The 5 Best Rooftop Bars in Palermo

Is there any better way to experience the enchanting beauty of Palermo than with a glass of Italian wine in hand from one of the city’s chic rooftop bars? Certainly not in my book!

Over the years, I’ve developed quite a fondness for Palermo’s open-air offerings, where I can soak up the beautiful panoramic views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the imposing Mount Etna.

Since I began running my own Palermo food tours, I’ve had the chance to spend multiple evenings in some of the city’s top rooftop bars. As you read through this list, you’ll be able to discover some of my favorites for an aperitivo when the sun goes down!

Le Terrazze del Sole

 

Le Terrazze del Sole is possibly Palermo’s most esteemed rooftop terrace, but don’t let the popularity of this top-floor treasure put you off, as I almost did. Situated in the heart of Palermo’s historical center, I’ve struggled to find anywhere with a more alluring ambience at sunset.

The vibe here is always the perfect middle ground between low-key and a little upscale, so it lacks the somewhat pretentious aura that rooftop bars can sometimes give off. What makes it even better for me are the unbeatable vistas of Quattro Canti, Palermo’s striking baroque square.

As I browsed the menu, immersed in the atmospheric music, I decided that an Aperol Spritz was just what would hit the spot. Within minutes, the waitress arrived with my sizable serving of this Italian favorite, served with a fresh orange garnish and a generous helping of ice.

I’ve yet to find a drink as refreshing as an Aperol spritz like this one. Thanks to the prosecco, the gentle bitterness of the orange and rhubarb notes beautifully mellowed into a sweet, herbal aftertaste. The rejuvenating soda water fizz elevated the flavors without overwhelming them.

Le Terrazze del Sole (€€) – (5TH FLOOR) Via Vittorio Emanuele, 291, 90100 Palermo PA, Italy, Every day, 6:00 pm to 12:00 am

Il Bar at Rinascente

You’ll inevitably find yourself ambling along Via Roma at some point during your Palermo rooftop bar hunt, which makes visiting the elegant Il Bar a no-brainer. It might be a bold statement to make, but I think this might be my most beloved cocktail bar in Palermo.

Il Bar boasts some amazing views over Piazza San Domenico, but it’s the relaxing atmosphere and understated outdoor seating area that has left a lasting impression on me after every visit. I must also mention the attentive staff, who consistently offer first-class service.

I’ve yet to sample something from their food menu or wine list, though these look sublime if you’re not too keen on cocktails or fancy a bite to eat. It was the Sicilian mule that enticed me on the last few occasions. 

This Sicilian concoction was nothing short of mouthwatering: a Moscow mule with Averna, a bittersweet Italian liqueur replacing the traditional vodka. There’s something about the spicy ginger beer, sour lemon juice, and citrus and sage notes from the Averna that stimulated the senses; I’ll never forget it.

Il Bar (€€) – (4TH FLOOR) – Via Roma 289 Food Hall 4 Piano Rinascente, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy, Every day, 10:00 am to 10:30 pm

Politeama Roof

Rooftop drinks and dining aren’t exclusively reserved for those visiting during the warmer months, as Politeama Roof is a rooftop restaurant that opens its floor-to-ceiling glass windows in line with the weather. 

Perched alongside Piazza Ruggero Settimo, Politeama Roof sits at the top of its namesake hotel. The bright and modern seating area is a picture-perfect spot for an early afternoon pick-me-up or ambient late-night meal, both of which I’ve indulged in several times!

A few months back, I stopped by for an early dinner just as the team had begun their evening service. My buddy and I split a bottle of Passiperduti, a divine white Sicilian wine that paired incredibly well with my panko-crusted salmon.

Made from Grillo grapes, the wine has deep floral tones contrasted with citrus aromas and a mineral finish. I couldn’t get enough of this wine, as the flavors balanced out the rich, savory tastes of the salmon and the earthiness of the crunchy, pistachio-infused breadcrumbs. 

Politeama Roof (€€) – Piazza Ruggiero Settimo, 15, 90139 Palermo PA, Italy, Tuesday, 5:00 pm to 12:00 am, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 12:00 pm, Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 1:00 am

Seven Restaurant & Rooftop Cocktail Bar

Showcasing stunning views over the city day or night, Seven Restaurant in Palermo is a Via Roma stalwart that’s been on my must-see list for quite some time now, though I’ve only managed to get there during my most recent trip to Sicily.

When I stepped out onto the monochrome tiled terrace, I was met by the ethereal vistas of the sun slowly setting behind the rugged mountains; I knew this wouldn’t be my last visit. This was confirmed further by the enticing cocktail menu I saw as I snagged the second-to-last seat.

I’m partial to a gin and tonic on a warm summer evening, particularly when I’ve spent much of the day sightseeing under the often intense Sicilian sunshine. After my waiter enlightened me about the lengthy liquor selection, I eventually opted for Hendrick’s as my gin of choice. 

Served in a classic bulbous gin glass, I was met with creamy and fruity aromas instantly, lightened by the cool, crisp finish of the cucumber garnish. Combining the citrus-like tonic water and the hints of oak and juniper from the gin made for a complex but smooth flavor palate.

Seven Restaurant & Rooftop Cocktail Bar (€€€) – (7TH FLOOR) – Via Roma, n°111, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy, Tuesday and Wednesday, 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm, Thursday to Sunday, 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm

Osservatorio Rooftop

Not so long ago, I ventured into Osservatorio Rooftop for a quick glass of wine before attending a show at the nearby Teatro Politeama Garibaldi. Little did I know that this short but sweet experience would soon have me planning my next visit.

This sophisticated bar and restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating areas to soak up the sweeping panoramas of the majestic mountains that encircle Palermo. I didn’t manage to get my hands on a table outside, but the sleek interior made for an equally gorgeous vantage point.

As I only had sufficient time for a pre-show beverage, I let the waiter take the reins and asked for a glass of whichever wine he recommended. This ended up being Nero d’Avola, a quintessential Sicilian red wine that I never seem to tire of.

With each sip, I was enticed by the initial flavor of dark fruits like cherries and prunes, which was followed by a hybrid of spicy, licorice-like aftertastes. This wine is oozing with character, and the generous pour at Osservatorio made the experience all the more memorable.

Osservatorio Rooftop (€€) – Via Nicolò Gallo, 2, 90139 Palermo PA, Italy, Every day, 6:00 pm to 12:00 am

Conclusion

Considering how the city is celebrated for its Arab-Norman architecture and astounding natural beauty, it always shocks me to learn how Palermo’s line-up of diverse rooftop bars is often glossed over.

Not only do all of my favorite rooftop hideaways mentioned above provide you with unforgettable views, but you can also admire your surroundings while sampling Palermo’s finest handcrafted cocktails with some atmospheric live music in the background.

Ahead of your next Sicilian getaway, add at least one of these sumptuous terraced lounges to your itinerary; you won’t be disappointed.