Markets and monuments: walking tour and street food in Palermo

Sicily , Italy

Markets and monuments: walking tour and street food in Palermo

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(165 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We will take a comfortable walk through the wonders of the historic center of Palermo and the Mercato del Capo to capture the scents and colors of the old city. You will be able to observe extraordinary places and characters and admire some of the most important monuments of the city, such as the Teatro Massimo, the Duomo (we will visit the interior), the great Fontana Pretoria, the grandiose square called "i Quattro You sing" and much more.

In the famous Mercato del Capo (of Arab origin) we will stop for about half an hour (at Dainotti's) where you can taste, some of the best local Palermo specialties. Then, taste some local specialties from Palermo. Tuck into some sfincione (dough topped with onion, bread crumbs, tomato, and oregano), panelle (fried chickpea flour), crocché (potato croquettes), arancine (rice croquettes stuffed with meat or butter), and cannolo (crunchy shell with sweet -cheese).
Refresh yourself with a drink, to close off your tour in style.

Available options

Markets and monuments(ENGLISH)

Capo Market, Cathedral

What's included

Professional tour guides

Suggestions about food to eat during your tour

Visit to Capo market.

Visit of the Quattro Canti

5 street food tastings, 1 drink (a beer, a glass of wine, water or cola), Dessert tasting of cannoli

Visit to the Cathedral of Palermo (admission free)

Pick-up at the port (at 10:00 AM) for cruise passengers (on request)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will visit Il Capo, one of the three historical markets of Palermo, (the others are Ballarò and Vucciria).
We will immerse ourselves in a mix of smells, flavors, scents, sounds. All the senses will be strongly stimulated along this journey into the true soul of the city. Sale of everything that exists fresh from vegetables and fruit at will to fish in infinite abundance, meats, aromas and spices.

Friggitoria Dainotti, the best fryer in Palermo, recently winner of the competition among the best street food in Palermo organized by the television program "Quattrorestaurants"

Stop 3 Pass by

The square is home to the largest opera house in Italy, an extraordinary neoclassical building inside which hovers a mysterious ghost ..... of the opera.

Ancient walls from the first half of the 16th century and Porta Carini through which you enter the Capo market

Stop 5

Masterpiece of Arab-Norman art built in 1185. It contains the royal tombs, the chapel of Santa Rosalia, an extraordinary Sundial.

The scenic square with the baroque church of Sant'Ignazio and the archaeological museum among the most important in Italy

Stop 7

It is one of the symbols of the Sicilian capital, considered one of the most beautiful Italian fountains. It is made up of 48 statues of white Carrara marble, sculpted in full Renaissance by Tuscan sculptors. Purchased in 1573 by the Palermitan Senate it will be nicknamed by the Palermitans, since then, the Fountain of Shame, for a series of numerous reasons that will be told during the tour.

Stop 8

I Quattro Canti, piazza Villena, (also called Ottagono del Sole, or Teatro del Sole) is the name of an extraordinary and scenic octagonal square built in the early 1600s at the intersection of the two main roads of Palermo: via Maqueda and the Cassaro, (today Via Vittorio Emanuele) at about half of their length. It is the center of the ancient city.

The ancient Cassaro, the oldest street in Palermo with its Palaces, Churches, Convents

Stop 10

Teatro dell'Opera dei Pupi by Mimmo Cuticchio, a typical show from Palermo dating back to 1800. Unesco Heritage

What's not included

Museum admission fees (admission to the cathedral is included free of charge)

Hotel pick up and drop off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

155 reviews

5★

149

4★

3★

2★

1★

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

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability;

Children must be accompanied by an adult;

Smart casual clothing and comfortable shoes are suggested;

Appropriate clothing is required to enter the churches (no tank tops, no shorts or very short skirts)

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required;

Meeting point

In front of the "A. Salinas" Archaeological Museum at 10:30

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.