If Palermo is your next holiday destination, then this video is a must-see!
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* VIDEO CHAPTERS *
00:00 Introduction
00:25 Insight 1
02:40 Insight 2
05:07 Insight 3
07:08 Insight 4
08:35 Insight 5
09:16 Insight 6
10:14 Insight 7
11:41 Insight 8
12:42 Insight 9
16:40 Insight 10
17:12 Most importantly of all
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WHO I AM:
Hi I’m Claire, aka Ms Britaly! In 2018, I decided I wanted to change my life and relocate to Italy. I didn't know anyone there, I didn't speak the language and I had only visited the country twice before. Just eight months after I had made this decision, I packed up my suitcases and moved solo from London to Italy, embarking on my very first Expat experience. On paper it sounds completely bonkers but in reality it was the making of me.
On this channel I dive deep into the lessons that life in South Italy teaches me, as well as showing you the beauty and reality of everyday life here. I also share tips for visiting South Italy, so that you can get the most out of your Italian experience.

[@MsBritaly]

What has been your experience of Palermo? Comment below and let me know! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already - your support for my channel means the world!

[@hannahmaebeaver9521]

These are all common sense recommendations. Fairy lands dnt exist. Stating the obvious is not a big deal.

[@MsBritaly]

It's surprising though just how many tourists romanticise Italy. It always helps to keep a balanced view.

[@royjohnston4378]

I was there for the last week of August and really enjoyed Palermo. Would love to go and live there in the near future.

[@notmenotme614]

I went to Palermo in December. 1. I think I saw Malbello Beach from the surrounding hill tops. Is it a separate suburb that’s a few kilometres NW of the city? It looked separate from Palermo and empty at that time of the year. 2. There was still piles of rubbish in December but only around the apartment blocks that are on the fringes of the city. The tourist centre was actually clean. Interestingly I only had to go through the suburbs from a hike as the public transport wasn’t running that day. 3. I hired a car in Palermo and didn’t have any issue, but then I didn’t leave anything inside it. I highly recommend hiring a car to visit other parts of Sicily. I got bored of Palermo after a while and other places such as The Valley of Temples, Siracusa and Taormina are 100% well worth a visit and maybe the centre of Catania. 4. I reckon in Italy, zebra crossings are just a decoration that the locals consider optional. The standard of driving is absolutely appalling. I’d recommend waiting for a local and cross the road and you cross when they cross. 5. I recommend eating Arancini (rice balls that come in many different flavours) and Cannoli (pastry roll with cream cheese). In fact, I love arancini so much that I want to find them in the UK?! Arancini also make a good food to put in your bag for hiking. You can different flavours of arancini like Nutella or ham and cheese etc. 6. Palermo had a lot of e-scooters, they made a convenient alternative to public transport. You can buy an unlimited day or week pass. Drop off the e scooter where you want to visit. 7. The train a few stops before Malbello was surprisingly cheap compared to the UK (I think €1.60) I also got a train to Valley of the Temples (well worth a visit) 8.I naturally walk with my hands in my pockets and I never stop to talk to strangers and ignore them. Therefore I’ve never had a problem with pick pockets. My advice is the central tourist area of Palermo is ok for a short while but there’s not enough for a few days. The Palermo coastline is disappointing with it’s industrial docks and no beach. I would spend a day or 2 in Palermo and then get a hire car and visit the whole island. There’s nice hiking in the hills surrounding Palermo (such as Pizzo Manolfo) that give nice views.

[@aidanwalsh2545]

I am just back from my first trip to Palermo, and Sicily, ever. 100% in love with the place, even the rough edges.

[@MsBritaly]

It really is a special place

[@miousaintlot4953]

Any advise on where to stay in Palermo for a couple of days? I'd like to sleep at night and eat good street food!

[@miousaintlot4953]

This week, my husband and I are going to Sicily for the very first time. We'll be there for one week. Any advise for hotels or Airbnb? We like to sleep well without the noise😅

[@-MacCat-]

Thanks for this. Super useful and very accurate information, with a touch of humour thrown in for good measure. I thoroughly recommend that anyone thinking of visiting Palermo look at this entire vid and take heed of all your suggestions and warnings.

[@MsBritaly]

Thank you!

[@emanueletardino8545]

You are precious and as a Sicilian I am glad to had you as host and that you appreciated us

[@MsBritaly]

Thank you!

[@enricomonti156]

I have visited Palermo twice and both times had very good experiences around the city itself. Food markets are really impressive and have among the best food that you can find around Sicily overall. One particular aspect regarding the insight of cars potentially attracting attention, it also applies to foreign cars. The first time I went there was due to a tournament and with some of my teammates we departed from Malta, crossed by ferry and drove the remaining part. As here in Malta we have left hand traffic, our car did catch a fair bit of attention having the steering wheel on the right, even if many people from Malta still drive in various parts of Sicily

[@MsBritaly]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm glad it was a good one! I think Italians are naturally curious and so anything that's a little bit different, draws their attention.

[@paulclark6458]

been think doing again 20 years see how it changed i loved then see sill love it

[@TheSicilianLife]

I completely agree with the tip not to visit in August. It's so congested and many businesses are shut down for the month. Great video ~ thanks for sharing.

[@MsBritaly]

Thank you - absolutely far better in other months!

[@natpaler883]

Great video! We’ve stayed in a very nice Airbnb near Norarbartolo station and we recommend the area very much. The bus connection to the downtown was literally perfect. Our experience in early September in Mondello beach was unfortunately the worst in Sicily. Not crowded at all but our lido was just not was is tipicaly expected in Sicily. When crossing the street we figured out you just have to keep walking. If you stop you will never cross it 😅

[@MsBritaly]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I'm glad it was a good one.

[@user-de1wo3nl8h]

I just got back from Italy. Such a beautiful country and she is correct, I was surprised about the trash, everywhere. Not just in cities but on every highway, road, corner, beach. It's a shame really.

[@MsBritaly]

It is such a shame because what ends up happening, is that things like this detract from the real beauty of this country.

[@francescotellini1389]

You' ve certainly been in the south...and Rome, North of Italy is spotless. Recycling percentage of Italy is 82% against an European average of 39%...Germany is 44%. (2022)

[@ajkoolhand7101]

Very nice assessment. I lived here for 2 winters and love the city. I finally figured out how to cross the street :-) You are 100% correct you have to begin crossing with out waiting. They will stop. But honestly I will never feel 100% safe crossing the street in Palermo. As far as August is concerned, I will take it a step further. I never stay in Italy in the month of August. It is absolutely the worst month to visit. I like to go home to New York. The best month for the beaches in Sicily is June, September and October. July can be great but it all depends where you go.

[@MsBritaly]

I agree!

[@AJESB]

I am glad you pointed out the dirty part of Palermo. My Husband and I we’re there 2 weeks ago. Stayed 1 night and had to leave. I was not going to spend 4 days of my holiday walking over garbage. Driving was insane. We had been driving all of Sicily, but Palermo was next level crazy drivers. We loved Sicily. Visited Catania, Syracuse, Taormina, Cefalu. We left Palermo and went to the most charming town, San Vito Lo Capo. Amazing beach, restaurants and street markets. Stayed at a hotel 1/2 price of Palermo, with ocean view. Thanks for your great video.

[@MsBritaly]

I’m sorry you had to experience this especially because Palermo is a beautiful city - it just lets itself down with this situation. Oh and the drivers - the absolute worst I’ve ever seen too!

[@SaiSreeKanandhaSwamikal]

Hello good day, could you tell me how is January/February to visit.. Palermo, Catania etc

[@marty49jm]

Can you pay for bus tickets on Moovit as we do at home?

[@lucavuola3538]

Italy is a fascinating country, there are some problems that could easily be fixed (proper rubbish collection is not like planning a mission to Mars) but after decades are still there with zero improvement: crazy. BTW I am Italian.......

[@MsBritaly]

It does feel like Italy doesn't even realise its own magnificence, sometimes.

[@lucavuola3538]

@@MsBritaly Totally agree......

[@francescotellini1389]

North of Italy is spotless. Recycling percentage of the country is 82% - the highest - against an European average of 39%. It's the south of the country the problem that can't be fixed.

[@D12Min]

@@francescotellini1389 went to Liguria last summer, looked super clean and nice indeed. One of the first infos in our holiday home was about which trash to put where. Big deal there. ;)

[@idonthavealoginname]

Anywhere in Europe in August is like a madhouse as its a traditional time to take holidays for Europeans.I avoid it like the plague ,May June or September is a better time to visit.

[@MsBritaly]

Absolutely!

[@Trvlr06]

Which neighborhood is nicer, Monte di Pieta or Albergheria?

[@hannahmaebeaver9521]

Fact is with all its flaws italy remains #1 best vacation spots, food ,amazing heritages cultures, styles, music ETC. among many other amazing things to do & see in italy. Most beautiful ppl. In the world.

[@MsBritaly]

It is indeed an incredible country

[@ellenvlady8323]

Thanks for the tips! How about tap water, is it Ok to drink? And street food on the markets, are they really asking double or triple the price for tourists? Could you name a few good ones for stuffed sardines, Frutta Martorana, pistachio cream canolli/plain canolli, cassata, granita, and sfincione?

[@MsBritaly]

Tap water it really depends. A lot of parts of Palermo have hard water and so it is better to buy bottled water or filter it. In terms of street food I recommend Capo Mercato and Dainottis. It’s reasonable and a few years ago won an Italian TV show - 4 Restaurants - for its street food.

[@JustRaine13]

Literally about to book for august 😭

[@MsBritaly]

Don’t panic! You can still have a lovely time - just prepare yourself based on what I’ve said.

[@cyph3r.427]

So we are already locked in for Palermo for the last week of August and can't change it now. Any suggestions?

[@MsBritaly]

You will still have a great time! Just be aware of the heat, perhaps book a space at a lido on the beach if you don’t want to fight with the masses for a space on the free beach - especially at Mondello!

[@scottbuehler2803]

We are very excited about visiting and eating our way across Palermo NEXT May 2025. Early planning😂 We were wondering IF you plead with us NOT to eat in the tourist area streets ... WHERE do we go to eat ... what streets are ACTUAL local flavors and prices?? Please advise .. we will follow your advice!! 😊😊

[@MsBritaly]

Amazing preparation. Well, stay tuned for some videos about food in Palermo!

[@fountainnn]

Ok, I’m here now and it’s middle of July

[@mario6sic6]

Just booked Palermo last night for my birthday, end of august ffs 😂

[@MsBritaly]

Ahahah don’t worry! I am sure you will have a lovely time!

[@CodingAbroad]

Hi, I'm thinking of booking a 3 month trip to Sicily. I have a few random questions please could you help me? 1. Can you get by taking taxis everywhere? Would you need to rent a car? 2. I'm more of a beach person, prefer warmer climates, prefer a quiet area and enjoy going to the gym, are there any areas you recommend with this in mind? It would also be nice if I'm nearer tour operators so perhaps a city is best for me? 3. What are the main cultures who live there with native Sicilians? The British, German, French? Many thanks :)

[@SantEliaparadise]

Good video the host of channel may agree with me but I'd avoid the Taxi if you can help it , private chauffeur drivers may be cheaper or private taxi 🇮🇹✌️

[@MsBritaly]

Lots of questions - I'll do my best to answer them - in summary - 1. You don't need to rent a car but it all depends on where you base yourself and on what you want to do. Public transport here isn't the most efficient service in the world and so that's something to consider. Taxis are available in the main centres and so you can choose to use those if you wish. 2. Yes or with easy access to a city - Sicily is a large island and so you have to factor in when you want to come and the things you want to do. Palermo is a great city with its own beach - Mondello - but I don't recommend this at the height of Summer because it's just too busy. August is a very busy month and so I don't recommend visiting then if you prefer quieter locations. Ragusa and Marina di Ragusa are also great locations and of course Modica. Then there's Cefalù and San Vito Lo Capo - so many places to look into. 3. Sicily is a melting pot of different cultures and people from all over the world live here

[@kadourbenadda7609]

❤❤❤❤

[@mariademasi1760]

What area is nice and afordable end of august in Palermo?

[@MsBritaly]

In August it's a little more difficult to find places that are available/reasonable due to the fact it's the peak month for holidays. You could try the centre as a lot of people tend to book beach locations during that month and the city itself empties out.

[@filippo_durante]

also install palermobilità for purchasing online bus tickets and muoversi a palermo for knowing of any delays and to know where the bus is real time

[@MsBritaly]

Great tip!

[@susannesandin5992]

Thanks😅

[@petronipov]

Where you you recommend staying west of Palermo if we want to avoid being in the city and want a quaint seaside town instead?

[@MsBritaly]

Try - Carini, Mondello, Sferracavallo - these are some seaside towns close to Palermo.

[@petronipov]

@@MsBritaly thanks!

[@dariusdash9198]

Did you manage to make a list with restaurants that are not tourist traps? I can not find a video on your channel about this

[@spyhunter66]

Would love to see something like this also!

[@MsBritaly]

It’s added to my list - stay tuned!

[@veronicagrijalva-palmisano7465]

"Never eat the bananas in Palermo"! LOL😂😹😂😆🤣😂😹

[@TCtravelVLOGS]

I’ve got a fiat booked?! Should I cancel it 😢 and where should avoid parking

[@MsBritaly]

Just be careful where you park it. Make the most of official parking spaces if you can and don’t leave belongings in the car

[@andrewdiprose]

Ford Fiesta if possible

[@robertoposa1120]

Thank you very much - my decision - forget about Palermo it will never get any better 😧

[@MsBritaly]

Maybe not for a long time but there's still a lot of beauty to be found here.

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

I like that in this video, while pointing out the positives, you also realistically warn people that they are not at Disneyland and should not expect everything to be so perfect. All this without also passing a negative judgment on Italy in general.

[@MsBritaly]

Thank you. It's good to keep a healthy balance.

[@MKM070]

How is july ? Second and third week?

[@MsBritaly]

Hot, lots of tourists but places are still open.

[@Erinba]

What about Mondello at the end of May? Sounds like a nightmare with all the barriers at all times of the year.

[@MsBritaly]

No in May it’s nice - when the lidos open June time is when the barriers appear and the free beach is limited

[@Erinba]

@@MsBritaly ah thanks so much that’s great I will add it to the itin in that case! Also such a great tip about the car brands!

[@Erinba]

Just realised my husband booked a fiat for the car hire!! 😅😅 we will be in Taormina - Scilla in Calabria and Cefalù - is it just Palermo to worry shout?

[@MsBritaly]

Don't stress just be careful where you park and don't leave any valuables in the car.

[@ForgingMyLife]

Sicily is the best place on the planet.

[@MsBritaly]

It’s a very unique place!

[@cemgocmen3635]

Very typical for popular destinations, particularly during the high season. The title is misleading.

[@MsBritaly]

Not really - there are many things that catch people out here but thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@Drew10006]

Just got back from Mazara was ok little break no beaches etc nice pool hotel - was just more like historical place and bit last min sunshine ... wouldn't recommend for children all the footpaths are nightmare and yes quite dirty with litter but town centres are quite tidy ... Sicilian people are very nice accommodating probably go to other parts Italy Sorrento 🇮🇹 maybe... personally prefer Greek islands. 👍

[@MsBritaly]

Mazara is lovely but it is small. You'll find more liveliness in larger cities - Palermo, Catania etc.

[@CH-yp5by]

I have travelled around most of italia and I have found no one trys to rip you off more than italians in Palermo, they are masters at every sneaky trick to rip you off!

[@MsBritaly]

You can find people like this everywhere sadly. The key is to have your wits about you.

[@ErwinMaas]

About all things you said are no-goes for me, why take all these risks when there are 1000s of stunning places in Europe that you can visit without having to worry on your vacation?

[@MsBritaly]

With any place there are always risks - you just have to be sensible

[@fv1291]

Is it okay to rent a Ferrari or Lamborghini?? 😉

[@MsBritaly]

Ahahha wrap it in bubble wrap! 🤣

[@epalisi]

From someone like me who was born and lived most of his life in this disgraceful city (apart my 30+ years between northern Italy and Spain), you couldn't be more accurate and realistic. Well done! It's a shame that such a beautiful and historic city be in the hands of such shameful and disrespectful people. It's an atavic problem that regards the character of the population and the public administration corruption. I lost hope to see this city solve the problems you mentioned in your video.

[@MsBritaly]

Yes it’s such a shame - it often feels like this city just doesn’t realise what it has

[@njm3211]

I've been living in Sicily for 10 years. People are wonderful, kind, generous but fatalistic about the possibility of improvement. Public infrastructure, maintenance, trash collection, access to hospitals to name a few is abysmal. People's tolerance and acceptance of filth, chaos and poor public is amazing. A tourist passing through for a few days may not notice or care.

[@MsBritaly]

Absolutely!

[@lovepeace4065]

As an Italian the country is beautiful, the people are beautiful. However the politics and system is awful dreadful never changes.

[@MsBritaly]

It is true that these aspects let the country down

[@jc-rt9he]

Have you visited NYC, or any other major city they all have cleanliness issues and rough edges.. I feel that this video is misleading. Palermo is a fine place to visit in August and is safer than most cities in the world..

[@MsBritaly]

Everything is perception of course but I think as a resident, you do see things differently. August isn’t the best month to visit Palermo - in my humble opinion.

[@rosepluchos1684]

I’m so sorry. This just ruined my day. Does this review include the last week of august

[@MsBritaly]

Don’t let it! It’s designed to help you to have an awareness of what it can be like here but it’s a beautiful city. In August you will notice a lot of people here and some places closed - so it’s good to know this - but it doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy your experience here.

[@pabloteetheartist]

son of a beach

[@pabloteetheartist]

Ok cancel august unless i want to get run over by a garbage truck after getting a 10 euro slice of pizza and finding out that they stole the panda 🐼 toy out of my panda while avoiding the train station at the disgusting beach ~ 😮

[@MsBritaly]

What a way with words 🤣 The rest of the year fares better (apart from the rubbish)

[@roberttwardowski9711]

Yeah avoid Italy

[@MsBritaly]

Only in August....

[@coratheexplorer1824]

Hmmm what is the mayor doing about rubbish problem .Spain is not like that theyre always clean even lots & lots of tourist. Dont give an excuse it is not enough rubbish bin and the govt most probably corrupt and lazy to do their job.im thinking f going there in August but not now

[@MsBritaly]

The rubbish collection here is complicated and believe me I gave up trying to find a reason, a long time ago!

[@coratheexplorer1824]

Christ bloody dangerous out there very rude driver dont stop in zebra crossing

[@MsBritaly]

Oh yes!