12 Hours in Palermo

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1:30pm: Sant'Agostino church: Hidden in the Capo market is the Sant'Agostino church. Be careful, or you’ll miss it! Unremarkable from the outside but beautiful within, the church includes a shrine to Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Palermo who is said to have saved the city from plague, after her death, in the 17th century. Her shrines, all over the city, are usually decorated with Roses. https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attraction_Review-g187890-d246490-Reviews-Church_of_Saint_Augustine_Chiesa_di_Sant_Agostino-Palermo_Province_of_Palermo_Sici.html

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4pm: Piazza San Dominico: Walk to Piazza San Dominico. San Dominico: The statue of San Dominico faces away from the main street, since the street wasn’t laid out until the 19th century. Church San Dominico: If you have the stamina for another church, visit the Church San Dominico. La Rinascente: If not, walk into La Rinascente for some quality shopping.

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10pm: Via Sant’Agostino: Finish the night with some local karaoke. Via Sant’Agostino has half a dozen karaoke parlours, and if you don’t mind singing Italian lyrics, they’re all a good time. Locals may dominate the microphone, but if you clap after they sing, sooner or later you’ll be invited to take a turn. Be brave, and have fun!

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8pm: Primi Piatti Ristorante: It wouldn’t be a trip to Italy without some pizza. Check out Primi Piatti Ristorante, a tiny, hidden restaurant that makes perfect Sicilian-style pizza, topped with salty ingredients such as anchovies and capers. Order wine by the glass or the carafe, and make sure to save some room for tiramisu. https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g187890-d1985668-Reviews-Ristorante_PRIMI_PIATTI-Palermo_Province_of_Palermo_Sicily.html

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6pm: La Rinascente: Upsairs of La Rinascente, La Obica Mozzarella Bar offers everything you need after a long day of walking. Overlooking Piazza San Dominico, sit back and enjoy the music, a glass of grillo wine, and a mozzarella sampler, which includes a smoked mozzarella that is unlike anything else you’ll ever try outside of Italy. http://obika.com/portal/IT/en/dove-siamo/palermo/san-domenico/

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11:30am: Marcato di Capo: Nothing epitomises old Italy better than its street markets, and the Marcato di Capo is one of the best. Fresh seafood, bright spices, and colourful vegetables are sold by charismatic old men who sneak double-entendres into their sales pitches. Make sure to delve deep into the market, as prices are more expensive near the entrances. For a snack, try the fried treat called aranciata, it’s named after the Italian word for 'orange', but is actually a fried ball of rice and parmesan. https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attraction_Review-g187890-d1419018-Reviews-Mercato_del_Capo-Palermo_Province_of_Palermo_Sicily.html

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10am: Teatro Massimo: Visit the nearby Teatro Massimo, which film buffs will recognise from the final scene in Godfather, Part III. Begun in 1874 but not completed until 1897, this is the largest opera house in Italy, and one of the most recognisable in Europe. If the gates are open, climb the red-carpeted steps and feel like a star.

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9am: Piazza Verdi: Once you have coffee in Italy, you may never enjoy it anywhere else ever again. Set down at one of the many cafes by the Piazza Verdi, and order an espresso. The caffeine will be sure to keep you moving all day.