What does Palermo’s nightlife offer? Where can you take a break from work or study in the evening in the beautiful capital of Sicily?

If you’re asking yourself these questions, we have got you covered! The Sicilian capital attracts a diverse range of people, from professionals to students, not only from other parts of Italy, but also from all around the world. Palermo captures with its vibrant soul and the fame of being one of the best cities where to eat surely helps!

Cocktails. Credits: Photo by Neha Deshmukh on Unsplash

In fact, the historic center is full of diverse places where to spend your evening. You decide if you want to enjoy a rich aperitivo (a platter with different types of food and a drink), having a proper dinner or enjoy a cocktail or a beer after dinner. 

Aperitivi and bars for a perfect nightlife

We want to share with you some of the best recommendations in the city center, easily reachable on foot. When it comes to food and fun, better seek the local experience! To follow, the favorite places of Beetcommunity.

Our recommendation for the Aperitivo

Il Siciliano, Via dell’orologio, 37

Originally started as a chocolates and tea shop, Il Siciliano is one of the most charming and historically rich places in Palermo, with its ancient walls, high ceilings and details. Locals consider this bar a reference point for the aperitivo hour or for enjoying live music in the late evening. Their aperitivo consists of a rich platter, with pasta and snacks, and tasty cocktails.

Price: €

Ai Bottai, Via dei Bottai, 62.

Another address for aperitivo or after dinner cocktails is Ai Bottai, which takes the name from the street where it is located, along Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Beside the excellent drinks and a wide selection of beers and wine, it is possible to enjoy an aperitivo platter with street food, pastas, veggie options and even dessert! Their attentive and friendly staff will help you enjoy a quiet and relaxing evening with friends. Moreover, it is placed in one of the most lively area for the nightlife in Palermo!

Price: €

Aperitivo Ai Bottai. Credits: Ai Bottai’s instagram

Capocollo, Via Maqueda, 200

If you like to immerse yourself in the heart of the city, Capocollo is the place for you! Located in the lively Via Maqueda, this shop specializes in the art of artisanal cold cuts. Beside the aperitivo formula, here you can also have a proper dinner with Sicilian dishes, focaccia bread stuffed with all kinds of ingredients and also burgers. Their staff is friendly and speaks good English!

Price: €€

Villa Giulia Coffee House, Piazza Tonnarazza, 1

Villa Giulia is a city garden close to Foro Italico and recently they have opened an al fresco bar, inside the garden, surrounded by the arcade typical of Villa Giulia. They have 3 choices of taglieri for the aperitivo, each for any palate. Perfect for a quiet night out or a romantic date, after a busy day exploring the beauty around Palermo and surroundings.

Price: €€

Live music at Coffee House Villa Giulia. Credits: Giusi Giaconia

Our recommendations for dinner and cocktail bars

Botanico Bar, Vicolo dei Corrieri, 38.

Located in a narrow alley in the heart of the old Palermo, Botanico is a characteristic venue with green-themed interiors. Perfect at any time of the day, Botanico dresses in different clothes: a literary café where you can read a good book, have breakfast/brunch or work on your laptop during the day, a dynamic and vibrant cocktail bar where you can enjoy electronic, deep and techno music with your friends at night. 

Price: €€

Locale, Via Francesco Guardione, 88

Locale is a little gem a few meters away from teatro Massimo. The venue presents itself as a modern tavern and cocktail bar, with a peculiar style made by “random” pieces of furniture and soft lights. The cuisine  embraces the culture of “piattini” (tapas) with an all-Sicilian taste, to enjoy while sitting in their al-fresco terrace. Here it is possible to have lunch, aperitivo, dinner or simply drinks after work/dinner. 

Price: €€

Interior decor of Locale. Credits: Locale’s website

Santamarina Bistrot, Piazzetta Pietro Speciale 5, via Giuseppe Mario Puglia 7

Charming and intimate venue situated in a small square behind Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Santamarina offers a multi-ethnic menu, appreciated by locals and tourists. If you want to try a good selection of Sicilian wines, this place is for you! 

Price: €

Seven Restaurant, Via Roma, n°111

Raise your hand if you love rooftop bars! Imagine yourself under a starry sky, enjoying the Palermo’s skyline while sipping a cocktail well-prepared: all of this is possible at Seven restaurant and rooftop bar. Perfect for a drink after dinner with a partner or ,why not, just by yourself! 

Price: €

Hic le Follie du Vin, Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 46

This is a wine bar, close to Teatro Politeama, loved by the locals who want to have an alternative to the usual cocktails. Hic has a decent wine selection, with the possibility of also doing aperitivo. 

Price: €€