Wanna be Sicilian: Palermo Cooking Class and Market Tour
Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Thanks to this cooking lesson in a small group, you will have the opportunity to learn some of the recipes of the traditional Sicilian cuisine with a professional chef, visiting a picturesque market of Palermo, one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily.
You will have the opportunity to personally buy local products, chosen according to the season, which will allow you to make some of the dishes of the tradition of Palermo. Together with your personal chef, you will feel Sicilian food expert for a moment! You will be introduced to the flavors of Sicily, learning how to choose and distinguish fresh ingredients, that you will use during your cooking class.
During you cooking class in Palermo, you will prepare a 3 course meal and you will end by savoring the dishes that you have prepared with your own hands. Get your recipe booklet and be ready to surprise your friends with Sicilian recipes back home!
Available options
Sicilian Market + Cooking
Duration: 5 hours<br/>Explore Palermo’s Capo market: taste local treats, then cook arancine, pasta alla Norma & cannoli. Enjoy a full Sicilian feast with wine, lunch & recipe kit
Cook Pasta & Gelato -No Market
Duration: 3 hours<br/>Short on time? Skip the market: dive into Palermo’s flavors! Cook fresh pasta & creamy gelato with a local chef. Dinner, wine, certificate & recipe booklet.
What's included
Delight in the Food Market Tour
Digital Booklet Packed with Recipes
Hands-on Cooking Lesson with a Local Chef
All Ingredients for Your 3 Course Lunch
Wine and Marsala wine or soft drinks for children
Receive a Graduation Certificate
Explore the Food Market (when closed: extra tastings at the cooking school will substitute instead)
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pick up and Drop off
Market tour excluded if Pasta and Gelato option purchased
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
64 reviews
5★
57
4★
5
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
5.0
131 reviews
5★
130
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Please inform us of any food intolerance or allergy in advance
The tour runs rain or shine
Please note that fish shops are closed on Mondays and when the market is closed a special introduction and extra tastings at the cooking school will substitute instead
Suitable for vegetarians! (please inform us in advance)
This tour is not suitable for celiacs
Meeting point
TOWNS OF ITALY TOURIST HUB & COOKING SCHOOL | PALERMO
Via Volturno, 44 90138 Palermo.
We kindly request your arrival at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure. Regrettably, we cannot accommodate latecomers.
About Palermo
Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is a city of rich history, stunning architecture, and a unique cultural blend. Known for its Norman-Arab-Byzantine influences, Palermo offers a mix of grand palaces, bustling markets, and delicious street food that will captivate any traveler.
Top Attractions
Palermo Cathedral
A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a must-visit for its historical significance and beautiful interior.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
€7 for the cathedral and cloister
Palermo Cathedral
This grand palace was the seat of the Norman kings of Sicily. It houses the Palatine Chapel, known for its stunning mosaics and Arabic-Norman architecture.
Historical/Architectural
1.5-2 hours
€12 for the palace and chapel
Ballarò Market
One of Palermo's most famous street markets, Ballarò offers a vibrant atmosphere with fresh produce, street food, and local crafts.
Cultural/Shopping
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Monreale Cathedral
Located just outside Palermo, Monreale Cathedral is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historical/Religious
2-3 hours including travel
€6 for the cathedral and cloister
Teatro Massimo
The largest opera house in Italy and one of the most famous in the world, Teatro Massimo is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture.
Architectural/Entertainment
1 hour for a tour
€7 for a guided tour
Must-Try Local Dishes
Arancini
Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, and peas.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Panelle
Chickpea fritters, a popular street food in Palermo.
Snack
Vegan
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, ricotta salata, and basil.
Main Course
Vegetarian
Cannoli
Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in the nearby mountains
Swimming and snorkeling at Mondello Beach
Beach lounging at Mondello Beach
Enjoying a leisurely meal at a seaside restaurant
Visiting museums and historical sites
Attending local festivals and events
Boat tours to the nearby islands
Swimming and water sports at the beach
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It's ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: Sicilian, English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time), GMT+2 during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Palermo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you
Getting there
By air
- Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport • 32 km from city center
By train
Palermo Centrale
By bus
Palermo Centrale Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Palermo. It's affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: FreeNow, ItTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Kalsa
Vigàta
Mondello
Day trips
Monreale
7 km • Half day
Monreale is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and the Benedictine Abbey.
Cefalù
70 km • Full day
A charming coastal town known for its beautiful beach and medieval cathedral.
Erice
120 km • Full day
A medieval hilltop town with stunning views and well-preserved architecture.
Festivals
Festa di Santa Rosalia • July 10-15
Sagra del Mandarino • January to February
Palermo Pride • June
Pro tips
- Visit the markets early in the morning for the best selection and freshest produce
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
- Take a food tour to discover the best street food and local specialties
- Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets
- Visit the cathedral and other religious sites early in the morning to avoid crowds
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
