Ballarò Market
Mercato di Ballarò
Palermo's oldest and most lively open-air market, with vendors calling out all day. It is the top spot for street snacks such as fried rice balls and chickpea fritters.
Ballarò Market lies in the Albergheria district of the old town. It is said to date back to the Arab period and stretches about 1 km along several narrow streets. Stalls are piled high with Sicilian citrus, swordfish, olives and spices, and vendors shout their wares in dialect. Street food stalls sell chickpea fritters, fried rice balls and pani ca meusa (spleen bread), and small restaurants serve freshly grilled seafood. The market is busiest from morning to noon and quieter in the afternoon. Most stalls close on Sunday afternoons. It is crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Opening hours
About 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (most closed Sunday afternoons)
Nearby sights
- Chiesa del Gesù (Casa Professa)
- La Martorana & San Cataldo
- Fontana Pretoria
- Santa Caterina Church & Monastery
- Quattro Canti
- Palermo Historic Centre
- San Giovanni degli Eremiti
- La Vucciria