Rooftop Bars in Palermo: 10 Places to Drink with a View

Sicily’s history has seen different cultural and architectural influences take shape, especially in Palermo. Because of this, the different winding streets, piazzas, cathedrals, towers, and palaces make for amazing sightseeing. While you’ll definitely be trekking around central Palermo to find the best landmarks, there are plenty of vantage points where you can appreciate the wonderful buildings while enjoying a spritz and some Sicilian cuisine. Palermo has dozens of amazing rooftop bars with gorgeous views of the entire city. There are also cafes lining almost every piazza and market with the best people-watching opportunities. 

Whether it’s a much-needed break from sightseeing or the best shopping in the city, sitting under an umbrella with some cocktails and enjoying the view is one of the most important (and delicious) Italian rituals. With luggage storage locations all over Sicily’s largest city, drop the bags off so you can navigate the narrow streets on your way to the best rooftop bars in Palermo.

Seven Restaurant Palermo (Hotel Ambasciatori) 

What's it like:

Palermo’s highest rooftop garden offers stunning panoramic views of the historic district. Hotel Ambisciatori’s rooftop terrace is filled with lush greenery and tables and cabanas for enjoying a spritz or glass of wine. This seventh-floor hangout is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Palermo for both travelers and locals. The setting may be upscale, but it’s designed to be a comfortable place to lounge in the sun, so there’s more of a relaxing atmosphere than a rowdy rooftop (although special events like DJ sets are scheduled periodically to turn up the energy). The real star here is the view. It’s a 360° vantage point, including the Mediterranean Sea, the historic quarter, the Palermo Cathedral, and more. 

Our recommendation: 

While most customers use it as a bar, Seven is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Palermo, with an outstanding menu of Mediterranean and Sicilian cuisine. There are plenty of seafood options, with a catch of the day special being particularly popular. 

There is a solid wine menu, but the most popular thing to drink at Seven Restaurant has to be their specialty cocktails. Legendary barman Leonardo Romano has put together a list of familiar favorites and limited creations that are designed for outdoor sipping. 

Location: 

Via Roma, n°111, 90133 Palermo

Le Terrazze del Sole

What's it like:

Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti is one of the most historic and opulent places to stay in Sicily, and a big part of its sterling reputation comes from the legendary views of the rooftop terrace. Not only is this Le Terrazze del Sole perched atop a building located in the heart of historic Palermo, but diners and drinkers can enjoy an entire panoramic view of the city. The rooftop bar and restaurant are split between open-air and indoor seating, with a bright covered area that allows for drinking in any weather. This stylish venue has elegant decor showcasing the more classic aesthetics rather than the sleek and modern feel you get with most rooftop bars. The atmosphere matches this, with a relaxed energy, comfortable but fashionable seating, and friendly service. 

Our recommendation: 

The lunch and dinner menus focus on typical Sicilian dishes along with refreshing seafood options, some of which are so refreshing they involve raw fish. There are tasting menu options for anyone who wants to treat themself, with a “land tasting menu” and a “sea tasting menu.” Le Terrazze del Sole also serves one of the best Sunday brunches in Palermo, which is the perfect way to start an afternoon of sightseeing or shopping. 

The bar program focuses on fashionable cocktails and an extensive martini menu. The wine list is thoughtfully-curated, with a focus on regional Italian wines that will delight any traveling connoisseurs or local. 

Location: 

Via Vittorio Emanuele, 291, 90100 Palermo

Qvivi Music Bar 

What's it like:

While this charming café isn’t several hundred feet above historic Palermo, it does have some of the best views (especially people-watching) of any drinking establishment. This delightful hole-in-the-wall wine bar and café overlook the Piazza Rivoluzione, and the lively crowd regularly spills onto their patio. Early afternoon, their piazza-side tables are perfect for relaxing with an aperitivo and taking in the sights.  There is live music almost every night of the week.

Our recommendation: 

While they have light snacks available, their main offering is drinks. This is a no-frills bar where the main attraction is the patio on the piazza and the live music, so expect a short cocktail list, local beer, and a nice offering of spritzes and aperitivos. 

Location: 

Piazza Rivoluzione, 5, 90133 Palermo

Malox 

What's it like:

Another unpretentious favorite for locals, this bar has a leafy terrace that’s perfect for sitting with a glass of wine and enjoying the evening air. For a Sicilian bar, Malox is open very late and is a go-to for younger locals and visiting college students. On weekends, live music isn’t uncommon, but the main draw of Malox has to be their supremely pleasant outdoor seating area. Even better, this spot is located near the Palermo Cathedral, making it a perfect stop after touring this must-visit landmark.

Our recommendation: 

The bartenders at Malox have a mad alchemist attitude for concocting delicious cocktails. Everything from Earl Grey tea to basil is used in these delicious creations. If you're not feeling adventurous, there’s a decent wine list, and if you’re sitting outside, a refreshing spritz is always an option. 

Location: 

Via S. Biagio, 8/9, 90139 Palermo

Obicà Mozzarella Bar

What's it like:

Located near Palermo’s beautiful waterfront on the Mediterranean Sea, Obicà Mozzarella Bar is a lovely spot to relax for dinner with a view. Because of its prime location, the majority of customers tend to be tourists. Whether or not that’s a dealbreaker depends entirely on how much you value amazing views. The rooftop terrace is spread out enough that the crowd isn’t too much of a factor, and the relatively expensive prices keep out college students, so there’s a relaxed atmosphere. 

Our recommendation: 

Obicà is more of a restaurant than a bar, so the emphasis is more on serving delicious Italian food than blasting out dance music and cocktails. The wine list is exceptional, as well as their seafood selections. Of course, pasta and pizza are there if you’re dining with pickier eaters or the family. 

Location: 

Via Roma 289 Food Hall 4 Piano Rinascente, 90133 Palermo

Ai Tetti - Eurostars Centrale Palace Hotel

What's it like:

This rooftop terrace is located atop the Centrale Palace Hotel in the heart of historic Palermo. The views are fantastic, and the greenery throughout the roof resembles a garden as much as a restaurant. The tower is tall enough that you’ll get a panoramic view of central Palermo, as well as the surrounding mountains and the glorious blue of the Mediterranean. 

The whole roof is accessible for restaurant customers; thankfully, it's not exclusive to hotel guests, so it’s easy to sneak a peak at Palermo Cathedral or other landmarks. With flowers and greenery throughout the rooftop terrace, the ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner. Much of the restaurant is covered in glass, so it's not strictly outdoor seating. The views are still incredible, and you have the benefit of being able to enjoy them no matter what the weather has in store. 

This hotel has one of the best locations in the city, being near the Teatro Massimo as well as Palazzo Sovrana, so there is plenty to do and see before or after dinner. 

Our recommendation:

The rooftop bar serves outstanding cocktails, spritzes, and they have curated a wonderful wine list. Ai Tetti (‘to the roofs’ in the Sicilian dialect) is the restaurant portion of the rooftop terrace. They serve wonderful authentic Sicilian cuisine, along with plenty of seafood options. 

Location: 

Via Vittorio Emanuele, 327, 90134 Palermo

Enoteca Buonivini

What's it like:

Sicily has been one of the stalwart regions for producing wine, as the mountainous terrain and Mediterranean climate are perfect for grapes to grow naturally. The result is a criminally-underrated wine tradition that’s best explored through sampling at the many enotecas and cafés in Sicilian cities like Palermo. Enoteca Buonivini is a charming wine bar and one of the anchors of Palermo’s magnificent bar scene. Located along a piazza, Enoteca Buonivini has plenty of outdoor seating. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through their extensive list of Italian and especially Sicilian wines. 

Our recommendation: 

Even the most ardent wine enthusiasts haven’t sufficiently explored the wines of Sicily. So if you find yourself on the patio or conversing with the bartender at Enoteca Buonivini, do yourself a favor and order a glass of something local. While they certainly serve good food at the bar, your best bet is to venture out in search of Sicilian street food vendors in the neighborhood! It’ll taste especially delicious after a few glasses of vino. 

Location: 

Via Dante, 8, 90141 Palermo

Ferramenta

What's it like:

This corner bar has been repurposed from a hardware store to become one of the most charming and scenic bars in all of Palermo. Even rooftop bars will envy the view you get on Ferrakenta’s quaint patio along the Piazza Giovanni Meli. The clientele leans towards the hip crowd, so the atmosphere is always lively, and during the summer months, the bar is open until 2 AM. 

Our recommendation: 

This no-frills bar doesn’t specialize in anything in particular, so let the time of day determine your selection. Enjoying the view from the patio? Try a spritz. Popping in for the last call late at night? They have plenty of local beer options as well as stiff cocktails. 

Location: 

Piazza Giovanni Meli, 8, 90133 Palermo

Il Bar at Rinascente

What's it like:

This multi-tiered shopping center is topped with one of the best rooftop bars in Palermo. The fourth-floor Il Bar is the go-to destination for a refreshing spritz after a shopping spree at Rinascente. Located in Via Roma, this is a prime location for grabbing a quick drink when you’ve been out and about. Their stylish rooftop terrace is primely situated for people-watching. The crowd is a decent mix of locals and travelers, and the upbeat ambiance perfectly fits the luxurious decor. If you can picture a stylish rooftop patio at a shopping center in Italy, the effortlessly elegant Il Bar will only exceed your expectations! 

Our recommendation: 

The eclectic food menu offers everything from slightly-Americanized bar food to brunch to Spanish tapas. They serve one of the best brunches in Palermo, which makes their rooftop terrace a particularly popular weekend destination. 

Location: 

Via Roma, 289, 90133 Palermo

La Champagneria del Massimo

What's it like:

This smart champagne bar is the go-to spot for grabbing drinks before performances at the nearby Teatro Massimo. And you won't find a better spot to pre-game. The lively crowd spills out onto the patio along the piazza, which has a perfect view for people-watching. When there’s a show at the theatre, the atmosphere will buzz with excitement, especially closer to showtime when the champagne has had a chance to flow freely. 

Our recommendation:

La Champagneria del Massimo is aptly named. This charming bar has one of the best bubbly selections in Palermo. If that’s not your thing, there are plenty of cocktail and beer options to sip on before the curtain call! 

Location:  

Via Salvatore Spinuzza, 59, 90133 Palermo

Conclusion

With almost 3,000 years of history and an amazing blend of architectural heritage, just about everywhere you look, there’s something beautiful to admire in Palermo. Whether you’re on a rooftop terrace or sunny patio overlooking a historic piazza, Palermo has so many amazing bars and restaurants with stunning views. If you’re out exploring central Palermo or one of its vibrant neighborhoods and need to relax, there’s nothing better than sitting in the sun and enjoying a spritz. Make sure to stop by a Bounce luggage storage location and drop the bags off so you can make the most of your time in Palermo!