Entertainment in Sicily
-
A
Kursaal Kalhesa
Recline on plump sofas with silk cushions and sip a cocktail beneath the high vaulted ceilings. There’s a roaring fire in winter, plus art exhibits and a bookstore with foreign newspapers. A lively unpretentious crowd is attracted by the good program of music and literary events. Meals (from €30) are served in the dining room or on the leafy patio flanked by 15th-century walls.
reviewed
-
Bar Turrisi
[ourpick] Bar Turrisi A few kilometres outside Taormina, in the hilltop community of Castelmola, this whimsical bar is built on four levels overlooking the church square. Its decor is an eclectic tangle of Sicilian influences, with everything from painted carts to a giant stone minchia (you’ll need no translation once you see it). Sip a glass of almond wine, enjoy the view, and don’t forget to check out the bathrooms on the way out!
reviewed
-
Cantine Florio
Tipplers should head to Cantine Florio on the road to Mazara del Vallo (bus 16 from Piazza del Popolo). Florio opens its doors to visitors to explain the process of making Marsala wine and to give you a taste of the goods. Pellegrino, Donnafugata, Rallo, Mavis and Intorcia are other producers in the same area. Booking is recommended; ask at the tourist office.
reviewed
-
B
Exit Drinks
Right next door to Rocket Bar, but with a distinctly different atmosphere, this is one of the city's favourite gay bars. It's a pretty flamboyant affair, with gilded plush furniture, cocktails and great parties. In the summer months, Exit Drinks moves to Rise Up (Via Ugo la Malfa 95), its outdoor venue, where it hosts regular parties. Check the website for what's on next.
reviewed
-
C
Cambio Cavalli
Definitely Palermo's coolest and most stylish bar, Cambio Cavalli has candle-lit tables under the stars, plus some impressive 16th-century arches. This was one of the city's first bars and the regulars have remained loyal, keeping the atmosphere relaxed and friendly. Cocktails are cheap and you'll find the usual suspects on the list. It gets busy after 23:00.
reviewed
-
D
La Cuba
This place opened in 1997, and has been considered one of Palermo's most fashionable clubs and bars ever since. A difficult place to pigeonhole, La Cuba serves wine and cocktails, as well as food, and hosts parties and live music throughout the year. It has a fantastic outdoor space in the garden of Villa Sperlinga, backed by the villa's dreamy pink domes.
reviewed
-
Mercati Generali
The student population's favourite club, this place is out of town (so you'll need your own transport or a taxi) and it hosts the best parties around. DJ Talvin Singh has played here, as well as many good international and local DJs. You'll find Ninja Tunes-released artists on their list, as well as some of Berlin's promising names.
reviewed
-
E
Bar La Precchia
If you fancy a late-night drink or want to be in the right place for crowd gazing during passeggiata (evening stroll), Bar La Precchia is a local favourite. It has an enormous menu of drinks, from café frappe and fruit milkshakes to cocktails and wine. In summer it's open until 03:00 and often has live music.
reviewed
-
Sotto Zero Cafè
A very cool waterfront bar, spread out along the steps leading to the beach. Its Buddha Bar–inspired decor is dreamy: seating on low cushions, with the candlelit stairs covered in soft carpets and the sound of the sea lapping below. It’s a great place for aperitivi, cocktails and chatting till late.
reviewed
-
F
Club Malibú ZZ
Cefalù's hottest club and the place where Palermitans often flock in the summer, Malibú is full of youngsters keen on big nights out. With lots of decent DJs and plenty of cocktail swigging, the party really gets heaving in August. The best place to go if you're after a good night's dancing.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
G
Rocket Bar
This is the centre of Palermo's 'alternative' scene, with photographs of Blondie, Elvis, the Ramones, and other kings and queens of rock and punk. The Rocket gets packed after 22:30, with the crowds spilling out onto the piazza and staying there until the early hours.
reviewed
-
H
Rendez Vous Wine Bar
An elegant place with a modern look and canary-coloured lampshades, the Rendez Vous is right at the end of the Via Teatro Massimo bar strip. It has tables and chairs on the little balcony outside, but the crowd spreads out onto the street below too.
reviewed
-
I
Café Giufá
A fun bar that spreads onto the tiny square at the back, the Giufá has some good DJs who like reggae, jungle and dub beats, and the crowd - including the bar staff - are jolly and friendly. Beer's the name of the game here.
reviewed
-
J
L'Incognito
Woven chairs and palm trees make L'Incognito's outdoor area feel like a tropical corner despite the fact that it's right on Piazza Bellini. It's a popular place for a drink and chat and starts getting busy only after 22:00.
reviewed
-
K
Zò
Just northeast of the train station, Catania’s former sulphur works, Le Ciminiere, has been renovated into a very cool cultural centre featuring films, live music, dancing, and a bar-cafe-restaurant serving good food.
reviewed
-
L
Mi Manda Picone
Housed in a sumptuous 13th-century building is this stylish wine bar with brick arches, sitting pretty on the square. It hosts art exhibitions and is a good choice for getting in the mood for an indulgent night out.
reviewed
-
M
Washington Bar
This very pleasant bar is a great spot to unwind with a drink while you watch the passeggiata go by. The excellent nibbles that accompany drinks only add to the charm. You can also get great gelato here.
reviewed
-
Hemingway
This is Modica's coolest bar, with books and cushioned outdoor seating, where everyone gathers after 23:00 to drink beer and chat away to friends, and where you're likely to find a DJ party several times a month.
reviewed
-
N
Lino's Coffee Shop
An excellent coffee shop attached to the Mondadori bookshop, Lino's has a massive variety of coffees. Their granitas are also popular and this is a perfect place for reading your book in a quiet, cool atmosphere.
reviewed
-
O
Teatro Pirandello
This theatre is mostly given over to the work of the town's great playwright, Pirandello. The main theatre season is during the winter months of October to March. Ask at any of the tourist offices for details.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
P
Peter Pan
Brunch, beer, books, cocktails and live music make this tiny wine bar an excellent place to while away some time. It also serves a limited menu of cheese and charcuterie to soak up those huge glasses of wine.
reviewed
-
Q
Cafe Girasole
A popular café-cum-wine-bar in the heart of the medieval town serving late breakfast and light lunches and, in the evenings, cocktails and table snacks. Has a good atmosphere and outdoor seating.
reviewed
-
R
Waxy O'Connors
A really popular place, where many come to listen to (sometimes pretty dodgy) live music and watch the dancers shake their booties. It doesn't appeal to everyone, but many love it. Across from Joyce.
reviewed
-
S
Wine Bar
With simple décor and a loyal crowd of glass-whirlers, this lovely and simply named bar serves a massive variety of Sicilian and international wines, as well as some snacks to go with the booze.
reviewed
-
T
Over Time Pub
A unique place in the city, Over Time brings out real poker tables on Monday nights and the local crowd puts their poker faces on and comes out to play. Check it out, it's quite fun just to watch.
reviewed