Explore The Markets

There are amazing markets all across Palermo to explore, including flea markets, food markets, and loud markets. For instance, in Ballar, the mother of all culinary markets, you could see CD hawkers blasting dance music from massive speakers mounted to their stands as stall owners call out their best discounts for the day.

Every market is unique in its own way. You may buy tomatoes still on the vine, cheese on wheels, and kiosks with enormous swordfish and tuna steaks with heads on them at Capo, Palermo's most famous food market. Here in the early morning, large crates of fresh squid and men cleaning fresh sardines are regular sights.

Visit La Vucciria if you're up for a night of cheap beers and crunchy, battered food with the locals. Eat fried calamari, battered eggplant, or arancini while dancing to house music (a saffron rice ball filled with meat or cheese).

Don't miss the flea markets if discovering antique treasures is more your style. These include the stores along Mercato delle Pulci, next to the cathedral, and the Sunday flea market in Piazza Marina, where you can buy everything from antique furniture to comic books and vintage records.