Catania pretty much sits right beneath the massive and active Mount Etna. You can see and feel this powerful volcano all around the city. Catania and Etna are closely connected; a lot of the buildings are made from black lava stone, and every now and then, you might find volcanic ash piling up in the corners of the streets. That’s why people often call Catania the “Black City.” In this article, I’ll show you all the amazing things to do in Catania.
1. Take in every corner of Piazza del Duomo
Did you know that Catania’s city center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list? It’s pretty amazing, especially since a massive earthquake in the 17th century nearly flattened the place. But they got right to work on rebuilding it in the Baroque style. Today, the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata is the star of Piazza del Duomo. To the right, you’ll see Porta Uzeda, which used to be part of the city wall. On the left stands the Chiesa della Badia. A not-so-secret Catania thing to do: head up to the roof of this church between 5 and 6 PM for a magical golden light city view.
Right in the middle of the square is Catania’s Elephant Fountain, Fontana dell’Elefante. Why an elephant? No one really knows for sure, but there are all kinds of fun stories, from dwarf elephants to wizards. Either way, the elephant has become a symbol of Catania.
2. For the enthusiasts: walk by La Pescheria in the morning
Everyone seems to praise the fish market at Piazza Pardo as one of Catania’s top things to do. While it offers an interesting experience, be warned: it can be quite a raw spectacle. Expect a strong fishy smell, large chunks of swordfish on chopping blocks, and the occasional splash of blood on the stones. La Pescheria is not a polished market; instead, it provides an unfiltered glimpse into daily life in Catania. Some even claim it is the largest fish market in Sicily. Walk along the upper level to observe the lively scene unfold from the terrace. The market is located right next to Piazza del Duomo and is open every morning from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
3. Piazza Università – the square next to Piazza del Duomo
If you wander a bit further from the bustling Piazza del Duomo, you’ll find the quieter Piazza Università. It’s surrounded by some really nice university buildings in soft pastel colors. When I was there, the gate to the inner courtyard was open, and it felt like a little hidden surprise—definitely worth checking out.
And if you look down Via Etnea from the square, you’ll see an amazing view of Mount Etna looming at the end of the street like a giant.
4. Explore Catania’s most beautiful street: Via dei Crociferi
Catania’s Baroque beauty isn’t just limited to the main square—it spills over into the nearby streets too. Take Via Crociferi, for example, where you’ll find the stunning Arco di San Benedetto. This charming street is lined with impressive 18th-century churches that look right out of a Game of Thrones scene, making it a great spot for a relaxed walk. Don’t forget to check out the smaller streets around there, too!
5. Chiesa di San Giulia – the best viewpoint in Catania
If you’re wandering down Via dei Crociferi, make sure to check out Chiesa di San Giulia. I spotted a little sign at the entrance that got me curious: it mentioned a panoramic view of the city. I decided to go for it, and wow, it did not disappoint! From the rooftop, I got an amazing 360-degree view all to myself, except for a couple of other tourists. It was fantastic! Honestly, I think this view is even nicer than the one from the Sant’Agata church at Piazza del Duomo.
6. Enjoy ice cream with a view of Teatro Massimo Bellini
Piazza Vincenzo Bellini is one of the most charming spots in Catania, with the stunning Teatro Massimo Bellini as its main attraction. The theater is definitely worth checking out, but the square around it is just as lovely. You can get there from a bunch of different streets; the main one, Via Teatro Massimo, is popular for a good reason—it’s gorgeous! But don’t skip the winding side alleys; they have their own charm.
While you’re in the square, make sure to stop by Comis Ice Café. They serve up some amazing vegan ice cream and sweet brioche buns. There’s a bit of debate about whether the brioche buns are actually vegan, according to reviews on Happy Cow, but either way, trying a Sicilian ice cream sandwich is a must!
7. Wander around the Monastero dei Benedettini
Did you know that one of the biggest monasteries in Europe is in Catania? The Monastero dei Benedettini is now part of the University of Catania, so the monks have made space for students. But visitors can still check it out too! Walking through the place feels like you’re stepping back in time. I was really blown away by the grand staircases and courtyards—it almost felt like I had wandered into a museum!
8. See not one, but two roman theaters
Catania is full of little surprises, like the fact that it has not one, but two Roman theaters right in the middle of the city. The first one is easy to spot from the street. Even though it was buried under lava for a while and a lot of details have worn away, you can still see how big and impressive it is.
The second theater, called Teatro Romano, is a bit more tucked away in a residential area, and it feels like a real find. You can walk through it and picture what it must have been like to catch a show there thousands of years ago.
9. Walk Past Castello Ursino
Catania isn’t just about churches, monasteries, and amphitheaters; it also has a cool medieval castle called Castello Ursino. It was built in the 13th century and used to sit right by the sea on a cliff. But then a huge eruption from Mount Etna in the 17th century changed everything, covering the area in lava. Now, the castle is nestled inland, right in the middle of the city.
10. Stroll Under the Umbrellas on Via Gisira
Catania can feel a bit dark and moody, mainly because of the black lava stone that a lot of the buildings are made from. But don’t worry, there are some bright spots too, especially in the city’s famous umbrella streets like Via Gisira and the nearby alleys. In the evening, these streets really come to life. You’ll see colorful umbrellas overhead, twinkling lights, and plenty of small bars and eateries around. It’s the perfect place to chill and wrap up your day with a drink in hand.
11. Escape the city: day trip to Taormina
Taormina is just 55 km from Catania. It is a pretty magical town with an ancient Greek theater, amazing views of the rolling hills, and the beautiful Isola Bella peninsula. Plus, you’ve got charming streets like Corso Umberto and the stunning Piazza IX Aprile, which explain why everyone loves this town. Just a heads-up though: during the peak season from May to October, it can get packed.
To reach Taormina by public transport: you can take a fast train that takes just 54 minutes, offering beautiful views along the way. However, the Taormina-Giardini station is at the bottom of a steep hill, while the town is at the top. You can either hike up for 20 to 25 minutes or wait for a shuttle bus. Alternatively, Etna Trasporti offers a bus from Catania that drops you closer to the center of Taormina. While buses are cheaper, they can be unreliable, as I experienced buses that were often late, full, or even canceled.
Where to eat in Catania
These places were my personal favorites:
Plante Lab – I went twice because I liked it so much.
Bar Massini – for vegan chocolate cannoli.
Nuts – amazing vegan pistachio croissant.
Friggitoria Popolare – for vegan mortadella and pistachio pizza.
Hotel tip: Le Cot B&B
We stayed at Le Cot B&B, and it was such a cozy spot run by Nini and his sister. The place has a ton of charm, with its unique decor and a really welcoming vibe. Each morning, we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at one big kitchen table, together with the other guests. They even surprised me with a croissant and a candle for my birthday, along with a sweet birthday song! The location is perfect, just a short walk to Castello Ursino and the vibrant umbrella streets of Via Gisira. One thing to note: the windows aren’t super soundproof, so it’s a good idea to bring earplugs. Check out this hotel with this link.
What are your favorite things to do in Catania? Have you been to this city or to Sicily before?
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