The largest shopping centre in Palermo with major Italian and international brands, a food court, and a cinema
Forum Palermo is the largest enclosed shopping centre in Palermo, located in the Brancaccio district on the south-eastern edge of the city. Unlike the historic street markets of the centre, it offers a modern, air-conditioned, all-weather retail experience built around an Ipercoop hypermarket as its primary anchor, surrounded by more than a hundred stores. The brand mix spans mainstream Italian and international high-street fashion — names such as Zara, H&M, Bershka, Stradivarius, Pull&Bear, and OVS — alongside footwear, sportswear, accessories, electronics, perfumery, homeware, and bookshops, making it a practical destination for everyday and mid-range shopping rather than luxury. Prices are fixed and clearly displayed, with no bargaining; payment by card and contactless is universal, and most stores accept the full range of international cards. Non-EU residents can request tax-free shopping documentation in participating fashion and electronics stores for VAT refunds on qualifying purchases. The centre includes a large food court and several cafés and restaurants offering pizza, pasta, fast food, and Sicilian snacks, as well as a multiplex cinema, making it a place where families spend several hours. Ample free parking, lift and escalator access, and a layout over connected levels make it convenient for those travelling by car, though it lies away from the historic core and is best reached by car, bus, or taxi rather than on foot from the centre. The atmosphere is that of a contemporary mall — bright, busy at weekends, and family-oriented — and it is busiest on Saturday afternoons and during sale periods. For visitors, Forum Palermo is most useful for practical needs, branded fashion, electronics, and groceries, complementing rather than competing with the character and street food of Palermo's historic markets and the boutique shopping of Via Maqueda and Via della Libertà in the city centre.
| Hours | Mon–Thu 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri–Sun 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
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Highlights
- Palermo's largest shopping centre, anchored by an Ipercoop hypermarket in Brancaccio
- Over a hundred stores including Zara, H&M, Bershka, Stradivarius, and OVS
- Food court, cafés, and restaurants plus a multiplex cinema for a full day out
- Fixed prices, universal card payment, and VAT-refund options for non-EU shoppers
- Ample free parking and connected levels, convenient for those arriving by car
Tips for visiting
- Avoid Saturday afternoons and sale periods if you prefer quieter, less crowded shopping
- It lies outside the historic core, so reach it by car, bus, or taxi rather than on foot
- Non-EU visitors can ask participating fashion and electronics stores for tax-free VAT paperwork
- Use the free on-site parking, which makes the centre easy for car travellers
- Combine practical mall shopping here with street food at Palermo's historic markets downtown
Frequently asked questions
What stores are at Forum Palermo?
The centre is anchored by an Ipercoop hypermarket and includes high-street fashion such as Zara, H&M, Bershka, Stradivarius, and OVS, plus footwear, electronics, perfumery, homeware, and a multiplex cinema.
Where is Forum Palermo and how do visitors get there?
It is in the Brancaccio district on the south-eastern edge of Palermo, away from the historic centre. It is best reached by car, bus, or taxi, and offers ample free parking.
Can non-EU visitors claim a VAT refund?
Yes. Participating fashion and electronics stores can issue tax-free shopping documentation for VAT refunds on qualifying purchases by non-EU residents. Card and contactless payment are accepted throughout.
Are there places to eat at Forum Palermo?
Yes. The centre has a large food court and several cafés and restaurants serving pizza, pasta, fast food, and Sicilian snacks, alongside a cinema, making it a comfortable spot for families.