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Market · Palermo, Sicília
Mercato di Ballarò
The oldest street market in Palermo, in the Albergheria district, with stalls selling fish, fruit and vegetables and Sicilian street food such as panelle and arancine.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mercato di Ballarò
Ballarò is Palermo’s oldest street market, dating back to the Arab period. It occupies the alleys of the Albergheria district, between Piazza Ballarò and the church of the Carmine, with stalls selling fish, fruit, vegetables, spices and olives. Vendors call out their goods loudly, the abbanniate, in dialect.
It is also one of the best places to try street food: panelle (fried chickpea fritters), potato crocchè, arancine (rice balls with filling, which in Palermo are referred to in the feminine), sfincione (a thick pizza-like bread with onion) and the pani ca' meusa, bread with offal, for the more adventurous.
Palermo has two other historic markets. The Capo, behind the Teatro Massimo, sells everything along Via Sant'Agostino and Via Porta Carini. La Vucciria, near Piazza San Domenico, now has few daytime stalls and becomes a bar scene at night.
Markets start early and quiet down in the early afternoon. Sunday is a slow day or many stalls are closed.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour to walk around and eat something.
Best time
In the morning, between 8:00 and noon, Monday to Saturday, when the stalls are fully stocked. Many stalls close in the early afternoon.
How to get there
Ballarò lies between Palermo Centrale station and the Palazzo dei Normanni, about a 10-minute walk from the Quattro Canti via Via Maqueda and Via del Bosco.
Tip
Bring small change: not every stall accepts cards. Keep your bag closed and in front of you among the stalls. Ask the price before ordering portions at food stalls.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mercato di Ballarò
Which market to visit in Palermo?
Ballarò is the oldest and liveliest. Il Capo is near Teatro Massimo and also good for eating. La Vucciria has more nightlife, with bars.
What hours do the markets operate?
They start early and the best activity is in the morning, Monday to Saturday. In the early afternoon many stalls close, and on Sunday footfall is low.
What to eat at the market?
Panelle, crocchè, arancine, sfincione, seasonal fruit and fried fish. Pani ca' meusa, with offal, is the most traditional dish for those willing to try.