Mercato Ballarò

If you keep going straight along Piazza Ballarò, which opens up just to your right, a little further down you’ll find one of Palermo’s most lively and colourful markets: the Mercato Ballarò.

Here it’s a true festival of sounds, smells, and colours — an atmosphere that throws you right into the city’s popular soul. But what really makes the place unforgettable is what you can taste. Sicily is heaven for food lovers, and Ballarò is one of its best showcases. Don’t miss the famous arancini, those golden fried rice balls traditionally filled with meat, peas, and tomato sauce.

Another must-try are the panelle, thin chickpea fritters, crispy and often tucked into a sandwich. Be sure to try sfincione too, Palermo’s own pizza, a kind of focaccia topped only with rich tomato sauce. And if you’re feeling adventurous, go for the stigghiola — skewers of lamb intestines grilled over open flames, a local speciality that may surprise you but is much loved by Palermitans. To finish on a sweet note, indulge in a crunchy cannolo filled with fresh, creamy ricotta, or a refreshing almond granita.

All these flavours make Ballarò an unmissable stop: here, Sicily is savoured with both your eyes and your taste buds. For the practical side: the market is open every day, from early morning until early evening, with a particularly lively vibe on weekends.