Exploring Palermo in a Day: Best Food, Concert, and Hidden Gems

Join us for a day exploring Palermo, Sicily. We’ll uncover the best food, catch a concert, and discover hidden gems.

On New Year’s Day 2023, we found ourselves in the enchanting city of Palermo, Sicily. Our visit was primarily centered around a special concert featuring our friends in the orchestra. The iconic Teatro Massimo, a grand architectural marvel, added an extra layer of awe to the occasion.

Arriving early, we explored the bustling Piazza Verdi, soaking in the festive atmosphere. The majestic theater, ornate architecture, and beautiful floral display were a sight. We were particularly impressed by the intricate details of the building, which was completed in 1897.

As the concert began, we were treated to a delightful musical performance. Afterward, we explored the theater’s interior, marveling at its grandeur and elegance.

Beyond the concert, our time in Palermo was a fascinating journey of cultural exploration and culinary delights. We delved into the city’s rich history, visited the marina, savored a delectable New Year’s Day lunch at a local restaurant, and soaked in the breathtaking scenery of the city.

Our experience in Palermo was genuinely unforgettable. The combination of music, culture, and natural beauty made it an extraordinary way to ring in the new year.

▶️Video Chapters:

00:00 Exploring Palermo in a Day: Best Food, Concert, and Hidden Gems
00:18 Arrival in Palermo and exploration before the concert
00:42 Description of Piazza Verdi and the excitement of the day
00:52 Commentary on the weather and the floral display in front of the theater 01:05 Historical details about Teatro Massimo
01:51 Sitting in the booth, concert about to start
02:14 Start of the concert
06:51 Post-concert exploration of the theater
08:08 New Year’s Day celebrations in Italy
08:49 Detailed look at the architectural model of the opera house
10:05 Departure from the theater and reflections on the day
10:27 New Year’s Day luncheon at Carmen Pizzeria & Ristorante
11:08 Visit to the marina for a walk
11:34 Observations and enjoyment of the seaside
12:21 Closing thoughts and New Year’s wishes

Exploring Palermo in a Day: Best Food, Concert, and Hidden Gems

We were invited to a concert to see our friends play in the orchestra. It’s extra special because it’s New Years Day ~ 2023, and we were going to get a chance to celebrate the New Year in the iconic Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Sicily.

Arrival in Palermo and exploration before the concert

We got to the city early so that we could find a good parking spot. We wanted to walk around, check out the sights, and of course, do one of our favorite things – people watch.

Description of Piazza Verdi and the excitement of the day

I think it’s fun to observe the passersby and watch the interactions of the people gathered together to chat and enjoy each others’ company.

The square around the theater, Piazza Verdi, was bustling with activity, and you could feel the excitement in the air.

Commentary on the weather and the floral display in front of the theater

This Januray 1st, we were blessed with beautiful weather – mild temperatures and not a cloud in the sky.

The floral display in front of the majestic theater was just lovely. Construction was completed in 1897 when they opened their doors for the first time. Palermo’s Teatro Massimo is the biggest opera house in Italy, with over 83,000-square-ft.

Its Neo-Romantic edifice is stunning to behold, and we feel so priviledged to be able to have this experience.

They had decorated all of the trees with lights, and I can just imagine how stunning it would be at nighttime.

The architecture was absolutely gorgeous, and we’re soaking in the beauty.

Sitting in the booth, concert about to start

We’re sitting in our booth in the opera house and the concert is about to begin.

We’ll share just a sampling for you to enjoy.

Post-concert exploration of the theater

The concert was excellent, and we thoroughly enjoyed the presenation. Now it’s time to explore the theater, and I still can’t believe I’m really here. This magical place is awe-inspiring. It really is impossible to capture the detail and beauty in pictures or video.

We’ll continue exploring with our friend, Viktor.

New Year’s Day celebrations in Italy

Of course, New Years is a major holiday in Italy, and most families spend the day together eating special foods and making memories. A lot of folks chose to celebrate together at the theater.

Detailed look at the architectural model of the opera house

This architectural model of the opera house is incredibly detailed, and we simply could not stop looking at it. So gorgeous.

Six Corinthian columns stand on a platform accessed by a grand staircase, flanked by two large bronze lions.

Departure from the theater and reflections on the day

Well, it was time to leave, and I’m so glad that I shot video to capture our special time. We take our time strolling back to the car as the sun is so warm and enjoyable, and we want to reflect on what we’ve just experienced.

By now, Croce and I are getting hungry so we get in the car and drive to our friend’s restaurant in the city.

New Year’s Day luncheon at Carmen Pizzeria & Ristorante

Carmen Pizzeria & Ristorante had a delicious New Years Day luncheon. Ottavio and Graziella own this restaurant, and we met Graziella at the Baglio di Carini one afternoon and struck up a friendship. Her family is from Carini.

Heading to the marina for a walk

What a great lunch we had, but we ate a lot so we decided to go someplace so we could walk.

Croce wanted to go down to the marina. I had never been so was looking forward to it. A lot of people are enjoying a walk at the marina.

I had dress shoes on so it was a bit difficult in the stones, but it got easier when I got to the boardwalk.

Observations and enjoyment of the seaside

Seeing the familiar prickly pear and hearing the sound of the waves was so calming. We stood for a few minutes to enjoy the sights and sounds, and the fresh sea air.

Closing thoughts and New Year’s wishes

We feel incredibly blessed this day, and we don’t want to take God’s goodness for granted. We know this is sure — we won’t ever forget how we spent New Year’s Day 2023.

Wishing you all the best.