Experience in Palermo, Italy by Alberto

What is it like to live in Palermo? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Life in Palermo is definitely different from that of a northern city. You are more in contact with the local culture, the feeling of belonging to the tradition is very strong and even in the most professional areas there is always conviviality. But there are some bad things, life can be more complicated in the suburbs and transport is not the best.

What is the student lifestyle like in Palermo?

The University of Palermo is certainly a great university from a training and service point of view.

How much does it cost to live in Palermo?

Life in Palermo costs relatively less compared to other cities in Italy such as Milan or Rome

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Palermo? Is there any advice you can give?

No it's not hard to find an apartment.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is definitely one of the highlights of Palermo. The local gastronomic culture is huge and has remained intact over the centuries and offers incredible dishes at low cost. Some examples are the panino with panelle, panino ca'meusa, vastedda, cannoli, cassata siciliana, arancina, pezzo di rosticceria etc... Too many to write here!

What places would you recommend visiting in Palermo?

Palermo is full of places to see, the result of the countless civilizations that have populated it. It is a thousand-year-old city that bears the signs of history. Palermo Cathedral is certainly one of the most beautiful places to see together with Mondello, where palermitans love to swim at sea, pretoria square, the Italic forum, the Massimo theatre (the third largest in Europe).

Is it good to eat out in Palermo? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, in Palermo you eat well everywhere! The old town certainly offers some of the best locals and I would certainly recommend the "Focacceria San Francesco" and the "Osteria mangia & bevi".

Is the nightlife good in Palermo? Where is good to go?

In Palermo it is easy to have fun even being outside in the movida without necessarily having to go to the disco.

What advice would you give future students heading to Palermo?

It is necessary to settle down, empathize with the inhabitants of Palermo, change one's habits, sometimes in a negative sense, but often in a positive sense.