Palermo Free Walking Tour
Teatro Massimo, Quattro Canti, La Martorana and the cathedral
Reserve your free spotQuick answer
Yes, it is free: no ticket, you tip the guide at the end. Palermo Free Walking Tour meets at Church of Sant'Ignazio all'Olivella, lasts about 2h and is guided in English; rated 9.3/10 from 16,791 reviews on Civitatis.
Start times vary by date and are confirmed when you book.
The tour meets at the entrance of the church of Sant'Ignazio all'Olivella and walks to Piazza Verdi, where the Teatro Massimo stands with its wide dome, one of the largest theatres in Europe. Next comes the Galleria delle Vittorie, a shopping arcade opened in 1935, and then the Quattro Canti, the octagonal square at the crossing of Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele and one of the most photographed corners of the city.
In Piazza Bellini the guide explains Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, better known as La Martorana, a church where later styles were layered over a Norman building. The walk follows Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the cathedral, begun in 1184 on a site that had been a basilica and then a mosque, and now part of the Arab-Norman World Heritage listing. The tour lasts two hours.
Tour highlights
- Teatro Massimo
- Galleria delle Vittorie
- Quattro Canti
- Piazza Bellini
- La Martorana
- Palermo Cathedral
Meeting point
After the tour
This tour is free — there's no charge to join. At the end, tip your guide whatever you feel the experience was worth. 100% of tips go directly to them.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Palermo Free Walking Tour really free?
Yes — there is no ticket and no upfront cost. You reserve a free spot, join the tour, and at the end tip your guide whatever you feel it was worth. Most travelers tip the equivalent of €10–20 per person, but the amount is entirely up to you.
Where does the Palermo Free Walking Tour start?
The tour meets at Church of Sant'Ignazio all'Olivella (Church of Sant'Ignazio all'Olivella). The exact meeting point and how to spot your guide are confirmed in your Civitatis booking.
How long is the tour, and what languages is it in?
It lasts around 2h and is guided in English. One booking covers up to 4 people; larger parties need a private tour. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.