Palermo Street Food Legends & the Ballarò Market by Eating Europe
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Step into the soul of Palermo on this immersive street food adventure through the historic Albergheria district.
Wander through the lively Ballarò Market with your local guide, where centuries-old traditions meet bold Sicilian flavors and sizzling street food.
Along the way, taste your way through a delicious line-up of Palermo's street food royalty: crispy arancine, smoky stigghiola, and soft sfincione pizza.
Visit a hidden monastery-turned-bakery for divine pastries crafted from age-old recipes, sample sun-drenched tomatoes and “cheese on horseback,” and sip espresso from one of Italy’s top independent roasters. With each stop, you'll uncover stories of resilience, rebellion, and the enduring pride of Palermo’s food-loving locals.
Available options
Palermo Best Street Food & Market Tour with Eating Europe
Private Food Tour
Private Guided Tour<br/>Extra Caponata or Parmigiana
What's included
Food lovers guide: a list of recommendations with our Palermo top picks
Taste traditional street foods like sfincione palermitano and crocchè and meet local artisans
Local English speaking guide
Explore Palermo's historic Ballarò market and taste slowly grilled and smoky-flavored food.
Sip on coffee and Step into a stunning monastery to discover sinfully good pastries
Detailed itinerary
1
Panelle and crocchè are a must in Palermo.
Antica Friggitoria Dal 1947 is a renowned establishment in Palermo, Sicily, boasting a legacy of traditional frying expertise since its founding year.
2
The station's imposing architecture reflects its historical significance and importance as a gateway to the island.
3
The Arch of Cutò is an ancient monument in Palermo, Sicily, dating back to the 13th century. It stands as a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage, featuring elegant Gothic-Norman architecture.
4
Fall in love with smoky, slow-grilled stigghiola and mangia e bevi from the Queens of Palermo street food
5
Running for 56 years, this bakery is a little gem in the market. The NY Times also wrote an article about them! Luciano will prepare for our guests 2 types of sfincione palermitano - with tomatoes and caciocavallo cheese, and bagherese, with tuna cheese and onions
6
Dating back to the 16th century, this church boasts Baroque architecture and serves as a cultural and spiritual landmark in the vibrant Ballarò market area.
7
This bustling thoroughfare is also known for its architectural beauty, showcasing a blend of different styles from various periods in Palermo's rich history.
8
Open since 1957, this caffè is also a restaurant and tavola calda. Eat a real arancina, choosing between butter and meat.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
This is a Baroque square located at the intersection of two major streets in Palermo. Built between 1608 and 1620 this architectural masterpiece stands as a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
10
Hidden inside a monastery, in this pastry stop our
guest can try one of the best cannolo in the city,
filled on the spot with ricotta and decorated with
pistachio, chocolate chips and candied fruits.
11
Sip on coffee and munch on cookies from a century-old roastery
12
Arancina is the most famous street food in Palermo. In this old pharmacy, Anna has opened a small bistrò where the food is prepared fresh everyday and arancine are nice and round, as they should be!
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
70 reviews
5★
70
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies can't participate in this activity for their safety.
Meeting point
Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag!
Important notes
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Dress code is smart casual, comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended
• Not wheelchair accessible
About Sicily
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.
Top Attractions
Valley of the Temples
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.
Historical
2-3 hours
€10
Mount Etna
Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Nature
Half day to full day
€30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)
Palermo Cathedral
A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.
Architectural
1-2 hours
€7
Taormina
A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre
Cefalù
A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca
Must-Try Local Dishes
Arancini
Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Cannoli
Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.
Dessert
Contains dairy and gluten
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.
Main Course
Vegetarian
Granita
A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.
Dessert
Vegan and gluten-free options available
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park
Volcano trekking on Mount Etna
Beach lounging in Cefalù
Spa treatments in Taormina
Visiting the Valley of the Temples
Exploring the historic center of Palermo
Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands
Boat tours along the coast
Best Time to Visit
May to June, September to October
The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.
20-28°C
68-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution
Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.
Getting there
By air
- Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
- Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center
By train
Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale
By bus
Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Palermo Centro Storico
Taormina
Catania Centro
Agrigento
Day trips
Aeolian Islands
25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight
A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.
Erice
100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day
A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.
Noto
90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day
A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.
Festivals
Infiorata di Noto • May
Taormina Film Fest • June
Sagra del Miele • September
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
- Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
- Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
- Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
- Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
