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We've compiled the best of the best in Sicily - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Tucked down some steps in an alleyway off Via Umberto, the Oliva lounge offers a bit of calm in the city's bustling center. This is where you go to geek out over the impressive selection of mezcal and rhum agricole or go deep on locally made gins and amari. The team here, a trio of hard-core bar nerds, makes all the classics perfectly (like Negronis, daiquiris, and martinis) and uses house-made bitters and tinctures to whip up inspiring drinks.
Although listed as a museum on Google Maps, Spazio Pitta is a vibrant bar and restaurant featuring art from Sicilian artists throughout its space. The art ranges from colorful oil paintings to intricate sculptures adorning the patio with a city view. Sip on a limoncello spritz while snacking on a selection from the antipasti list, which includes delicious arancini, cured meats, and cheeses. Get there early if you want to grab a table, as it gets busy, especially on weekends.
In the heart of the city's downtown, this always-packed bar has tables that spill into the streets. With an impressive selection of vermouths and local salumi, it's a great spot to go for aperitivo or a late-night drink. But the real draw is the wine program. Don't even bother with the wine list—ask for Antonio Lombardo, a veritable expert with a mischievous smile, who consistently pulls affordable bottles to suit any mood or taste, from obscure natural wines to refined classics. It's a popular spot, so it's best to make a reservation lest you want to be among the crowds who stand in the pedestrian street, drink in hand.
