Palermo, Sicily: My Starting Point Abroad

Palermo, Sicily was where I began my year abroad. It’s a beautiful city, full of history and life. I first visited in 2019 with my husband (and we fell completely in love with it). So when I was deciding where to start this new chapter, Palermo felt like the right place. I wanted to begin somewhere familiar—somewhere I could ease into things without the pressure to sightsee every day.

That decision also gave me plenty of time to focus on work. But one thing I quickly learned is that the café scene in Palermo is quite different from what I was used to in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Cafés here aren’t designed for camping out with your laptop—they’re places to linger with friends, sip something delicious, and enjoy something sweet (in other words, the opposite of a “work café”).

Since my body was still on California time for a while, that rhythm didn’t always suit me. So, over the three weeks I spent in Palermo, I found a few spots that worked for my kind of “slow productivity.”

Vera Cooffice

This was my go-to place to work. It was one of the closest cafés to where I was staying, right in the heart of the city center. Tucked away in a semi-quiet alley, it offered a nice escape from the traffic and chatter. There’s plenty of seating both inside and outside—I’d sit outdoors when I was reading (and just wanted a bit of sunshine), and move inside when I needed to get actual work done.

The Wi-Fi was strong, and they served salads and sandwiches throughout the day (up until about two hours before closing). They stay open until 8 p.m. and, thankfully, don’t close for siesta—perfect if you’re working across time zones. The staff were always friendly and spoke English, which made things even easier.

BEET Community

This isn’t a café but a coworking space—and a great one at that. During weekdays, it stayed calm and quiet, with just a few people working. They had everything I needed: external monitors, comfortable tables, a kitchen, and bathrooms (all the essentials for a solid workday).

If you’re there for a week or more, they’ll even give you a key so you can come and go during the week. There’s also a co-living option—some people actually live there—so it closes to outside workers after 6 p.m. (a fair trade-off, I think). If you’re looking for a place to live and work, it’s definitely worth exploring.

Kalos. Literary parenthesis

I discovered Kalos in my final few days in Palermo (and immediately wished I’d found it sooner). It’s a beautifully decorated café with a warm, artistic energy. A few people had laptops open, but it’s not really a “workspace”—more of a cozy, inspiring place to write or reflect for an hour.

The menu is simple—just sweets and coffee—so it’s best to arrive with a full stomach. But if you’re craving a lovely corner of Palermo to pause in (and maybe type a few thoughts while the espresso cools), Kalos is perfect.

Other Spots I Tried

Cioccolateria Lorenzo

I came here late one evening to meet a friend. I wasn’t planning to work but wanted to see if it could be a potential workspace. The food was delicious, though the tables weren’t ideal for long stretches (too small and a bit uneven). It was also a bit far from where I was staying. Still, I’d go back in a heartbeat for their dark chocolate drink—it was unforgettable.

NonnAnge Bakery & Coffee

This bakery is tucked along a busy street in the town center, surrounded by souvenir stands and crowds. The walk from my place wasn’t long, but navigating through the tourists with my laptop and camera gear wasn’t exactly comfortable (my bag hit at least five people each time).

They also close early, at 3 p.m., which doesn’t work well if you’re collaborating across time zones. Still, it’s a charming stop if you want a morning pastry and coffee amid the bustle.

Final Thoughts

Palermo’s café culture is truly about enjoying your coffee—not turning it into your office. You may find yourself working from your apartment some days, then heading out later for a leisurely espresso (and maybe a slice of pistachio cake).

And that balance—between work and wonder, between familiarity and discovery—felt like the perfect way to begin my year abroad.