Italy : Safety by City
- Bologna
- Florence
- Genoa
- Milan
- Naples
- Palermo
- Perugia
- Pisa
- Rome
- Sorrento
- Turin
- Vatican City
- Venice
- Verona
Palermo is a city in Italy, on the island of Sicily. The administrative center of the region of Sicily and the territorial unit of the same name equated to the province.
Warnings & Dangers in Palermo
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Palermo is not the safest place for travelers, but if you use common sense and take precautions, you can avoid most of the troubles.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Public transport is well-developed and safe. Taxis are convenient for getting around, but sometimes drivers can rip off tourists at exorbitant prices. Make sure the cab has a taximeter.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Pickpocketing happens just like everywhere else - in the area of train stations, in the main squares, and in places where tourists gather. Always keep track of your belongings, do not leave your wallet and phone unattended.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW
The city is prone to the possibility of earthquakes, but they do not happen often. Study the seismic activity in the region before your trip here.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
The risk of severe robbery and armed attack in Palermo is shallow. Avoid communicating with suspicious individuals and do not walk late at night in areas remote from the city center.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
The risk of terrorism is low in Palermo. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
The most common scam in Palermo involves fundraising or signing petitions. Under the guise of good intentions, scammers are deceiving tourists and collecting donations in their pockets.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Women traveling alone in Palermo should avoid late-night walks and be very discreet on the city streets. Heightened precautions won't hurt.
How Safe Is Palermo for Tourists?
Palermo is an average city in terms of safety.
The main problems are associated with petty theft and bureaucracy.
As elsewhere, beware of pickpocketing – thieves often operate in crowded places.
Keep track of your belongings and especially your bags and wallets.
Never leave personal belongings unattended, especially in cafes and restaurants.
Women should not walk alone at night in the historic center of Palermo, and travelers may be wary of La Calça, the area between Via Roma and the water, at night.
The area is being renovated and improved, but it is probably still one of the riskiest places to stay overnight.
Car theft is a severe problem in Palermo, so if you are traveling by car, park only in guarded parking lots and take everything from the car when you leave.
There are known cases of hacking a car for the sake of small profit.
Otherwise, if you are attentive to your belongings and surroundings, you are unlikely to get into trouble.
It is best to avoid walking around the city at night, especially if you are walking alone.
Except for Mondello (beach and clubs), Sferracavallo (great restaurants), Montreal don’t go outside the city center.
Use common sense, don’t trust strangers, especially if they offer or ask for help.
Most often, these are scammers who are trying to deceive you.
Otherwise, if you are attentive to your belongings and surroundings, you are unlikely to get into trouble.
It is best to avoid walking around the city at night, especially if you are walking alone.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Palermo?
A visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days in 180 days for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Palermo?
The euro is the official currency in Italy. The euro is divided into 100 cents.
How's the Weather like in Palermo?
In Palermo, the summers are warm, humid, dry, and clear, and the winters are long, cold, wet, windy, and partly cloudy. The best time of year to visit Palermo for hot-weather activities is from late June to early September.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Palermo?
Falcone Borsellino International Airport or Palermo International Airport is located in the town of Punta Rizi, on the Tyrrhenian Sea coast, 35 kilometers west of Palermo, the administrative center of the province of the same name, located on the island of Sicily.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Palermo?
Palermo is the capital of the Italian island of Sicily. The 12th-century cathedral has preserved royal tombs. Teatro Massimo, in neoclassical style, is known for its opera performances. In the city center is also the Palazzo Normanni, a royal palace from the 9th century, and the Palatine Chapel with Byzantine mosaics. Near the port, you can stroll through the lively Ballaro and Vucciria markets.
Is the Water in Palermo Safe to Drink?
Tap water is safe to drink.
Is Uber Safe in Palermo?
There is no Uber taxi in Palermo. You can use any other local taxi services.
