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Palermo’s historic theatre opened in 1897 then went into decline, but it was reopened in 1997 after a major restoration effort. It stages lyrical opera, ballet and symphonic concerts.

A summer season of opera, ballet, concerts and plays is presented in this outdoor theatre in the garden of the former villa of the Prince of Castelnuovo.

The theatre was designed in 1874 in Neo-Classical style. The season offers symphonic concerts and ballet.

Founded by the Biondo brothers in 1903 as a centre for experimental theatre, it is still fulfilling its mission.

Lo Spasimo is a bombed-out church that acts as an amazing venue for an art gallery and a full programme of films and concerts (classical, contemporary, jazz), romantically staged in the roofless nave and garden space out the back.

Located inside of Palermo’s defensive walls in an enormous, arched space is this bar, restaurant, bookshop and jazz venue all combined. There are cubbyholes for hiding out, a fireplace in winter and a terrace in summer.

This pub is tucked in along a pedestrian street where candle-makers’ shops used to be. There are tables outside in the street and live music or floor shows performed in the spacious interior.

Not far from I Candelai, tables are set outside in the little piazza. Music is the focus here, with jazz jamming sessions and up-and-coming Italian rock groups.

At night the piazza between Teatro Massimo and via Cavour fills up with university students hanging out in the many bars lining the square.

Check this free publication for listings of all music, theatre and art happenings in Palermo, including summer music festivals organized in the Giardini Inglese and Fiera del Mediterraneo. Available at tourist offices, cinemas, bars and cafés.