Palermo Nightlife
Palermo's nightlife has improved greatly in the past decade and there is now a lively scene centred on the bars and cafes around Vucciria market. Other good places to hang include Piazza Castelnuovo, Piazza Verdi and along Via Principe di Belmonte, between Via Roma and Via Ruggero Settimo. If you're interested in the arts and cultural venues, pick up a copy of Lapis (www.lapisnet.it/palermo).
Bars in Palermo
Alchimia
With Persian rugs, red walls and patterned drapes, this laid-back bar is reminiscent of an Arabic living room. Serving up delicious cocktails, it's one of the few places in town where you can smoke a shisha pipe. Live belly dancing adds to the Middle Eastern flavour.
Address: , Piazza Sant'Onofrio 39, Palermo, 90100Telephone: +39 340 407 0736.
Cambio Cavalli
Located within the historic Palazzo Sammartino-Ramondetta, near to Teatro Massimo, Cambio Cavalli is one of the oldest pubs in Palermo. With candlelit tables under the stars and a trendy lounge bar inside, an aperitif here often transforms into a small disco.
Address: , Via Giuseppe Patania, 54, Palermo, 90100Telephone:
Mikalsa
Housed in the old stables of Palazzo Torremuzza in La Kalsa, this small watering hole brags that it is Sicily's best beer bar. With more than 100 craft beers on sale, including a special emphasis on Belgian beers, it's hard to argue. Jam sessions take place on a Thursday.
Address: , Via Torremuzza 27, Palermo, 90133Telephone: +39 339 314 6466.
Clubs in Palermo
Country Disco Club
Situated on the northern outskirts of the city, next to the tennis club, the Country Disco Club is one of Palermo's most popular spots for dancing. Open Friday and Saturday from 2230-0300, there are two floors playing different music, mainly commercial house and pop.
Address: , Via dell'Olimpo, Palermo, 90149Telephone: +39 331 251 5998.
Gorky Club
Out towards Mondello, this popular nightclub hosts a range of different nights from Latino and Cuban evenings through to house and techno raves. Two bars and a range of distinctive spaces allow party animals to find something to suit any mood.
Address: , Via Ugo La Malfa 91/95, Palermo, 90134Telephone: +39 338 813 7792.
Website: http://www.gorkyclub.it
Kursaal Kalhesa
In the basement of an old palazzo (think: bare brickwork and vaulted ceilings), this fashionable wine bar hosts regular club nights. Situated down by the port, it attracts a smart party set who come to drink, listen to live music or groove to resident DJs. Upstairs is a restaurant serving Arabic food.
Address: Kalsa, Foro Umberto I, 21/A, Palermo, 90133Telephone: +39 91 616 5151.
Website: http://www.kursaalkalhesa.com
Live music in Palermo
Cantavespri Vini e Vinili
Popular with the smart Palermo set, this elegant city centre bar offers a full programme of live performances from tribute bands and homegrown talent. The bar is lined with local wines and a large array of spirits, and the bartenders mix a mean cocktail.
Address: , Vicolo Valguarnera 8,, Palermo, 90100Telephone: +39 338 916 2922.
I Candelai
A cultural institution, I Candelai is a multi-purpose performance space and meeting place for the young creatives of Palermo. The music here is first rate, with regular performances of rock, pop, jazz and folk music. It also hosts DJ sets, belly dancing, tango and musical contests such as its own X Factor.
Address: xx, Via dei Candelai, 65, Palermo, 90134Telephone: +39 91 327 151.
Website: http://candelai.org
Jazz and Chocolate
In the centre of the city, near Teatro Massimo, this American bar hosts an early aperitivo buffet before wheeling out live music from Wednesday to Sunday. It's predominately jazz bands, but pop and rock acts drop in too.
Address: , Via Giacalone 29, Palermo, 90100Telephone: +39 328 843 2391.
