We will be making a day trip to Palermo by car and need advice about the best place to park. We will be approaching the city from the direction of the airport. Any suggestions for parking lots on that side (the west side?) of the city within walking distance of the center, or with easy access to the center, would be appreciated. Thanks!

Having just been to Palermo and walked all over, I wouldn't bother driving into the city, I'd take the airport bus that drops you at the central station.

Get a good map and a GPS to walk around - Palermo has very few street signs at intersections, we got lost a bunch, even with the map at times...

And wear good shoes, the sidewalks are so broken up in places that you can easily turn an ankle.

We loved Palermo, but it sure has a gritty third-world air about it.

Then there is a lot of beauty, of course, for example in the stupendous Marionettes museum (www.museomarionettepalermo.it) and lots of other places.

Take your time and enjoy!

If I may make a recommendation that is not directly responsive to your question...

If you have only time enough for a day trip to Palermo, consider visiting Monreale instead. The cathedral there is one of the gems of the world, IMO.

Thank you both for your suggestions. Michel, we did consider leaving our car at the airport; perhaps that is the best idea, but we want to look into other options.
And Kia, I understand your point. Maybe better not to visit a city at all than to not give it sufficient time. And I am very much looking forward to going to Monreale.

I didn't mean to suggest that you skip Palermo entirely -- it's a fabulous city! You won't be able to get more than a taste -- even the highlights take days -- but if you just want a taste, why not?

I meant to suggest that you consider making Monreale a priority. If you are planning to visit Monreale, that might be the solution to your parking question -- leave the car in Monreale and take the easy bus into Palermo and back. ;-)

Having driven in Palermo, I second the idea of leaving the car at the airport.