Ashley Lauren
As an American who’s wandered the sun-baked streets of Catania, Sicily, for the past two years, I’ve uncovered a curated blend of historic sights and can’t-miss experiences—the best things to see and do in Catania—that I’m excited to share with you! My very first impression of Italy came through this city, and even without comparing it to other cities, I noticed how its raw beauty is complicated by graffiti and trash. Still, Catania pulls off the gritty look authentically, almost as if the street art and chaos are part of its Sicilian charm.
This guide to things to do and see in Catania, Sicily, will help you decide how to maximize your vacation time without getting overwhelmed. In Italy, the life motto is to slow down and enjoy life.
🔍 Here’s how this post is organized:
- Things to See in Catania – Quick stops, stunning sights, and free experiences. These places you can admire, snap a photo, and move on—perfect for quick trips or budget-conscious travelers.
- Things to Do in Catania – Activities where you can go beyond the postcard. Think paid attractions, unique tours, cultural experiences, and interactive moments that make you feel part of the city rather than just passing through.
Map of Things to See in Catania
Don’t miss the interactive Google Map I created for you—it’s packed with all the things to do in Catania. My family and friends have explored every location mentioned in this post, and I recommend it based on my positive experience.
The map includes bonus extras like top-rated local restaurants. If you download the Google Maps app, you can save and use this map while exploring Catania. It’s your go-to travel companion for finding all the best things to see in Catania—with zero guesswork.
Top Things To See In Catania [AKA: Free]
Via Santa Filomena District
If you’re searching for things to see in Catania that go beyond baroque façades and ancient ruins, make time (and room in your belly) for Via Santa Filomena. Tucked into the historic center, this short pedestrian stretch has transformed from a once-forgotten alley into Catania’s unofficial food and culture district, thanks to the locals who believed in it enough to rebuild it from the ground up!
What makes this alley worth a visit isn’t just the string of stylish eateries or candle-lit cafés spilling into the street; it’s the energy. Neon lights strung overhead, fresh greenery softening stone, and locals chatting over spritzes make this one of the most atmospheric places to snap a photo and take in daily Catanese life while you enjoy dinner.
Even if you’re not stopping for a meal or photo, it’s one of those things to see in Catania that tells a bigger story of what’s possible when a community says we can do better. Drop by, walk the 180 meters, and see how Catania is rewriting its narrative.
Catania’s Cathedral Square [Piazza del Duomo]
Piazza del Duomo, 95100 Catania CT, Italy
If you’re planning things to see in Catania, Piazza del Duomo is a natural place to start. It’s a central square where the city’s history, architecture, and daily life all come together. You’ll find yourself surrounded by stories carved into stone: from the black-lava elephant (yes, an elephant!) balancing an ancient obelisk, to the baroque brilliance of the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, rising on ruins of ancient Roman baths.
Take as much time as possible to soak in the square—its lava stone and limestone, church, and city hall. If you visit in early February, the square transforms into a theater of devotion and fireworks during the Festival of Saint Agatha. Just below your feet, the Amenano river flows beneath the piazza, visible where it bursts up in a graceful fountain beside the fish market entrance.
Elephant Fountain [Fontana dell’Elefante]
Piazza del Duomo, 95100 Catania CT, Italy
One of the most iconic things to see in Catania is the Elephant Fountain, or Fontana dell’Elefante, perched right in the middle of Piazza del Duomo. At first glance, it’s a bit surreal: a smiling black lava elephant balancing an ancient Egyptian obelisk on its back. But this quirky statue—nicknamed u Liotru—isn’t just photo-worthy. It’s been the beloved symbol of Catania since the 1700s.
The elephant itself is older than the fountain that surrounds it. It was carved from volcanic stone during Roman times. Locals believe it holds magical powers, which were once thought to protect the city from Mount Etna’s eruptions. Legend even claims it was ridden into town by a sorcerer named Heliodorus, whose name eventually morphed into Liotru.
Designed by architect Vaccarini in 1736 as part of Catania’s Baroque rebuild after a massive earthquake, the fountain is ornamental. It features marble sculptures of the city’s rivers, Simeto and Amenano, and serves as a meeting point, a photo stop, and a slice of mythological history. Stick around after dark—the lighting makes it feel even more surreal.
Elephant Fountain is one of the stops on this interactive scavenger hunt tour that takes you through the city’s historic gems at your own pace. Great for families, couples, or solo travelers who love a good puzzle. Book your spot here ➤
Porta Uzeda
Piazza del Duomo, 95121 Catania CT, Italy
If you’re after the authentic things to see in Catania—not just the glossy postcard views—make sure to stop at Porta Uzeda. On first glance, it’s a grand Baroque archway near the Piazza del Duomo.
But step a little closer, and you’ll feel it: this gate is thick with stories. Built in 1695 after the devastating earthquake of 1693, Porta Uzeda isn’t just a way to get from the city to the sea—it’s a monument to survival. This lava-stone-and-marble gateway was a literal and symbolic entrance into a rebuilt city, which is a perfect metaphor for Catania, forever balancing fire and water. Look up, and you’ll spot a bust of Sant’Agata watching over it all, a quiet nod to the city’s protector.
Amenano Fountain [Fontana dell’Amenano]
Piazza del Duomo, 95121 Catania CT, Italy
One of the most poetic things to see in Catania is the Fontana dell’Amenano, a marble masterpiece that seems to whisper secrets from the city’s ancient roots. Nestled between Piazza del Duomo and the gritty energy of La Pescheria fish market, this elegant fountain offers a quiet pause in the chaos—if you know where to look.
Built in 1867 from pristine Carrara marble, it represents the Amenano River as a youthful figure clutching a cornucopia, spilling water like a flowing sheet—a sight locals lovingly call “acqua a linzolu.”
What makes it especially magical is that the water you see doesn’t just vanish—it feeds into a canal below the square, carrying the ghost of the river out to sea. This is one of the rare places where the underground Amenano resurfaces, a glimmer of the river that once flowed freely through the city before a volcanic eruption buried it centuries ago.
Bellini Gardens
Via Etnea, 292, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
If you’re looking for outdoor things to see in Catania, Bellini Gardens is where it’s at. This 70,000-square-meter park is where you’ll find mosaic walkways, dated gardens (literally), and an arbor that overlooks Mt. Etna.
Once the private garden of a prince, with an 18th-century labyrinth meant to disorient and delight guests, Bellini Gardens now invites everyone to get a little lost in its paths. Stray cats run across grassy hills, lovers linger on benches under hundred-year-old trees, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a concert in the wrought-iron music cloister.
Start your visit at the grand staircase off Via Etnea, where swans drift through a sculpted pool framed by statues representing the arts. Then wander the Avenue of Illustrious Men, a shaded path lined with busts of Catania’s literary legends. It’s not just one of the best things to see in Catania—it’s a refreshing breath of fresh air.
Catania Fish Market [La Pescheria]
Via Cardinale Dusmet, 1, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Tucked behind the Amenano Fountain in Piazza del Duomo, a lava stone staircase leads you straight into the heart of the Catania fish market (La Pescheria), where the smells, sounds, and salty banter will snap you right back into reality. Taking one step into the fish market is one of the most visceral things to see in Catania. It’s loud, messy, and completely captivating—more like a living, breathing stage play than a market. Swordfish heads stare back at you, prawns glisten in the sunlight, and fishmongers shout prices over the clatter of knives and laughter.
This place delivers if you’re into photography, food, or just people-watching. Show up early—before 11 a.m.—to catch the action, and if you’re brave, grab lunch at one of the nearby seafood joints that cook up whatever’s freshest. It’s raw, real Sicily—served with grit and charm.
Roman Amphitheatre of Catania [Anfiteatro Romano di Catania]
P.zza Stesicoro, 95124 Catania CT, Italy
One of the most underrated things to do in Catania is ducking below the chaos of Piazza Stesicoro to uncover the timeworn bones of the Teatro Romano di Catania. It doesn’t flaunt itself like the Roman Colosseum, but that’s part of the appeal—these Roman ruins, partially swallowed by the city over centuries, feel like a secret the locals forgot to hide.
Step inside and you’re walking through ancient corridors once packed with cheering spectators. Gladiators and wild beasts once waited in the dark behind the radial walls, ready to explode into the arena. Only a portion of the amphitheater is visible today, but it’s enough to spark the imagination, especially when you realize the rest lies buried under Catania’s Baroque churches and palazzos.
Opening hours can be erratic, but that’s just the Italian way of life, so get used to that; you’re definitely not in Kansas anymore. Still, even a quick peek from above offers a layered view of Catania’s past—Roman ambition built into a hill, then swallowed by time, and now peeking through the cracks of a modern Sicilian city.
The Beautiful Via Crociferi
Via Crociferi, 19, 95124 Catania CT, Italy
If you’re looking for unforgettable things to see in Catania, Via Crociferi is one of those streets that quietly stuns you. It’s only about 400 meters long but packed with more Baroque flair than entire neighborhoods in other cities. Starting from the dramatic Arch of San Benedetto, said to have been built overnight to beat a city ordinance, you’re walking through what feels like a living museum.
The street is a roll call of ornate 18th-century churches: San Benedetto, San Francesco Borgia, San Giuliano, and San Camillo, each layered with history and heavy stone silence. It’s not just beautiful; it’s eerie in the best way, especially once you hear the legend of the headless horse that roams the street at night. You don’t need a tour guide to appreciate Via Crociferi, but take it slow and let your imagination do the work.
Porta Garibaldi Catania
Piazza Palestro, 95122 Catania CT, Italy
If you’re wandering through the city’s heart and wondering what things to see in Catania that feel a bit off the typical tourist trail, Porta Garibaldi should be on your list. Tucked away in the Fortino district, this massive black-and-white triumphal arch rises like a defiant symbol of the city’s resilience.
Built in 1768 to celebrate a royal wedding, it took on new meaning as Catania kept rebuilding itself from volcanic eruptions of Mt. Etna and earthquakes.
The visual impact is striking, especially from down the street: bold stripes of dark lava stone and pale Syracuse limestone frame a towering clock, and a phoenix rising from the flames—an eternal nod to rebirth. Stand beneath it in Piazza Palestro and you’ll see down Via Garibaldi to the Duomo, a view that’s especially magical at night when the street lights glow.
Flea Market At Charles Albert Of Savoy Square
One of the most vibrant things to see in Catania is the flea market at Piazza Carlo Alberto di Savoia. This full-on cultural experience runs daily (except Sundays) from early morning until about 2 pm. You’ll weave through a maze of stalls bursting with everything from spicy Sicilian cheeses to second-hand jeans, cheap electronics, and toys you didn’t know you needed.
Locals haggle, vendors shout out deals, and the air smells like citrus and street food. The square buzzes with energy from all corners of the world—Italian, African, and Chinese traders blend into the daily rhythm. It’s chaotic in the best way.
Bonus: the stunning Basilica della Madonna del Carmine anchors the square and makes for a striking contrast to the clamor of the market. Whether you’re there to shop or people-watch, this market gives you a raw, unfiltered taste of real life in Catania.
Just Boobs Doors
One of the most funny things to see in Catania is the “Just Boobs” door at Petit Bonu—a playful little bar tucked into the city center. The pink façade is covered in 3D boob sculptures with the phrase “Don’t panic, these are just boobs” scrawled across the top. It’s the kind of quirky, cheeky humor you start noticing more and more as you travel through southern Italy—and honestly, it makes the perfect stop for a photo, a laugh, or a late-night drink somewhere that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Best Things to Do In Catania
Teatro Massimo Bellini
Via Giuseppe Perrotta, 12, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
One of the most captivating things to see in Catania (especially at Christmas) is the Teatro Massimo Bellini—not just for opera lovers but anyone drawn to grand architecture and rich stories.
Step inside and you’re immediately transported into another era, where velvet drapes, golden balconies, and painted ceilings whisper centuries of drama, music, and elegance. I plan to attend the Nutcracker performance this December.
Even if you’re not catching a performance, you can still experience the magic through a guided tour. Available in English and Italian, these tours give you insider access to the Royal Box, plush red stalls, and the lavish foyer, where chandeliers glitter above and history hangs in the air.
Cathedral of Sant’Agata [Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata]
Piazza del Duomo, 95121 Catania CT, Italy
One of the top things to do in Catania is to step inside the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, but be sure to cover your shoulders. Built over Roman ruins and reshaped after earthquakes and lava flows, the cathedral tells the story of a city that won’t quit.
The marble facade grabs your attention with columns repurposed from the Roman amphitheater. Inside, it’s quieter but just as impactful. You’ll find relics of Catania’s fiercely loved patron Sant’Agata, and the tomb of the famed composer Vincenzo Bellini, whose body was returned here decades after he died in France.
For a deeper dive (literally), visit the Museo Diocesano next door. It offers access to the Roman baths tucked beneath the cathedral—it’s like peeling back centuries in one stop.
Bonus Extra: Get a tour of the church and Roman baths, and exclusive access to the museum’s rooftop terrace. Consider booking this tour. >
Church of the Abbey of Sant’Agata [Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata]
Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 182, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:30 am- 12:30 pm and 3:30- 6:30 pm, and Sunday 9:30 am- 1 pm and 4- 8 pm
Cost: €5 per ticket to visit to the Great Choir, Terraces, and Dome
One of the most overlooked things to do in Catania is stepping inside the Church of the Abbey of Sant’Agata. From the outside, its undulating Baroque curves already hint at something special—but inside, you’ll find a surprisingly serene space filled with amber-toned marble, polished stucco statues, and a floor that looks like a mosaic quilt in Carrara stone.
The real magic happens when you climb up to the dome. From up top, the church offers a 360-degree view of Catania’s rooftops and bell towers, with the looming silhouette of Mount Etna dominating the horizon. The kind of view makes you linger longer than you planned (and so does the one-way staircase leading up to it).
Built atop the ruins of a convent destroyed in the 1693 earthquake, this church is a story of rebirth. Architect Vaccarini blended local stone and bold geometry to create a structure that’s not only elegant but also deeply rooted in Sicilian history. You’ll feel the quiet power of its design long after you leave.
Benedictine Monastery [San Nicolò l’Arena]
Piazza Dante Alighieri, 32, 95124 Catania CT, Italy
Just a short walk from the Cathedral Square, the Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena is one of those hidden gems you stumble upon and wonder how you didn’t hear about it before. It’s one of the biggest monasteries in Europe, and even a Roman domus is hidden beneath its floors. If you’re looking for things to see in Catania beyond the usual piazzas and palazzi, this is a living, breathing archive of the city’s resilience.
As you wander its grand cloisters and peek into its restored library, you’ll pass through centuries of architecture. Something is humbling about standing in a place that has survived volcanic eruptions, a 7.7 earthquake, and multiple regimes, but it still has that laid-back vibe.
The guided tours here are worth every minute if you want to connect the layers beneath your feet to the drama Catania has lived through. Book your tour here >
Greek Roman Theater of Catania [Teatro Romano di Catania]
Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 266, 95124 Catania CT, Italy
Hours: Monday- Sunday: 9:00 am- 6:30 pm (last admission)
Cost: €6 per ticket, free on the first Sunday of each month
Tucked behind an unassuming facade on Via Vittorio Emanuele, the Greek Roman Theater of Catania is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it finds that surprises you the moment you step inside. From the street, you’d never guess there’s a 2,000-year-old amphitheater hiding behind locals’ homes.
This ancient site is one of the most underrated things to see in Catania, especially if you’re into peeling back the layers of a city. Walkways guide you through lava-stone corridors and limestone seats, past the remnants of a stage where actors once performed tragedies and comedies under Roman rule. Parts of the orchestra pit were even used for water shows, thanks to the Amenano River that still flows underneath.
Don’t rush your visit—there’s a quiet, eerie magic in wandering through the vomitoria (the Latin name for the entrance tunnels) and spotting the black-and-white stone patterns that once made the theater shine. You’ll also see pieces of ancient marble and layers of history that refused to stay buried.
Candlelight Concert
If you’re planning romantic things to do in Catania, don’t skip the Candlelight Concert. Imagine walking into a neoclassical venue bathed in the warm flicker of thousands of candles, where a world-class string quartet takes the stage to play reimagined tributes to iconic artists.
What makes this experience different is the music and mood. The LED candlelight sets the scene for an intimate evening that feels far removed from the usual tourist stops. The ambiance is pure magic, whether you’re sitting inside or outdoors under the stars (because the venue changes).
I bought tickets to the Candlelight Concert as a birthday surprise for my husband, and we ended up seeing the Queen tribute show. It was so good—I enjoyed it even more than the traditional orchestra performances I’ve attended recently. Maybe it was the music (Queen hits differently), or maybe it was the warm candlelit glow that made the whole space feel intimate and alive, but I couldn’t stop smiling the entire night.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to sit close to the front, or look for unfilled seats near the outside wall, closer to the front.
Ursino Castle [Castello Ursino]
P.za Federico di Svevia, 21, 95121 Catania CT, Italy
One of the most fascinating things to see in Catania is Castello Ursino, a 13th-century fortress with a past that’s anything but boring. Originally built by Emperor Frederick II as a seaside stronghold, it now stands awkwardly inland thanks to a massive lava flow from Mount Etna in 1669 that moved the coastline. You can still see traces of that lava surrounding the castle’s base, a stark reminder of Sicily’s volcanic temperament.
Inside, the castle houses the Museo Civico, a low-key treasure trove of classical sculptures, Greek ceramics, and mosaics from the private collection of Catania’s aristocratic Biscari family. Wander through the echoey halls and you’ll stumble upon medieval graffiti left by prisoners, because yes—this place doubled as a jail. History here isn’t behind glass; it’s written on stone walls.
Take A Stroll Down Via Etnea
If you’re scanning for the most essential things to see in Catania, start with Via Etnea. This is Catania’s lifeline—a straight shot from the Piazza del Duomo to the shadow of Mt. Etna, offering everything from high-street fashion to fresh cannoli. Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, it’s worth a stroll to soak in the mix of Sicilian Baroque architecture and street life in full swing.
On clear days, Etna herself stares you down from the north end of the street—a surreal backdrop to your espresso break in Piazza dell’Università. And if the crowds get too intense, keep walking until you hit the shady, flower-filled slopes of Giardino Bellini.
Recommended Day Trips From Catania, Sicily
While I haven’t taken each of these exact tours myself, they come highly recommended by travelers who have, and I’ve personally visited the destinations they cover. These day trips are great options if you’re based in Catania and want to explore some of Sicily’s most unforgettable sights without the hassle of planning everything yourself.
- From Catania to Mount Etna and Taormina | Explore two of the most unforgettable things to see in Catania’s region with a guided hike on Mt. Etna—visiting ancient craters and a lava cave—followed by a laid-back afternoon wandering the historic streets of Taormina. The tour includes hotel pickup, hiking gear, a Sicilian-style picnic with wine, and sweeping views from the volcano to the coast.
- From Catania to Neapolis of Syracuse, Ortigia, and Noto | Discover the ancient wonders of Sicily on this day trip from Catania. Highlights include the Greek and Roman ruins at the Neapolis archaeological park, the historic island of Ortygia, and the baroque beauty of Noto. The trip also includes the massive Greek Theater and the Arethusa Fountain, and strolls through UNESCO-listed streets filled with palaces and churches.
- Tour Etna & Wine Tasting | Experience the majesty of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, on a small-group tour that includes hiking ancient craters, exploring lava tunnels, and savoring a Sicilian lunch with local wine. Learn how Etna’s volcanic soil shapes the bold flavors of the region’s wines during a tasting at a nearby winery.
More Things To Do In Sicily, Italy
- How to Spend 2-3 Days in Palermo, Sicily
- Uncovering the 8 Best Things to Do in Ragusa, Sicily
- Guide to Sicily, Italy
- Things To Do In Marzamemi, Sicily
About The Author
After relocating to Sicily with her family two years ago, Ashley has spent nearly every weekend diving deep into the island’s hidden gems, seaside villages, and local traditions. Her research, photography, writing, and storytelling background make her a trusted source for uncovering experiences beyond the tourist trail. She’s here to help you make the most of your time on the Sicilian coast—with practical tips, sensory-rich details, and a love for all things local.
