Nightlife Palermo: Sicily's largest city gets very hot as the sun goes down. Not only because of the climate, but in recent years there are many bars throughout the city, especially in the center which is always full of people. Between the areas of Piazza Sant'Anna, Vucciria, Politeama and Mondello, here's where to find the best bars and nightclubs in Palermo.
Palermo nightlife
The capital of Sicily, Palermo is a Italian city known for its rich history, stunning architecture and delicious food.
Palermo is not only rich in history and culture, but also in entertainment. Palermo's nightlife may not be as well-known as other capitals, but the city offers plenty of options for a fun night out with friends. At sunset, the historic center comes alive with wine bars, pubs, restaurants and many venues created from historic buildings and old shops, all with outdoor tables, thanks to the mild climate all year round.
But Palermo's nightlife is just as impressive, offering visitors the chance to experience the city in new and exciting ways. Whether you're looking for elegant rooftop bars, trendy nightclubs or cozy lounges, Palermo's nightlife has something for everyone.
Nightlife in Sicily is made up of clubs, discos, parties in its lounge bars, dancing until dawn on the beach, events in hotels, wineries and bathing establishments. However, Palermo's nightlife revolves around street parties, cocktail bars and aperitif venues , and it's only during the summer months outside the city center near Mondello that Palermo's nightclubs fill up with themed events and DJs.
The evening in Palermo usually starts around 20.00 with an aperitif , followed by a snack in a local restaurant. After that, people move continuously from one bar to another and in the discos of Palermo , to dance until 3 in the morning.
In Sicily, they absolutely love staying out of the bars and drinking, even in the winter, with real nocturnal alcoholic pilgrimages from bar to bar. Drinking on the street is a great social event, especially in the squares of the historic center of Palermo. For some reason, Palermitans don't like to spend an entire night in the same places. This means that you can see people starting to go bar hopping after dinner until late at night in the streets of the historic centre.
Even with regard to the discos of Palermo , Sicilians don't like the idea of always dancing in the same place. The trendy clubs and bars perfect for dancing are always changing, so finding the right place can be a challenge. Always ask the locals where to dance so you don't go to unpopular places.
Where to go out at night in Palermo
Palermo's nightlife is more about areas than specific bars, with certain squares and neighborhoods where there are many chic and trendy clubs.
Here are the best nightlife areas in Palermo:
Old Town
The historic center of the city is the center of Palermo's nightlife . Whether you want to drink and dance, or just have fun among old buildings in narrow streets and dilapidated buildings, here you can experience the romantic and authentic atmosphere of the city. Centuries-old historic streets and ancient piazzas make for a night out more memorable than any other in Sicily.
Being the epicenter of Palermo nightlife, the historic center of Palermo offers a wide range of options for those who want to have a drink, dance or simply explore the old buildings and alleyways of the area. Among the most popular areas we find the Champagneria , a semi-pedestrian area with many bars and restaurants near the Teatro Massimo, which takes its name from the historic wine shop of the neighborhood, open since 1968, Piazza Sant'Anna , a very lively place during sunset, and Piazza Revolution , with the most popular bars for an aperitif in Palermo.
Also very popular is the La Kalsa , once the Arab quarter of the old town, with the narrow cobbled streets that are now filled with cocktail bars, aperitifs, pubs and pubs with live music.
Green square
Piazza Verdi is a large square in the center of Palermo that houses the famous Teatro Massimo , and is probably the most touristic place in Palermo. Piazza Verdi is very busy during the day when locals and tourists stroll the square and enjoy the architecture and variety of street performers who entertain the crowds with music. The area is home to numerous bars and restaurants, making it a great place for people-watching and soaking up the nightlife.
Via dei Chiavettieri
Another popular nightlife area in Palermo is Via dei Chiavettieri , filled with bars with affordable cocktails, live music, and entertainment, making it a lively place to join the tourist crowds. A glass of wine usually costs around 5 Euros and cocktails around 7 Euros. Even non-tourist restaurants usually offer good quality food at affordable prices.
Vucciria
There is a place in the historic center of Palermo where you probably won't find elegant clubs and flashy clothes, and it is the Vucciria Market. La Vucciria is one of the best spots for nightlife in Palermo , and attracts everyone from middle-class hipsters to students, befuddled tourists and boozy locals. Vucciria's main square, Piazza Caracciolo, comes alive at night with street vendors grilling meat, makeshift bars and reggaeton music.
Piazza Magione
Another informal place to go out in the evening in Palermo is Piazza Magione , especially in the summer. Inexpensive pubs and restaurants abound this time of year, many with live music and entertainment.
This is the perfect place to stay in Palermo. Especially for night owls who like to enjoy people, alcohol and even a little craziness. Here you can experience the essence of Palermo nightlife.
District of Politeama
Politeama is the newer part of the city and hosts a large number of bars and restaurants with a more elegant and refined atmosphere than the relaxed options in the historic center of Palermo. Expect prices to be slightly higher than in the old city.
Politeama offers a wide variety of cuisines from around the world, from Japanese restaurants to steakhouses to Indian restaurants. There aren't many bars here, but you'll find elegant cocktail bars and specialty wine bars that cater to the needs of Palermo's upper class. One of the best things to do here is to have an aperitif or an after dinner drink, as the whole area is buzzing with people socializing and drinking in a welcoming atmosphere.
With a wide range of bars and restaurants, Politeama is a popular destination for those seeking a more elegant and sophisticated nightlife than the historic centre.
If you can, avoid the area around Borgo Vecchio , a seedy looking square full of cheap pubs and street barbecuers, Sicilian teenagers and shady locals.
Mondello
Located about ten kilometers from the historic center of Palermo, Mondello is the epicenter of Mondello's summer nightlife. Here there are a myriad of bars and kiosks on the beach and on the seafront that stay open until late at night and are crowded with tourists and locals to experience the hot summer nightlife.
There are many restaurants, clubs and bars overlooking the sea, so enjoy an unforgettable experience while watching the sunset on the shore. If you visit Palermo in the summer, be sure to look for accommodation in Mondello: this way you can stay in the center of the action and not miss a single ray of sunshine on the beach.
During the low season, from October to April, the coast is usually deserted. But at the end of May, locals flock to the beach bars to sip authentic Italian wines while enjoying stunning sea views.
La Cala
This marine area is home to several trendy bars where you can enjoy fine wines and Spritzes as the sun sets and the fishermen return from the water. You will feel as if you were in a painting: it was once the port of Palermo, but since the 16th century the retreat of the waters has significantly reduced its size.
Like Mondello, the winter months are much less crowded with tourists and locals looking for nightlife. There may be one or two places open year-round, but most stay closed until June. There aren't many big bars or restaurants, just a few with large terraces where you can enjoy a drink outside. Furthermore, it is close to the historic center and many important places can be visited on foot.
Clubs and discos in Palermo
Cantavespri (Vicolo Valguarnera, 10, Palermo)
Open every day from 6pm to 2am.
A concept nightclub and bar located within its 16th-century Palazzo Lucchesi in the historic center, Cantavespri transforms after midnight into one of Palermo's most famous nightclubs . Wine and records mix naturally while sipping a wide range of cocktails and listening to live music as an evening aperitif.
As the night goes on, the club transforms into a lively dance floor and a live DJ keeps the party going until dawn. Be sure to admire the beautiful murals that adorn the walls of the club.
Country DiscoClub (Viale dell'Olimpo, 1/a, Palermo)
Located near Mondello, the Country DiscoClub is an institution of Palermo's nightlife . Open all night, the club hosts events with DJ sets and international guests. Frequented mainly by young people.
Fabric Club House (Via Ugo la Malfa, 95, Palermo)
Get ready to party all night in this popular Palermo nightclub. With a vibrant atmosphere, exciting music and affordable drinks, this late-night venue is the perfect place to spend a night of partying and dancing the night away in Palermo.
I Candelai (Via dei Candelai, 65, Palermo)
I Candelai, near the Quattro Canti, is a large nightclub in Palermo that regularly hosts international DJs, live bands and themed parties aimed at a large number of international students.
Dorian al Tasmira (Via Rosario Gerbasi, 6, Palermo)
Open from Thursday to Sunday from 7.00pm to 11.30pm.
Located in the historic center, Tasmira is another popular nightclub in Palermo , very fascinating as it is located in a 17th century tuff structure, adorned with wrought iron, wooden beams and very high vaults that will leave you breathless. This nightclub is highly appreciated and very popular thanks to the numerous events it organises, including evenings of Argentine tango and 80s music, Caribbean music and Latin dances, as well as dance music evenings.
Migò Club (Viale della Regione Siciliana Nord Ovest, 6469, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 4.00pm to 4.00am.
Migò is a point of reference for Palermo's nightlife and has always performed its dual function as a nightclub and venue for spectacular concerts by DJs and national and international artists, offering a unique place for a great evening in Palermo.
The interior is intimate, with a bar as a focal point and white leather sofas. On Fridays and Saturdays there is usually dance and commercial house music, sometimes combined with Latin music. Professional DJs play until the wee hours of the morning and there's also a huge summer garden where you can sunbathe during the day and dance under the stars after dark.
Vanity Night Club (Via Salvatore Puglisi, 23/A, Palermo)
Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11.00pm to 3.00am, Friday and Saturday from 11.00pm to 4.00am.
This Palermo nightclub offers everything you need for an unforgettable night: a state-of-the-art sound system, a dazzling light show and an electrifying atmosphere. Whether you want to dance to the beats of the city's hottest DJs or enjoy expertly mixed cocktails in a stylish bar, Vanity nightclub hosts some of the liveliest parties in the city.
L’Atelier (Via Salvatore Puglisi, 23/A, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 6.00pm to 3.00am.
Elegance meets flair, contemporary design, glass and tuff arches: this old citrus shop has been transformed into a trendy nightclub and lounge bar, combining the classic and the modern.
Stone and glass are the basic elements, combined with furnishings and lighting, to take you into a timeless atmosphere where you can enjoy an aperitif with friends and spend a wonderful evening. There are all kinds of live music and DJ sets.
Sea Club Terrasini (Via Calarossa, Terrasini, Palermo)
With the mountains behind and the sea in front, the Sea Club is a magical place for sunsets by the sea and modern Sicilian cuisine. All terrace seating overlooks the sea. On Friday and Saturday evenings the Sea Club transforms into an elegant nightclub with national and international DJs, to dance the night away under the twinkling stars.
Discoteca Pay One (Via dei Nebrodi, 55, Palermo)
Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10pm to 3am.
This Palermo nightclub hosts dancing evenings, private parties, banquets and birthday parties.
Mida Lounge Bar (Piazza Valdesi, Mondello, Palermo)
Open every day from 10.30 to 21.00.
Located on Mondello beach, Mida Lounge bar boasts a wonderful view of the sea. In summer there are themed evenings and DJ sets, and it is also the ideal location for an aperitif at sunset.
The bars and pubs of Palermo
Monkey Pub (Piazza Sant'Anna, 19, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15 to 2.00.
Located in Piazza Sant'Anna, Monkey Pub is one of the best bars in Palermo . There is regular live music in the piazza outside, as well as a delicious vodka-infused lemon granita (Sicilian granita). If you want to get the most out of Piazza Sant'anna, this is the bar where everyone gathers to party and socialize.
Berlin Café (Via Isidoro la Lumia, 21, Palermo)
Open every day from 6.00pm to 2.00am.
Berlin Cafè is one of the trendiest nightclubs in Palermo, and is the perfect place to enjoy an aperitif with a view. The place offers a fantastic combination of terraces overlooking the city centre, skilled bartenders and cool DJs, making it one of the most popular bars in Palermo .
Drunks (Piazza Sant'Anna, 1, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 6.00pm to 2.30am.
This is a casual bar where you can find cheap shots, 4 Euro cocktails, loud music and late night snacks. Always crowded and full every evening, it can be said that this small bar is one of the hot spots of Palermo's nightlife .
Il Siciliano (Via Orologio, 37, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 6.00pm to 2.00am.
Located near the Vespa Cafè, Il Siciliano is one of the best places for an aperitif in Palermo. Here you will find abundant aperitifs, a wide choice of beers, cocktails and platters with various local products. The interior is welcoming, with its red walls, rustic style and soft lighting.
It is also a wine shop that lives up to its name, with a large cellar stocked exclusively with Sicilian wines, as well as platters of cold cuts and cheeses, to be paired with wine, beer and cocktails. "Vicolo del Siciliano" is located in a small room off the street where you can enjoy your drink outdoors, leaning on specially designed cushions.
QVIVI Music Bar (Piazza Revolution, 5, Palermo)
Open from Wednesday to Monday from 6.00pm to 2.30am.
Located in Piazza Revolution, QVIVI is a great place to start the evening, thanks to its aperitif cocktails and delicious food (the pizza here is highly recommended), but it's always busy, so it's also a great place to chat until early morning hours.
Qvivi draws a lively crowd, promising a free evening buffet and exciting shows with every drink purchase. As the night progresses, the bar's battered piano blares, live music reverberates, and an infectious energy permeates the crowd, drawing everyone in.
Kalhesa (Via dei Nebrodi, 55, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Thursday from 7.00pm to 3.00am, from Friday to Sunday from 12.30pm to 3.00pm and from 10.00pm to 3.00am.
Housed in a beautiful 18th century palace carved into the rock, Kalhesa is a restaurant and cocktail bar that exudes a magical atmosphere, with high vaulted ceilings with huge arches, complemented by colorful furnishings and decorations, making this place very special. There is also a bookshop with a large selection of European books and newspapers.
There is usually live jazz on Thursday nights, as well as cultural events and DJ sets. There is an elegant restaurant upstairs and a garden for al fresco dining, while at night, the bar takes center stage, with hundreds of bottles ready to prepare delicious cocktails.
Modcafé (Via Bara All'Olivella, 61, Palermo)
Open every day from 6pm to 1.30am.
Just off Piazza Verdi, Modcafé is a small Palermo bar frequented by both locals and international tourists. The bar is small, but often hosts live music and DJs and draws guests to its cobbled streets. The Modcafé is not only an excellent meeting place for Palermo's nightlife, but also a place where it is easy to meet people.
Gattopardo Pub (Piazza Sant'Anna, 14, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 4.00pm to 3.00am.
Located in Piazza Sant'Anna, Il Gattopardo is a chic hangout where you can absorb the atmosphere of the neighborhood and have a good drink on the outdoor terrace.
CRASH (Piazza Teatro Santa Cecilia, 2-3, Palermo)
Open from Wednesday to Monday from 4.00pm to 3.00am.
Crash Pub is located on a busy street just off Piazza Sant'Anna, and is popular with both locals and international guests and Erasmus students. It has indoor and outdoor seating and serves delicious food.
I Corrieri (Piazza Cattolica, 5, Palermo)
Open every day from 5pm to 2am.
One of the popular bars in Palermo, I Corrieri is another great place for cocktails. This chic bar has a cavernous feel with funky exposed brick decor and soft lighting.
Botteghe Colletti (Via Alessandro Paternostro, 77, Palermo)
Open from Wednesday to Monday from 5pm to 2.30am.
Botteghe Coletti is a charming little bar with rickety wooden chairs outside in one of the narrowest streets in La Kalsa. Perfect for a date night, this Palermo bar boasts some of the most carefully crafted drinks in the city at reasonable prices, bar snacks and a very friendly atmosphere. Worth visiting at least once.
St’Orto (Discesa dei Giudici, 31, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Thursday from 5.30pm to 2.00am, from Friday to Sunday from 9.30am to 2.00am.
St'Orto is one of the most charming cafes in Palermo during the day , while at night it transforms into an indie nightclub with hipster crowds, cocktails and great music.
Zammu Drink&More (Piazza Revolution, 35, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 5.30pm to 3.00am.
Zammu is another great bar serving cocktails and aperitif dishes at reasonable prices. This pub is a point of reference for Palermo nightlife, and is frequented mainly by young people. The place stands out for its informal atmosphere, the wide choice of beers, and the good and cheap cocktails.
Spina Bar (Piazzetta della Messinese, 6, Palermo)
Open from Monday to Saturday from 18.00 to 3.00, Sunday from 11.30 to 3.00.
With its cozy decor, unique cocktails and local crowd, Spina Bar is La Kalsa's favorite hangout.
Ai Bagnoli (Via Bottai, 62, Palermo)
Open every day from 5pm to midnight.
Located in the La Vucciria area, Ai Bagnoli is one of the most popular bars in Palermo . The place serves sumptuous cocktails and delicious aperitif dishes. This is the perfect place to start the evening and watch La Vucciria come to life.
Mak Mixology (Via Bari, 50, Palermo)
Open every day from 6.30pm to 1.00am.
Mak Mixology is one of the best cocktail bars in Palermo. Partially hidden in a courtyard just off the main street, this place stands out with beautiful interiors with red velvet curtains and a grand piano, speakeasy atmosphere, live jazz music and excellent cocktails.
Goccio – L’arte del Miscelare (Via Alessandro Paternostro, 79, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 18.00 to 2.00.
This informal and industrial style pub offers a wide choice of beers and excellent cocktails. Here you also have the possibility to order bruschetta and cold cuts and cheese platters. Furthermore, it is always frequented by young people.
Sicilò Food&View 360 (Via Roma, 289, Palermo)
Open Monday and Wednesday to Friday from 4pm to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 11pm.
Located at the top of the La Rinascente shopping center, Sicilò is one of the best rooftop bars in Palermo . Overlooking the beautiful Piazza San Domenico, this bar offers spectacular views and is the perfect place for aperitifs on special occasions.
Ai Giudici (Discesa dei Giudici, 36, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Thursday from 9.00 to 1.00, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 3.00, Sunday from 9.00 to 24.00.
A little more expensive than other places, Ai Giudici is a great place to sip wine, people watch and meet friends. The bar features a trendy and modern interior, and is popular with locals.
Ai Bottai (Via Bottai, 62, Palermo)
Open every day from 5pm to 2am.
Ai Bottai is a chic and modern bar and restaurant known for its excellent aperitif platters. With a large terrace, this Palermo bar is ideal for socializing with large groups. Music and nice atmosphere. Frequented mainly by young people.
Taverna Celso (Via del Celso, 1, Palermo)
Taverna Celso is a rustic bar in a very narrow side street that makes great cocktails at great prices, meat and cheese platters and really friendly service.
Bocum (Via dei Cassari, 6, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 6.30pm to 1am.
Palermo's innovative cocktail bar, Bocum, continues to be a prime destination for bar lovers. Enjoy the eclectic decor, and don't miss the cocktail menu, featuring seasonal drinks and delicious bar snacks, combined with Asian fusion cuisine.
Minas Tirith (Via Principe Scordia, 152, Palermo)
Open from Wednesday to Monday from 18.00 to 1.00.
An authentic Irish pub in Palermo, this is one of the few places that has burgers, stouts from around the world and even cider.
Luppolo l’Ottavo Nano (Via Daniele Manin, 36/38, Palermo)
Open every day from 6pm to 1am.
A hidden gem of the Palermo beer scene, for true beer enthusiasts. The owner took inspiration from Milan's beer culture to create a lively place where craft beer reigns supreme.
With an impressive selection of IPAs, stouts and lagers on tap, as well as bottles from breweries both in Europe and overseas, Hops is the perfect place for beer lovers looking for a refreshingly unique beer.
Ferramenta Palermo (Piazza Giovanni Meli, 8, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Thursday from 18.00 to 0.30, Friday and Saturday from 18.00 to 1.30, Sunday from 12.00 to 0.30.
A gastropub set in an old hardware store, this bar is known for its great cocktails in Palermo. Here you can also taste some of the best wines of Sicily. Enjoy the perfect pairing of wine and food.
Enoteca Picone (Via Guglielmo Marconi, 36, Palermo)
Open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 to 13.30 and from 17.00 to 23.30.
The Enoteca Picone is a must for lovers of Palermo wine. This historic Palermo wine bar has been serving wines by the glass and bottle since 1946. Additionally, the bar has a cozy, traditional feel with wooden furniture and shelves with bottles of wine.
Enoteca Buonivini (Via Dante, 8, Palermo)
Open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 to 24.00.
The Enoteca Buonivini is a paradise for wine lovers in the heart of Palermo. This charming wine bar offers a wide range of Italian and international wines, with both indoor and outdoor seating in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Malox Cult (Via S. Biagio, 8/9, Palermo)
Open every day from 6.00pm to 2.00am.
This simple pub and cocktail bar is one of the busiest bars in Palermo. It offers a wide range of beers and cocktails at reasonable prices and the small outdoor square often hosts live music evenings. The place is very popular among local young people and students, and is a cult place of alternative Palermo.
Basquiat Cafe (Via Sant'Oliva, 20, Palermo)
The Basquiat Café is the perfect place to spend an evening with friends or meet new people. The music and atmosphere are perfect for a little relaxation, and the walls are lined with photographs, drawings and paintings featuring American pop culture artists.
There is a large collection of quirky pictures with postcards and small sketches on paper, as well as the works of several artists on the walls. The menu includes wraps, toasted sandwiches, sandwiches, salads and cakes, while for the aperitif a small plate of appetizers is served with every cocktail or glass of wine.
Jayson Irish Pub (Via dei Nebrodi, 95, Palermo)
Open every day from 7.00pm to 2.00am.
A renowned Irish Pub in Palermo that offers excellent cuisine, pizzas and steak houses. The venue also organizes excellent concerts with local bands.
SciùRum (Quaroni area, Palermo)
Open every day from 12.00 to 2.00.
SciùRum is an elegant restaurant and cocktail bar in Palermo, ideal for a typical Sicilian dinner or for an after-dinner cocktail. The environment is quiet and with attention to the smallest details, and is frequented by an adult clientele.
Bolazzi (Piazzetta Francesco Bagnasco, 1, Palermo)
Located in a beautiful square in the centre, this cocktail bar is perfect for an aperitif or dinner, and is also an excellent bistro. There are also often events with live music.
Calamida (Via Cala, Palermo)
Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11.00 to 23.30, Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00.
With outdoor tables near the port, this restaurant and lounge bar is the right place for an aperitif by the sea but also for a romantic dinner, with fish dishes and live music. It is frequented by both locals and tourists.
