If there’s one thing that the locals know how to do right in Palermo is how to have a good time and the nightlife here is second to none every day of the week. This is my guide to the best bars in Palermo.
Palermo’s nightlife is something else. Once the sun slips behind the mountains, Palermo takes things up a notch. Locals end pretty much each and every day with an evening passeggiata (a stroll) to a bar for the classically Sicilian aperitivo; typically an aperol spritz and a board filled with cured meats and cheeses. I couldn’t believe just how vibrant and electric the atmosphere was. From the cobbled alleyways of the Kalsa neighbourhood to rooftop bars with views across the city, you’ll never struggle to find somewhere effortlessly chic to sip your spritz, your salty Messina beer or your glass of red from.
Disclaimer: I visited Palermo on a press trip courtesy of the Visit Sicily Tourist Board and spent three nights in the city. I spent an additional two nights solo exploring as much of the city as possible and experiencing the excellent nightlife by myself. All views expressed within this article are, as always, entirely my own!
THE BEST BARS IN PALERMO
Botteghe Colletti
Could this be the best bar in the whole of Palermo? I can’t say I’ve tried them all but I loved Botteghe Colletti so much; it feels like it epitomses everything Palermo is about. By day, this cobblestone alleyway is often just used as a cut-through to reach Via Vittorio Emanuele but, by night, this street comes alive.
The small interior is opulent, reminding me of a 1920’s cocktail bar, but grab a beer and head outside where the crowds perch on the curbs admiring the street art painted on metal shutters. The contrast between the interior and outside is pretty unique. The locals are still dressed up as though they are going to a high-end champagne bar but are seemingly perfectly happy to sit on rickety chairs and even the floor; as long as the drinks and company are good. The cocktails look incredible by the way; Espresso Martinis and Amaretto Sours receive consistent praise.
If you’re not careful, an aperitivo will turn into a full night out here though who could blame you?
dal Barone
Next door to Botteghe Colletti is dal Barone, a little wine bar with knowledgeable owners who take pride in what they offer. There are plenty of natural wines to choose from and, just like with Botteghe Colletti, things spill out onto the street here. Whilst I’m not a huge wine lover, this place was extremely popular with locals and visitors alike so, if you like wine, do not miss dal Barone.
Qvivi Bar
After spending far too long photographing the streets of the Kalsa neighbourhood, I needed to find anywhere for a beer and a Fanta (strange combination I know!) and Qvivi was exactly the kind of bar I needed. Completely unpretentious and friendly with lively music and strong wifi to video call back home. I didn’t stay too long but Qvivi was clearly the busiest bar in the square so I’d highly recommend visiting for beers and cocktails!
Spina Bar
Spina Bar is a highly recommended bar that seemed to come up on every list of the best bars in Palermo I read before travelling. It’s got a real local feel, out of the way of the more ‘touristy’ areas, with tables on the square which turned into a complete sun trap; not great for my pale skin. Spina is pretty cool inside too with regular DJ slots for those that like their drinks a little more upbeat.
Ai Bottai
Ai Bottai was a must-visit on my list for the famed aperitivo boards which certainly did not disappoint. I had my first taste of the Sicilian ‘Messina’ beer with salt crystals from the salt flats south of Trapani; better than I expected and relatively refreshing in the Sicilian heat.
There’s a large terrace outside where you can watch the world go by whilst taking on the aperitivo board. It’s a great concept though you really don’t need any more food afterwards! Prices for the boards vary across the city but I felt €15 for a drink of your choice and the aperitivo board was pretty reasonable.
Vucciria Market
One of three street markets in Palermo, Vucciria Market caters more the evening crowd when the streets become a lively spot for drinks and food. There’s no point being fussy here over which bar you choose, grab a cheap beer and head straight into the main square.
Sicilo Food & View 360
At the top of the Rinascente Palermo, a department store, lies one of Palermo’s best kept secrets with, in my view, some of the best views of the city across the Piazza San Domenico and the Chiesa di San Domenico. Sicilo Food & View 360 is a modern restaurant / bar that is all about the views (a bit of say what you see with the name…). I enjoyed a lunchtime Peroni here and, much to my surprise, it was practically empty. The views alone are certainly worth grabbing a drink here despite prices being a little higher than expected.
If you want another great rooftop bar in Palermo, head to Seven Restaurant atop the Hotel Ambasciatori though sadly, as I was feeling very underdressed, I decided to walk straight back out!
Punk Funk Record Store & Bar
I stumbled into this bar on my way back to my B&B as a means of a reprieve from the thunderstorm and I’m so glad that I did. By pure chance, this was pretty-much the most ‘on-brand’ bar I could have found myself in. I sipped on a lovely cold bottle of beer whilst enjoying the familiar comfort of flicking through crates of records; S&M Airlines by NOFX a particular highlight. There were more records upstairs for sale though unfortunately the shop wasn’t open at the time I visited. This is a great bar to chill out, enjoy good music, good drinks and buy a few records. Don’t worry, it’s not just for the punk kids!
OJDÅ
Last but by no means least is OJDÅ; a ultra hip restaurant/bar that was absolutely buzzing every time I walked past. On the Sunday I visited, there was a pop-up flea market selling vintage clothes. Nearly all of Palermo had decided to pop down! By day, when things are a little calmer, it’s more of a cafe with croissants and coffee on offer but by night you can order high quality food alongside natural wines and beers of course. OJDÅ is very trendy and I love it!
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