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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, 90100
Telephone: +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, 90100
Telephone:

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, 90133
Telephone: +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, 90149
Telephone: +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, 90134
Telephone: +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, 90133
Telephone: +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, 90100
Telephone: +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, 90134
Telephone: +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, 90100
Telephone: +39 328 843 2391.

Classical music in Palermo

Dance in Palermo

Theatres in Palermo

Music and Dance in Palermo

Culture in Palermo

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Hotel Principe di Villafranca

It may have just 34 rooms, but this stylish hotel makes up for size with an intimate restaurant and bar, and a cosy reading room with an intriguing collection of books. Located in the city centre, close to some top fashion boutiques, it is conveniently place for shopaholics. Expect a refined atmosphere and elegant furnishings.

Grand Hotel Etes des Palmes

The sumptuous rooms of this historical, city centre hotel are decorated with antique furniture and fine fabrics. Founded in 1874, and renovated by one of the great masters of the art nouveau style, Ernesto Basile, in 1907, this has been the haunt of Italian socialites, writers, musicians and film stars for more than a century.

Hotel Garibaldi

In the heart of Palermo's shopping area, Hotel Garibaldi is a decent, moderately priced stay. Recently renovated, all rooms are now modern with funky fabrics and contemporary photographic prints bringing them to life. Wi-Fi, LCD TVs and tea and coffee making facilities are among the home comforts.

Centrale Palace Hotel

In the historic centre, near the Quattro Canti, this luxury hotel has 103 rooms and 11 suites, all tastefully decorated. Breakfast is served in a grand restaurant. There is a roof terrace for evening drinks and a grand red Sicilian marble staircase for those who like to make an entrance.

Grand Hotel Villa Igiea

At Acquasanta, 3km (2 miles) north of the city, this 5-star hotel, restored by renowned 19th century architect Ernesto Basile at the end of the 19th century, is housed in a sumptuous art nouveau building. Seriously stylish accommodation, it offers original frescoes, decoration and furniture.

Grand Hotel Wagner

The luxury Grand Hotel Wagner is full of old-world charm. Recently restored, this early-20th century building boasts antique furniture, chandeliers, rare marble, rich carpets and old paintings. Rooms are exquisitely decorated and there's a laid-back piano bar and a fourth-floor terrace with stunning city views.